Henderson named semifinalist for return specialist award

[PonyPride]

Henderson Tabbed A Semifinalist For Return Man Award
Sophomore One Of 18 Semifinalists
Nov. 14, 2006

Houston - SMU kickoff returner Jessie Henderson has been named a semi-finalists for the inaugural Randy Moss Return Man Award, GameDay Consultants and Gulf Coast Events announced today.

Henderson, who was previously tabbed a mid-season All-American by CollegeFootballNews.com and an honorable mention preseason All- merican by Street & Smith's, ranked first in Conference USA in kickoff returns a year ago and now ranks sixth on SMU's all-time list with 1,032 career return yards. His career average of 30.4 ypr is currently better than SMU's all-time leader, Doak Walker (29.1), and his 36.9-yard average in 2006 would lead the entire NCAA if he reached the 1.2 return per game minimum. Warren sits at 1.0 per game after missing three games due to an ankle injury.

In alphabetical order, the other 17 semifinalists are Ray Baum (Iowa St), Darrell Blackman (North Carolina St.), Ross Dickerson (Hawaii), Chris Garrett (Ohio), Jonathan Hefney (Tenn.), Mikey Henderson (Georgia), DeSean Jackson (California), Grant Jones (Okla. St), Kevin Marion (Wake Forest), Damon Nickson (Middle Tenn. State), Ean Randolph (S. FLA), Lowell Robinson (Pitt), Jeff Smith (Boston College), Sammie Stroughter (Oregon St), Marcus Thigpen (Indiana), Jeremy Trimble (Army) and Josh Wilson (Maryland).

"We are extremely excited to announce these fine young men as the best in their field and as semifinalists for our award," said Jerry Ippoliti, President Gulf Coast Events. "Their work on the field as outstanding return specialists will finally be recognized with our award and we look forward to the best in the country being announced at our game in January for the inaugural Randy Moss Return Man Award."

The award, voted on annually by NCAA Sports Information Directors, will be presented for the first time at the 2007 North South All-Star Classic in Houston, TX, to the Division IA level collegiate athlete who demonstrates exceptional talent and skill in returning punts or kickoffs. Each year, the field of nominees will be the previous year's leaders or finalists who have remaining eligibility and excelled during the course of that season. These individuals should also represent their team and universities with the highest standards of character. Every week during the season, a "watch list" of candidates will be identified who have displayed outstanding statistics to support their candidacy.

The selection of the finalists for the Randy Moss Return Man Award will be December 13, 2006 with the winner being announced and presented at the North South All-Star Classic being played on January 13, 2007 in Houston, Texas. The game, featuring 90 of the nation's finest collegiate seniors, is set for 11 a.m. Central and will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

[expony18]

he's going to need the ball some more

[SMU Football Blog]

You hear who they are going to name this award for?

Randy [blankin'] Moss

[mrydel]

More importantly he needs to put on pads and get on the field. Every week they say he is ready and he did not even dress last week. I wonder if these award pickers know that he is not playing or if they are looking at our return stats and assume it is him. We are doing pretty well as a team on returns I believe.

[jtstang]

You hear who they are going to name this award for?

Randy [blankin'] Moss

No doubt it is given for acheivement in special teams return performance and hydroponic growing skills.

[PonyTales]

Per Coach Bennett's press conference, Henderson is expected back this week.