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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior defensive end A.J. Epenesa has been named to the 2019 Ted Hendricks Award Preseason Watch List, which honors the top defensive end in college football.
Epenesa (6-foot-6, 280-pounds) led the Big Ten and ranked 12th nationally in sacks (10.5). He ranked second in the Big Ten and 16th nationally in forced fumbles (4), and ranked fourth in the conference in tackles for loss (16.5). The Glen Carbon, Illinois, native also recorded 37 tackles, four pass break-ups, eight pressures, and a blocked punt.
The award is named in honor of Ted Hendricks, who was 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. Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell won last year’s award.
The winner of the 2019 Ted Hendricks Award will be announced on Dec. 11.
The Hawkeyes open the 2019 season Aug. 31, hosting Miami, Ohio. For ticket information for all seven home games, visit hawkeyesports.com/footballgameday.
