TCU's Hughes wins defensive player of year award

CHICAGO (AP) - Jerry Hughes of unbeaten TCU has won the Ted Hendricks defensive end of the year award.

Hughes anchors the nation's top-rated defense, and had 54 tackles and 11 1/2 sacks in helping the Horned Frogs (12-0) win the Mountain West Conference and gain a berth in the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State on Jan. 4.

Other finalists for the award were Jeremy Beal of Oklahoma, Brandon Graham of Michigan, Sergio Kindle of Texas, Von Miller of Texas A&M, Derrick Morgan of Georgia Tech and Greg Romeus of Pittsburgh.

TCU leads the nation in total defense at 233.2 yards per and ranks sixth in points allowed at 12.4 per game.

The award will be presented March 21.