Graham Named Finalist for Ted Hendricks Trophy
12/2/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 2, 2009
CHICAGO, Ill. -- One of the nation's top defensive players, University of Michigan football senior Brandon Graham (Detroit, Mich./Crockett Technical HS) has been named one of seven finalists for the 2009 Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's foremost defensive end. Graham joins 2006 Hendricks Award winner LaMarr Woodley (2003-06) as the only Wolverines named finalists for the prestigious award.
The other finalists are Jeremy Beal (Oklahoma), Jerry Hughes (TCU), Sergio Kindle (Texas), Von Miller (Texas A&M), Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech) and Greg Romeus (Pittsburgh). The award has been presented to the top defensive end in college football for on-field performance, leadership abilities and contributions to school and community since 2002.
Graham leads the nation in tackles for loss (26) and is 15th with 10.5 sacks. An All-Big Ten first team selection, he posted career highs in tackles (64) and TFLs (26) while contributing two forced fumbles, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery. Graham also blocked two punts and returned another for a touchdown. He posted at least one sack in seven of the final eight games and collected at least one TFL in 11 of the 12 contests. A preseason All-American, he is the only player in the nation to rank in the top five in TFLs two straight seasons (first in 2009 and second in 2008).
The winner of the 2009 Ted Hendricks Award will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 9. The presentation banquet is scheduled for March 21 at Doral in Miami, Fla.
Contact: David Ablauf (734) 763-4423
