Oct. 24, 2006

In preparation for the final two votes of this season, the Ted Hendricks Foundation has announced its mid-season watch list for the 2006 Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award. This list will be shortened to include five to six finalists in November, and the final vote will be concluded on December 4th. The 2006 Hendricks Award winner will be announced December 6th.

UCLA senior Justin Hickman and Bruin junior Bruce Davis are both on the mid-season list. Only one other school in the nation -- Florida -- has two contenders on the list.

Hickman is second nationally with 1.50 quarterback sacks per game (10.5 total) and fourth in tackles for loss (2.07 - 14.5 total). He ranks first in the Pac-10 in both sacks and tackles for losses. Twice this season, he has recorded three solo sacks in a game (Notre Dame, Rice). On the year, he has made 27 total tackles (19 solos), tied for fifth on the squad, and leads the Bruins in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (14.5).

At Notre Dame, Hickman made a career-high eight tackles (three solos) as UCLA held the Irish to 41 net rushing yards. He made 3.0 sacks of Brady Quinn and finished the day with 3.5 tackles for losses.

Davis has stepped into the spotlight with his fine play at defensive end. On the year, he has made 27 tackles, fifth (tied) on the squad. He also ranks second on the team behind Justin Hickman with 6.5 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss. Davis ranks ninth in the NCAA and third in the Pac-10 in tackles for losses (1.57) and 14th nationally and third in the Pac-10 in sacks (0.93).

At Notre Dame, Davis made five solo tackles, including 2.0 sacks for 11 yards and a third tackle for loss (four yards).

When asked about the crop of NCAA defensive ends this season, Ted Hendricks had the following to say:

"I feel sorry for my voters this season. In past years, there has been one candidate that has stood out from the crowd. But this has been an extraordinary year for the defensive end position. It will be a tough vote. To the players, I would like to say that I hope this helps to inspire you to put forth a supreme effort in your final games this season. Good luck!"

The Hendricks Mid-Season Watch List includes the following players:

Victor Abiamiri Notre Dame SR 6'4" 260

Gaines Adams Clemson SR 6'5" 265

Daniel Bazuin Central Michigan SR 6'3" 265

Tommy Blake TCU JR 6'3" 250

Mkristo Bruce Washington State SR 6'7" 249

Ian Campbell Kansas State SO 6'5" 232

Tim Crowder Texas SR 6'4" 270

Bruce Davis UCLA SR 6'3" 237

Keyunta Dawson Texas Tech SR 6'3" 254

Victor DeGrate Oklahoma State SR 6'3" 250

Wallace Gilberry Alabama JR 6'2" 250

Quentin Groves Auburn JR 6'3" 250

Derrick Harvey Florida SO 6'5" 262

Justin Hickman UCLA SR 6'2" 263

Kenny Iwebema Iowa JR 6'4" 255

Tyson Jackson LSU JR 6'5" 292

Chris Long Virginia JR 6'4" 275

Jameel McClain Syracuse JR 6'1" 252

Larry McSwain UAB SR 6'1" 255

J.J. Milan Nevada SR 6'5" 270

Jay Moore Nebraska SR 6'4" 270

Jarvis Moss Florida SO 6'6" 250

Antwain Robinson Arkansas SO 6'3" 255

Justin Rogers SMU SR 6'4" 250

Brian Smith Missouri SR 6'4" 230

Anthony Spencer Purdue SR 6'3" 250

LaMarr Woodley Michigan SR 6'2" 265

Abraham Wright Colorado JR 6'3" 245