July 30, 2012

CHICAGO – Kansas senior defensive end/linebacker Toben Opurum has been named to the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award Preseason Watch List. Opurum was one of 40 players named to the watch list on Monday.

Opurum, a 6-foot-2, 245-pound senior from  Richardson, Texas, finished the 2011 season 45 tackles, including 10.5 behind the line of scrimmage and four sacks. He 10.5 tackles for a loss led KU and ranked 10^th in the Big 12, while his four sacks ranked 17^th in the conference.

The senior also chipped in seven quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and a forced fumble. Opurum was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention by the conference’s coaches.

Now in its 11^th season, the Ted Hendricks Award is named after the first three-time All-American, who played at the University of Miami. On-field performance, exceptional winning attitude, leadership abilities, contributions to school and community and academic preparedness are some of the criteria used to determine the Award’s winner.

Members of the national media, head coaches, professional scouts and former winners are included in the Award’s voting committee. Candidates may represent any class (freshman through senior) as well as any four-year NCAA accredited school.

Opurum and his Kansas teammates will report to campus for fall camp on Wednesday, Aug. 1, while the Jayhawks will open the 2012 season at home against South Dakota State on Sept. 1.