Aug. 5, 2014

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky senior Alvin “Bud” Dupree has been named to the preseason Ted Hendricks Award Watch List, given to the nation’s top defensive end, it was announced by the Hendricks Foundation.

A native of Irwinton, Ga., Dupree is also on the Chuck Bednarik and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watch lists, with both awards annually given to the top defensive player in college football.

Dupree, a 6-foot-4, 264-pounder is coming off a solid 2013 season that saw him lead all Southeastern Conference defensive linemen with 61 tackles. Dupree finished his junior year with a team-high seven sacks, sixth in the SEC and 40th in the NCAA. He added a club-best 9.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, three quarterback hurries and two fumbles forced.

An All-SEC second team selection by the Associated Press in 2013, Dupree’s best career game came in 2013 at Mississippi State, recording 13 tackles, two for loss and a sack. It marked the most tackles for a UK defensive lineman since game-by-game records were available back to the 1993 season.

In his three-year career Dupree has played in 35 games with 26 starts, totaling 173 tackles, with 16 sacks, 24.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and four pass breakups.

Previous recipients of the Hendricks Award: 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), 2012 – Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina) and 2013 – Jackson Jeffcoat (Texas).

The Hendricks Award voting committee will cast two votes: one to narrow the list of candidates to 4-6 finalists, and one to choose the winner. The final midseason watch list will be announced in late November and the 2014 winner will be announced on Dec. 10.