UNI's James Ruffin Named to Ted Hendricks Watch List

[smallcollegefbfan]

CHICAGO - The Ted Hendricks Foundation is pleased to present its list of 30 pre-season candidates for the 2009 Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award, a list which includes University of Northern Iowa senior James Ruffin.

Ruffin (Burnsville, Minn.) has been a mainstay at UNI since his freshman season. In 2008, as mentioned, the All-American and first team All-MVFC selection amassed a Missouri Valley-best 18 tackles-for-loss, 10 sacks, 69 tackles, and three forced fumbles. He recorded a career-high eight tackles in an FCS semifinal game against eventual national champion Richmond in 2008. As a sophomore, he tallied 7.5 tackles for loss and 52 tackles to earn All-MVFC honors. During his freshman campaign, Ruffin fought his way onto the MVFC all-newcomer team while registering 26 tackles, three for loss and three pass breakups. In his first three seasons at UNI, Ruffin has 147 tackles, 28.5 for loss, 13.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

http://www.unipanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080609aaa.html

[Chi Panther]

Impressive, only FCS player on the list....

[smallcollegefbfan]

Impressive, only FCS player on the list....

I thought Austen Lane might get on as well but it seems as though a player usually has to be a 2-time 1st team all-conference and a 1-2 time 1st team All-American, as well as a returning conference player of the year to get a look on these lists. That just shows what an honor it is to be named to a watch list like this. Ruffin and Edwards have broken barriers by just being named to these prestigious lists! xthumbsupx