News

HUGHES NAMED WINNER OF LOTT TROPHY

2009-12-14T07:16:59-08:00

Dec. 13, 2009

HUGHES NAMED WINNER OF LOTT TROPHY

Newport Beach, Ca. – Jerry Hughes of TCU has been named the winner of the sixth annual Lott Trophy at a gala banquet Sunday night at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California.

Hughes is a senior Defensive End from Sugar Land, Texas and has been the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year each of the past two seasons. He led the undefeated Horned Frogs in sacks (11.5) and tackles for losses (15) this season.
Hughes was named the winner of the Hendricks Award earlier this week as the top defensive end in college football.
TCU will receive $25,000 for its general scholarship fund for Hughes’ accomplishment.
The other three finalists were Eric Berry of Tennessee, Rolando McClain of Alabama and Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska.

The award is sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation.

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 sixth 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, the award is given to the player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Hughes has been very involved in charity outreach programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and was honored with a Local Hero award earlier this season. He will graduate on time from TCU in the spring after carrying 18 units this past semester.

TCU will play Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl Jan. 5 in Phoenix.

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

2009 – Jerry Hughes, TCU

In six years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $750,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

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

Named after Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. Founded in 2004 by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, The Lott Trophy is the first and only college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. The Lott Trophy is given to the 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 the Legends Coaches which is a distinguished group of former college football head coaches. The sixth annual Lott Trophy dinner will be held December 13th at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California. For more information on The Lott Trophy visit: http://www.LottTrophy.com.

LOTT FINALISTS FINISHING WITH A FLURRY

2009-12-09T17:44:26-08:00

With the 2009 regular season having come to a finish and the bowl games next on the horizon, the four finalists for the sixth annual Lott Trophy have been making headlines across the country:

All four finalists were selected to the American Football Coaches Assn. All-American team.

Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska had a spectacular and memorable day against Texas in the Big 12 championship game. Although the Cornhuskers lost, 13-12, Suh was the dominant player on the field, recording 4.5 sacks, 6 tackles for losses and 12 total tackles (all career highs). Texas quarterback Colt McCoy had never been sacked 4.5 times in any game by an entire team prior to Suh’s relentless attack. He also had seven tackles for loss and two others for no gain, meaning he had a total of nine tackles for a loss or no gain. Said long-time ABC announcer Brent Musburger: “It was the greatest single defensive performance I have ever seen.”

Suh has been chosen the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He is a finalist for five other national awards in addition to the Lott Trophy.

Rolando McClain of Alabama was the driving force for the Crimson Tide defense in defeating Florida, 32-13, in the SEC Championship and the right to play for the national championship. McClain was credited with three quarterback hurries, five tackles and a pass breakup. For the season, he leads Alabama with 96 tackles and 12 tackles for losses and has added 11 quarterback hurries and two interceptions.

Jerry Hughes of TCU was selected the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Eric Berry of Tennessee was the only player to repeat on the AFCA All-American team. In three years at Tennessee, the junior safety has recorded 241 tackles and intercepted 14 passes, returning them for 494 yards.

Should McClain or Berry be chosen SEC Defensive Player of the Year, they would follow a list of Lott Trophy candidates who have won the award. David Pollack of Georgia was the Player of the Year in ’04 and went on to win the inaugural Lott Trophy. DeMeco Ryans of Alabama repeated with both awards in ’05 and Glenn Dorsey of LSU did the same in ’07. Berry won the SEC award last year when he was a Lott Trophy semi-finalist.

Where they’re going:

Alabama will play in the National Championship game against Texas on Jan. 7.

TCU will play Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl Jan. 5.

Nebraska will play Arizona in the San Diego Holiday Bowl Dec. 30.

Tennessee will play Virginia Tech in the Chick Fil-a Bowl Dec. 31.

Pete Donovan
The Lott Trophy
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com
Thelotttrophy.com

ALABAMA’S McCLAIN NAMED LOTT PLAYER OF WEEK

2009-12-01T19:39:40-08:00

ALABAMA’S McCLAIN NAMED LOTT PLAYER OF WEEK

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Alabama Linebacker Rolando McClain has been named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week for the second time this season.

McClain, a junior from Decatur, Georgia, led the Crimson Tide with 12 tackles in the 26-21 win over Auburn last Friday.

McClain, a Lott Trophy finalist, leads Alabama with 96 tackles on the season. He has 12 tackles for losses, four sacks, 11 quarterback hurries and two interceptions.

Alabama will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of McClain’s achievement.

“In my opinion McClain is the best defensive player in the country,” said former Auburn Coach Pat Dye, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “All you have to do is look at what he did against Auburn in a very tight game. He had a huge sack in the closing minutes, and then bats down the Auburn Hail Mary pass in the end zone on the final play to preserve Alabama’s win.”

McClain was also selected the SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska, Eric Berry of Tennessee and Jerry Hughes of TCU.

2009 Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week

Week 1 – Mike Nixon, Arizona State

Week 2 – Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Week 3 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 4 – Pat Angerer, Iowa

Week 5 – Taylor Mays, USC

Week 6 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Week 7 – Rolando McClain, Alabama

Week 8 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Week 9 – Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Week 10 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 11 – Jerry Hughes, TCU

Week 12 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska.

Week 13 – Rolando McClain, Alabama

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

LOTT TROPHY NAMES FOUR FINALISTS

2009-11-29T01:47:43-08:00

For Release Nov. 28, 2009

LOTT TROPHY NAMES FOUR FINALISTS

Newport Beach, Ca. – The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has announced the four finalists for the 2009 Lott Trophy.

They are Safety Eric Berry of Tennessee, Defensive End Jerry Hughes of TCU, Linebacker Rolando McClain of Alabama and Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska.

The sixth annual Lott Trophy Banquet will be held Dec. 13 at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Ca. where the winner will be announced. All four finalists will be in attendance at the banquet where the keynote speaker will be Peter Ueberroth.

The four finalists have been highly recommended for their off-field endeavors as well as their accomplishments on the field.

Berry is a junior from Fairburn, Georgia who was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and is widely considered the best defensive back in the country. He was twice selected the Lott Player of the Week this season.

Hughes is a senior from Sugar Land, Texas who was converted from a high school running back to defense as a freshman. Hughes was the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year last season when he led the country in sacks with 15. This year, in addition to his continued stellar play on the field, he has been honored as a local hero for his community involvement in the Fort Worth area.

McClain is a junior from Decatur, Georgia who is the driving force on an Alabama defense that has been superb in leading the Crimson Tide to an undefeated (12-0) season.

Suh is a 300-pound senior from Portland, Oregon who has been the dominant defensive player in the country, credited with 22 quarterback hurries and 16 tackles for losses. He’s been named a Lott Player of the Week a record three times this season.

It is the first time Tennessee, TCU and Nebraska have had a finalist for the Lott Trophy. Alabama’s DeMeco Ryans won the award in 2005.

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Pete Donovan
The Lott Trophy
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com
Thelotttrophy.com

NEBRASKA’S NDAMUKONG SUH NAMED LOTT PLAYER OF WEEK FOR THIRD TIME

2009-11-24T03:37:23-08:00

NEBRASKA’S NDAMUKONG SUH NAMED LOTT PLAYER OF WEEK FOR THIRD TIME

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Nebraska Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh has been named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week for the third time this season. Suh is the only player to win the award three times in a year.

Suh, a 6-4, 300-pound senior from Portland, Oregon had nine tackles, two for losses (including 1.5 sacks), two pass break ups and a quarterback hurry in Nebraska’s 17-3 win over Kansas State that clinched the Big 12 North for the Cornhuskers.

Suh, a Lott Trophy semi-finalist, leads Nebraska with 65 tackles, 15 tackles for losses, 20 quarterback hurries. 10 pass breakups and three blocked kicks.

Nebraska will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Suh’s achievement.

“Not much more can be said about Ndamukong Suh after the season he’s had,” said former Arkansas Coach Frank Broyles, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “He is so dominant that opponents have to double or triple team him to stop him, making him the most valuable defensive player on Nebraska.”

Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Rolando McClain of Alabama, Eric Berry of Tennessee, Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma and Jerry Hughes of TCU.

2009 Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week

1 – Mike Nixon, Arizona State

Week 2 – Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Week 3 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 4 – Pat Angerer, Iowa

Week 5 – Taylor Mays, USC

Week 6 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Week 7 – Rolando McClain, Alabama

Week 8 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Week 9 – Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Week 10 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 11 – Jerry Hughes, TCU

Week 12 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska.

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

PETER UEBERROTH TO BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT ANNUAL LOTT TROPHY BANQUET

2009-11-20T03:33:44-08:00

PETER UEBERROTH TO BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT ANNUAL LOTT TROPHY BANQUET

(For release as desired, Nov. 19, 2009)

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Peter Ueberroth, one of the most distinguished figures in American sports over the past 25 years, will be the keynote speaker at the 6th annual Lott Trophy Banquet Dec. 13.

