CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois senior defensive end Jihad Ward was named to the Ted Hendricks Award Midseason Watch List, it was announced Tuesday. The Hendricks Award goes to the nation's top defensive end.
Ward ranks fourth on the team with 36 tackles (17 solo), including a career-high 11 tackles (nine solo) at Iowa earlier this season. He has tallied 2.0 TFLs, two quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Ward has helped the Illini's improved defensive unit rank 11th in the nation in tackles for loss, 33rd in total defense and 31st in scoring defense.
This midseason list will be adjusted as the remainder of the season progresses and will remain open to additions and subtractions until the selection committee casts its first vote in late November.
The Ted Hendricks Award is named in honor of college football's first three-time first-team All-American. As a defensive end at Miami, Hendricks career included four Super Bowl victories, eight Pro Bowl selections and inductions into the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Former Illini and NFL star Whitney Mercilus took home the Hendricks Award in 2011. Merciuls set Illinois single-season records for sacks (16.0) and forced fumbles (9) on his way to the award.
The Illini (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten) return to action Oct. 31 at Penn State. Illinois' next home game is Nov. 14 vs. No. 1 Ohio State.
