Chicago, IL -- (Sports Network) - Virginia senior defensive lineman Chris Long has been selected as the winner of the 2007 Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation's top defensive end.

Long was the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. He led the conference and was third in FBS with 14 sacks, while also leading the ACC with 19 tackles for loss.

"It is a great honor to win this award," said Long. "He [Ted Hendricks] and my father [Howie Long] were teammates with the Raiders for several years and my dad talks about the passion and enthusiasm Ted demonstrated on the field. I try to play to the same high standards at which Mr. Hendricks played."

The award is presented by The Hendricks Foundation and named in honor of the former University of Miami three-time All-American and Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Previous winners of the award included Terrell Suggs of Arizona State in 2002, David Pollack of Georgia in 2003 and 2004, Elvis Dumervil of Louisville in 2005 and LaMarr Woodley of Michigan in 2006.