Maryland's Ngakoue getting noticed at new position

Maryland's Yannick Ngakoue's 2015 season received some national recognition this week when he was included on the midseason watch list for the Hendricks Award, which goes to the best defensive end in the country. 

A converted linebacker, Ngakoue is second in the nation in sacks per game at 1.29, trailing fellow Big Ten standout Carl Nassib. 

The Terp front-liner is tied for 11th in the Big Ten with Michigan's Willie Henry with nine tackles for loss. 

Joining him on the list from the Big Ten East are Indiana's Nick Mangieri, Penn State's Carl Nassib, Ohio State's Joey Bosa and Michigan State's Shilique Calhoun. 

The Hendricks Award is named after former Miami (Fla.) star Ted Hendricks. a three-time All-American who went on to win four Super Bowls and make the Pro Bowl eight times before being inducted into both the Pro Football and College Football Halls of Fame. 

The finalists for the award will be announced in late November with the winner being named Dec. 9.