CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Chris Long of Virginia won the Ted Hendricks award Wednesday as the nation's best defensive end.

The award is named for the former Miami All-American, who was a teammate of Long's father, Howie, with the Oakland Raiders from 1981-1983.

``My voters were very definitive in their decision this year, and I don't think they could have made a better choice,'' Hendricks said.

Long received more than 60 percent of the votes, the most in the award's six-year history. The award is based on leadership, contributions to the school and the community and on-field performance.

``I try to play to the same high standards at which Mr. Hendricks played,'' Long said.

Long was the 2007 Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year and the only unanimous selection to the All-ACC team. He led the ACC and was third nationally with 14 sacks.