SAN DIEGO – San Diego State's Patrick McMorris has been named to Bednarik Award watch list, which was announced Monday morning.
The Bednarik Award is given annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football. McMorris is one 14 safeties on the list and one of five defensive players from the Mountain West.
McMorris, who last month was named the MW preseason co-defensive player of the year, started all 14 games for the Aztecs last year. The 2021 MW first-team selection had a team-high 90 tackles (53 solo), including 2.5 tackles for loss, a team-best four interceptions for 61 yards, nine pass breakups and a 15-yard fumble recovery in 2021. McMorris finished in a tie for second in the Mountain West in interceptions in 2021 (4, T-14th in FBS), was third in the MW in interceptions per game (0.29, T-34th in FBS), and led the team with 37 tackles on passing plays in 2021.
SDSU finished with a school-record 12 victories last season, one of only 10 programs with at least 12 wins. Only four teams had more victories than San Diego State (12-2), including national champion Georgia, and CFP teams Alabama and Cincinnati. The Aztecs played five teams who reached double-digit victories in 2021, securing wins over Pac-12 Champion/Rose Bowl participant Utah (10-4), UTSA (12-2) and Air Force (10-3).
SDSU, which played all 14 of its games away from its own market, including eight "home games" two hours from campus at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, finished the 2021 season ranked 25th in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll. It was the third time in program history San Diego State made the final AP Top 25 poll (also 1977 (16th) and 2016 (25th)). The Aztecs were also ranked in every CFP poll in 2021.
SDSU opens Snapdragon Stadium against Arizona on Sept. 3, and also has home games against Idaho State (Sept. 10), Toledo (Sept. 24), Hawai'i (Oct. 8), UNLV (Nov. 5), San Jose State (Nov. 12) and Air Force (Nov. 26). The Aztec contest against UNLV will be SDSU's annual homecoming game.
San Diego State football season tickets are still on sale. Many options are available and a virtual 3D seat map of Snapdragon Stadium allows fans to take a tour of the seats before reserving season tickets. Members will have several benefits such as priority access to on-site parking and the flexibility to resell or donate any games they're unable to attend. For season-ticket information or to secure tickets, submit a Ticket Interest Form, call (619) 283-7378 or email seating@snapdragonstadium.com.
Aztec football single-game tickets for all seven 2022 Aztec home games for the inaugural season at Snapdragon Stadium will go on sale in August. As an exclusive member benefit, football season-ticket holders can purchase the single-game tickets on Aug. 8, while all remaining Aztec Club members can purchase on Aug. 12. Tickets for the general public will be available on Aug. 15.
Aztec football parking will soon be available on a season basis for as low as $175 (or $25 per game). Any remaining passes will be offered for single-game purchase beginning Aug. 8
Student tickets will once again be free and can be claimed on a first-come, first-serve basis the week of each home game. More information for student tickets can be found at GoAztecs.com/StudentTickets.
Patrick McMorris Named to Bednarik Award Watch List
