Josh Allen Named Finalist for Ted Hendricks Award
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky senior Josh Allen has been named one of four finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award, which honors the nation’s top defensive end. The other finalists include Jaylon Ferguson (Louisiana Tech), Clelin Ferrell (Clemson) and Sutton Smith (Northern Illinois), with the winner to be announced on Thursday, Dec. 6.
The 17th annual award is based upon on-field performance, leadership ability, and contributions to school and community, amongst other criteria. The award honors Hendricks, a three-time All-American at Miami and National Football League Hall of Famer. Former winners include Jadeveon Clowney, Brian Orakpo, David Pollack and Terrell Suggs.
Allen, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound linebacker, has been a pass rush terror so far this season. With 28.5 career sacks and 14 sacks in 2018, he now holds UK’s career and single-season records. His 11 career forced fumbles tie former Wildcat and current Chicago Bear linebacker Danny Trevathan for UK’s career mark (forced fumbles stats available since 1988).
He has been named a finalist for four major award: the Butkus Award (nation’s best linebacker), the Chuck Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year), the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (defensive player of the year) and Lott IMPACT Trophy (defensive player of the year). He’s also a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year award.
Other interesting Allen notes:
Interesting Allen notes:
- Leads the Southeastern Conference with 14 quarterback sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles
- Tied for the NCAA lead in most forced fumbles, third in sacks and 11th in TFL
- Broke Kentucky single-season (14) and career records (28.5) for sacks
- 12 of his 14 sacks have come in the second half, including eight in the fourth quarter
- First-Team Mid-Season All-America by The Associated Press, ESPN.com, Pro Football Focus and The Athletic
- Three-time National Defensive Player of the Week
- Four times SEC Defensive Player of the Week this season, including two wins he clinched with a sack, fumble, and UK recovery on the final possession
- 84 total tackles, six QB hurries, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries
- Current finalist for the Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy and Walter Camp Player of the Year
