Jackson Jeffcoat Named a Finalist for Hendricks Award
CHICAGO -- Texas senior Jackson Jeffcoat has been named a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award which is given annually to the top defensive end in college football.
Jeffcoat is one of six finalists, joining Vic Beasley of Clemson, Shilique Calhoun of Michigan State, Brad Daly of Montana State, Michael Sam of Missouri and Marcus Smith of Louisville.
On-field performance, leadership ability and contributions to school and community are some of the criteria used to determine the award winner. The candidates may represent any class (freshman through senior) as well as any recognized four-year NCAA member school (Division I through Division III).
The award is named in honor of University of Miami three-time Collegiate All-American and NFL Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks.
Jeffcoat is the fifth UT finalist, joining Cory Redding (2002), Tim Crowder (2006) and Sergio Kindle (2009). Brian Orakpo won the award in 2008.
Jeffcoat ranks second in the Big 12 and tied for 10th in the FBS in sacks (0.91 per game/10.0), and had a career-high three in Texas' 41-16 win over Texas Tech on Thanksgiving. The Plano, Texas, native is the only player in the Big 12 Conference to earn Defensive Player of the Week honors three times this season.
He leads the team with 19.0 tackles for loss and 18 quarterback pressures, and is tied for third with 67 total tackles. He is tied for 18th nationally in fumbles recovered (0.27 per game/three) and also has an interception, forced fumble and three pass breakups this year.
Jeffcoat has made some of his biggest plays at pivotal times for the Longhorns. In a 31-21 win over Kansas State in September, Jeffcoat recorded both of his sacks on the Wildcats' final two drives to help prevent a comeback. Against Iowa State, his interception on the Cyclones' final drive helped seal a 31-30 win. His two sacks against Oklahoma came on third and fourth down, with the fourth-down sack coming in the fourth quarter and ending OU's final drive. His 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in conference play are more than any other Big 12 player.
In his career, Jeffcoat is averaging 0.64 sacks in 38 games, which ranks No. 5 on the FBS active list. He is tied for third in school history with 57 career tackles for loss and tied for eighth with 24.5 sacks.
Current college coaches, former players and coaches, media members and pro football personnel professionals vote in the selection process. The final vote for 2013 Hendricks Award will be concluded on December 10th, and the winner will be announced December 11th. This year's winner will be honored in the spring of 2014 at a time and place to be determined.
Previous Award winners include: 2002 - Terrell Suggs (Arizona State), 2003-04 - David Pollack (Georgia), 2005 - Elvis Dumervil (Louisville), 2006 - LaMarr Woodley (Michigan), 2007 - Chris Long (Virginia), 2008 - Brian Orakpo (Texas), 2009 - Jerry Hughes (TCU), 2010 – Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson), 2011 – Whitney Mercilus (Illinois) and 2012 – Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina).
(Source: University of Texas Athletics)
