The bread and butter of the SEC is talented defensive lines across the league, and this year is no different.

The top pass rushers in the league on Monday were listed among the 36 players the Ted Hendricks Foundation released on its initial Watch List for this season. The award honors the top defensive end in the country, and is named in honor of college football’s first three-time first-team All- American. Last year’s honoree was Bradley Chubb of N.C. State. This year’s award recipient is scheduled to be announced on Dec. 12.

Several SEC greats have picked up this honor over the years, including Jonathan Allen of Alabama, Jadeveon Clowney of South Carolina, and David Pollack of Georgia, who won it twice.

On this year’s initial list:

  • Isaiah Buggs, Alabama
  • Raekwon Davis, Alabama
  • Landis Durham, Texas A&M
  • Cece Jefferson, Florida
  • Jabari Zuniga, Florida
  • Jonathan Ledbetter, Georgia
  • Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
  • D.J. Wonnum, South Carolina

The award’s selection committee includes members of the national media, head coaches, professional scouts and former winners. Candidates may represent any class as well as any four-year NCAA accredited school. The player’s primary position must be a defensive end.

Some of the criteria to win the award include on-field performance, exceptional winning attitude, leadership abilities, contributions to school and community and academic preparedness.