Michigan DE Brandon Graham named to Ted Hendricks Watch List

Brandon Graham is coming off one of the best seasons by any pass rusher in Michigan football history. Now, he could be closing in on a major award.

Graham was one of 30 players named to the preseason watch list for the Ted Hendricks Award Thursday. The award is given to the nation's top defensive end annually.

Punter Zoltan Mesko (Ray Guy Award) and running back Brandon Minor (Doak Walker Award) were named to watch lists at their respective positions earlier this week.

Graham had 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss last year. He has 19 career sacks, and should finish second on Michigan's career sack list behind Mark Messner (36).

Six other Big Ten players made the Hedricks watch list: Michigan State's Trevor Anderson, Illinois' Doug Pilcher, Northwestern's Corey Wootten, Ohio State's Lawrence Wilson and Indiana ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton.

Central Michigan's Frank Zombo is also on the list.