Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Jadeveon Clowney of South Carolina has been selected as the winner of the 2012 Ted Hendricks Award, presented annually to the nation's top defensive end.
Clowney set South Carolina records this season with 13 sacks and 21 1/2 tackles for loss. The sophomore was an All-SEC First-Team choice this season.
"Our committee has made another outstanding choice for this year's award," said Hendricks in a statement Wednesday. "Jadeveon Clowney is an explosive football player who is always in pursuit of the ball. With his extra arm and torso length, as well as outstanding quickness, he is able to shed blockers, fire off the edge and pursue the ball carrier aggressively with purpose. He has a constant motor, a strong work ethic and never seems to tire. He gave opposing blockers nightmares all season. If they blinked, Jadeveon was already past them. I am pleased to add another outstanding student athlete to our Hendricks Award winners. Congratulations to Jadeveon Clowney!"
Clowney received a record two-thirds of the vote on a final ballot that also included Morgan Breslin from Southern California, Tank Carradine and Bjoern Werner from Florida State, Sam Montgomery from LSU and Damontre Moore from Texas A&M.
The award is presented by The Hendricks Foundation and named in honor of the former University of Miami three-time All-American and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Previous winners of the award included Terrell Suggs of Arizona State in 2002, Elvis Dumervil of Louisville in 2005, LaMarr Woodley of Michigan in 2006 and Brian Orakpo of Texas in 2008. Whitney Mercilus of Illinois was last year's winner.
