“I can’t think of a bigger honor than winning an award with Mr. (Ronnie) Lott’s name on it,” said Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis (6-3, 244., Hamel, Mn.), who had already had a highly decorated collegiate career, was a Lott finalist last year. He has won the Butkus and Nagurski awards in previous seasons. Laurinaitis is a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time Ohio State captain. He’s been an academic All-American and on the Dean’s List each of his four years. He led the Buckeyes in tackles again this season with 121 and has been an All-American each of the past three years. The other finalists were Aaron Curry of Wake Forest, Brian Orakpo of Texas and Myron Rolle of Florida State. Each of the four finalists has already graduated from college. Each finalist receives $5,000 for his school’s general scholarship fund and the Ohio State receives $25,000. A total of $194,000 was donated to charity this year, bringing the five-year total to $654,000. The keynote speaker this year was long-time college football announcer Keith Jackson. “These people here tonight are some of the most important in college football,” Jackson said. Among those in attendance were USC coach Pete Carroll, former UCLA coach Terry Donahue, Heisman winner Marcus Allen and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Says Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel about Laurinaitis, “He’s a talented yet humble young man who brings enormous credit to the game of college football. He represents Ohio State with poise and class.”

Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first and only college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, the Lott award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation and Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

For more information on the Lott Trophy, go to: thelotttrophy.com
Contact: Pete Donovan
Media Relations, The Lott Trophy
714/315-9575
Plays4pars@aol.com

For Use as Desired

Oregon’s Nick Reed Named Lott Player of the Week

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Oregon’s Nick Reed has been named the winner of The Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week presented by Wachovia.

Reed had three more sacks, giving him 13 on the season and 29 ½ for his career, a forced fumble and a pass break up in Oregon’s big 65-38 win over Oregon State in ‘The Civil War’ game.

Reed was also named to the Academic All-American team this week.

Former Washington Coach Don James, a member of the Legends Coaches (who select the recipient each week), said, “Oregon’s Nick Reed lines up over the tackle as a down lineman, but plays the position like a linebacker.  He’s really quick and agile with a relentless attitude. Watching him play on Saturday, he showed great sportsmanship by picking up the opposing quarterback after sacking him.  You don’t see much of that anymore.”

Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. 
      Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation in Newport Beach, Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
      David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.
      Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, The IMPACT Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

Other players considered by The Legends Coaches this week were Brian Orakpo of Texas, Aaron Curry of Wake Forest, Myron Rolle of Florida State and Eric Berry of Tennessee. 

The Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week, 2008

Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA

Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida

Week IV – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Week V – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Week VI – Scott McKillop, LB, Pitt

Week VII - Brian Orakpo, DE,Texas

Week VIII – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Week IX – Brit Miller, LB, Illinois

Week X – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

Week XI – Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Week XII – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

Week XIII – Myron Rolle, Florida State

Week XIV – Nick Reed, Oregon

LOTT SHOTS: Wake Forest Linebacker Aaron Curry had 6 tackles, (one for loss) in 23-10 win over Vanderbilt…Florida State’s Myron Rolle led the Seminoles in tackles with 7 in a 45-15 loss to Florida…Scott McKillop of Pitt recorded 7 more tackles as the Panthers defeated West Virginia, 19-15….Tennessee’s Eric Berry had 5 tackles, including 2 for losses in a 28-10 win over Kentucky…Texas Defensive End Brian Orakpo had 3 tackles for losses, including 1 ½ sacks and a forced fumble in the Longhorns’ win over Texas A&M, 49-9. 

LEADERS: Oregon’s Reed leads the Pac-10 in sacks with 13, tackles for losses with 19.5 and fumbles recovered with 5. 

Illinois’ Brit Miller leads the Big-10 in tackles with 124.  Laurinaitis is second with 121. 

Tennessee’s Eric Berry is tied for the national lead in interceptions with 7.  He leads the country in interception return yardage with 265. 

ALL-DECADE TEAM: Sports Illustrated has named James Laurinaitis of Ohio State (a two-time Lott finalist) to its All-Decade college football team.  Glen Dorsey of LSU (the 2007 Lott winner), Paul Posluszny of Penn State (a 2006 finalist) and Derrick Johnson of Texas (a 2004 finalists) were also named to the team.

For more information on the Lott Trophy, go to: thelotttrophy.com

Contact:   

Pete Donovan

Media Relations, The Lott Trophy

76348 Sweet Pea Way

Palm Desert, Ca. 92211

Plays4pars@aol.com

760/360-0414

    Linebacker Aaron Curry of Wake Forest, Linebacker James Laurinaitis of Ohio State, Defensive End Brian Orakpo of Texas and Defensive Back Myron Rolle of Florida State are this season’s finalists, chosen from an initial Watch List of 42 outstanding student-athletes throughout the country, who have all performed at a high level on the football field and exhibited selfless character off the field.

      The winner will be announced at a black-tie banquet at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Ca. Dec. 14. 

      Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first and only college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.

Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, the Lott award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

The four finalists:

*Curry (6-3, 240, Sr., Fayetteville, NC): Has 101 tackles on the season and 16 tackles for loss.  Curry has successfully combined his academics and football during his career at Wake Forest. 

*Laurinaitis (6-3, 244, Sr., Hamel, Mn.): A Lott finalist last year, he has won the Butkus and Nagurski awards in previous seasons. Laurinaitis is a two-time Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time Ohio State captain. He led the Buckeyes in tackles again this season with 121. 

*Orakpo (6-4, 260, Sr., Houston): Twice named the Lott Player of the Week this season. Orakpo has 10 sacks and 16 tackles for losses.  He’s been on the Texas honor roll.

*Rolle (6-2, 218, Jr., Galloway, NJ): Named winner of a Rhodes Scholarship on Nov. 22. A grad student in public administration, he has a 3.71 GPA.  He is second on the Seminole team with 46 tackles, has 5 passes defended and 5 passes broken up. 

David Pollack of Georgia, DeMeco Ryans of Alabama, Dante Hughes of Cal and Glenn Dorsey of LSU were the winners of the first four Lott Trophies.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated $450,000 to various charities, including the universities.  Each finalist receives $5,000 for his school’s general scholarship fund.

Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation and Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

For more information on the Lott Trophy, go to: thelotttrophy.com

Contact:   

Pete Donovan

Media Relations, The Lott Trophy

76348 Sweet Pea Way

Palm Desert, Ca. 92211

Plays4pars@aol.com

760/360-0414

    NEWPORT BEACH , Ca.—Florida State ‘s Myron Rolle has been named the winner of The Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week presented by Wachovia.
    Rolle was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship last week and was then flown to Maryland where he played the second half of Florida State ‘s big 37-3 win over the Terrapins. Florida State will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Rolle’s accomplishment.

    “He is a remarkable young man and a tremendous example for all of our students,” said Florida State President T.K. Wetherell, speaking of the scholarship.  “The entire Florida State community joins me in congratulating him on his wonderful accomplishment.”

  “Character, leadership and academics are all part of our award,” said Bob Cristiano, President of The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation,which sponsors The Lott Trophy.  “Myron Rolle, in addition to his football skills, embodies those attributes.”

    Rolle, 22, graduated from Florida State in 2 1/2 years with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science.  He is currently enrolled in a master’s program in public administration and plans on becoming a doctor.  A junior safety from New Jersey , he is projected by many experts to be a first round NFL draft choice.

    He has founded ‘Our Way to Health,’ a curriculum for fifth graders that addresses diabetes and obesity for students at a charter school run by the Seminole Tribe of Florida; conducted research on the metalobic profile of stem and cancer cells; tutored at-risk 8th graders, studied abroad; and been an integral part of one of the nation’s best collegiate defenses.

    “Myron is a dedicated and focused leader who is an excellent student, superior athlete and a compassionate human being,” said Jamie Purcell, the Director of Florida State’s Office of National Fellowship.

    At Oxford , he will enroll in a master’s program in medical anthropology, which examines the sociocultural aspects of medicine.

    Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.

    Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation in Newport Beach , Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

    David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004. DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007. Georgia , Alabama , Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds. In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.

    Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, The IMPACT Foundation Board of Advisers comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

  Other players considered for this week’s award, chosen by The Legends Coaches, were James Laurinaitis of Ohio State, Eric Berry of Tennessee, Aaron Curry of Wake Forest and Scott McKillop of Pitt.

    Rolle is one of eight semi-finalists for this year’s Lott Trophy.

The Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week, 2008
Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA
Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal
Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida
Week IV - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Week V - Brian Orakpo, Texas
Week VI - Scott McKillop, Pitt
Week VII - Brian Orakpo, Texas
Week VIII - Eric Berry, Tennessee
Week IX - Brit Miller, Illinois
Week X - Zack Follett, LB, Cal
Week XI - Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
Week XII - James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
Week XIII - Myron Rolle, Florida State

LOTT SHOTS: James Laurinaitis of Ohio State had 12 tackles and a sack in the Buckeyes’ 42-7 win over Michigan .  Laurinaitis has won four straight against Michigan since he enrolled at Ohio State…Aaron Curry of Wake Forest recorded 10 tackles and recovered a fumble in a 24-21 loss to Boston College…Brit Miller of Illinois had 8 tackles in a loss to Northwestern, 27-10…Tennessee’s Eric Berry intercepted his 7th pass of the season and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown in a 20-10 win over Vanderbilt.  Berry also had 2 tackles for loss, a sack and four carries on offense (for 11 yards)...Pitt Linebacker Scott McKillop had 11 solo tackles, including two for losses in the Panthers’ 28-21 loss at Cincinnati.

    Laurinaitis had 8 tackles, a forced fumble, 1.5 tackles for losses, a quarterback hurry and a pass defended in the Buckeyes’ 30-20 win over Illinois .  Ohio State will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Laurinaitis’ performance.

    Laurinaitis (6-3, 244, Hamel, Mn.) was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association.  Former Ohio State Coach John Cooper, a member of the Legends Coaches, said, “Laurinaitis’ play against Illinois was the most impressive in his three years playing for the Buckeyes.  He was the best player on the field without a doubt. Jim’s had some great games in the past, but this was his most complete and dominant performance.”

    Laurinaitis is one of eight semi-finalists for this year’s Lott Trophy.

Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. 

    Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation in Newport Beach , Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

    David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia , Alabama , Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.

    Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, The IMPACT Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

    Other players receiving consideration from the Legends Coaches this week were: Aaron Curry of Wake Forest , Nick Reed of Oregon , Brit Miller of Illinois and Myron Rolle of Florida State . 

The Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week, 2008

Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA

Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida

Week IV – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Week V – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Week VI – Scott McKillop, LB, Pitt

Week VII - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Week VIII – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Week IX – Brit Miller, LB, Illinois

Week X – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

Week XI – Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Week XII – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

LOTT SHOTS: Wake Forest Linebacker Aaron Curry had 8 tackles, (2 for losses), a sack and a quarterback hurry in a 21-17 loss to North Carolina State…Oregon’s Nick Reed had a sack, 2 tackles for losses, 2 quarterback hurries and a forced fumble in Oregon’s 55-45 win over Arizona…Brit Miller of Illinois had 10 ½ tackles to lead the Illini in the loss to Ohio State.

LEADERS: Oregon ’s Reed leads the Pac-10 in sacks with 10, tackles for losses with 16.5 and fumbles recovered with 5.

Illinois’ Miller leads the Big-10 in tackles with 124.  Laurinaitis is second with 109.

Wake Forest’s Curry is second in the ACC with 13.5 tackles for losses.

    NEWPORT BEACH, CA. – Four linebackers, two defensive backs and a pair of defensive ends have been named semi-finalists for the fifth annual Lott Trophy®, it was announced today.

    The linebackers, all among the top tacklers in the nation, are Aaron Curry of Wake Forest, James Laurinaitis of Ohio State, Scott McKillop of Pitt and Brit Miller of Illinois. Safeties Eric Berry of Tennessee and Myron Rolle of Florida State are joined on the semi-final list by Defensive Ends Brian Orakpo of Texas and Nick Reed of Oregon, two of the top pass rushers in the country.

    Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first and only college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.

    Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, the Lott award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

David Pollack of Georgia, DeMeco Ryans of Alabama, Dante Hughes of Cal and Glenn Dorsey of LSU were the winners of the first four Lott Trophies.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated $450,000 to various charities, in addition to the universities.

Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation and Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

A look at the eight semi-finalists:

*Berry (5-11, 195, So., Fairburn, Ga.): Is tied for the national lead in interceptions with six.  Has returned interceptions his first two seasons for 397 yards, an SEC record.  He is the first sophomore to be named a Lott semi-finalist in the five years of the award. 

*Curry (6-3, 240, Sr., Fayetville, NC): Has 77 tackles on the season and 11.5 tackles for loss.  Has stated his desire to attend law school.

*Laurinaitis (6-3, 244, Sr., Hamel, Mn.): Lott finalist last year.  Has won the Butkus and Nagurski awards in previous seasons.  Has 101 tackles on the season.  Two-time Buckeye captain. 

*McKillop (6-2, 240, Sr., Export, Pa.): Three-time Big East Player of the Week this season.  Has 89 total tackles on year, 12.5 for losses.  Has already received a degree from Pitt in business and marketing.

*Miller (6-1, 251, Sr., Decatur, Il.): Leads Illini in tackles (110), tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (6). Named to American Football Coaches Assn. Good Works Team. 

*Orakpo (6-4, 260, Sr., Houston): Two-time Lott Player of the Week this season.  Has 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for losses.  Has been on Texas honor roll.

*Reed (6-2, 255, Sr., Trabuco Canyon, Ca.): Led Pac-10 in sacks last year and has 9 this season.  Semifinalist for Draddy Award, the academic Heisman.

*Rolle (6-2, 218, Jr., Galloway, NJ): A grad student in public administration, he has a 3.71 GPA and is a candidate for a Rhodes Scholarship.  He is second on the Seminole team with 46 tackles, has 5 passes defended and 5 passes broken up. 

Four finalists will be announced Nov. 26 with all four attending the annual gala black-tie banquet in Newport Beach Dec. 14 where the winner will be announced.  (Note: the banquet is sold out)

This year’s keynote speaker will be long-time college football announcer Keith Jackson.

The 2008 Lott Trophy Semi-finalists:

Eric Berry, So., S, Tennessee

Aaron Curry, Sr., LB, Wake Forest

James Laurinaitis, Sr., LB, Ohio State

Scott McKillop, Sr., LB, Pitt

Brit Miller, Sr., LB, Illinois

Brian Orakpo, Sr., DE, Texas

Nick Reed, Sr., DE, Oregon

Myron Rolle, Jr., S, Florida State

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Missouri Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon has been named the winner of The Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week presented by Wachovia.

    Weatherspoon had 13 tackles, 2 tackles for losses, a sack (for a 17-yard loss) and a pass breakup in Missouri ‘s 41-24 win over Kansas State .  Missouri will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Weatherspoon’s performance.

    Weatherspoon (6-1, 230, Junior, Jasper, Texas ) was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association.  Former Kansas State Coach Bill Snyder, a member of the Legends Coaches, said, “Weatherspoon has been a tremendous player for Missouri ... their “Bell Cow” on defense. He’s a team leader and has been impressive in every game this year.”

    Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. 

    Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation in Newport Beach , Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

    David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia , Alabama , Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.

    Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, The IMPACT Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

    Other players receiving consideration from the Legends Coaches this week were: Eric Norwood of South Carolina, Brian Cushing of USC, Mark Herzlich of Boston College and James Laurinaitis of Ohio State .

The Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week, 2008

Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA

Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida

Week IV – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Week V – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Week VI – Scott McKillop, LB, Pitt

Week VII - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Week VIII – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Week IX – Brit Miller, LB, Illinois

Week X – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

Week XI – Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

LOTT SHOTS: Wake Forest Linebacker Aaron Curry had 2.5 tackles for losses, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a quarterback hurry and a pass broken up in 28-17 victory over Virginia…Mark Herzlich of Boston College led his team with 11 tackles and had three passes broken up in a 17-0 shutout of Notre Dame…Pitt Linebacker Scott McKillop returned an interception for a touchdown in a 41-7 win over Louisville…Oregon Defensive End Nick Reed had 8 tackles (1.5 for losses) as the Ducks defeated Stanford, 35-28…Ohio State Linebacker James Laurinaitis had his 16th career game with 10 or more tackles in a 45-10 win over Northwestern.  Laurinaitis had 11 tackles and an interception…Brit Miller was credited with 17 total tackles, but Illinois lost to Western Michigan , 23-17.  Miller also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble…South Carolina’s Eric Norwood had a career best three sacks and 9 total tackles in a 34-21 win over Arkansas…Florida Linebacker Brandon Spikes had 7 tackles, 2 for losses in a 42-14 win over Vanderbilt…Texas Defensive End Brian Orakpo did not play against Baylor, but was a team captain for the game.

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Cal Linebacker Zack Follett has been named the winner of The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Player of the Week presented by Wachovia. It is the second time this season, Follett has been honored.

    Follett had 11 tackles, 3 tackles for losses, a sack and 3 pass breakups in Cal ‘s 26-16 win over Oregon .  Cal will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Follett’s performance.  Follett (6-1, 238, Senior, Clovis , Ca.) was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association.  Former Washington Coach Don James, a member of the Legends Coaches, said: “Follett was very active against Oregon ‘s spread offense.  It takes exceptional skill to make that many tackles against the Ducks’ wide-open version of the spread.  Zack’s numbers were even more amazing considering the playing conditions from the driving rainstorm throughout the game made footing extremely tough.”

    Follett was also named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week.  On the season, Follett has 49 tackles, 11.5 tackles for losses, five sacks and two forced fumbles.

    Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy® is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy® is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. 

    Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® in Newport Beach , Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

    David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy® in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia , Alabama , Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.

    Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT® Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

Other players receiving consideration from the Legends Coaches this week were: Aaron Curry of Wake Forest , Brandon Spikes of Florida, Scott McKillop of Pitt and Jan Jorgensen of BYU.

The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Players of the Week, 2008

Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA

Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida

Week IV – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Week V – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Week VI – Scott McKillop, LB, Pitt

Week VII - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Week VIII – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Week IX – Brit Miller, LB, Illinois

Week X – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

THREE WAS ENOUGH: Five of the teams with players on the Lott Trophy® Quarterfinalist Watch List won games by three points this past weekend: Missouri 31, Baylor 28; Illinois 27, Iowa 24; BYU 45, Colorado State 42; Wake Forest 33, Duke 30 (overtime) and Pitt 36, Notre Dame 33 (4 overtimes). And one lost by three – Florida State, 31-28 to Georgia Tech.

LOTT SHOTS: Missouri Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon had a game best 14 tackles, including 2 tackles for losses and one sack in a 31-28 win over Baylor… Oregon ‘s Nick Reed recovered three fumbles and had his 9th sack of the season in a 26-16 loss to Cal .  …BYU Defensive End Jan Jorgensen recorded 2 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries and forced a fumble in the Cougars’ 45-42 win over Colorado State…Linebacker Aaron Curry of Wake Forest proved to be a demon on defense against Duke, garnering 16 tackles (10 solo) in a 33-30 overtime win…Jeremy Jarmon of Kentucky recorded the 16th sack of his career in a 14-13 win over Mississippi State.  Jarmon is now tied for 5th all-time in Kentucky career sacks…Boston College Linebacker Mark Herzlich intercepted a pass and had 2 tackles for losses in a 27-21 loss to Clemson…Colorado’s George Hypolite had 4 tackles for losses, including 2 sacks, but the Buffs lost to Texas A&M, 24-17…Pittsburgh Linebacker Scott McKillop had 15 tackles (2 for losses) in the Panthers’ 4-overtime win over Notre Dame, 36-33…Tennessee safety Eric Berry had his sixth interception of the season (and returned it 45 yards).  The Vols lost to South Carolina , 27-6.  The Gamecocks’ Eric Norwood had 2 sacks and 2 quarterback hurries in the victory.

FOR FIFTH ANNUAL LOTT TROPHY®

    NEWPORT BEACH, CA. – Twenty of college football’s finest defensive players, who have performed at a high level on the football field and exhibited selfless character off the field, have been named quarterfinalists for the third annual Lott Trophy®, it was announced today.

    Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy® is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy® is the first and only college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.

    “This is another impressive list of candidates,” said Bob Cristiano, the President of the IMPACT® Foundation, the sponsors of the award.  “They represent the best in college football and a great cross-section of our country.  It will be difficult to single out just one of these outstanding student-athletes.”

Seven different conferences are represented on the list of 20 with the Southeastern Conference leading the way with five candidates.  Ohio State (James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins) is the only school with two quarterfinalists. There are nine linebackers on the list, seven defensive linemen and four defensive backs.  While there are 10 seniors on the list, there are also nine juniors (and one sophomore, Eric Berry), the most underclassmen to make the quarterfinalist Lott Trophy® Watch List.

Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, the Lott award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

David Pollack of Georgia, DeMeco Ryans of Alabama, Dante Hughes of Cal and Glenn Dorsey of LSU were the winners of the first four Lott Trophies.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated $450,000 to various charities, in addition to the universities.

Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® and Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches. The Watch List will be trimmed to eight semifinalists on Nov. 12 and the four finalists, who will all be flown into California for the banquet, will be announced Nov. 26.

The winner will be announced at a gala black-tie banquet at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach Dec. 14.  (Note: the banquet is sold out)

This year’s keynote speaker will be long-time college football announcer Keith Jackson.

The 20 Quarterfinalists:

Asher Allen, Jr., DB, Georgia

Eric Berry, So., DB, Tennessee

Aaron Curry, Sr., LB, Wake Forest

Brian Cushing, Sr., LB, USC

Zack Follett, Sr., LB, Cal

Mark Herzlich, Jr., LB, Boston College

George Hypolite, Sr., DT, Colorado

Jeremy Jarmon, Jr., DL, Kentucky

Malcolm Jenkins, Sr., DB, Ohio State

Jan Jorgensen, Jr., DE, BYU

James Laurinaitis, Sr., LB, Ohio State

Scott McKillop, Sr., LB, Pitt

Brit Miller, Sr., LB, Illinois

Eric Norwood, Jr., LB, South Carolina

Brian Orakpo, Sr., DE, Texas

Nick Reed, Sr., DE, Oregon

Myron Rolle, Jr., S, Florida State

George Selvie, Jr., DE, South Florida

Brandon Spikes, Jr., LB, Florida

Sean Weatherspoon, Jr., LB, Missouri

      The Longhorns have overwhelmed their foes and buried them in burnt orange and quarterback Colt McCoy has climbed to the top of the Heisman Trophy list.

      But don’t forget about the other side of the ball!  The Texas Longhorns do play defense.  Good old fashioned, knock-‘em-down defense led by a 6-4, 260-pound man-child named Brian Orakpo.

      Texas is, after all, ranked No. 1 in the Big-12 in scoring defense and No. 1 in rushing defense, yielding a miniscule 2.6 yards per attempt.

      Orakpo is in the middle of it all.  He leads the conference in sacks (with 8.5), tackles for losses (12) and forced fumbles (3).  He has made every mid-season All-American and is on all the defensive trophy watch lists, including The Lott Trophy®, which goes to the player who has the biggest IMPACT on his team both on and off the field.

      He is a fast, strong, hard-charging behemoth who has elevated his game by dedication and ethic. 

      “God has blessed him with a lot of ability but he has worked hard to enhance the ability he’s been blessed with,” says Texas Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp.  “I’m just real pleased with how he’s played, more than anything with how he’s led this year. He’s been a great leader by example, by the way he works every day on the practice field.”

      Twice this season, Orakpo has been named the Lott Trophy® Player of the Week.  Those accomplishments alone earned the University of Texas $2,000 to its general scholarship fund.

      The 22-year-old Orakpo has gotten better and better.  He had a string of five games where had at least two sacks in each of the contests.  He outplayed Oklahoma offensive tackle Phil Loadholt earlier in the season and the only thing to slow him was a twisted knee in the Texas Tech game. 

Texas Defensive End Coach Oscar Giles says, “His work ethic has been tremendous. He came in as a freshman at just about 200 pounds. Each year he’s progressed because he’s been in the weight room and because of his work ethic, and now, he’s close to 260 pounds and bench pressing over 500 pounds. He’s a tremendous example of someone who puts his mind and hard work together every day. He put it all together, and now you can see the results of it.”

Orakpo’s workouts in the weight room at Texas are legendary.  His bench press is now at 515 pounds and he can squat over 600 pounds.  “He’s one of the most unbelievable specimens I’ve ever seen,” said teammate Roy Miller, himself a 295-pounder.

“He’s a beast,” Texas cornerback Ryan Palmer said. “We always harass him about how big and strong he is. He’s a great player. He has a lot of speed and power that people don’t think that he has. He’s surprised a lot of tackles when he comes off the ball with his strength. I’m glad to have him on my team.”

Orakpo had a terrific junior season, despite missing four games with a knee injury.  He was at full strength by the Holiday Bowl where he recorded a pair of sacks, three tackles for loss and a quarterback pressure against Arizona State to win Defensive MVP honors.

An honor student at Texas, he is widely regarded as one of the rocks on the Longhorn squad. 

“Brian’s character is tremendous,” says his position coach Giles. “His family is from Nigeria and he has a brother and sister that he looks after. He does a great job of being a big brother to his little brother who’s in high school right now. He’s also been a tremendous big brother to a lot of his teammates. They really look up to him. He’s a guy I’m proud to be able to coach.”

Orakpo could well be one of the four finalists to be in Newport Beach for the fifth annual Lott Trophy® Awards Banquet Dec. 14.

For more information on The Lott Trophy®, go to Lotttrophy.com

Pete Donovan, Media Director

Plays4pars@aol.com

Miller had a sensational game against Wisconsin, recording 16 total tackles (13 solos), a sack and three passes broken up in a 27-17 loss. Illinois will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Miller’s performance.  Miller was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association.  Former Indiana Coach Bill Mallroy, a member of the Legends Coaches, said: “Miller was a one-man wrecking crew against the Badgers.  I have watched him develop into a real leader for their defense.  He’s such a hard-nosed player.  I now think he’s as good as J Leman was last year and he was one of the four Lott finalists.”  Miller, who is among the nation’s leaders in tackles for losses with 14, has already graduated from Illinois and has been selected to the American Football Coaches Assn. Good Works Team.

Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy® is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy® is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.  Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® in Newport Beach , Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy® in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia , Alabama , Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.

Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT® Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

Other players receiving consideration from the Legends Coaches this week were: Brian Orakpo of Texas , Geoirge Selvie of South Florida, Eric Berry of Tennessee and Brandon Spikes of Florida.

The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Players of the Week, 2008

Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA

Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida

Week IV – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Week V – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Week VI – Scott McKillop, LB, Pitt

Week VII - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Week VIII – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Week IX - Brit Miller, LB, Illinois

LOTT SHOTS:  Florida Linebacker Brandon Spikes posted 6 tackles as the Gators buried Kentucky 63-5…Boston College’s Mark Herzlich had 8 tackles (one sack) in a loss to North Carolina, 45-24…Aaron Curry of Wake Forest had 3 tackles for loss and a sack in a 16-10 loss to Miami…Brian Orakpo continued his dominating season with 2 tackles for losses, a sack and 2 quarterback hurries in Texas’ 28-24 victory over Oklahoma State…George Selvie of South Florida recorded 4 tackles for losses, 2 sacks in a 24-20 loss to Louisville…Missouri Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon had 5 tackles, 1 for a loss and a pass breakup in Tigers’ 58-0 shelling of Colorado…Ohio State Linebacker James Laurinaitis had a team high 12 tackles in the 13-6 loss to Penn State…USC’s Brian Cushing contributed 6 tackles as the Trojans held down Arizona, 17-10…Tennessee Safety Eric Berry had 11 tackles, a pass break up and also added 2 kick returns and even caught a pass on offense, but the Vols lost to Alabama, 29-9…Nebraska Defensive End Zack Potter had 5 tackles, 1 for a loss in a 32-20 win over Baylor…

    Berry (5-11, 195, Fairburn , Ga. ) had a career high 10 tackles, including one sack and his fifth interception of the season, returning it 72 yards for a touchdown, in the Volunteers’ 34-3 win over Mississippi State.  Berry now has 397 yards in interception return yards, breaking a 60-year Southeastern Conference record.  Tennessee will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Berry ‘s performance.  Berry was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association.  Former Georgia Coach Vince Dooley, a member of the Legends Coaches, said: “Eric Berry played a heck of a game against Mississippi State.  His 4th quarter interception that he ran back for a touchdown, not only broke the game open, but it so rattled the Mississippi State quarterback that he threw another interception for a touchdown three plays later.”

Tennessee Coach Philip Fulmer said: “When you put him ( Berry ) in the category of players here at other positions, he’s in the Peyton Manning or Jamal Lewis category.”

    Berry, who leads the country in interceptions, was also selected the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week.  Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.  Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® in Newport Beach , Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.  David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 200.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.  Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

Other players receiving consideration from the Legends Coaches this week were: Malcolm Jenkins of Ohio State , James Laurinaitis of Ohio State , Mark Herzlich of Boston College and Scott McKillop of Pitt.

The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Players of the Week, 2008

Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA

Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida

Week IV – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Week V – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Week VI – Scott McKillop, LB, Pitt

Week VII - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Week VIII – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

LOTT SHOTS: Ohio State ‘s tandem of Malcolm Jenkins and James Laurinaitis combined for 20 tackles in holding Michigan State to net 52 yards rushing as the Buckeyes improved to 6-1 by beating the Spartans, 45-7.  Jenkins had 9 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble that led to a touchdown Laurinaitis had a team-best 11 tackles, including 1.5 sacks…Wake Forest Linebacker Aaron Curry also had 11 tackles (one for loss), but the Deacons lost to Maryland, 26-0…Pittsburgh’s Scott McKillop had 9 tackles as the Panthers moved to 5-1 by beating Navy, 42-21…USC’s Brian Cushing forced a fumble in the Trojans’ dominating win over Washington State, 69-0…Nebraska’s Zack Potter and South Florida’s George Selvie both had sacks in their teams’ respective victories…Myron Rolle of Florida State led his team with 8 tackles (and a pass broken up) as the Seminoles improved to 5-1 with a 26-17 win over North Carolina State…Jan Jorgensen had 8 tackles and a sack, but BYU lost for the first time this season, 32-7, to TCU…Brian Orakpo of Texas was credited with 3 quarterback hurries as the No. 1-ranked Longhorns defeated Missouri, 56-31…Brit Miller of Illinois had 7 tackles and 2 quarterback hurries in a win over Indiana, 55-13….UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner had 7 tackles in the Bruins’ 23-20 win over Stanford.  Bo McNally of the Cardinal had his 2nd interception of the season in the loss…Boston College Linebacker Mark Herzlich had 10.5 tackles (1.5 TFL) to lead his team to victory over Virginia Tech, 28-23.

LOMBARDI SEMI-FINALISTS: Six players on the Lott Trophy Watch List are among the 12 players selected as semi-finalists for the Lombardi Trophy, given to the nation’s top defensive lineman or linebacker: Brian Cushing (USC), James Laurinaitis (Ohio State), Brian Orakpo (Texas), Brandon Spikes (Florida), Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri), Geroge Selvie (South Florida).

DID YOU KNOW?: 2004 Finalist Derrick Johnson of Texas, now a starting linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, was named the 2007 Role Model of the Year by the children of the greater Kansas City Boys & Girls Club. 

Oct. 15, 2008

      PITT STAR MORE THAN ANOTHER TOUGH GUY

      When it comes to football, Pittsburgh and toughness go together like the Packers and Lombardi, like Doug Flutie and The Hail Mary.

      The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Steel Curtain Defense conjurs up images of eyes-bulging, maniacal, meat-chewing behemoths charging in to smash quarterbacks.

      Mike Ditka, the NFL symbol for toughness, is from Pittsburgh.  Guys who played for Pitt were named Jumbo Jim Covert or Ironhead Heyward. 

Enter Scott McKillop, middle linebacker, University of Pittsburgh.  Two hundred and forty-pound tackling machine.  Tough?  On the field, you bet.  Off the field, he’s much more than that.

After all, do tough guys don a clown costume as a Pittsburgh Pirate summer intern and perform in between-innings races?  Does a tough guy read to students at elementary schools in the area or become an inspirational leader in Pittsburgh’s Walk Now for Autism?

Scott McKillop does.

McKillop, who has already earned one degree from Pitt and is working on another, was the leading tackler in the nation (with 151) last season and is having an even better season than he did a year ago when he was named to several All-American teams.

In his first five games of 2008, McKillop has been named the Big East Player of the Week three times and the Lott Trophy IMPACT® Player of the Week after a 12-solo tackle game against nationally-ranked South Florida.  Former Arkansas Coach Frank Broyles, a member of the Legends Coaches who vote on the Lott Award, said: “McKillop is a five-star athlete whose play disrupted South Florida ‘s offense.” 

Pitt is off to a 4-1 start and ranked No. 24 nationally by The Legends Football Coaches.

“He embodies the traditional lunch-pail, blue collar mindset that is synonymous with the Panthers defense,” wrote Brendan Prunty, who covers the Big East for the Newark Star-Ledger. 

For all the right reasons, McKillop is on the Watch List for the 2008 Lott Trophy, awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. 
      Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® in Newport Beach, Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
      David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.
      Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

From tough-town Pittsburgh, USA, comes the accolades for this unique football star:

“There is no student-athlete more deserving of this honor (the Lott Trophy) than Mr. McKillop,” said Victoria Berdnik of Lamar Advertising, part of the Walk Now For Autism walk. 

From Christine Sekroch of the Pirates, where he did his internship last summer: “I have never seen a student come in and make such an impact.  His work ethic, integrity and infectious personality will not be easily replaced.  He has set a standard on the field for future players and he has set a standard in our eyes for future intern candidates and employees.”

“On and off the field, Scott McKillop is the type of player and person you want on your football team,” says Pitt Coach Dave Wannstedt.  “He is a leader in everything he does, whether it be in the classroom, the huddle or community. Scott has been an All-America caliber player for us all year long and we are appreciative that The Lott Trophy and Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® are considering him for such a prestigious honor.”

Says Assistant Athletic Director and Media Relations Director E.J. Borghetti: “Campus-wide, Scott is held in the highest regard and not just within the athletic department.  He is a community hero in his hometown of Export (Pa.) and is regularly sought out for various functions because of his personal character in addition to his athletic prowess.”

But it is his toughness, intensity and preparation that makes him the leader of the Pitt defense.  Relentless in the weight room and the film room as he is on the practice field, McKillop sets a standard for a Panther team that is clearly on the rise.

TheLottTrophy.com

Pete Donovan, Media Contact
The Lott Trophy

Texas Star Orakpo Named Lott Player of the Week

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Texas Defensive End Brian Orakpo has been named the winner of The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Player of the Week presented by Wachovia.

Orakpo (6-4, 260, Houston) had two sacks, four tackles for losses and a forced fumble as Texas defeated the No. 1 team in the country, Oklahoma, 45-35.  Texas will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Orakpo’s performance.

