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John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List

Photo – TE Dennis Pitta - BYU

Senior tight end Dennis Pitta is one of 30 individuals named to the 2009 John Mackey Award watch list, an award given annually to the most outstanding tight end in Division I-A college football. In addition to demonstrating outstanding athletic prowess on the field, the award also stands for positive sportsmanship-like behavior, good academic standing & exceptional leadership abilities. Pitta, a two-time 1st-team all-Mountain West Conference performer, ranked 3rd in the MWC and 21st nationally with 1,083 receiving yards in 2008. His total receiving yards also ranked 2nd among tight ends in the FBS behind only James Casey of Rice (1,329 yards). Pitta recorded four 100-plus yard receiving games in 2008, including the best single-game performance by a tight end with 213 yards against Northern Iowa on Aug. 30. NFL Hall of Fame member John Mackey is considered to be the best to have played the tight end position. A tight end by whom all others are measured, Mackey was a role model on and off the field as demonstrated by his Super Bowl Championship, his commitment to community and his place in history as the first President of the NFLPA.
The John Mackey Award presented since 2001, lists eight NFL players as alumni: Dallas Clark ('01) of the 2006 Super Bowl Champion Colts, two-time Super Bowl Champion Daniel Graham ('02) of the Broncos, Kellen Winslow II ('03) of the Bucs, two-time Super Bowl Champion Heath Miller ('04) of the Steelers, Marcedes Lewis ('05) of the Jaguars, Matt Spaeth ('06) of the of the 2008 Super Bowl Champion Steelers, Fred Davis ('07) of the Redskins and the 2008 John Mackey Award recipient Chase Coffman of the Bengals.
The award recipient is determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee, which is composed of respected members of the media and former NFL players, and will be announced on December 10, 2009.
The 2009 John Mackey Award preseason watch list was released by the Nassau County Sports Commission. Given annually to the best collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee

2009 John Mackey Award Watch List

2009 College Football Awards Calendar

Photo – DE Corey Wootton - Northwestern

Award Watch List - Semifinalists - Finalists - Winner Banquet/Presentation
Bednarik - Aug. 13 Nov. 4 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 March 5 (Atlantic City, N.J.)
Biletnikoff - Aug. 10 Oct. 26 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 Feb. 13 (Tallahassee, Fla.)
Broyles - Nov. 30 Dec. 8 Dec. 8 (Little Rock, Ark.)
Butkus - Aug. 20 Oct. 15 Nov. 19 Dec. 4-8 Jan. (Chicago, Ill.)
Walter Camp - Aug. 7 Nov. 12 Dec. 7 Dec. 10 Jan. 16 (New Haven, Ct.)
Draddy - Oct. 1 Oct. 29 Dec. 8 Dec. 8 (New York, N.Y.)
Groza - Aug. 12 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 Dec. 8 (Palm Beach, Fla.)
Guy - Aug. 5 Nov. 13 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 Jan. (Augusta, Ga.)
Heisman - Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 14 (New York, N.Y.)
Lombardi - Aug. 18 Oct. 14 Nov. 11 Dec. 9 Dec. 9 (Houston, Texas)
Mackey - July 29 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 April 26 (Carle Place, N.Y.)
Maxwell - Aug. 14 Nov. 4 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 March 5 (Atlantic City, N.J.)
Munger - Nov. 4 Nov. 23 Dec. 15 March 5 (Atlantic City, N.J.)
Nagurski - Aug. 19 Nov. 18 Dec. 7 Dec. 7 (Charlotte, N.C.)
Davey O'Brien - Aug. 3 Oct. 26 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 Feb. 15 (Fort Worth, Tx)
Outland - Aug. 11 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 Jan. 14 (Omaha, Neb.)
Rimington - Aug. 20 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 Jan. 16 (Lincoln, Neb.)
Eddie Robinson - Dec. 9 Jan. 5 Jan. 5 (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Disney Spirit - Dec. 10 Dec. 10 (Lake Buena Vista, Fla.)
Jim Thorpe - Aug. 6 Nov. 4 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 Feb. 8 (Ok City, Ok.)
Doak Walker - Aug. 4 Nov. 12 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 Feb. 19 (Dallas, Texas)

Outland Trophy Finalists Announced by FWAA

Photo - Guard Duke Robinson - Oklahoma

The Football Writers Association of America announced today the finalists for the Outland Trophy - Ole Miss offensive tackle Michael Oher, Oklahoma guard Duke Robinson and Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith. The three finalists for the 63nd Outland Trophy is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football.

The winner of the Outland Trophy will be announced on the evening of Dec. 11 during "The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show" at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The show, hosted by ESPN's Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit, airs from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ET.

