The Ted Hendricks Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive end, announced its 2012 Watch List on Tuesday morning. Although there isn’t an overwhelming presence from the Big Ten on the 40-man list—only five Big Ten ends are on the list—the conference still has good a shot as any to bring home the trophy in 2012.
The official announcement and full player list is here (.PDF warning), and a quick overview of the Big Ten’s presence is chronicled below.
Contenders
John Simon, Ohio State: It’s one thing to have Simon’s motor, which is utterly relentless. Combine that with his freakish strength and overall athleticism, and you have a dominant defensive end. Simon overwhelmed fellow Buckeyes in spring practice this year, which means he’s going to be overwhelming nearly everybody placed in front of him this season. He’s probably the Big Ten’s best candidate to be a finalist come December.
William Gholston, Michigan State: There are few college football players who…
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