Ueberroth served as the chairman of the Los Angeles Olympic Committee that ran the successful 1984 Olympic Games. He was named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year.

Ueberroth then was elected commissioner of Major League baseball and was in that position for five years. During that span, baseball enjoyed huge growth and franchises recognized record profits.

“Peter Ueberroth follows an impressive list of keynote speakers we have been fortunate to have over the years,” said John Hamilton, Chairman of the Pacific Club’s IMPACT Foundation, sponsors of The Lott Trophy. “Mr. Ueberroth is highly respected in the sports world and will, I’m sure, have a powerful and positive message for our finalists and our audience.”

Previous keynote speakers at the Lott Banquet have been Bill Walsh, John Robinson, Jack Kemp, Frank Gifford, Merlin Olsen and Keith Jackson.

The Banquet, which honors the four finalists for the Lott Trophy and announces the winner, will be held at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach.

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Pete Donovan
The Lott Trophy
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com
Thelotttrophy.com

TCU’S JERRY HUGHES NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

2009-11-17T22:53:45-08:00

TCU’S JERRY HUGHES NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – TCU Defensive End Jerry Hughes has been named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week.

Hughes, a 6-3, 257-pound senior from Sugar Land, Texas had eight tackles, including 2.5 for losses and 1.5 sacks in a 55-28 win over Utah that kept the Horned Frogs undefeated at 10-0.

Hughes, a Lott Trophy semi-finalist, leads TCU with 10.5 sacks, 13 tackles for losses and six quarterback hurries.

TCU will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Hughes’ achievement.

“TCU lives off of their defensive pressure and Jerry Hughes is the guy that makes their defense go,” said former BYU Coach LaVell Edwards, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “Without his outstanding play every week, TCU would just be another good team.”

Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Rolando McClain of Alabama, Sam Acho of Texas, Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma and Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska.

2009 Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week

Week 1 – Mike Nixon, Arizona State

Week 2 – Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Week 3 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 4 – Pat Angerer, Iowa

Week 5 – Taylor Mays, USC

Week 6 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Week 7 – Rolando McClain, Alabama

Week 8 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Week 9 – Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Week 10 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 11 – Jerry Hughes, TCU

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Watching The Watch List

Sam Acho, Texas – Five tackles and forced fumble in 47-14 win over Baylor.

Rolando McClain, Alabama – Ten tackles, 2.5 for losses and a sack in 31-3 win over Mississippi State.

Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – Two quarterback hurries and 2.5 tackles in 31-17 win over Kansas.

Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma – Four tackles, 1.5 for losses and a quarterback hurry in 65-10 win over Texas A&M.

Taylor Mays, USC – Eleven tackles and a fumble recovery in loss to Stanford, 55-21.

LOTT TROPHY NAMES EIGHT SEMI-FINALISTS

2009-11-12T02:18:39-08:00

Nov. 11, 2009

LOTT TROPHY NAMES EIGHT SEMI-FINALISTS

Newport Beach, Ca. – The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has announced the eight semi-finalists for the 2009 Lott Trophy.

The list includes two safeties, two defensive tackles, one linebacker and three defensive ends.

The eight semi-finalists are: Safety Eric Berry of Tennessee (a semi-finalist last year), Safety Taylor Mays of USC, Defensive Tackle Ndaumkong Suh of Nebraska, Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma, Linebacker Rolando McClain of Alabama, Defensive End Sam Acho of Texas, Defensive End Jerry Hughes of TCU and Defensive End Eric Norwood of South Carolina.

Ballots will be sent to over 300 members of the Lott Trophy National Voter Panel, a list that includes Hall of Fame coaches and players, select members of the media and distinguished business leaders throughout the country.

The four finalists will be announced Nov. 24 and they will travel to the sixth annual Lott Trophy Banquet Dec. 13 where the winner will be announced.

A look at the eight semi-finalists:

Eric Berry (Safety, Jr., Tennessee, 5-11, 195, Fairburn, Ga.): Has 14 career interceptions and 494 return yards, second most in NCAA history. Consensus All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year last season. Lott Player of the Week twice. “That guy is one of the most dominant players in the country. There is no better safety in college football today.” - Former UCLA Coach Terry Donahue, a member of the Board of Directors of the IMPACT Foundation.

Taylor Mays (Safety, Sr., USC, 6-4, 225, Seattle): All-American his last two seasons at Southern California. Team captain. Lott Player of the Week against Cal. “Taylor Mays is a man of character and integrity. His leadership skills are demonstrated on and off the field.” - Mimi Butler, USC Student Athlete Academic Services.

Gerald McCoy (DT, Jr., Oklahoma, 6-4, 300, Oklahoma City): All-American and team captain. Has 12 tackles for losses this season. “One of the most outstanding young men I have been honored to coach. He is a young man focused on goodness in his own life and in finding ways to spread it to others.” - Bob Stoops, Head Football Coach, Oklahoma.

Ndamukong Suh (DT, Sr., Nebraska, 6-4, 300, Portland, Oregon): Has blocked three kicks this year. Lott Player of the Week twice. Eleven tackles for losses. ” I have had the good fortune to work with a number of outstanding players, great leaders and men of excellent character. I can assure you that Ndamukong Suh ranks right near the top of that list when you evaluate his total impact on our football program.” - Bo Pelini, Head Coach, Nebraska.

Rolando McClain (LB, Jr., Alabama, 6-4, 249, Decatur, Ga.): Leads undefeated Tide in tackles with 66. “He is the best defensive player I have seen this year. No, make that the best defensive player I’ve seen in many years.” – Former Auburn Head Coach Pat Dye.

Sam Acho (DE, Jr., Texas, 6-3, 260, Dallas): Leads nation with four fumbles recovered*26 tackles, 5 sacks, 8 tackles for losses*Texas Athletic Director’s Honor Roll four straight times*Academic All-District in ‘09*Went on medical mission to Nigeria with his father and brother this past summer* “Sam stands out to me as an especially accomplished and earnest student-athlete. Quite simply, he is a great young man—and a tremendous football player.” - William Powers, Jr., President, University of Texas

Jerry Hughes (DE, Sr., TCU, 6-3, 267, Sugar Land, Texas): Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year last season when he led the country in sacks with 15. Has nine sacks this year for undefeated TCU. “Jerry Hughes is among the very few… Few who have the integrity to always, without fail, select the right path. Instead, he is an encourager who motivates and uplifts others.—Le Ann Roberts, Communications Studies, TCU.

Eric Norwood (DE, Sr., South Carolina, 6-0, 249, Acworth, Ga.): “Has 62 tackles, seven sacks (28 in his career with 51.5 tackles for losses). Team captain. “He’s the way we want our student-athletes to be, I think he epitomizes it. I can talk forever about him, that’s how strongly I feel about him and his character.” - Raymond M. Harrison, Jr., Director of Academics and Life Skills, University of South Carolina.

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Pete Donovan
The Lott Trophy
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com
Thelotttrophy.com

TENNESSEE’S ERIC BERRY NAMED LOTT PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR SECOND TIME THIS SEASON

2009-11-11T17:58:03-08:00

TENNESSEE’S ERIC BERRY NAMED LOTT
PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR SECOND TIME THIS SEASON

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Tennessee Safety Eric Berry has been named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week for the second time this season.
Berry, a 5-11, 195-pound junior from Fairburn, Georgia, had an interception, a fumble recovery and five tackles in Tennessee’s 56-28 win over Memphis. It was the second time this year Berry was named the Lott Trophy Player of the Week.
Tennessee will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Berry’s achievement.
“Berry can flat out play,” said former Auburn Coach Pat Dye, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “He can dominate a team from the defensive side of the ball, which is awfully hard to do. He’s the best safety in the country, in my opinoin.”
Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Rolando McClain of Alabama, Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska, Kyle Wilson of Boise State and Greg Jones of Michigan State.
2009 Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week
Week 1 – Mike Nixon, Arizona State
Week 2 – Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
Week 3 – Eric Berry, Tennessee
Week 4 – Pat Angerer, Iowa
Week 5 – Taylor Mays, USC
Week 6 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
Week 7 – Rolando McClain, Alabama
Week 8 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
Week 9 – Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
Week 10 - Eric Berry, Tennessee
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 sixth 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, the award is given to the player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
Past winners of The Lott Trophy:
2004 – David Pollack, Georgia
2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama
2006 – Dante Hughes, California
2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU
2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.
Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the IMPACT Foundation, the IMPACT Foundation Board of Advisors comprised of retired NFL players and the Legends Coaches, a distinguished group of former college head coaches.
Watching The Watch List

Kyle Wilson, Boise State - Had four punt returns for 83 yrds, including a long of 59, one interception and three tackles in 45-35 win over Louisiana Tech..

Rolando McClain, Alabama - Led team with nine tackles and had a quarterback hurry in 24-15 win over LSU.

