Shane Ray is one of six finalists for the Hendricks Award, given to the top defensive end in the nation.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mizzou junior defensive end Shane Ray (Kansas City, Mo.) has been named a finalist for the 2014 Hendricks Award, as announced by the Ted Hendricks Foundation on Thursday (Dec. 4). The award honors the nation's top defensive end and the list of six finalists was narrowed down from 18 players who were named to the watch list earlier this season.
Ray, a native of Kansas City, Mo., is third in the nation with his 20.5 tackles-for-loss and is fourth with his 13.5 total sacks. Ray leads the SEC in both categories and also leads the league in sacks per game and tackles-for-loss per game. He is a big part of a Mizzou defense that has been sensational in SEC play. In league games, Mizzou's defense ranks first in rushing defense, first in total defense and second in both scoring and passing defense. Over the Tigers' current six-game winning streak, Ray and the Tigers have held opponents to just 98.5 rushing yards per game and 281.5 total yards.
One of six finalists, Ray is joined by Ohio State's Joey Bosa, Clemson's Vic Beasley, Washington's Hau'oli Kikaha, Utah's Nate Orchard and USC's Leonard Williams. He is one of just two juniors to be honored as a finalist, joining Williams. The remaining four are all seniors.
Ray and the No. 16 Tigers will play for the SEC Championship on Saturday against top-ranked Alabama at the Georgia Dome in the SEC Championship Game. CBS will air the contest at 4 p.m. (CT). For all the latest on Mizzou football, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on twitter @MizzouFootball or @mutigersdotcom.