11/13/02

Redding chosen as a Hendricks Award finalist

	Cory Redding

MIAMI — University of Texas defensive end Cory Redding (Houston, Texas) was selected as one of four finalists for the inaugural Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award, the Miami Touchdown Club announced on Tuesday.

Redding has posted 55 tackles (39 solo) and a team-high 30 QB pressures, 16 TFLs and 5.5 sacks this season for the fourth-ranked Longhorns. A starter for the last 34 games, he also has forced a pair of fumbles, recovered one and deflected a pass for the nation's fifth-ranked defense (261.6 ypg). Redding, who has posted a sack in five consecutive games, has been at his best in posting 25 tackles (18 solo), 14 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 13 QB pressures, a forced fumble and a pass deflection in the last five games. He has tallied 16 tackles (11 solo), nine TFLs, four sacks, eight QB pressures and a forced fumble in three games against Top 25 foes this season. The 1998 USA Today prep Defensive Player of the Year has registered 190 tackles, 70 QB pressures, 49 TFLs (T-No. 7 on UT's all-time list) and 19 sacks (an average of 8.4 yards) during his career.

Senior DE Cory Redding — who leads the Longhorns in sacks (5.5), tackles for loss (16) and QB pressures (30) — was tabbed one of four finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award on Wednesday.

A prominent committee of more than 45 coaches, national media members and sports information directors selected the four finalists. On-field performance, leadership abilities and contributions to school and community are some of the criteria that will be used to determine this year's winner. The candidates may be from any class (freshman through senior), as well as from any recognized four-year NCAA accredited school (Division I-III).

The award's namesake, Ted Hendricks, was a three-time All-American for the Miami Hurricanes from 1966-68. The Baltimore Colts selected Hendricks in the second round of the 1969 NFL Draft and he went on to win four Super Bowl Championships with the Colts and the Oakland Raiders. He is remembered for being a ferocious, strong, determined and devastating tackler. Hendricks played in 215 consecutive games until his retirement in 1983 and is a member of the NFL and College Football Halls of Fame.

The winner will be announced in mid-December.

For more information on the Hendricks Award, click here.

2002 Hendricks Award finalists: Michael Haynes, Penn State; Jerome McDougle, Miami (Fla.); CORY REDDING, TEXAS; Terrell Suggs, Arizona State