Greg Jones, Michigan State - Had eight tackles, a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries in 49-14 win over Western Michigan.
Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska - Blocked a field goal (his third block of the season) and had three quarterback hurries in 10-3 win over Oklahoma.

Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri - 11 tackles, two for losses and a sack in 40-32 loss to Baylor.

Pat Angerer, Iowa - Team high 17 tackles in loss to Northwestern, 17-10.

Eric Norwood, South Carolina - Eight tackles, two for losses and a sack in 22-16 loss to Arkansas.

Pete Donovan
The Lott Trophy
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com
Thelotttrophy.com

MISSOURI’S SEAN WEATHERSPOON NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

2009-11-04T05:08:47-08:00

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

Weatherspoon, a 6-2, 245-pound senior from Jasper, Texas led the Tigers with 12 tackles in a 36-17 win over Colorado. Missouri’s defense held the Buffaloes to -14 yards rushing.

Weatherspoon, a Lott Trophy quarter-finalist the past two years, now has 73 tackles on the season to lead the team and 375 in his career.

Missouri will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Weatherspoon’s achievement.

“Weatherspoon is a big, agile linebacker who has been a standout for the past two seasons,” said former Washington Coach Don James, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “His steady play against Colorado kept the Buffaloes offense stymied all day long.”
Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Jerry Hughes of TCU, Pat Angerer of Iowa, Kyle Wilson of Boise State and Greg Jones of Michigan State.

2009 Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week

Week 1 – Mike Nixon, Arizona State

Week 2 – Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Week 3 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 4 – Pat Angerer, Iowa

Week 5 – Taylor Mays, USC

Week 6 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Week 7 – Rolando McClain, Alabama

Week 8 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Week 9 – Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Watching The Watch List

Greg Jones, Michigan State – Game high 12 tackles (with one sack) in 42-34 loss to Minnesota.

Jerry Hughes, TCU – 5 tackles and a quarterback hurry in 41-0 win over UNLV.

Kyle Wilson, Boise State – Returned an interception for 27 yards and a touchdown in 45-7 win over San Jose State.

Mike Nixon, Arizona State – Had 7 tackles, 2 for losses, a forced fumble and 2 passes broken up in 23-21 loss to Cal.

Taylor Mays, USC – Had 8 tackles in 47-20 loss to Oregon.

Pat Angerer, Iowa – Led team with 12 tackles and had a forced fumble in 42-24 win over Indiana.

Eric Norwood, South Carolina – 6 tackles, 2 pass breakups and a quarterback hurry in 31-13 loss to Tennessee.

Alterraun Verner, UCLA – 9 tackles, 1 pass broken up in loss to Oregon State, 26-17.

Pete Donovan
The Lott Trophy
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com
Thelotttrophy.com

BOSTON COLLEGE’S MARK HERZLICH TO RECEIVE HONORAY LOTT TROPHY

2009-11-02T21:33:44-08:00

BOSTON COLLEGE’S MARK HERZLICH

TO RECEIVE HONORAY LOTT TROPHY

Newport Beach, Ca. – Boston College Linebacker Mark Herzlich, who has missed the entire 2009 football season while undergoing treatment for cancer, will receive an honorary Lott Trophy, it was announced today by the Board of Directors of The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, sponsors of the award.

It is only the second time an honorary Lott Trophy has been awarded, the first going to the family of Pat Tillman in 2004. Tillman, the former college and NFL standout, volunteered for the military and was killed in Afghanistan.

“Mark Herzlich represents all that is good in today’s student-athlete and epitomizes what we look for in Lott Trophy candidates,” said John Hamilton, Chairman of the Board of the IMPACT Foundation. “His perseverance, attitude and good works are an inspiration to all of us who love college football.”

Herzlich, a senior from Wayne, Pa., was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year last season and also an Academic all-conference selection majoring in finance. He led Boston College in tackles with 113 and had six interceptions. He was a quarter-finalist for The Lott Trophy in 2008 and on the Watch List for 2009.

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

NEBRASKA’S SUH NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

2009-10-27T17:13:44-08:00

NEBRASKA’S SUH NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Nebraska Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh has been named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week.

Suh, a 6-4, 300-pound senior from Portland, Oregon blocked a field goal and a PAT, added a sack, three quarterback hurries and eight total tackles in a 9-7 loss to Iowa State. It was the second time this season Suh has been named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week.

The Nebraska Defensive Most Valuable Player last year, Suh was on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll this past spring and is scheduled to receive his degree in construction management this December.

Nebraska will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Suh’s accomplishment.

“Ndamukong Suh has been as dominant a defensive lineman as I have observed in college football this year,” said former Nebraska Coach Tom Osborne (and current Cornhusker Athletic Director), a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “He pursues sideline to sideline, is a great pass rusher, and makes it almost impossible for anyone to run the ball effectively through the middle of our line. He has exceptional speed, athleticism, power, and tenacity as well as being a very intelligent football player.”
Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Jerry Hughes of TCU, Pat Angerer of Iowa, Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri and Greg Jones of Michigan State.

2009 Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week

Week 1 – Mike Nixon, Arizona State

Week 2 – Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Week 3 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 4 – Pat Angerer, Iowa

Week 5 – Taylor Mays, USC

Week 6 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Week 7 – Rolando McClain, Alabama

Week 8 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Watching The Watch List

Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri – 11 tackles, 3 for losses with one sack; an interception and a pass broken up in 41-7 loss to Texas.

Greg Jones, Michigan State – Game high 12 tackles in 15-13 loss to Iowa.

Jerry Hughes, TCU – 1 sack (9 on the season), a forced fumble, a quarterback hurry and 4 tackles in 38-7 win over BYU.

Taylor Mays, USC – Had 11 tackles in win over State, 42-36.

Pat Angerer, Iowa – Led team with 9 tackles in win over Michigan State, 15-13.

Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma – Had 2 tackles for losses, a pass broken up and 4 tackles in 35-13 win over Kansas.

Eric Berry , Tennessee – 5 tackles, forced fumble, fumble recovery, 2 passes broken up and a quarterback hurry in 12-10 loss to Alabama.

Rolando McClain, Alabama – 8 tackles (1/2 for loss) in 12-10 win over Tennessee.

Eric Norwood, South Carolina – 2 tackles for losses, a pass break up and a quarterback hurry in 14-10 win over Vanderbilt.

Kurt Coleman, Ohio State – Interception return for 40 yards plus 4 tackles in 38-7 win over Minnesota.

Joe Pawelek, Baylor – 10 tackles (led team) in 34-7 loss to Oklahoma State.

Pete Donovan
The Lott Trophy
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com
Thelotttrophy.com

LOTT TROPHY NAMES QUARTER-FINALISTS

2009-10-20T22:43:53-08:00

LOTT TROPHY NAMES QUARTER-FINALISTS

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – The Pacific Club IMPACT* Foundation has announced the 20 quarter-finalists for the annual Lott Trophy.

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

The quarter-finalists (alphabetically)

Sam Acho (DL, Texas)

Pat Angerer (LB, Iowa)

Eric Berry (DB, Tennessee)

Kurt Coleman (DB, Ohio State)

Jerry Hughes (DL, TCU)

Greg Jones (LB, Michigan State)

Trevard Lindley (DB, Kentucky)

Taylor Mays (DB, USC)

Rolando McClain (LB, Alabama)

Gerald McCoy (DL, Oklahoma)

Mike Nixon (LB, Arizona State)

Eric Norwood (DL, South Carolina)

Joe Pawelek (LB, Baylor)

Brian Price (DL, UCLA)

Brandon Spikes (LB, Florida)

Darrell Stuckey (DB, Kansas)

Ndamukong Suh (DL, Nebraska)

Alterraun Verner (DB, UCLA)

Sean Weatherspoon (LB, Missouri)

Kyle Wilson (DB, Boise State)

There are eight defensive backs on the quarter-finalist list; six linebackers and six defensive linemen. The Big 12 has six players on the list, the SEC five, the Pac-10 four, the Big Ten three and one each from the Mountain West and WAC..

The semi-finalists will be announced Nov. 3 and the four finalists Nov. 24. Those four finalists will be flown to Newport Beach, Ca. for the annual black-tie banquet that will be televised by FOX Sports West.

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Media Contact: Pete Donovan

Media Relations, The Lott Trophy

714.315.9575 / Plays4pars@aol.com

ALABAMA’S McCLAIN NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

2009-10-19T21:42:21-08:00

ALABAMA’S McCLAIN NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain has been named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week.

McClain, a 6-4, 258-pound junior from Decatur, Alabama, was credited with 7 tackles (one for a loss) and two quarterback hurries as Alabama held South Carolina without a touchdown in a 20-6 win. Alabama’s defense is ranked No. 1 in the country and the Tide is 7-0.

An All SEC selection last season as a sophomore, McClain has also made it on the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Alabama will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of McClain’s accomplishment.

