Nov. 29, 2012

USC defensive end Morgan Breslin has been named among 6 finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award, presented to the nation's top defensive end.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 5.

Breslin, a junior who led California's junior colleges in sacks and tackles for losses the past 2 years, has posted 53 tackles at USC in 2012, including 18 for losses (with 12 sacks). That's the most tackles for loss and sacks by a Trojan since Kenechi Udeze had 26 and 16.5, respectively, in 2003. He currently is tied for eighth nationally in sacks (1.0, tied for first in Pac-12) and tied for 15th in tackles for loss (1.5). He also has 4 pass deflections and a fumble recovery this season as he made the 2012 All-Pac-12 second team.