June 19, 2006
University of Iowa junior Kenny Iwebema has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2006 Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award.
The Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award is named in honor of college football’s first three-time first team all-American. On field performance, exceptional winning attitude, leadership abilities, along with contributions to school and community and academic preparedness are some of the criteria used to determine the award’s winner.
Iwebema is also one of 42 top defensive players in the nation who are listed on the 2006 Lott Trophy Watch List. Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.
In addition to being named to both watch lists, Iwebema has been named the eighth-best defensive end in the nation by The Sporting News. He was also selected to the preseason all-Big Ten team by Athlon Sports, Lindy’s, The Sporting News and Blue Ribbon Yearbook.
The native of Arlington, TX, collected 48 tackles (32 solo), including 10 tackles for loss and a team-best seven sacks in 2005. Iwebema was a first team all-Big Ten honoree by the media and an honorable mention by the coaches last season. He tied an Iowa single-game record when he blocked two field goals in the Hawkeyes’ 35-7 win over Illinois on Oct. 1, 2005.