“This guy shows up every single Saturday,” said former Auburn Coach Pat Dye, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “He is the best defensive player I have seen this year. No, make that the best defensive player I’ve seen in many years.”

Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Greg Jones of Michigan State, Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma, Pat Angerer of Iowa and Darrell Stuckey of Kansas.

2009 Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week

Week 1 – Mike Nixon, Arizona State

Week 2 – Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Week 3 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 4 – Pat Angerer, Iowa

Week 5 – Taylor Mays, USC

Week 6 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Week 7 – Rolando McClain, Alabama

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Watching The Watch List

Greg Jones, Michigan State – Recorded 14 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries and one pass break up in Spartans’ 24-14 win over Northwestern.

Jerry Hughes, TCU – 2 sacks (to give him 8 on the season) in 44-6 wi over Colorado State to keep TCU undefeated at 6-0.

Taylor Mays, USC – Had 10 tackles in win over Notre Dame, 34-27.

Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – Credited with 4 quarterback hurries and 2 tackles for losses in 31-10 loss to Texas Tech.

Pat Angerer, Iowa – His 9 tackles included a sack in 20-10 win over Wisconsin to keep Hawkeyes undefeated.

Darrell Stuckey, Kansas – Led team with 12 tackles and added an interception in loss to Colorado, 34-30.

Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma – Credited with 5 quarterback hurries and 2 tackles for loss (with a sack) in 16-13 loss to Texas.

Kurt Coleman, Ohio State – 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery in loss to Purdue, 26-18.

Joe Pawelek, Baylor – 10 tackles, one pass break up in loss to Iowa State, 24-10.

INJURIES: Kentucky’s Trevard Lindley has missed the last two games with an ankle injury while Florida’s Brandon Spikes was forced to the sidelines with a groin problem during the Gators’ game with Arkansas.

Pete Donovan
The Lott Trophy
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com
Thelotttrophy.com

LOTT CANDIDATE SHOWS KIDS THE RIGHT WAY

2009-10-14T21:44:19-08:00

LOTT CANDIDATE SHOWS KIDS THE RIGHT WAY

What do you do on your day off?

If you’re a USC football All-American headed to a huge NFL contract, you could do about anything you want. The beach. Sleep late. Flip on the TV.

But Taylor Mays chose to spend last Saturday, a bye weekend for the No. 5-ranked Trojans, going to a youth football clinic in the Watts area of Los Angeles and spread both fun and advise to underprivileged kids.

“To get to where you want in life, you’ve got to be able to do the right things,” Mays told the kids, who were all in awe of the 6-3, 230-pound senior’s remarkable physique and easy-going manner.

It is that kind of community involvement – along with his impressive football accomplishments—that makes Mays a quarter-finalist for the annual Lott Trophy, given to the student-athlete who combines on field success with off-field dedication.

“These are the kind of out-reach involvements our candidates for the Lott Trophy exhibit all the time,” said Bob Cristiano, President of the Pacifc Club’s IMPACT Foundation, sponsors of the annual award. “Taylor is one of those outstanding young men we are proud to consider for the award.”

The winner of the award will be announced at a banquet Dec. 13 at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach.

To see Mays and his teammates at work on their day off, go to: http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=usc&media=144388

Pete Donovan
The Lott Trophy
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com
Thelotttrophy.com

NEBRASKA’S SUH NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

2009-10-12T19:34:04-08:00

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Nebraska Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh has been named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week.

Suh, a 6-4, 300-pound senior from Portland, Oregon intercepted a pass that led to a touchdown that put the Cornhuskers ahead in a game they eventually won, 27-12, over Missouri. Suh also forced a fumble, recorded a sack and was credited with six tackles. He now has four interceptions in his career, a school record for defensive tackles.

Nebraska will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Suh’s accomplishment.

“I saw this game in person and was I ever impressed with the quickness and athleticism of Suh,” said former Washington Coach Don James, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “It is hard to believe he is a defensive tackle with those skills and that big body. He almost had a second interception that just slipped out of his grasp – a very dominating performance.”

Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Rolando McClain of Alabama, Eric Berry of Tennessee, Brandon Spikes of Florida and Kurt Coleman of Ohio State.

2009 Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week

Week 1 – Mike Nixon, Arizona State

Week 2 – Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Week 3 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 4 – Pat Angerer, Iowa

Week 5 – Taylor Mays, USC

Week 6 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Watching The Watch List

Brandon Spikes, Florida – Had two key sacks in the closing minutes of the game as Gators defeated LSU, 13-3, to remain undefeated. Spikes finished with a team high 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – Had interception that led to go-ahead touchdown in 27-12 win over Missouri. Had six tackles, a forced fumble and the interception (the fourth of his career, most in school history for a defensive tackle).

Rolando McClain, Alabama – Had an interception, a quarterback hurry, a tackle for a loss and 7 total tackles in win over Ole Miss, 22-3.

Kurt Coleman, Ohio State – Returned an interception 89 yards for a touchdown and had 14 tackles for Buckeyes in 31-13 win over Wisconsin.

Greg Jones, Michigan State – Team best 11 tackles, a sack and 2 quarterback hurries in win over Illinois, 24-14.

Roddrick Muckelroy, Texas – Led Longhorns with 11 tackles, including 2 tackles for losses, a sack and 2 passes broken up in 38-14 win over Colorado.

Sam Acho, Texas – Had 3 tackles for losses, a sack and 5 tackles in win over Colorado, 38-14.

Darrell Stuckey, Kansas – Led Jayhawks with 14 tackles (one for a loss) in 41-36 win over Iowa State.

Eric Berry, Tennessee – Returned a fumble 46 yards, broke up two passes and had five tackles in 45-19 win over Georgia.

Pat Angerer, Iowa – 12 tackles in win over Michigan, 30-28.

Brandon Graham, Michigan – 9 tackles, 2 sacks, 3.5 tackles for losses in loss to Iowa, 30-28.

INJURIES: Penn State’s Sean Lee sat out a third consecutive week with a knee injury…Kentucky’s Trevard Lindley missed the South Carolina game with an ankle injury.

Pete Donovan
The Lott Trophy
760/360-0414
Plays4pars@aol.com
Thelotttrophy.com

LOTT TROPHY ADDS FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH LIST

2009-10-07T19:32:34-08:00

LOTT TROPHY ADDS FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH LIST

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Four standout defensive players have been added to the Watch List for the 2009 Lott Trophy, it was announced by the Pacific Club’s IMPACT Foundation, sponsors of the award.

Sam Acho of Texas, Trevard Lindley of Kentucky, Brian Price of UCLA and Kyle Wilson of Boise State have been nominated for the award along with 40 other players who were announced earlier this year.

Acho is a 6-3, 260-pound junior defensive end from Dallas. He leads the nation in fumbles recovered with four and has been on the Texas Athletic Director’s Honor Roll four straight times. This past summer he went on a medical mission to Nigeria with his father and brother.

Lindley is a 6-0, 179-pound senior defensive back from Hiram, Ga. who has recorded 171 tackles and 10 interceptions during his Wildcat career. He has started 43 consecutive games and has already received a degree from Kentucky in art studio.

Price is a 6-2, 300-pound junior defensive tackle from Los Angeles, who anchors the Bruins’ defensive line. He has 7 tackles for losses and 2 sacks to date this season.

Wilson is a 5-10, 186-pound senior cornerback from Piscataway, New Jersey. He’s the captain of the Bronco defense, was an All-WAC selection last season and is an honor student, posting a 4.0 GPA in the spring. Wilson is on track to graduate in December.

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Media Contact: Pete Donovan

Media Relations, The Lott Trophy

714.315.9575 / Plays4pars@aol.com

USC’S TAYLOR MAYS NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

2009-10-06T23:08:27-08:00

USC’S TAYLOR MAYS NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – USC Safety Taylor Mays has been named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week.

Mays, a 6-3, 235-pound senior from Seattle, had a team high 10 tackles and an interception in the end zone that ended Cal’s opening drive in a 30-3 win over the Golden Bears Saturday that moved the Trojans to 4-1.

USC will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Mays’ accomplishment.

“Mays’ interception sucked the air out of any confidence Cal might have had coming into the USC game,” said former USC Coach John Robinson, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “That set the tone for the game. Mays’ play told the Cal players, ‘You can’t score on us.’ After that play, Cal folded.”

Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Eric Norwood of South Carolina, Rolando McClain of Alabama, Eric Berry of Tennessee and Jerry Hughes of TCU.

2009 Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week

Week 1 – Mike Nixon, Arizona State

Week 2 – Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Week 3 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 4 – Pat Angerer, Iowa

Week 5 – Taylor Mays, USC

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Watching The Watch List

Rolando McClain, Alabama – Forced a fumble that led to a touchdown and intercepted a pass (returned 21 yards) that led to a touchdown in 38-20 win over Kentucky. Led Tide with 10 tackles.

Eric Norwood, South Carolina- Blocked a field goal and had an interception in 38-14 win over South Carolina State. Also credited with 2 quarterback hurries.

