The preseason watch list resume continues to grow for Baylor seniors Terel Bernard and Jalen Pitre as the duo was named to 2021 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List for National Defensive Player of the Year.

Bernard, a senior linebacker from La Porte, Texas, and Pitre, a senior safety from Stafford, Texas, will each anchor a Bears defense that returns 10 starters in 2021. Bernard and Pitre were among 90 candidates named to the watch list.

Bernard was a Second-Team All-Big 12 honors by both the Associated Press and the league coaches in 2020. Through five games last season, Bernard led Baylor in tackles, sacks, and TFL before his season was ended with a shoulder injury.

He tallied 55 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks to accompany one interception and two pass breakups. Bernard has already been recognized as a Preseason First-Team All-Big 12 selection by Athlon, Phil Steele, Lindy's, CFN and the Big 12 media.

Pitre was a member of the Bears secondary that ranked second in the Big 12 in pass defense last season. He was 2020 First-Team All-Big 12 selection and was honorable mention for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He finished as Baylor's leader with 60 total tackles, ranked sixth in the Big 12 with 13.0 tackles for loss and returned both his interceptions for touchdowns.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota.

Both players were previously named to the NCFAA's Bednarik and Butkus Awards.