Gaines Adams Named Finalist for Ted Hendricks Award

Nov. 28, 2006

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams has been named one of six finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award, the honor presented each year to the top defensive end in college football. The award is given in honor of former University of Miami (FL) All-American and Baltimore Colt All-Pro Ted Hendricks. The winner will be announced December 6.

Adams is joined on the list of finalists by Mkristo Bruce of Washington State, Tim Crowder of Texas, Justin Hickman of UCLA, Anthony Spender of Purdue, and Lamarr Woodley of Michigan.

Adams, who was named first-team All-ACC and the defensive player with the most votes on the defensive side of the ball, led the ACC in sacks this year with 10.5. He also ranks 10th in the nation in sacks and has 15.5 tackles for loss to rank third in the ACC. He has56 tackles overall and has added six passes broken up. He had three fumble recoveries, including a 66-yard return for a touchdown against Wake Forest that was named the Pontiac Game Changing Play of the Week for college football for the weekend of October 7.

Adams has led the Tigers to a number-12 national ranking in total defense and a number-14 ranking in scoring defense. Adams ranks third in Clemson history in quarterback sacks with 26, trailing only Michael Dean Perry (28) and William Perry (27).

This is the second major award that Adams has been named a finalist. He is one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Award, which is given to the national defensive player of the year by the Football Writers Association of America.