Jerry Hughes, TCU – Recorded 2 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 8 total tackles in 39-14 win over SMU. TCU held SMU to -16 yards rushing and no first downs on the ground.

Eric Berry, Tennessee – Had team high 14 tackles, one for a loss and a pass breakup in loss to Auburn, 26-22.

Reed Williams, West Virginia – Led team with 9 tackles and had 3 passes broken up in 35-24 win over Colorado.

Greg Jones, Michigan State – Had 8 tackles, one for a loss and a fumble recovery that he returned 15 yards in overtime win over Michigan, 26-20.

Pat Angerer, Iowa – Led Hawkeyes with 11 tackles in 24-21 win over Arkansas State.

Brian Duncan, Texas Tech-8 tackles, 1 for a loss and 2 pass breakups in 48-28 win over New Mexico.

INJURIES-Penn State Linebacker Sean Lee missed his second consecutive week with a sprained knee injury.

ALSO OUT-Ohio State Defensive Back Kurt Coleman sat out the Indiana game after being suspended by the Big Ten for a late hit the previous week.

Media Contact: Pete Donovan

Media Relations, The Lott Trophy

714.315.9575 / Plays4pars@aol.com

IOWA’S PAT ANGERER NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

2009-09-29T15:54:08-08:00

IOWA’S PAT ANGERER NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Iowa Linebacker Pat Angerer has been named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week.

Angerer, a 6-1, 235-pound senior from Bettendorf, Iowa, had a team high 14 tackles, an interception (returned for 38 yards) that set up a touchdown and a forced fumble that helped seal Iowa’s 21-10 win over previously unbeaten Penn State. The Hawkeyes are 4-0.

Iowa will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Angerer’s accomplishment.

“Angerer had a great game along with the entire Iowa defense,” said former Ohio State Coach John Cooper, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “Angerer’s interception broke Penn State’s back. If Penn State could have kept that drive alive, they could have won the game, but that interception ended their undefeated season.”

Angerer was also named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Eric Norwood of South Carolina, Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri, George Selvie of South Florida and Brandon Spikes of Florida.

2009 Lott Trophy IMPACT Players of the Week

Week 1 – Mike Nixon, Arizona State

Week 2 – Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Week 3 – Eric Berry, Tennessee

Week 4 – Pat Angerer, Iowa

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Watching The Watch List

Eric Norwood , South Carolina – Recorded two sacks in his team high 10 tackles. Also had 2 quarterback hurries and a blocked punt in upset win over Mississippi, 16-10. Mississippi had only 109 yards passing on 8 for 22. Norwood now had 28 career sacks, best in school history.

Brandon Spikes, Florida – Led Gators with 10 tackles in win over Kentucky, 41-7.

George Selvie, South Florida – Had 2 tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery in 17-7 win over Florida State.

Darrell Stuckey, Kansas – 7 tackles and a forced fumble as Kansas went to 4-0 with 35-28 win over Southern Mississippi.

Brian Duncan, Texas Tech – Recorded 14 tackles and broke up two passes in loss to Houston, 29-28.

Greg Jones, Michigan State – Led Spartans with 14 tackles in 38-30 loss to Wisconsin.

Kurt Coleman, Ohio State – Led Buckeyes with 9 tackles, a forced fumble and a pass breakup as Ohio State recorded second straight shutout, 30-0 over Illinois.

Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri – Had team high 9 tackles (one for a loss) as Mizzou went to 4-0 with a 31-21 win over Nevada.

Keaton Kristick , Oregon State – 12 tackles, one for a loss, in loss to Arizona, 37-32.

Injuries: Oregon’s T.J. Ward missed his third consecutive game with an ankle sprain…Penn State’s Sean Lee missed the Iowa game with a knee injury…Taylor Mays of USC returned to the lineup after missing a week…

Former FSU star and Lott Trophy Finalist Rolle funds children’s health program

2009-09-28T16:02:32-08:00

Former FSU star and Lott Trophy Finalist Rolle funds children’s health program

Former Florida State football All-American Myron Rolle has teamed with the U.S. Department of the Interior to begin a program aimed at improving the health and physical fitness of American Indians.

Rolle, who begins a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford next week, first became involved with this issue at FSU while working with the Seminole tribe. His foundation and the Department of the Interior will fund the “Our Way to Health” programs at five Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools in Arizona and New Mexico beginning this fall. The six-week programs will offer incentive-based activities that stress team building, nutrition and education about diabetes, which strikes many American Indians.

“There will be educational and athletic components that will be tailored to each specific tribe,” Rolle said. “We want these kids to embrace exercise and diet for themselves, but also to teach it to their siblings and parents.”

Students will be divided into teams that will compete for points. The winners from the two states will be honored at an Arizona Cardinal game in January.

Rolle put a possible professional career on hold to pursue the Rhodes Scholarship, a decision he said he has never regretted. He will study medical anthropology at Oxford, an area that looks at the social and cultural aspects of medicine. Rolle plans to eventually earn a medical degree and play professionally.

The former defensive back continues to follow FSU and coach Bobby Bowden.

“They made some things happen last week at BYU (in an upset of the then-No. 9 Cougars) but their defense still needs to get on the right page,” Rolle said. “I think it’s going to be a 10- or 11-win season with a big bowl game. … And I hope Coach Bowden stays as long as he can. I’m a big fan, and once he retires, all of college football will suffer a loss.”

TENNESSEE’S ERIC BERRY NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

2009-09-22T23:45:29-08:00

TENNESSEE’S ERIC BERRY NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Tennessee Safety Eric Berry has been named The Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week.

Berry, a 5-11, 203-pound junior from Fairburn, Ga., had 11 tackles and an interception in Tennessee’s loss to No. 1-ranked Florida, 23-13.

Tennessee will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Berry’s accomplishment.

“That guy is one of the most dominant players in the country,” said former UCLA Head Coach Terry Donahue, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the layer of the Week. “There is no better safety in college football today. Maybe someone is as good, but no one is better. He breaks so well on the ball, which makes him superior to other safeties.”

Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Sean Lee of Penn State, Roddrick Muckelroy of Texas, Alterraun Verner of UCLA and Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska.

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Watching the Watch List

Sean Lee of Penn State had 12 tackles, 2.5 for losses and a sack in Nittany Lions’ 31-6 win over Temple.

Alterruan Verner of UCLA had two interceptions (he now has three on the season and 11 in his career) in the Bruns’ 23-9 win over Kansas State.

Roddrick Muckelroy of Texas had 7 tackles, including 2 for losses of 15 yards in win over Texas Tech, 34-24.

Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska had four passes deflected in a 16-15 loss to Virginia Tech.

Joe Pawelek of Baylor had 21 tackles, including a sack, and a quarterback hurry in 30-22 loss to Connecticut.

Patrick Benoist of Vanderbilt had 13 tackles in a loss to Mississippi State, 15-3.

Darrell Stuckey of Kansas had a team best 11 tackles in a 44-16 win over Duke.

Media Contact: Pete Donovan

Media Relations, The Lott Trophy

714.315.9575 / Plays4pars@aol.com

GEORGIA TECH’S MORGAN NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

2009-09-16T14:24:13-08:00

GEORGIA TECH’S MORGAN NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Georgia Tech Defensive End Derrick Morgan has been named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week.

Morgan, a 6-4, 275-pound junior from Coatesville, Pa., had four tackles for losses, three sacks and a team best 10 tackles in Georgia Tech’s 30-27 win over Clemson.

“Morgan was making plays all over the field early,” said former Auburn Coach Pat Dye, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “His two quick sacks kept Clemson’s offense disrupted. Clemson couldn’t begin to block him early. He’s an outstanding player.”

Morgan was also named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week.

Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Sean Lee of Penn State, Reggie Carter of UCLA, Jerry Hughes of TCU and Eric Norwood of South Carolina. Mike Nixon of Arizona State won the Player of the Week Award last week.

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Watching The Watch List

Sean Lee, Penn State – Led Nittany Lions with 13 tackles, including 3 tackles for losses and a quarterback sack in 28-7 win over Syracuse. Penn State defense held Syracuse to 65 rushing yards.

Reggie Carter, UCLA – Had team-high 14 tackles with one behind line of scrimmage in 19-15 win over Tennessee.

Jerry Hughes, TCU – Led team with 11 tackles, 2.5 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks in 30-14 win over Virginia. Defense held Virginia to average of 1.7 yards per rush.

Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – 3 tackles for losses, 1.5 sacks, 1 quarterback hurry, 5 total tackles in 38-9 win over Arkansas State.

Harry Coleman, LSU – Led Tigers with 10 tackles in win against Vandy, 23-9.

Taylor Mays, USC – Led Trojans with 8 tackles in 18-15 win over Ohio State.

Eric Norwood, South Carolina – Scored on 35-yard touchdown with interception, had a sack and 5 tackles in loss to Georgia, 41-37.

