From the USC Official website:
USC senior linebacker Rey Maualuga was named the winner of the 2008 Chuck Bednarik Award, presented to college football's top defensive player by the Maxwell Football Club.
He is the first USC player to win the trophy.
On the year, Maualuga has a team-best 73 tackles, including 2.5 for losses, plus 3 deflections and 2 interceptions (1 was returned for a TD). He has been named a 2008 All-American first teamer and he was among 4 finalists for the 2008 Lombardi Award, 5 finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and 12 finalists for the Butkus Award.
Congrats Rey!