Dudley Award banquet set Dec. 11

A year ago, the Dudley Award went to University of Virginia defensive end Chris Long, a unanimous choice. Who'll be recognized as the state's top college football player for 2008?

Find out Dec. 11 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, site of the Dudley Award banquet.The Dudley, named after former U.Va. star "Bullet" Bill Dudley, is given annually to the player of the year from state schools that compete in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision or Football Championship Subdivision.

Another award is presented to the top player from state schools that compete in Division II, Division III or NAIA. Hampden-Sydney's Drew Smith won that award in 2007.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch sponsors the awards.

The banquet begins with a social at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 o'clock and then the awards presentation. Tickets are $40. For information, call (804) 741-1144 or e-mail . - Jeff White