LA Tech’s Jaylon Ferguson named finalist for Ted Hendricks Award

CHICAGO – Louisiana Tech defensive end Jaylon Ferguson has been named one of four finalists for the 2018 Ted Hendricks Award, which honors the top defensive end in college football.

The Ted Hendricks Award is named in honor of college football’s first three-time first-team All-American. On-field performance, exceptional winning attitude, leadership abilities, contributions to school and community and academic preparedness are some of the criteria used to determine the Award’s recipient each year. Now in its 17th season, the 2018 preliminary ballot included 36 players and was narrowed down to Ferguson, Josh Allen (Kentucky), Clelin Ferrell (Clemson) and Sutton Smith (Northern Illinois).

With one game left to play in his decorated career, Ferguson has already broken both the Louisiana Tech and Conference USA records for career sacks (42.5), while he is 1.5 sacks shy of tying the all-time NCAA record for career sacks held by Terrell Suggs (44), who was the first recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award in 2002.

Ferguson is having a season for the record books as he leads the nation with 15.0 sacks in 2018, while ranking third nationally with 23.5 tackles for loss. With 15.0 sacks in 2018, Ferguson has already broken his own school record for single-season sacks, which he set back in 2016 with 14.5 sacks.

Ferguson, who is a three-time all-conference selection, has recorded 59 total tackles this season, including 33 solo tackles, while he has also recorded nine quarterback hurries, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles as a senior.

Members of the national media, head coaches, professional scouts and former winners are included on the Ted Hendricks Award’s selection committee. Candidates may represent any class (freshman through senior) as well as any four-year NCAA accredited school. The candidate’s primary position must be defensive end.

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