        Orakpo was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association.  Former Texas A&M Coach R.C. Slocum, a member of the Legends Coaches, said:  “Orakpo had a dominating performance in a big time game against No. 1 Oklahoma.  He had an outstanding game against Arkansas a few weeks ago, but this week he surpassed that earlier performance with 4 tackles for losses, 2 sacks and a forced fumble against the No. 1 team in the country. His performance in such an important game was a real difference maker in my opinion. He was keeping (Oklahoma quarterback Sam) Bradford from getting any rhythm which slowed down the OU offense. His play had a major impact on the outcome of the game.”

Orakpo becomes the first player to win the award twice this season, having been named Lott Trophy IMPACT® Player of the Week two weeks ago. 

      Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy® is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy® is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. 

      Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® in Newport Beach, Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

      David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy® in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.

      Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT® Foundation Board of Advisers comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

      Other players receiving consideration from the Legends Coaches this week were: Malcolm Jenkins of Ohio State, Brandon Spikes of Florida, Aaron Curry of Wake Forest and James Laurinaitis of Ohio State.

The Lott Trophy® IMPACT Players of the Week, 2008

Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA

Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida

Week IV – Aaron Curry, Wake Forest

Week V – Brian Orakpo, Texas

Week VI – Scott McKillop, Pitt

Week VIII- - Brian Orakpo, Texas

LOTT SHOTS: Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins had an interception, a pass defense on fourth down, 4 solo tackles and a blocked punt that led to a touchdown in the Buckeyes’ 16-3 win over Purdue. Jenkins now has three interceptions on the season…Florida Linebacker Brandon Spikes intercepted two passes and returned one for a 52-yard touchdown as the Gators blasted LSU, 51-21…Wake Forest Linebacker Aaron Curry led his team in tackles with 9, including one for a loss, as the Deacon Demons limited Clemson to 198 total yards (on 58 plays) in a 12-7 win…Mitch King of Iowa had 3 tackles for losses in a 45-9 win over Indiana…Eric Berry of Tennessee had his fourth interception of the season in a 26-14 loss to Georgia.  Berry, who leads the nation in interceptions, returned the interception 54 yards…Asher Allen of Georgia had 3 tackles, one for a loss, and 2 pass breakups…Ohio State Linebacker James Laurinaitis continues his string of steady play, recording double digits in tackles (10) in 16-3 win over Purdue.  Laurinaitis also had two pass defenses…Bo McNally, Stanford safety, had 6 tackles (1.5 for losses) in win over Arizona…BYU’s Jan Jorgensen recovered a fumble as the Cougars ran their winning streak to 16, longest in the nation , by beating New Mexico, 21-3…Mizzou Safety William Moore led the Tigers in tackles with 10 (2 for losses) with a pass breakup and a forced fumble in loss to Oklahoma State…Nick Reed of Oregon recorded his 7th and 8th sacks of the season (he’s now second in the country) as the Ducks rolled over UCLA, 31-24.

LEADERS: Six former Lott Trophy® Watch List nominees lead their respective NFL teams in tackles:  Patrick Willis (49ers), Eric Weddle (Chargers), Chad Greenway (Vikings), Kirk Morrison (Raiders), D’Qwell Jackson (Browns) and Paul Posluszny (Bills). 

For further information on The Lott Trophy®, please visit our website at Lotttrophy.com. 

Jorgensen: A Cougar With Claws

There are two kinds of football fans in Utah.

Those who love and root for BYU.  And those who hate and root against BYU.  Fans of Utah and Utah State are always in the later group.

Think Alabama-Auburn, USC-UCLA.

So it was for Jan Jorgensen, growing up in a Utah State household that despised BYU.

Jorgensen’s father, Jeff, had played at Utah State and rooting against BYU was expected and natural.

Following a stellar four-year prep career at Carbon High School in Helper, Utah, Jorgensen, who had initially favored Utah but changed his mind when head coach Ron McBride was fired, signed with Kentucky early in 2003.

But during his two-year mission in Idaho, he re-considered and thoughts of playing in Provo for the powerful BYU Cougars became an option.

“My dad raised me to hate ‘em,” Jorgensen told Dick Harmon of the Deseret Morning News. “He played at Utah State and had a great dislike for BYU. I was actually scared to tell my family, and the funny thing is, when I told them BYU was an option, I’d already made up my mind that I’d go to BYU.”

Jeff Jorgensen’s reaction was expected: “My son cannot go to BYU. My son cannot go to BYU.”

Three years later, Jan Jorgensen is one of the stars on a very good BYU team, one that has BCS aspirations, and Jeff Jorgensen is now one of the teams’ biggest fans.

As well he should be since son Jan is showcasing his considerable skills as a pass rusher, run stopper and even as a kick blocker.

It was Jorgensen’s block of a PAT that would have tied the game in Week II against Washington that kept the Cougars undefeated.

For his contributions on and off the field, Jorgensen has been nominated for fifth annual The Lott Trophy.

Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.

Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Dante Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.

Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of retired NFL players and Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

Jorgensen sums up his approach to football – and life – thusly:

“Work ethic,” he says. “The person who works the hardest is the one who will do it on the field. Almost everyone is equal physically, but the edge comes in who will work the hardest to improve.”

BYU Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall is one who really appreciates the efforts of his 22-year-old junior defensive end:  “Jan epitomizes BYU defense.  He’s much more mature than the kids he’s lining up against, he’s quick and he’s strong and he’s successful because he’s so detail oriented.  His technique is tremendous,” Mendenhall told Sports Illustrated.

Mendenhall, Jorgensen and the rest of the Cougars (5-0) will not be satisfied with just a Mountain West Conference championship this time around.  “Our goals have to be higher than that,” says Jorgensen.

Please visit our website at Thelotttrophy.com for a complete watch list, updates on those players and the history of the award.

Pete Donovan
Media Director, The Lott Trophy
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com

Pitt’s McKillop Named Lott Player of the Week

    NEWPORT BEACH , Ca.—Pittsburgh Linebacker Scott McKillop has been named the winner of The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Player of the Week presented by Wachovia.  McKillop had 12 solo tackles, including 2 sacks (for 24 yards in losses), in Pitt’s 26-21 upset win over South Florida . McKillop now has 52 tackles on the season.  Pitt (4-1) will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of McKillop’s performance.  He was also named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week and the Big East Defensive Player of the Week for the third time this season and the fourth time in his career.

    McKillop was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association. Former Arkansas Coach Frank Broyles, an LFCA member, commented on McKillop’s play: “McKillop is a five-star athlete whose play disrupted South Florida ‘s offense.  He took them out of their game.”  Said former West Virginia Coach Don Nehlen, another LFCA member: “When they sent him up the middle, nobody could block him.”  McKillop (a 6-2, 240-pound senior from Export, Pa. ) has already graduated from Pitt, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree last April in business-marketing.  He is currently pursuing a second degree in administration of justice.  He led the nation in tackles per game last season with 12.5.

    Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year. Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.  Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® in Newport Beach , Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguish ed career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

    David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004. DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005,  Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007. Georgia , Alabama , Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds. In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.  Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT® Foundation Board of Advisers comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.  Other players receiving consideration from the Legends Coaches this week were Brit Mil ler of Illinois, Myron Rolle of Florida State, Brian Cushing of USC and Malcolm Jenkins of Ohio State

Lott Trophy IMPACT® Players of the Week presented by Wachovia

Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA
Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal
Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida
Week IV - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Week V - Brian Orakpo, Texas
Week VI – Scott McKillop, Pitt

LOTT SHOTS: Illinois Linebacker Brit Miller had 4 tackles for losses (giving him 11.5 for the season) plus 2 pass breakups and 5 other tackles in a convincing 45-20 win over Michigan…Oregon’s Nick Reed recorded his sixth sack of the season (against his form er high school teammate Mark Sanchez of USC) in 44-10 loss to the Trojans…Ohio State All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis had 10 more tackles as the Buckeyes defeated Wisconsin, 20-17…Linebacker Brian Cushing of USC had 6 tackles, 2 for losses, and a pass break up in Trojans’ 44-10 romp over the Ducks…Tyrone McKenzie had a game-high 15 tackles in South Florida’s loss to Pitt, 26-21…Malcolm Jenkins of Ohio State had an interception in the win over Wisconsin…Alterraun Verner, UCLA’s cornerback, had another interception, a forced fumble and a pass breakup in 28-3 win over Washington State…Florida State Safety Myron Rolle broke up 4 passes in the Seminoles’ wild 41-39 decision over Miami…Cal Linebacker Zack Follett had a vicious sack that led to a forced fumble in 24-14 Pac-10 victory over Arizona State.  Troy Nolan led the Sun Devils with 8 tackles…Missouri Linebcker Nick Weatherspoon led the Tigers in tackles with 7 in 52-17 pasting of Nebraska…Tennessee Sophomore Safety Eric Berry intercepted a pass and returned it 48 yards that led to a field goal in a 13-9 win over Northern Illinois…Boston College Mark Herzlich had 8 tackles in 38-31 win over North Carolina State…Florida Linebacker Brandon Spikes had 7 tackles, one for a loss and a pass breakup in 38-7 win over Arkansas…

SIDELINED: West Virginia Linebacker Reed Williams sat out the Mountaineers’ 24-17 win over Rutgers with a shoulder injury…South Florida Defensive End George Selvie did not start against Pitt, but played and had 2 tackles (one for loss).

