May 8, 2001
HOUSTON, Texas -- The Executive Committee of the 2001 Rotary Lombardi Award has released its Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List comprised of 52 preliminary candidates for the 32nd Rotary Lombardi Award. This year's award winner will be announced on December 5th in Houston.
The Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List is comprised of returning Division I college football players who meet the basic position requirements for the Award and who have earned either All American or first-team All Conference recognition in a previous season. All-Conference designations were limited to those voted upon by the coaches of each conference. Eligibility for the Rotary Lombardi Award is limited to down linemen and those defenders who line up within five yards of the football.
Among the players included on the list are a pair of linemen (defensive end Alex Brown of Florida and defensive tackle Wendell Bryant of Wisconsin) who were semifinalists for the 2000 Rotary Lombardi Award. Defending National Champions Oklahoma is represented by linebacker Rocky Calmus while 2000 Outland Trophy winner John Henderson is also on the list. A total of 44 schools are represented, with the University of Miami leading the way with three players (offensive linemen Joaquin Gonzalez and Bryant McKinnie and tight end Jeremy Schokey).
This initial grouping acknowledges those players who are returning for the 2001 football season with underclass recognition as an All American or All Conference player. However, any Division I player who meets the position requirements is eligible for consideration from the Rotary Lombardi Selection Committee, which is comprised of nearly 300 members, including all Division I head coaches, former winners, sportswriters and broadcasters. The Rotary Lombardi Watch List, intended as a reference tool for the Selection Committee, will be periodically updated and revised through the conclusion of the voting to determine the 12 Semifinalists for the 2001 honor.
"We are pleased to issue this Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List and recognize this fine collection of college linemen that have already been honored by being named to an All American team or All Conference team as underclassmen," stated Marc K. Rieke, Chairman of the Executive Committee. "We also recognize that there are some quality candidates, omitted from this list, who intend to make their presence known at the beginning of the 2001 football season. Our ultimate goal is to identify and honor the outstanding college lineman that best exemplifies the traditions of discipline and excellence for which Vince Lombardi was renowned."
Now in its 32nd year of honoring the top lineman in Division I football, the Rotary Lombardi Award Dinner has raised over $2.5 million for The American Cancer Society since it was first held in 1970. Table sales for the 2001 Lombardi Award Dinner are currently underway. For more information about participating in, or supporting the 2001 Dinner as a sponsor, please call the Rotary Office (713) 973-9936 or visit www.rotarylombardiaward.com.
2001 ROTARY LOMBARDI WATCH LIST
(prelimimary list as of 5/7/01)
Last Name First Name POS School
Afariogun Mobolaji TE Western Michigan
Allsbury Anthony LB Western Michigan
Arnold Andre DE Memphis
Beck Wil DL Idaho
Briggs Lance LB Arizona
Brown Alex DE Florida
Bryant Wendell DT Wisconsin
Busta Jesse LB Utah State
Calmus Rocky LB Oklahoma
Edwards Kalimba LB South Carolina
Ena Justin LB BYU
Fe'esago Chris OL San Jose State
Fisher Levar LB North Carolina St.
Foote Larry LB Michigan
Freeney Dwight DT Syracuse
Gathers Greg DL Georgia Tech
Ghent Ronnie TE Louisville
Gibson Chris OL Oregon State
Gonzalez Joaquin OL Miami
Griffin Pernell LB East Carolina
Gurode Andre OL Colorado
Haggan Mario LB Mississippi State
Harper Alan DL Fresno State
Henderson John DT Tennessee
Johnson Brian DE New Mexico
Johnson Garry T Arkansas State
Kassell Brad LB North Texas
Kaufusi Doug OL Utah
Knight Bryan DT Pittsburgh
McKinney Seth OL Texas A&M
McKinnie Bryant OL Miami
Metcalf Terrence OL Mississippi
Ochoa Jose TE Colorado State
Palepoi Anton DE UNLV
Pearson Mike OL Florida
Peppers Julius DE North Carolina
Peters Scott OL Arizona State
Pugh David DT Virginia Tech
Putnam Nate DE Utah State
Schokey Jeremy TE Miami
Simmons Kendall OL Auburn
Smith Clifton LB Syracuse
Smith Derek TE Kentucky
Stevens Jerramy TE Washington
Stratton Tim TE Purdue
Sykes Jashon LB Colorado
Taylor Ben LB Virginia Tech
Thornhill Josh LB Michigan State
Tripplett Larry DT Washington
Williams Larry LB Northern Illinois
Wistrom Tracey TE Nebraska
Yates Max LB Marshall
Young Kyle C Clemson