Patrick Benoist, Vanderbilt – Had 9 tackles, 2 for losses and a fumble recovery in loss to LSU, 23-9.

Terrance Cody, Alabama – 2.5 tackles for losses in 40-14 win over Florida International.

Rolando McClain, Alabama – Led team with 10 tackles (1.5 tackles for loss) in 40-14 win over Florida International.

Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri – Had team best 14 tackles, including one tackle for a loss in 27-20 win over Bowling Green.

Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma – Recorded one sack and forced a fumble in 64-0 shutout of Idaho State.

Alterruan Verner, UCLA – Had one of three Bruin interceptions, 6 tackles in win over Tennessee, 19-15.

Greg Jones, Michigan State – Led Spartans with 15 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for losses in 29-27 loss to Central Michigan.

Bo McNally, Stanford – Team best 10 tackles (one for loss) in loss to Wake Forest, 24-17.

BERRY, BERRY – Tennessee Captain Eric Berry saw his father honored prior to Saturday’s UCLA-Tennessee game. James Berry was captain of the 1981 Tennessee team.

IF HE HAD A VOTE – University of Tennessee Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin, one of the most successful defensive coaches during his tenure in the NFL, says, if had the choice, he would draft Berry with the first overall pick in the draft next spring.

PLAYING ON SUNDAYS – Ten former Lott Trophy winners or finalists were starters in the NFL the first week of the season. The list:

Derrick Johnson, finalist, 2004 – Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker

Jim Leonhard, finalist, 2004 – New York Jets Safety

DeMeco Ryans, winner, 2005 – Houston Texans Linebacker

A.J. Hawk, finalist, 2005 – Green Bay Packers Linebacker

Paul Posluszny, finalist 2006 – Buffalo Bills Linebacker

Glenn Dorsey, winner, 2007 – Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Tackle

Chris Long, finalist, 2007 – St. Louis Rams Defensive End

James Laurinaitis, winner, 2008 – St. Louis Rams Linebacker

Aaron Curry, finalist, 2008 – Seattle Seahawks Linebacker

Brian Orakpo, finalist, 2008 – Washington Redskins Defensive End

Media Contact: Pete Donovan

Media Relations, The Lott Trophy

714.315.9575 / Plays4pars@aol.com

‘myContactCard’ teams up with Lott Trophy In Unique Fund-Raising Opportunity for Charities

2009-09-11T23:08:50-08:00

“myContactCard” teams up with The Lott Trophy
In Unique Fund-Raising Opportunity for Charities

Irvine, Ca., Sept. 10, 2009 – myContactCard, Inc. (OTCBB: JJIM) under its “myContactCard”, the revolutionary new email signature card, is proud to announce its partnership with The Pacific Club IMPACT* Foundation in Newport Beach, Ca.
The IMPACT Foundation is the sponsor of The Lott Trophy, awarded annually to the college football player who has the biggest IMPACT on his team on and off the field. IMPACT* stands for integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community and tenacity.
The new program is designed to allow supporters of Lott Trophy candidates and their universities to participate in an exciting fund raising opportunity for schools and charities around the country, as well as cast their vote for their favorite Lott Trophy candidate.

Students, alumni and fans can support their college by purchasing their desired Lott Trophy School Candidate e-mail signature for just $10. myContactCard, Inc. will then donate 100 % of the proceeds back to the IMPACT Foundation. Each week during the season, The Foundation awards the IMPACT player’s school with funding for student scholarships.

Each signature card features the candidate, school and contact information belonging to the card holder. A unique feature will allow all the fans to ‘click to vote’ for their favorite player directly from “myContactCard” site. The full list of available Lott Trophy cards can be viewed at http://www.mycontactcard.com/category/lott-trophy/
“This is a tremendous opportunity for both the fans and the universities,” said Bob Cristiano, President of The IMPACT Foundation. “It’s a simple, quick way to make a fun donation to a school in support of one of the outstanding student-athletes. In turn, the universities will benefit by being given the chance to obtain additional monies for their general scholarship funds. We at The IMPACT Foundation are delighted with this fantastic new program.
“In addition to the various universities, the IMPACT Foundation is proud to have supported dozens of local and national charities since our inception in 2004. We have distributed checks in excess of $650,000 to youth groups, medical research programs, inner-city outreach programs and other causes doing important work in our communities,” said Cristiano.
“MCC’s partnership with The Lott Trophy demonstrates that our product is not only fun to use, it can be a powerful tool for causes, charities and foundations to gain new supporters and generate significant donations,” states Bill Noonan, President of “myContactCard“. “We look forward to supporting the Lott Trophy along with Universities during the 2009 college football season”.

BRUINS’ VERNER: A STUDY IN NUMBERS

2009-09-10T21:53:10-08:00

BRUINS’ VERNER: A STUDY IN NUMBERS

Lott Profiles 0907; For use as desired

Alterraun Verner is a numbers guy.

His uniform number for the UCLA Bruins is 1.

He led the nation in pass breakups last season, averaging 1.67 per game.

He’s had 8 career interceptions, returning 3 of them for touchdowns.

He was second on the Bruins a year ago with 73 tackles, a remarkably high number for a cornerback.

He’s one of 62 collegians nominated for the Nagurski Award, one of 55 nominated for the Bednarik Award, one of 31 for the Thorpe Award and one of 42 for the Lott Trophy.

And the numbers all make sense to the 5-11, 182-pound senior from Carson since his college major is mathematics, applied science. If he’s successful on the football field, he’s equally successful in the classroom, being named to the Academic All Pac-10 both as a sophomore and as a junior.

“I liked math since I was younger,” Verner told Ivan Maisel of ESPN.com in May. “I’ve always excelled in math, particularly calculus. I didn’t get my first non-A until I was in college.

“I like solving things,” Verner said. “Knowing there is a definite answer to a problem, and the process of trying to find that, and then actually getting a solution, I like that. English is how you feel about it. A teacher can’t really tell me that’s wrong [because] that’s my opinion. Math is one straight answer that’s going to solve the problem. That’s why I like it.”

“Academics are very important to me” he told The Sporting News. “My schedule for this semester is pretty tough. I have managerial accounting, a stats class that’s based on probabilities and statistics, an advanced math class. There’s a lot I can do with this degree – accounting, auditing, CPA, math teacher. Anything with statistical analysis, trying to find ratios, compare companies.”

Verner also likes UCLA’s chances for improving on a 4-8 season under Coach Rick Neuheisel, now in his second year back in Westwood. Verner didn’t like those win-loss numbers, but he had a marvelous junior season, being named The Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week for his shut-down coverage in the Bruins’ upset win over Tennessee in September.

He is optimistic with reason for 2009.

“I think what makes our team unique is that we feel like we are the hardest working team in the country,” says the Bruin captain. “The increased talent level we have on the team and the young players that came in last year now have a lot more experience in college football. This year I would like to first of all beat USC and go to a January Bowl Game.

“I’ll do anything I can to help us get to that bowl game,” he said. “If I have to make five interceptions and return three of them for touchdowns, that’s what I’ll try to do. If I only have to make one tackle a game, that’s what I’ll do. As long as we win.”

“He is a unique individual and he is as advertised,” Neuheisel said. “He is just a model citizen, a great leader, a great role model for the young kids in the secondary as well as the kids on the team. And I think a legitimate NFL prospect. It’s fun to be around him. He will hopefully flourish as a senior.”

“I’ve had a really blessed career, so far,” says Verner. “As a player UCLA has opened my eyes to a lot of different aspects in the realm of football which in turn made me a better athlete and as a person it has helped me become more of patient and hardworking.”

Verner may not the No. 1 cornerback in the country nor is he on the No. 1 team, but he surely seems to be No. 1 in so many ways.

Contact: Pete Donovan

Plays4pars@aol.com

For more information on The Lott Trophy, go to: http://www.lotttrophy.com

ARIZONA STATE’S NIXON NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

2009-09-08T22:20:54-08:00

ARIZONA STATE’S NIXON NAMED LOTT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – Arizona State Linebacker Mike Nixon has been named The Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week.

Nixon, a 6-3, 224-pound senior from Phoenix, had three interceptions and blocked a punt in the Sun Devils’ win over Idaho State, 50-3. Nixon returned one of the interceptions for a touchdown. Idaho State was held to just 37 yards in total offense.

Arizona State will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Nixon’s accomplishment.

“Mike Nixon played a whale of a defensive game for Arizona State,” said former Sun Devil Coach Frank Kush, a member of the Legends Coaches who selected the Player of the Week. “His interception on the first play set the tone for the ASU defense. To have three interceptions and a blocked punt in one game shows the intelligence level this guy has. He sure used it in his film study preparing for Idaho State.”

Nixon was also named the Pac-10’s Defensive Player of the Week.

Other players nominated for the Player of the Week were Greg Jones of Michigan State, Eric Norwood of South Carolina, Alterraun Verner of UCLA and Kurt Coleman of Ohio State.

