Dec. 20, 2004

Chicago, IL -- University of Georgia senior defensive end David Pollack was named the winner of the 2004 Ted Hendricks College Defensive End of the Year Award today by the Ted Hendricks Foundation.

Pollack is a repeat Hendricks Award winner as he was also the 2003 recipient for his outstanding on field performance, leadership abilities and contributions to school and community. Pollack has also won The 2004 Lombardi Award as the nation's outstanding lineman and the Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player of the year. He is a three-time All American. Displaying an unreal drive on the football field, Pollack is recognized as one of the most competitive and passionate players in the nation.

Pollack, who is 6-foot-3, 261 pounds, was the SEC leader in sacks with 9.5. He set a Georgia record with 33 career sacks over his college career from 2001- 2004. He was also named the 2004 SEC defensive player of the year by the AP and SEC coaches.

The 22-year old Pollack was named All-America by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Football Writers, Walter Camp, and The Sporting News. Pollack joins Herschel Walker as the only Bulldogs to earn First Team All-America honors in three different years. Four times the SEC Defensive Player of the Week during his career and twice the Lineman of the Week. Pollack was also named finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award.

Ted Hendricks personally informed Dave Pollack today. Commenting on the winner, Ted emphasized again this year; "Dave is an outstanding player with a lot of football left in his career. He is relentless in pursuit of the ball and has an aggressive playing style. If I were to choose a player today to have on my team, it would be David Pollack. He works hard, appreciates his opportunity to play this great game and most of all respects his teammates and opponents." Hendricks continued, "I am also impressed with his contributions to his fellow man and his strong faith and humility. He is a true throwback in today's game. I am confident he will excel at the next level of competition." The January 1st Outback Bowl will feature two of the top defensive ends in the country with Erasmus James of Wisconsin challenging Georgia. The numbers Pollack posted this year were very impressive especially in light of the fact that all of Georgia's opponents gave Dave special attention in their game plans.

The other finalists for the award included Troy University's Demarcus Ware, Boston College's Mathias Kiwanuka, University of Southern California's Shaun Cody, University of Wisconsin's Erasmus James, and University of Oklahoma's Dan Cody. Pollack won in a vote of media and coaches.

On-field performance, leadership abilities and contributions to school and community are some of the criteria used to determine the award winner. The candidates may represent any class (freshman through senior) as well as any recognized four-year NCAA member school (Division I through Division III). The selection committee is made up of college coaches, media members, pro football personnel and independent experts across the country.

Arizona State University defensive end Terrell Suggs, a first round pick in the 2003 National Football League draft and 2003 NFL Rookie of the Year won the first Hendricks Award in 2002.

The Ted Hendricks Foundation annually supports educational, health and recreation initiatives aimed at youth and senior citizens programs.