The News-Gazette · Nov 29, 2016
UI roundup: Smoot, Phillips among award finalists
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois football defensive ends Dawuane Smoot and Carroll Phillips saw their collegiate careers end Saturday, but they’re still being recognized for their contributions to the Illini.
Smoot and Phillips were among 27 ends on the Hendricks Award’s final ballot, announced Monday. The honor, named for former Miami defensive end Ted Hendricks, is given each year to the top defensive end in the nation based on on-field performance, community and school contributions and more.
Phillips finished his senior season with 20 tackles for loss, good for second in the Big Ten. Phillips is one of just seven Illini to reach that mark in a single season.