Cunningham Named to Hendricks Watch List

Jermaine Cunningham splashed onto the scene last season when he posted a season-high 17 tackles against LSU. Heading into his junior year, he's now considered one of the best defensive ends in the nation.

The Ted Hendricks Foundation awards the Hendricks Award to the nation's top defensive end. Hendricks, himself, was the first player to be named as a first team All-American for three consecutive years in a row. The preseason list will be cut down to a list of finalists in November before the final award is given out on December 10.

Cunningham led all defensive linemen in 2007 with 64 tackles. He also had 12 tackles for a loss and 6.5 quarterback sacks with an interception as well. His 17 tackles against LSU were the most by a Gator defender since Channing Crowder had 18 against Mississippi State in 2004.

Cunningham started all 13 games in '07 and is expected to be a leader on the defensive line this season as the only consistent starter to return from last year's squad.