Hughes Named A Walter Camp Player To Watch
8/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 7, 2009
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- The Walter Camp Football Foundation has announced that TCU consensus All-America defensive end Jerry Hughes is one of 30 "Players to Watch" for its prestigious Player of the Year award, the nation's fourth-oldest individual collegiate football accolade.
Hughes is one of just six defensive players on the list. He's also one of six players who were first-team Walter Camp All-Americans last season. Hughes was among 15 finalists for the 2008 Walter Camp Player of the Year award, won by Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.
A senior from Sugar Land, Texas, Hughes also appears on watch lists for the Rotary Lombardi Award, Ted Hendricks Award and Lott Trophy.
Hughes led the nation in 2008 with 15 sacks and six forced fumbles. The 6-foot-3, 257-pound senior also ranked in the top 10 in tackles for loss (19.5) and fumble recoveries (three). He added two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
Lindy's ranks Hughes as the top defensive end in the nation. Mel Kiper Jr. lists Hughes as the No. 2 defensive end available in the 2010 National Football League draft.
The Walter Camp watch list will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists in early November. The 2009 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient, which is voted on by the 120 NCAA Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors, will be announced live on ESPN on Dec. 10. The winner will receive his trophy at the Foundation's annual national awards banquet on Jan. 18, 2010 at the Yale University Commons in New Haven.