Past winners of The Lott Trophy:

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia

2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

2006 – Dante Hughes, California

2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU

2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

In five years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to various charities, including $25,000 to each of the winners’ universities.

Watching The Watch List

Mike Nixon, Linebacker, Arizona State – Had three interceptions, returned one for 34 yards and a touchdown. Also blocked a punt and had five tackles in 50-3 win over Idaho State. Nixon was the first Sun Devil in 20 years to get three interceptions in one game.

George Selvie, Defensive End, South Florida – 7 tackles, 1 sack in win over Wofford, 40-7

Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma – 4 tackles for loss in 14-13 loss to BYU

Joe Pawelek, Linebacker, Baylor – Led team with 6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception in win over Wake Forest, 24-21

Alterraun Verner, Cornerback, UCLA – Had 70-yard touchdown return on blocked field goal in win over San Diego State, 33-14.

Taylor Mays, Safety, USC – Had 6 tackles in 56-3 win over San Diego State.

Kurt Coleman, Safety, Ohio State – Had team best 9 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception in 31-27 win over Navy.

Sean Lee, Linebacker, Penn State – 6 tackles, 2 tackles for losses in 31-7 win over Akron (only 8 first downs).

Pat Angerer, Linebacker, Iowa – Led team with 12 tackles in win over Northern Iowa, 17-16.

Eric Norwood, Defensive End, South Carolina – 2 sacks, 8 tackles in 7-3 win over North Carolina State

Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Nebraska – 7 tackles, 1 tackles for loss, pass breakup in 49-3 win over Florida Atlantic

Sean Weatherspoon, Linebacker, Missouri – Led team with 9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 quarterback hurry in win over Illinois.

Greg Jones, Linebacker, Michigan State – Had team high 14 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 ½ sacks in 44-3 win over Montana State.

Rolando McClain, Linebacker, Alabama – Had 2 sacks in 34-24 win over Virginia Tech.

INJURIES: BYU Linebacker Matthew Bauman left the Oklahoma game early with what appeared to be a concussion….Oregon’s T.J. Ward, who had 11 tackles in the first half, suffered an ankle injury in the second half against Boise State.

http://Www.Thelotttrophy.com

Pete Donovan

Plays4pars@aol.com

760/360-0414

McCLAIN, THE BASHFUL ‘BACKER

2009-09-01T22:03:24-08:00

McCLAIN, THE BASHFUL ‘BACKER

Lott Profiles 0907; For use as desired

Rolando McClain has a problem.

He’d like to be just another student on the University of Alabama campus with nobody bothering him. “I’m real laidback,” he says. “I don’t like to be in the eyes of the media or the limelight.”

And that’s the problem. You see, Rolando McClain is 6-4, weighs almost 260 pounds and runs as fast as most tailbacks. He may be the best linebacker in all of college football.

“I just like to do my job, work hard, then go home basically,” says the shy 21-year-old junior from DeCatur, Alabama.

But that spotlight is definitely on him. McClain is on almost every major Watch List for defensive players this season, including The Lott Trophy for the player with the biggest IMPACT* on his team.

(*IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity)

“I’m just a guy that wants to lead by example,” McClain said. “I haven’t always been a vocal leader. That’s something coach (Nick) Saban wants me to be now. For the most part, I was just leading by example, trying to do my job and hope the guys fed off that, off the plays I made and the way I did things. Anything that’s going to benefit the team, I’ll do it. I don’t mind staying late and teaching guys plays or going over the playbook with guys.”

“I think his maturity is not just as a football player, Saban told, Michael Casagrande of the Times (Alabama) Daily, “but what he’s been able to do as a leader.”

McClain’s accomplishments in just two years would already fill a scrapbook:

*Alabama Defensive Player of the Year last season.

*All SEC first team

*All-American third team

*Butkus Award finalist (top linebacker in the nation)

*Academic All SEC

Turns out there are multiple sides to McClain.

Former Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson can testify to McClain’s ‘other’ personality. “He’s just a funny, goofy guy. He likes to kid around. He’s got a big heart, but you wouldn’t know it on the football field because he’s a head hunter out there.”

Then there’s McClain’s cerebral side. “Along with the athletic ability, he understood things really well,” says his high school coach Jere Adcock. “He picked up on any change that we made.”

A starter since his first game as a freshman, McClain found himself in the spotlight again last season, involved in a fraternity fight.

Saban quickly came to his defense. “I think he’s one of the best guys on our team and I think he’s a great person. And if you made a mistake because somebody else did something (start a fight), we all make them.”

He finished a spectacular sophomore season with a team high 95 tackles (12 tackles for losses) on a defense that was ranked No. 2 in the country against the run.

McClain makes few mistakes on the football field. And now, entering his third season of college play, he hopes to follow in the footsteps of previous great Alabama linebackers like Lee Roy Jordan, Woodrow Lowe, Cornelius Bennett, Derrick Thomas and DeMeco Ryans, the 2005 Lott Trophy winner.

For more information on The Lott Trophy, go to our website at: lotttrophy.com

For media information, contact Pete Donovan at: Plays4pars@aol.com

OWENS AND LEE: BACK ON THE FIELD

2009-08-19T21:36:32-08:00

OWENS AND LEE: BACK ON THE FIELD

Lott Profiles 0906; For use as desired

It is nearly 900 miles from the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens to the campus of Penn State in University Park, Pennsylvania.

But the bond between two men, one on each campus, is much closer than the distance over the highways and interstates.

Jeff Owens of Georgia and Sean Lee of Penn State do not know each other, but they know the road they have traveled this past year.

Each player – a defensive star on his team – sat out the entire 2008 season while rehabilitating from knee injuries. Each player is back for his senior season, hoping to re-establish himself as a premier player and a high draft pick in the National Football League.

And each player is on The Lott Trophy Watch List, the award that goes to the top college defensive player who has the biggest IMPACT* on his team both on and off the field.

(*IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity).

These are two players who can make significant impacts on their team this coming season

Owens is a 300-pound defensive tackle from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, who was just coming into his own in ’07, starting all 13 games for the Bulldogs and being named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week once.

He’s an Early Childhood Family Development major at Georgia with a minor in Consumer Economics and Housing.

Immediately after he hurt his knee in the season opener last year, Owens was optimistic. “You’ve always got to face adversity to be the best, and this is my first true big test of adversity here at Georgia,” Owens told Chip Towers of the Atlanta Constitution. “I’m just going to stay positive and get back. The storm is going to be over,” he said. “I’ve just got to weather the storm. You have to be patient. God has a plan for you so just put it in God’s hands.”

After the season, Owens talked about how much he missed playing the game.

“It was really tough watching last year’s games from the sidelines,” he said. “I wanted to get out there and play so badly especially when we were playing teams like Florida and LSU in those settings. There’s no greater feeling than running out of the tunnel with 92,000 fans screaming your name.”

Following spring practice, Owens wrote on his blog:

“For the first time in a very long time, I had butterflies before I started practice. This was my first real test since I had my injury and I didn’t know how well my knee would hold up. Within seconds, I felt alive being out there. My confidence came back as soon as I put my helmet on. I didn’t realize how much I missed the little things that go into getting prepared for this game. While I was out with my injury, I had the chance to realize how much I really love playing football and how passionate I am about what I love to do. I am so thankful to have this opportunity and blessed to have the ability to play this great game at the collegiate level.”

Lee, a pre-season All-American last year, is another in the long line of standout linebackers at Penn State. The 6-2, 236-pounder from Pittsburgh had a terrific junior year, finishing second in the Big Ten in tackles (138) behind teammate Dan Connor.

The Defensive Player of the Game in the Alamo Bowl, Lee has started 26 consecutive games for the Nittany Lions.

“It would be tough for someone to tell me there’s a better linebacker than Sean Lee in the country,” coach Joe Paterno said.

Lee admits it has been difficult on the sidelines and is chomping at the bit for the season to begin.

“Whenever I look at the [college football] magazines or anything college football, I start thinking about the season,” Lee said. “I get hyped up, worked up, pumped up. My adrenaline starts pumping.” When ESPN’s College Football Live comes on, Lee gets even worse. “I have to change the channel sometimes, because my adrenaline starts running so much,” he said. “Every time I turned around [on the sideline] I had to be careful,” Paterno told Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Daily News. “He might have been right up my you-know-what. He’s an anxious kid. He’s a heck of a kid. He’s amazing.”

Lee, a team captain again this season, is considered one of the squad’s most personable and service-oriented members, participating in the THON Make-A-Wish program, student-athlete reading program, Habitat for Humanity and the Pennsylvania Special Olympics State Summer Games. A finance major, Lee is a strong student, earning ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District honors last year and Academic All-Big Ten honors twice. When he returns for the 2009 season-opener, Lee will take the field with 239 career stops, needing 17 to crack the school’s Top 10.