GOOD WORKS: Illinois Linebacker Brit Miller was named to the American Football Coaches Assn. (AFCA) Good Works Team for student-athletes who are committed to community work and leadership.

SMART GUYS: Darryl Richard of Georgia Tech, Nick Reed or Oregon and Reed Williams of West Virginia have all been named semifinalists for the Draddy Award , the Academic Heisman, presented by the National Football Foundation.

Texas’ Orakpo Named Lott Player of the Week

Texas Defensive End Brian Orakpo has been named the winner of The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Player of the Week presented by Wachovia.  Orakpo had two sacks, a forced fumble, a quarterback hurry and another tackle behind the line of scrimmage as the Longhorns remained undefeated (4-0) with a 52-10 win over Arkansas .  Orakpo has six sacks on the season, second best in the nation. Texas will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Orakpo’s performance.

    Orakpo (6-4, 260, Houston ) was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association. Former Texas A&M Head Coach R.C. Slocum, an LFCA member, commented on Orakpo’s play: “Orakpo is a special player. He is very active and plays hard. The Arkansas offensive line won’t easily forget this guy after he forced a fumble, had two sacks and three tackles for losses.”  For the year, Orakpo, a senior, leads Texas in sacks (6), tackles for losses (8), forced fumbles (2) and quarterback hurries (9).  The Defensive Most Valuable Player in the Holiday Bowl after last season, he was on the Texas Athletic Director’s Honor Roll this past Spring.  Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year. Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.  Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® in Newport Beach , Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

  David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007. Georgia , Alabama , Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds. In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.  Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT® Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.  Other players receiving consideration from the Legends Coaches were Brandon Spikes of Florida, Nick Reed of Oregon , Jeremy Jarmon of Kentucky and James Laurinaitis of Ohio State .

The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Player of the Week, 2008
Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA
Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal
Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida
Week IV - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Week V - Brian Orakpo, Texas

LOTT SHOTS: Ohio State All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis had a game-high 12 tackles as the Buckeyes defeated previously unbeaten Minnesota, 34-21…Brian Cushing of USC had eight tackles, one for a loss, and a pass break up in Trojans’ loss to Oregon State, 27-21.  Cushing broke a bone in his hand in that game and will have to wear a cast…Oregon’s Nick Reed had his fifth sack of the season, recovered a fumble and was credited with two quarteback hurries in a 63-14 win over Washington State…Kentucky’s Jeremy Jarmon had a sack, another tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry as the Wildcats remained undefeated with a 41-3 victory over Western Kentucky…Linebacker Mark Herzlich of Boston College returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown in a 42-0 win over Rhode Island.  He also forced a fumble and had six tackles in the win…Courtney Greene of Rutgers had his sixth career interception—and first of this season—in 38-0 win over Morgan State…Aaron Curry of Wake Forest had 10 tackles, 2 for losses, but the Deacons lost for the first time this year, 24-17, to Navy…Alterraun Verner recorded 10 tackles for UCLA and Reggie Carter had nine, but the Bruins lost to Fresno State, 36-31…Wisconsin Linebacker Jonathan Casillas returned an interception 49 yards and had eight tackles in loss to Michigan, 27-25…Florida State’s Myron Rolle had six tackles in 39-21 win over Colorado…Asher Allen of Georgia recorded seven tackles in loss to Alabama, 41-30…Nebraksa’s Zack Potter had three tackles behind the line of scrimmage in 35-30 loss to Virginia Tech…Brit Miller of Illinois had eight tackles in loss to Penn State, 38-24…Florida Linebacker Brandon Spikes had a game best 13 tackles, but Gators lost to Mississippi, 31-30.

SIDELINED: South Florida’s George Selvie missed the Bulls’ 41-10 win over North Carolina State .  He was out with a foot injury.

Curry (6-3, 247, Fayetteville , NC ) had an interception (with a 22-yard return), a fumble recovery and a team-high 8 tackles in Wake Forest ‘s 12-3 win over Florida State .  Wake Forest will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Curry’s performance.  Curry was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association.  Former Virginia and Navy Head George Welsh, an LFCA member, commented on Curry’s performance: “Aaron Curry covered the entire field from his linebacker spot in Wake Forest ‘s win over Florida State .  Curry’s fumble recovery early snuffed out a Florida State drive, but his late-game interception allowed Wake to kick the field goal that put the game out of reach for Florida State . Wake has now beaten Florida State three straight years, the first time that has happened in the ACC, and they couldn’t have done it without Curry’s play last Saturday.”

Curry is a sociology major who plans on entering law school upon graduation.

Other players receiving consideration from the Legends Coaches this week were: Brian Orakpo of Texas , Brandon Spikes of Florida, James Laurinaitis of Ohio State and Scott McKillop of Pitt

Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.  Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® in Newport Beach , Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.  David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia , Alabama , Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.  Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT® Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Player of the Week, 2008
Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA
Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal
Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida
Week IV – Aaron Curry, Wake Forest

LOTT SHOTS: Florida Linebacker Brandon Spikes led the Gators with 10 tackles in a convincing 30-6 win over Tennessee…South Florida’s George Selvie added another sack and had two tackles for losses as the Bulls remained undefeated (4-0) with a 17-9 win over Florida International…Brian Orakpo of Texas had 2 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, 2 passes defended and a forced fumble as the Longhorns ran past Rice, 52-10…Seminole Safety Myron Rolle led his team in tackles with 9 in Florida State’s loss to Wake Forest…Kirston Pittman of LSU was credited with 4 quarterback hurries and 6 tackles in the win over Auburn, 26-21…Nick Reed of Oregon now has 4 sacks on the season…West Virginia’s Reed Williams had his second career interception in a 17-14 overtime loss to Colorado.  George Hypolite of the Buffalos had 2 quarterback hurries in that game…Pitt Linebacker Scott McKillop has 10 tackles, 2.5 for loss and a sack in 21-20 win over Iowa…Ohio State Linebacker James Laurinaitis led the Buckeyes with 12 tackles (1 sack) in a 28-10 win over Troy….Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri had 20 tackles (3 for losses) as the Tigers held Buffalo to just 49 rushing yards in 35 attempts in a 42-21 win…Missouri Safety William Moore missed his second game of the season with a foot injury

South Florida’s Selvie Named Lott Player of the Week

University of South Florida Defensive End George Selvie has been named the winner of The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Player of the Week presented by Wachovia.

      Selvie broke up three passes and recorded a sack while constantly harassing quarterback Todd Reesing of Kansas in the Bulls’ electrifying 37-34 win last week.  South Florida will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Selvie’s performance.

      Selvie (6-4, 242, Pensacola, Fl.), an All-American last season,  was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association.  Former Arkansas Head Coach Frank Broyles, an LFCA member, commented on Selvie’s play: “George Selvie was the player of the weekend. Selvie was playing out there on the edge and pressuring the quarterback all night long. He made big play after big play and South Florida probably wouldn’t have won that close game without his outstanding play.”

    Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. 
  Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® in Newport Beach, Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
  David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.
  Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT® Foundation Board of Advisers comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

    Other players receiving consideration from the Legends Coaches were Brit Miller of Illinois, Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri, Jan Jorgensen of BYU and Asher Allen of Georgia. 

The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Players of the Week, 2008

Week I – Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA

Week II – Zack Follett, LB, Cal

Week III – George Selvie, DE, South Florida

                          * * * * * * * * * *

For further information on The Lott Trophy, please visit our website at Lotttrophy.com. 

LOTT SHOTS: USC Linebacker Brian Cushing led a dominating defense in the No. 1-ranked Trojans’ 35-3 pasting of Ohio State.  Cushing led USC with 10 tackles…Jan Jorgensen of BYU had a big sack that forced a fumble early in the Cougars’ 59-0 rout of UCLA…Reggie Carter led the Bruins with 12.5 tackles…Brit Miller of Illinois recorded 13 tackles, including 3 tackles for losses, and he had a 27-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery as the Illini defeated Louisiana-Lafayette, 20-17…Tennessee’s Eric Berry came up with his second interception of the season in a 35-3 win over Alabama-Birmingham…Sean Weatherspoon continued his big season, coming up with a team-best 12 tackles, 2.5 for losses and a sack, in Missouri’s 69-17 romp over Nevada…Georgia’s Asher Allen had 6 tackles and a key fumble recovery in a 14-7 win over South Carolina…Zack Potter of Nebraska blocked a field goal on New Mexico State’s first drive and the Cornhuskers improved to 3-0 with a 38-7 win…

UNDEFEATED: 17 of the schools on the Lott Trophy Watch List are undefeated with 14 of the 17 being ranked in the Top 25 (Legends Coaches), including 7 of the Top 10 – USC (1), Georgia (3), Missouri (4), Florida (5), LSU (6), Texas (7) and Wisconsin (9).  Only Oklahoma (2), Alabama (8) and Penn State (10) do not have players on the Watch List. 

