Dec. 6, 2002

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - University of Maryland linebacker E.J. Henderson is among the outstanding finalists who will be honored at The Home Depot 2002 College Football Awards, live on ESPN, Thursday, Dec. 12, from 7-9 p.m. EST.

Henderson is a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Trophy, given annually to the nation's top defensive player.

Finalists for the 12 awards will attend the show, hosted by ESPN football commentators Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Alex Flanagan. The show will originate from the Atlantic Dance Hall at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.

Prestigious awards to be presented include: the Maxwell Award (best all-around player); Chuck Bednarik Trophy (best defensive player); Outland Trophy (best interior lineman); Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award; Doak Walker Award (best running back); Biletnikoff Award (best wide receiver); Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back); Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award; Ray Guy Award (best punter); Disney's Wide World of Sports Spirit Award (most inspirational player or team); The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award and the Walter Camp All-America Team. New this year will be the NCFAA (National College Football Awards Association) Contribution to College Football Award, which will recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to the college game.

THE HOME DEPOT 2002 COLLEGE FOOTBALL AWARDS FINALISTS

Players Listed Alphabetically)


Maxwell Award (best all-around player)
Brad Banks, Iowa
Ken Dorsey, Miami (Fla.) *
Larry Johnson, Penn State


Chuck Bednarik Trophy (best defensive player)
Tommie Harris, Oklahoma
E.J. Henderson, Maryland
Terrell Suggs, Arizona State


Outland Trophy (best interior lineman)
Rien Long, Washington State
Jordan Gross, Utah
Brett, Romberg, Miami (Fla.)


Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award
Brad Banks, Iowa
Ken Dorsey, Miami (Fla.) *
Carson Palmer, USC


Doak Walker Award (best running back)
Larry Johnson, Penn State
Chris Brown, Colorado
Willis McGahee, Miami (Fla.)


Biletnikoff Award (best wide receiver)
Nate Burleson, Nevada
Charles Rogers, Michigan State
Shaun McDonald, Arizona State


Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back)
Mike Doss, Ohio State
Terence Newman, Kansas State
Troy Polamalu, USC


Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award
Nate Kaeding, Iowa
Mike Nugent, Ohio State
Jared Siegel, Oregon


Ray Guy Award (best punter)
Dustin Colquitt, Tennessee
Mark Mariscal, Colorado
Glenn Pakulak, Kentucky


* Maxwell Award winner in 2001