Brian Orakpo (Texas) has been named the 2008 winner of the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award. The Longhorn senior claimed more than 65 percent of the final-round votes.

Orakpo’s career totals include 21 sacks, 130 total tackles, 37 tackles-for-loss and 50 quarterback hurries. In UT’s four games this season against Top 11-ranked teams, Orakpo recorded 16 tackles, three sacks, seven TFL and nine pressures. He was also honored with the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s top all-around defensive player.

"My congratulations to Brian Orakpo, our 2008 award winner,” said Ted Hendricks.  “He is an impressive example of today’s student-athlete.  His sense of community and scholarship have proved to be an excellent balance to his development as a standout on the football field.  He spent a lot of time in opposing team's backfields creating tackles for loss, sacks and general mayhem. He is a splendid addition to the other winners of the award.”

Formal presentation of the 2008 Ted Hendricks Award trophy will take place in March.