The target date for these two is Sept. 5. That Saturday, Penn State will host Akron while Georgia travels to Oklahoma State.

Contact: Pete Donovan

Plays4pars@aol.com

For more information on The Lott Trophy, go to: http://www.lotttrophy.com

SUH SHINES FOR NEBRASKA’S CORNHUSKERS

2009-07-31T19:17:01-08:00

SUH SHINES FOR NEBRASKA’S CORNHUSKERS

Lott Profiles 0905; For use as desired

The road to Lincoln, Nebraska doesn’t just go through cornfields and past tractors.

On occasion it goes from Cameroon and Jamaica through Oregon and into the Cornhusker state.

Such was the path of Ndamukong Suh, the 300-pound defensive tackle for Nebraska, a budding All-American candidate and a nominee for the 2009 Lott Trophy.

Suh’s father, Michael, is from Cameroon and his mother, Bernadette, from Jamaica. A three-sport star at Grant High School in Oregon, he was the top rated player in the state following his senior season and chose Nebraska over a handful of other major colleges.

And the choice has been a wise one. Suh has emerged as one of the country’s elite defensive linemen and an integral part of the Nebraska defense.

He is the pre-season Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, being chosen over such other Lott nominees as Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma, Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri and Joe Pawelek of Baylor.

The Lott Trophy, now in its sixth season, goes to the top defensive player in the country who has the biggest IMPACT on this team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

An Impact performer of the first magnitude, Suh made a big decision this off-season when he decided to return to Lincoln for his senior season. Projected as a first-round pick, many experts said he was the most improved player in the country and drooled over his combination of speed and size.

To fully realize how big a decision this was, reference defensive tackle Kentwan Baker who was the 29th pick in the ’08 draft (by the 49ers) and signed a five-year, $11.5 million contract with $6 million guaranteed.

But Suh fooled a lot of people with his choice to stay another year. “I love playing for these coaches and school is important to me and my family,” he said.

Nobody was happier than Nebraska Coach Bo Pellini.

“Ndamukong ranks right near the top of the list when you evaluate his total impact on our football program,” says Pellini. “On the field, he fits the mold of an impact player. He was the centerpiece of our defensive line and not only plays with great tenacity on Saturdays, but he competes in the same way each day on the practice field.”

Says Lincoln Journal Star columnist Steven Sipple: “Suh is extremely athletic for a man his size. A key part of his job is controlling the interior line of scrimmage, yet his explosiveness emanates in ‘highlight reel’ material when he bursts into the backfield and tackles ball carriers. What’s more, his athleticism became apparent last season when he twice intercepted passes and returned them for touchdowns.”

Suh’s desire to improve is such that this past off-season he approached defensive coordinator Carl Pellini and told him he wanted to learn the entire defense because it would help him achieve a greater understanding of how he fits into the scheme.

Suh was the first Nebraska defensive lineman to lead the team in tackles in 35 years, recording 76 stops last season including 19 tackles for losses and 7.5 quarterback sacks.

The path to Lincoln may have been unconventional, but the next road he takes should be straight as a Suh pass rush – right into the NFL.

For more information on The Lott Trophy, go to http://www.lotttrophy.com (The Lott Trophy has raised $654,000 for charities in its first five years.)

Contact: Pete Donovan, Plays4pars@aol.com

Rolle’s Most Amazing Accomplishment Yet

2009-07-22T22:03:54-08:00

Rolle’s most amazing accomplishment yet

July 16, 2009 4:11 PM

Posted by ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich

Myron Rolle unveils construction site plans at the future home of the Myron L. Rolle Medical Clinic in Steventon, Exuma, in the Bahamas.

Former FSU safety Myron Rolle and his family today announced plans to build the Myron L. Rolle Medical Clinic and Sports Complex, in Steventon, Exuma in the Bahamas, where his parents are from.

The complex will provide free health services to residents of Exuma, as well as a state-of-the-art wellness and training facilities for athletes and visitors to Exuma, Bahamas. It will be the third clinic on the island, and greatly increase the resources and equipment.

“It’s really pertinent, because the people of Exuma, if there is something really serious happening to them, medically, at night especially, and they have to catch a flight to Nassau, the main island, it’s very inconvenient, and a lot of people can’t afford that flight,” Rolle said, in a telephone interview this afternoon after his ceremony. “A lot of times that may be the difference between their life being saved or not, that time gap. So I think this is going to be a special project.”

There are only two doctors on the island right now, and Rolle said he has had a vision to build a hospital or clinic in the area since he was much younger. There’s still some red tape he has to go through, but expects the dream to be realized in the next two or three years.

The first priority is the clinic, and then they’ll start on an eight-lane track with a field turf interior. There will also be a fitness alumni center adjacent to the clinic.

“That’s pretty much so if I want to come or some of my NFL buddies want to come and work out in Exuma, it’s another option, another alternative for the high school and junior high kids who run track,” he said. “It’s pretty exciting. Track is definitely a big sport in the Bahamas. There are a lot of young athletes who are doing very well and succeeding in Exuma, so this is another arena for them to do that.”

He’s already been guaranteed five acres of land, and has a lot of support from the island administrator. The project will be executed in conjunction with the Bahamas Ministry of Health and the Florida State University College of Medicine, based in the United States. During the program, FSU medical students and doctors will travel to the Bahamas and provide free medical care and supplies to Exumians. The program will be funded through the Myron L. Rolle Foundation.

Keep in mind that Rolle hasn’t even left for England, where he’ll earn a Masters degree in Medical Anthropology from Oxford University. He hasn’t seen any checks from the NFL yet. (Rolle plans to enter the NFL Draft in 2010 to pursue a professional football career, and then pursue a career as a medical surgeon.)

How is he doing all this? The same way he graduated in two and a half years—on his own timetable.

“I operate on my timeline,” he said. “I didn’t feel I needed a lot of capital as far as money is concerned to get any of this started. All I needed was a big heart, a passion, motivation and drive, and the right people around me.”

Check, check, check, and check.

“I felt why wait?” he said. “Why not take advantage of the time here? We’re not promised tomorrow.” Myron Rolle

For more information on The Lott Trophy, go to: http://www.lotttrophy.com

Courtesy of the Myron L. Rolle Foundation

Myron Rolle unveils construction site plans at the future home of the Myron L. Rolle Medical Clinic in Steventon, Exuma, in the Bahamas.

WEATHERSPOON: Tiger on the Prowl

2009-07-09T17:52:35-08:00

WEATHERSPOON: Tiger on the Prowl

Lott Profiles 0904: For Use as Desired

Sean Weatherspoon would like to be Aaron Curry. At least as far as football success goes.

After his junior season at Wake Forest, Curry was projected as a third-round NFL draft pick. The linebacker opted to return to school. Following his senior year, Curry was named the winner of the Butkus Award and was the fourth overall selection in the April draft.

Curry was also a finalist for the Lott Trophy.

Now, Weatherspoon envisions a similar path – at least. He, too, was told he would be a third-round choice, despite the fact he had an All-American season at Missouri and had an All-World game in the Alamo Bowl (17 tackles, MVP of the game). He was a finalist for the Butkus and a quarter-finalist for the Lott.

He’s baaaaack.

Back at Missouri and back on the Lott Trophy Watch List. The Lott Trophy is awarded to the college defensive player who has the biggest IMPACT* on his team both on and off the field.

(*IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity).

NFL scouts would like to see the 6-2, 235-pound Weatherspoon do a better job of shedding blockers.

“I’m a strong enough guy to work on that, but you know, going against your own team in practice, you don’t really get the opportunities to smash with the linemen,” Weatherspoon said. “Hopefully, I can work on that.”

“You give him little things to work on, and it’s amazing how he comes out and gets better,” said Dave Steckel, the Tigers’ defensive coordinator. “That’s why he’s the player he is, because he’s extremely coachable and he takes it to heart. He’s a joy.”

He’s also the face of Mizzou football in ’09, with his face on the schedule, media guide and other promotional items.

“I’m definitely OK with that,” Weatherspoon told Dave Matter of the Columbia Tribune. “You’ve got to live your life a certain way … and you’ve got to take care of business in Columbia because you know how Columbia is: Everyone knows everything. You’ve got to keep up a good reputation and not let it slide. I think it’s a great challenge for me, but I think I’m doing a great job so far. I kind of like it.”

Steckel is confident Weatherspoon will live up to that standard.

“An old wise man told me once that leadership is self discipline,” he said. “That’s why Sean’s a great leader. He’s got self discipline. He does what he’s supposed to when he’s supposed to do it.

”He certainly y does on the field, leading the Big 12 in tackles per game last season (11.1 per game, 155 total) and recording a team-high 18.5 tackles for losses.

“He’s a great kid. We got the full package there, and the more experience he gets, the more people will certainly recognize him,” Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel said.

Contact: Pete Donovan

Plays4pars@aol.com

For more information on The Lott Trophy, go to: http://www.lotttrophy.com