NFL Update: 7 of 12 Lott Trophy finalists in the first four years of the award are currently listed as starters in the NFL.  A 13th finalist, James Laurinaitis of Ohio State, has returned to school for his senior season.  Here are the 7 starters.

      Derrick Johnson, LB, Kansas City (‘04 finalist)

      DeMeco Ryans, LB, Houston (‘05 winner)

      A.J. Hawk, LB, Green Bay (‘05 finalist)

      Darryl Tapp, DE, Seattle (‘05 finalist)

      Paul Posluszny, LB, Buffalo (‘06 finalist)

      Glenn Dorsey, DT, Kansas City (‘07 winner)

      Chris Long, DE, St. Louis (‘07 finalist)

Three other Lott finalists are also in the league – Jim Leonhard (Reserve safety, Baltimore, ‘04 finalist),  Dante Hughes (Reserve cornerback, Indianapolis, ‘06 winner) and Quinn Pitcock (Injured reserve, Indianapolis, ‘06 finalist).  The other two – David Pollack (winner, ‘04) and J Leman (finalist, ‘07) are out of football. 

Kentucky’s Jarmon: A Star on Many Stages

      Deacon Jones or James Earl Jones?

      To sack or to speak?

      That is the question for Jeremy Jarmon of Kentucky.

      A 6-3, 285-pound junior, Jarmon is a Man for All Seasons.  In the fall, he is the starting defensive end for the school’s football team.  In the spring, he is the star actor for UK’s Theater program.

      On the football field, he has matured into one of the finest pass rushers in the Southeastern Conference, recording his 14th career sack last week in a 38-3 win over Norfolk State.  The sack was the specialty of NFL Hall of Famer Deacon Jones.

      And on the stage, he has gotten rave reviews for his starring role in last April’s school production of Weak/Side/Help, a world premiere play about a major college football program embroiled in drug and racial controversy.

      Jarmon is no novice to the stage.  He had the starring role (the Jack Nicholson part) in “A Few Good Men” at his high school in Tennessee.  During last season’s game against LSU, CBS showed a spot with Jarmon reciting the famous line from Col. Nathan Jessup: “You can’t handle the truth.”

      The chairwoman of UK’s theater arts department, Nancy Johnson, and the playwright, Andrew Shafer (in Los Angeles), saw the spot and began to recruit Jarmon for the play.

      “I wanted to do it,” Jarmon told the Louisville Courier-Journal.  “It’s controversial and I knew it would create a lot of buzz because of how timely it was.”

      Director Richard St. Peter was among those praising Jarmon’s work: “His voice reminds me of James Earl Jones,” said St. Peter.  “I could see him playing Othello for the rest of his life.  Because he’s from an athletic background, he brings a lot of discipline to his work.”

      Even Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks joined in after he saw the play:  “He has a booming presence, a real natural gift.  I appreciate the talent of young men on my team who have the ability to do more than just play football, whether it’s the academic side, the community service side or playing two sports.”

          On the field, Brooks also singles out his star defender:  “He’s a force.  He’s like those guys at LSU (including last year’s Lott Trophy winner Glenn Dorsey).  He’s the real deal.”

    Jarmon’s multiple talents have landed him on the Watch List for the fifth annual Lott Trophy. Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  It is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.

Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

Jarmon is also serious about his classwork.  “I know all of my teachers very well,” he says.  “Especially my political science ones.  It’s my responsibility to be there, sitting in the first or second row every day, taking care of business.”

      It’s not enough that this young man has already shown a remarkable aptitude in two professions, he’s got his eye on other options.  He’s a political science major who hasn’t ruled out law school or applying to Kentucky’s prestigious Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce.  Maybe the CIA or the FBI?

Perhaps he’ll forego Deacon Jones and James Earl Jones and opt for Agent Jones.

                      * * * * * * * * * * *

The winner of The Lott Trophy will be announced at a gala black-tie banquet at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Ca. on December 14th, 2008.

For further information on The Lott Trophy, please visit our website at http://www.Lotttrophy.com

Cal’s Follett Named Lott Player of the Week

    Cal Linebacker Zack Follett has been named the winner of The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Player of the Week presented by Wachovia.

    Follett scored on a 65-yard return of a blocked field goal, had a sack and another tackle for loss in Cal’s 66-3 win over Washington State. 
    Cal will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Follett’s performance.

    Follett (6-1, 238, Clovis, Ca.) was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association.  Former Washington Head Coach Don James, an LFCA member, commented on Follett’s play: “Follett’s run back of the blocked field goal came early in the second quarter with the Cougars down only 21-3 and attempting to cut the lead to 15 points.  His touchdown put the game out of reach for Washington State and allowed Cal to cruise to an easy victory.”

    Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. 
  Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® in Newport Beach, Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
  David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.
  Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT® Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

    Other players receiving consideration from the Legends Coaches were Brit Miller of Illinois, Jan Jorgensen of BYU, Darryl Richard of Georgia Tech and James Laurinaitis of Ohio State. 

                          * * * * * * * * * *

For further information on The Lott Trophy, please visit our website at Lotttrophy.com. 

LOTT SHOTS: Ohio State’s two nominees for The Lott Trophy, James Laurinaitis, a finalist last year, and Malcolm Jenkins, each had an interception in the Buckeyes’ 26-14 win over Ohio…BYU’s Jan Jorgensen blocked the last-second extra point that would have put the game into overtime as the Cougars defeated Washington, 28-27…South Carolina’s Eric Norwood had 10 tackles (with one sack) in a loss to Vanderbilt, 24-17…Pitt Linebacker Scott McKillop had 15 tackles to lead the Panthers past Buffalo, 27-16…Brandon Spikes paced Florida with 11 tackles (1.5 for losses) in a convincing 26-3 win over Miami…Illinois Linebacker Brit Miller had a big game against Eastern Illinois, recording a game high 11 tackles, forcing a fumble, getting a sack and coming up with an interception. The Illini prevailed, 47-21…Georgia Tech’s Darryl Richrd recorded three tackles for losses in win over Boston College, 19-16.  He also had a fumble recovery…BC Linebacker Mark Herzlich had 13 tackles in the loss…Jeremy Jarmon of Kentucky had 2.5 tackles for losses, including one sack, as the Wildcats held Norfolk State to 164 yards in total offense, winning the game 38-3…Zack Potter of Nebraska had a pass interception for the Huskers in a 35-12 win over San Jose State…Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri returned an interception for a touchdown in the second straight game of the season.  He returned this one 67 yards.  He also contributed a sack and a fumble recovery in a 52-3 win over Southeastern Missouri…Nick Reed of Oregon had a sack in a 66-24 win over Utah State and Mitch King of Iowa had one in a 42-0 whitewashing of Florida International…Brian Orakpo of Texas had 1 ½ sacks in a win over UTEP…South Florida’s Tyrone McKenzie had two tackles for losses in an overtime win against Central Florida. 

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Verner Named First Lott IMPACT® Player of the Week

    UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner has been named the first winner of The Lott Trophy IMPACT® Player of the Week presented by Wachovia.
    Verner had an interception and was a key force in a Bruin defense that helped UCLA to a 27-24 upset win over Tennessee Monday night.
    UCLA will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Verner’s performance.

    Verner was selected by The Legends Football Coaches Association.  Former USC Head Coach John Robinson, an LFCA member who broadcast the Tennessee-UCLA game on radio on Monday, commented on Verner’s play.

    “Verner made play after play in helping UCLA get this big upset.  In the coverage scheme UCLA was employing, Verner was left alone covering one-on-one the entire game.  Despite this challenging responsibility he made a number of critical tackles that gave UCLA the victory.”

    Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy® is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy® is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. 
  Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® in Newport Beach, Ca., the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
  David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy® in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including scholarships for the four universities.
  Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT® Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of many retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

LOTT SHOTS:

Missouri Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon had two interceptions (one returned for a 35-yard touchdown) to help the Tigers defeat Illinois, 52-42…
Georgia tackle Jeff Owens is out for the season after suffering a knee injury in the Bulldogs’ opener against Georgia Southern…
Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes sat out the Gators’ opening game against Hawaii, but is expected back this week against Miami…
Among those on the Watch List who also had interceptions the first week were Eric Berry of Tennessee, Bo McNally of Stanford (for a 34-yard touchdown) and Mark Herzlich of Boston College…Safety William Moore of Missouri and Linebacker Brit Miller of Illinois each had a dozen tackles…Linebacker Aaron Curry of Wake Forest led his team with 7 tackles (including 1.5 for losses) in a 41-13 win over Baylor…Safety Taylor Mays of USC had six tackles (1.5 for losses) and broke up a pass in the Trojans’ 52-7 pounding of Virginia…2007 Lott Trophy® finalist J Leman of Illinois was among those cut by NFL teams.  Leman had signed with Minnesota as a free agent.

