Blake and Ortiz named to Bednarik Award Watch List

TCU defensive ends ranked first and second in the MWC in tackles for a loss last season

Chase Ortiz
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June 25, 2007

ROSLYN, Pa. -- TCU defensive ends Tommy Blake and Chase Ortiz have been named to the watch list for the 2007 Chuck Bednarik Award, awarded by the Maxwell Football Club to the nation's top defensive player.

Blake, a preseason Playboy and Athlon All-American, is also on watch lists for the Lombardi Award, Nagurski Trophy and Lott Trophy. Tabbed the State's Defensive Player of the Year by Dave Campbell's Texas Football, Blake has also been named the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year by The Sporting News.

A senior from Aransas Pass, Texas, Blake was the 2006 Poinsettia Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player when he recorded two sacks as part of three tackles for a loss in a 37-7 victory over Northern Illinois. He topped the MWC in tackles for a loss (16.5), 5.5 more than league runner-up Ortiz (11.0). Blake tied for the MWC lead with seven sacks.

Ortiz, a senior from League City, Texas, was the 2005 MWC leader in TFLs (14.0) and sacks (9.0). He also appears on watch lists for the Lombardi Award and Nagurski Trophy.

Blake and Ortiz are both two-time, first-team All-MWC selections. Blake was a unanimous choice in 2006.