Nov. 11, 2008
CHICAGO, Illinois – Georgia Tech senior Michael Johnson is one of 33 student-athletes who have been named to the Mid-season updated watch list for the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top defensive end. Johnson was also among the 36 student-athletes on the initial list released over the summer.
Johnson currently ranks third in the ACC and 41st in the country with 12 tackles for loss, while his six sacks are good for fifth and 49th, respectively. He also 35 tackles, including 22 solo, one fumble recovery, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal.
On-field performance, exceptional winning attitude, leadership abilities, contributions to school and community and academic preparedness are some of the criteria used to determine the Award’s winner.
Performance & unfortunate injuries, along with other factors during this season, are the main causes for these changes. The Mid-season Watch List, which will remain open to adjustments through the first vote, now includes 33 players. This list will be shortened to include five to six finalists in the final weeks of the season, and the final vote will be concluded on Dec. 8. The 2008 Hendricks Award winner will be announced Dec. 10.
The Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award is named in honor of college football’s first three-time first-team All-American. As a defensive end at the University of Miami, Ted used his agility, height and reach to block passes and kicks, force interceptions and pressure quarterbacks and running backs. He roamed the front line, read plays and blitzed on impulse, completely transforming the way the defensive end position was played. His professional career spanned 15 years and 215 consecutive games. It included four Super Bowl victories, eight Pro Bowl selections and inductions into the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. It is in the spirit of Ted Hendricks’ aggressive style of play, winning attitude and determination that the Defensive End of the Year Award for college football’s premier defensive end is presented.
Members of the national media, head coaches, professional scouts and former winners are included in the Award’s voting committee. Candidates may represent any class (freshman through Senior) as well as any four-year NCAA accredited school. The candidate’s primary position must be Defensive End.
