Nate Orchard Named Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year

Utah's senior defensive end Nate Orchard, who leads the nation in sacks per game (1.46) and is second in total sacks at 17.5, was named the 2014 recipient of the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award.

Named after NFL Hall of Fame defensive end Ted Hendricks, on-field performance, leadership abilities and contributions to school and community are used to determine the award winner. Leading college coaches, former players and coaches, media members and pro football personnel vote in the selection process.

Orchard is the second Pac-12 player to win the award since its inception in 2002. Arizona State's Terrell Suggs, who holds the ncaa records for sacks in a season (24) and sacks per game (1.85) was the inaugural winner of the award.

Orchard, who was named first-team All-Pac-12, leads a defense that leads the nation in total sacks (52) and sacks per game (4.33). He is second in the nation with a school-record 17.5 sacks. Orchard is fourth in the nation in tackles for loss per game (1.7) and fifth in total tackles for loss (20.0 for 118 yards). He is second on the team in tackles with 81, is tied for ninth in the Pac-12 with two forced fumbles and also has a fumble recovery. Orchard has 24 career sacks and 37.5 career tackles for loss.

The Los Angeles-born senior already holds the school record for sacks in a season, which he can increase in Utah's bowl game against Colorado State Dec. 20 at 12:30 p.m. MT.