Pittman, Jackson on Hendricks watch list

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Jul 29, 2008 - UPDATED: 6:33 a.m.

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One of them may end up winning the nation’s highest award for their position.

Pittman and Jackson were named Monday among 36 preseason candidate for the Ted Hendricks Award, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive end.

Pittman, a native of Garyville, is the nation’s only active player to be part of two BCS national championship teams (2003, 2007). During the offseason, Pittman successfully petitioned the NCAA for a sixth-year of eligibility after missing all of the 2005 and 2006 seasons with injuries.

Also a member of the Lott Trophy watch list, Pittman led the Tigers with eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 2007.

Jackson, who hails from Edgard, has wracked up 86 tackles for his career including 16‰ for losses and 14 sacks. Jackson is also on the Chuck Bednarik Award preseason watch list.

Last week at SEC Football Media Days in Hoover, Ala., Jackson was a preseason All-SEC first-team selection by members of the voting media attending the event.

The Hendricks Award is named in honor of the College and Pro Football hall of famer, who became college football’s first three-time All-American while playing for the Miami Hurricanes.

On-field performance, winning attitude, leadership, contributions to school and community and academics are some of the criteria used to determine the winner. Media members, coaches, scouts and former winners are include on the voting committee.

LSU players report to campus Sunday, with their first practice session set for Aug. 4. The Tigers open the season Aug. 30 in Tiger Stadium against Appalachian State.