NEW YORK, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/—Sporting News announced today an exclusive partnership with the Legends Football Coaches Association, a member organization of 21 former Division 1 college football coaches. This elite association includes former coaches Frank Broyles (Arkansas), Terry Donahue (UCLA), Vince Dooley (Georgia), Pat Dye (Auburn), Don James (Washington), Gene Stallings (Alabama) and John Robinson (USC). Sporting News will be the exclusive media partner of the Legends Poll, an in-season weekly ranking of Division 1 football teams determined by association members.

The Legends Football Coaches Association, formerly Master Coaches, developed the poll in 2005. Association members collectively have over 400 years of Division 1 head coaching experience and have amassed over 3,300 wins.

Frank Broyles, former head coach and athletic director at University of Arkansas, noted, “The Legends Poll is far more credible than the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) poll. Member coaches watch game DVDs each week and get together via conference call to review previous and upcoming games. We vote for the top 25 teams based on personal observations of the games and the knowledge shared on our call.”

Beginning September 15th the Legends Poll will be announced weekly in Sporting News Today, the country’s first daily digital sports newspaper, online in SportingNews.com and debated further on Sporting News Radio. Association members will also contribute regularly to Sporting News Today and Sporting News Radio. “Radio is all about great storytelling, and we can’t think of a more fascinating, better-informed group,” said Clancy Woods, President of Sporting News Radio. “Having the Legends Coaches as regular contributors to Sporting News Radio elevates the quality of our content, and underscores the unique way we connect with fans.”

Sporting News’ Editor-in-Chief Jeff D’Alessio added, “The Legends Poll provides a valuable perspective for our readers and listeners. We like the idea of being able to complement our thorough coverage of college football with the observations and opinions of these legendary, iconic coaches.”

About Sporting News:

Sporting News, a division of American City Business Journals, Inc., is a multi-media sports company catering to passionate sports fans. Its content is available through a weekly publication, Sporting News magazine; a daily digital newspaper, Sporting News Today; a national radio network, Sporting News Radio; and a leading community-based website, SportingNews.com . Sporting News also is a leading publisher of sports yearbooks, and is engaged in various wireless and iTV initiatives. Founded in 1886, Sporting News is the nation’s first weekly sports publication.

Legends Football Coaches Association Members
 
Frank BroylesArkansas
Lloyd Carr*  Michigan
John Cooper Ohio St., Arizona St.
Fisher DeBerry   Air Force
Terry DonahueUCLA
Vince Dooley Georgia
Pat Dye Auburn
LaVell Edwards   BYU
Hayden Fry*  Iowa
Don JamesWashington
Frank Kush   Arizona State
Dick MacPherson Syracuse
Bill Mallory Indiana, Colorado
Don Nehlen   West Virginia
Tom Osborne* Nebraska
John Ralston Stanford, Utah State
John RobinsonUSC
R.C. Slocum Texas A&M
Bill Snyder Kansas State
Gene Stallings   Alabama
George Welsh Virginia
 
*Non-Voting Members
 
 
Contact: Stuart Marvin 212-500-0681
smarvin@sportingnews.com
SOURCE Sporting News

08 12 2008

Lott Profiles, 2008

CUSHING SET FOR STELLAR SENIOR SEASON

He arrived on the University of Southern California campus from Park Ridge, New Jersey in 2005, eager and anxious for the challenge of becoming a part of one of college football’s fabled programs.

And, almost from the first day, Brian Cushing and USC football seemed to go together like scarlet and gold.  He was an immediate Trojan, exhibiting power, speed and tenacity on the field, class and determination off it.  He understood what it meant to be a USC linebacker.  “I wanted to play for the best team,” he said at the time he enrolled. (Cushing was recruited by most major universities in the country, including Florida, Notre Dame and Miami).

Now, as he readies for his senior and final season, Cushing is healthy and prepared for what should be a banner year.  Big (6-4, 255), smart and experienced, Cushing will be an outside linebacker as USC gears up for another run at a national championship.

In high school at Bergen Catholic, Cushing had 120 tackles his senior year and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in the county.  In the classroom, he had a 3.4 grade point average and scored 1,010 on the SAT. He was ready for the next step.

A shoulder injury slowed him as a freshman in ‘05, but he still started the final four games, including the national championship game against Texas.  A year later, he was asked to play defensive end and he led USC in tackles for losses with 13.5.  He was named the most valuable defensive player in the Rose Bowl and was awarded the John McKay Award for the Trojan with the most competitive spirit.

Injuries and a position switch to defensive end his sophomore season have kept Cushing from attaining his ultimate goal at USC:  “I just want to be the best linebacker I can be.  I want to be able to come out and perform as best as I can and up my level of play.”
Once again in ‘07, Cushing missed playing time as he sprained an ankle in the opening game of the season.  He had arthroscopic surgery on the ankle this past spring and is ready to go for his senior campaign. 

“I think overall coming into this program and knowing that one day I wanted to be a leader on this team was very important to me,” he said at Pac-10 media day in July. “I learned from the older guys, understanding what the program is about and the philosophy of coach (Pete) Carroll. Hopefully I can give the same competitive leadership to the younger guys and lead this team through the season.”

Cushing, a Playboy pre-season All-American selection, has been nominated for The Lott Trophy® for the second straight season.  He’s also on the watch list for the Bednarik Award and the Nagurski Award.  Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy® is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  The Lott Trophy® is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. 

Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy® in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.

Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT® Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of retired NFL players and Master Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches. 

For further information on The Lott Trophy®, please visit our website at http://www.lotttrophy.com

Pete Donovan

Media Director

The Lott Trophy®

760/360-0414    

Plays4pars@aol.com

Kansas Rises on Shoulders – or Brains – of Defensive Ends

Kansas football, not too long ago, was a footnote on Saturday afternoons in the fall.  On the Lawrence campus, the gridiron boys were an afterthought to the knights of the hardwood. 

And while KU basketball flourished last season—all the way to a national championship—the football program is now able to climb the same podium and receive its own plaudits.

And part of that success goes to the Jayhawks’ standout bookend defensive ends – John Larson and Russell Brorsen.  And bookends is the appropriate adjective for these two since both are as skilled academically as they are athletically. 

“A big, big factor that has to be recognized is we have a smart group of kids,” says KU Coach Mark Mangino. 

Upstart Kansas went 12-1 last season and defeated Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.  The Jayhawks were ranked No. 7 in the country, their highest ranking in 39 years.  They were one of the great stories of 2007 on any sport lands cape.

Larson and Brorsen are smart, but undersized.  They both play at about 240-250 pounds.&nbs p; That’s the same weight some linebackers carry.  But they are active, pursue well and just don’t make mistakes.

“We’ve had players in the past who couldn’t take it from the classroom to the field or from the field to the game,” says Kansas defensive coordinator Bill Young. “This team can.  (Larson and Brorsen) are about as intelligent defensive linemen as you could ask for.”

“We’re part of a defense that is very assignment sound,” says Larson.
    For their contributions on the field and their excellence in the classroom, Larson and Brorsen have both been nominated for The Lott Trophy®. 

Named after Hall of Fa mer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy® is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.  The Lott Trophy® is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. 

Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

David Pollack of Georgia won the initial Lott Trophy® in 2004.  DeMeco Ryans of Alabama won the award in 2005 Daymeion Hughes of Cal was the recipient in 2006 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU in 2007.  Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds.  In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® has donated more than $450,000 to various charities, including the four universities.

Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation®, The IMPACT® Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of retired NFL players and Master Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

Larson and Brorsen were both academic All-Americans last year.  Brorsen earning first team honors with a 3.96 grade point average in chemistry.  He plans on entering dental school upon completing his graduate work.  Larson, with a 3.69 GPA in economics, was named second-team AA.  He plans on attending medical school. 

And make no mistake, they are far from underachievers on the Kansas defense.  Brorsen had 36 tackles last season and Larson had 43, including 12 for losses along with two interceptions and three forced fumbles. 

It’s likely their future is not on the playing fields of the NFL, though.

“He’ll (Brorsen) cure some disease or invent the ever-burning light bulb at some point in his professional career,” says line coach Bob Clements.  “He’s a very talented individual.

“He’s also as tough a football player as I’ve ever been around.  On the field, off the field, I don’t have to worry about him.  You can tell him about something he can work on and he’s gong to work on it.”

    Following their Cinderella success of a year ago, the bookend defensive ends are ready for their final chapter at Kansas.
    “I think there’s been an effort to make sure everyone stays grounded,” says Brorsen.  “I’m just looking forward to playing that first game.  See if we can win some games again, get on a roll again.”
    Mr. Brorsen and Mr. Larson are already on a roll.  In life.

Pete Donovan
Media Director, The Lott Trophy®
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com

The Mini-Biography of George Selvie (So Far)
      Name: George Selvie

      School: University of South Florida

      Occupation: Quarterback-Seeking Defensive End

      At age 1, George is nearly killed when a car falls on him.  He still has a scar extending up from the left side of his forehead.

      As a high school freshman, he walks into the coaches o