Jabari Zuniga (92) and Cece Jefferson (96) named as candidates for the 17th annual Ted Hendricks award honoring the nation's best defensive end.
Gators Defensive Linemen Tabbed to 2018 Ted Hendricks Award Preseason Watch List
Monday, August 13, 2018 | Football
2018 Ted Hendricks Award Preseason Watch List
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Senior Cece Jefferson and Redshirt Junior Jabari Zuniga earned a spot on the Ted Hendricks Award Preseason Watch List, as announced by the Ted Hendricks Foundation.
Jefferson, a three-year starter, choose to return for his senior season at UF after considering the NFL draft. The African-American studies major played in all 11 games and recorded eight starts at defensive end. Overall, Jefferson recorded 47 tackles, which ranked fourth on the team. He led the team in tackles-for-loss (13.5 for 38 yards) and sacks (4.5 for 14 yards). He earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his career-best 1.5 sack performance against Kentucky. The Glen St. Mary, Fla. native also recorded one pass breakup and six quarterback hurries, which ranked second on the team.
Zuniga, a social and behavioral sciences major, garnered the watch list nod after playing in 10 games for the Gators in 2017 and recording six starts, all while battling some injuries throughout the season. During that time, the Marietta, Ga. native totaled 34 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, four sacks, one forced fumble and six quarterback hurries. He ranked second on the team in sacks and third in tackles-for-loss.
The Ted Hendricks Award is named in honor of college football's first three-time 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 winner.
Members of the national media, head coaches, professional scouts and former winners are included in the Award's voting committee. Candidates may represent any class as well as any four-year NCAA accredited school. The candidate's primary position must be defensive end.
The winner of the Ted Hendricks Award will be announced on Dec.12, 2018.
NCFAA Preseason Watch Lists
May 30
July 16
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Senior Cece Jefferson and Redshirt Junior Jabari Zuniga earned a spot on the Ted Hendricks Award Preseason Watch List, as announced by the Ted Hendricks Foundation.
Jefferson, a three-year starter, choose to return for his senior season at UF after considering the NFL draft. The African-American studies major played in all 11 games and recorded eight starts at defensive end. Overall, Jefferson recorded 47 tackles, which ranked fourth on the team. He led the team in tackles-for-loss (13.5 for 38 yards) and sacks (4.5 for 14 yards). He earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his career-best 1.5 sack performance against Kentucky. The Glen St. Mary, Fla. native also recorded one pass breakup and six quarterback hurries, which ranked second on the team.
Zuniga, a social and behavioral sciences major, garnered the watch list nod after playing in 10 games for the Gators in 2017 and recording six starts, all while battling some injuries throughout the season. During that time, the Marietta, Ga. native totaled 34 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, four sacks, one forced fumble and six quarterback hurries. He ranked second on the team in sacks and third in tackles-for-loss.
The Ted Hendricks Award is named in honor of college football's first three-time 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 winner.
Members of the national media, head coaches, professional scouts and former winners are included in the Award's voting committee. Candidates may represent any class as well as any four-year NCAA accredited school. The candidate's primary position must be defensive end.
The winner of the Ted Hendricks Award will be announced on Dec.12, 2018.
NCFAA Preseason Watch Lists
May 30
- Rimington Trophy (spring watch list)
July 16
- Bednarik Award:
- Rimington Trophy
- Butkus Award
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- Outland Trophy
- Wuerffel Trophy
- Ted Hendricks Award
Players Mentioned
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