Michael Oher is a 6-5, 318-pound senior from Memphis, Tenn. who has started 45 straight games for the Ole Miss Rebels (7-4), who defeated LSU, 31-13, last Saturday and could be in line for a bid to the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. The subject of a book, "The Blind Side: The Evolution of a Game," depicting his ascension from impoverished beginnings, Oher was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week after Ole Miss beat Louisiana-Monroe, 59-0, this season. Ole Miss is third in the SEC in rushing, with Oher helping pave the way. He is the first finalist for the award to come from Ole Miss.

Duke Robinson is a 6-5, 335-pound senior from Atlanta, Ga. who anchors the line for one of the most prolific offenses in college football at Oklahoma. The Sooners (10-1) throttled Texas Tech, 65-21, last Saturday and moved into serious contention for the national title. Oklahoma is third in the country in total offense and passing offense. Robinson, who is considered the Sooners' best offensive lineman, is expected to be the first guard taken in the 2009 NFL Draft, but he also can play tackle. He is also looking to become the Sooners' sixth winner of the Outland.

Andre Smith is a 6-4, 330-pound junior from Birmingham, Ala. who probably won't be around for his senior season. On the way to probably his second straight Jacobs Blocking Trophy (best blocker in the SEC), Smith anchors the offensive line for the top-ranked Crimson Tide (11-0). He has allowed only one sack all season. From his left tackle spot, Smith is projected to be the top player taken overall in the 2009 NFL Draft by at least one scouting service. Only once before has an Alabama player won the Outland (Chris Samuels in 1999).

The Outland Trophy, which has been awarded annually by the FWAA since 1946, is named after the late John Outland, an All-America lineman at Pennsylvania at the turn of the century. The Outland Trophy is the third oldest award in major college football behind the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.

The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of nearly 1,000 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include gameday operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America team.

For more information on the Outland Trophy, go to the official website, www.outlandtrophy.com, or contact FWAA executive director Steve Richardson.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for the Super 16 College Team Polls throughout the season that will present Grantland Rice award to the national champion in January '09. He is also a voter for Players of the Week and for the FWAA All-American teams at the conclusion of each season.

Eight Semi-Finalists Announced for 2008 John Mackey Award

Photo - TE Jared Cook - South Carolina

The Nassau County Sports Commission announced eight semi-finalists for the 2008 John Mackey Award. Listed alphabetically, they are Chase Coffman (JR, Missouri), Jared Cook (JR, South Carolina), Jermaine Gresham (JR, Oklahoma), Mark Hafner (SR, Houston), Branden Ledbetter (SR, Western Michigan), Brandon Pettigrew (SR, Oklahoma State), Dennis Pitta (JR, BYU) and D.J. Williams (SO, Arkansas).

The eight semi-finalists were determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Selection Committee. The 2008 recipient of "The Mackey" will be announced on December 11, 2008 at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show live on ESPN and presented at the Nassau County Sports Commission Annual Awards Dinner on April 27, 2009.

The John Mackey Award is given to the collegiate tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values of NFL Hall of Fame Tight End John Mackey. The Nassau County Sports Commission is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that promotes sports and healthy lifestyle for Nassau County residents and is responsible for the administration of the John Mackey Award and the John Mackey Award Selection Committee.

Chase Coffman - Missouri
Jared Cook - South Carolina
Jermaine Gresham - Oklahoma
Mark Hafner - Houston
Branden Ledbetter - Western Michigan
Brandon Pettigrew - Oklahoma St
Dennis Pitta - BYU
D.J. Williams - Arkansas

Lott Trophy Names Eight Semi-Finalists

Photo - LB Scott McKillop - Pittsburgh

Four linebackers, two defensive backs and a pair of defensive ends have been named semi-finalists for the fifth annual Lott Trophy, it was announced this week.
The linebackers, all among the top tacklers in the nation, are Aaron Curry of Wake Forest, James Laurinaitis of Ohio State, Scott McKillop of Pitt and Brit Miller of Illinois. Safeties Eric Berry of Tennessee and Myron Rolle of Florida St are joined on the semi-final list by Defensive ends Brian Orakpo of Texas and Nick Reed of Oregon, two of the top pass rushers in the country.
Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football's Defensive Impact Player of the Year. Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy is the first and only college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.

The 2008 Lott Trophy Semi-finalists:
Eric Berry, So., S, Tennessee
Aaron Curry, Sr., LB, Wake Forest
James Laurinaitis, Sr., LB, Ohio St
Scott McKillop, Sr., LB, Pitt
Brit Miller, Sr., LB, Illinois
Brian Orakpo, Sr., DE, Texas
Nick Reed, Sr., DE, Oregon
Myron Rolle, Jr., S, Florida St

The Lott award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
David Pollack of Georgia, DeMeco Ryans of Alabama, Dante Hughes of Cal and Glenn Dorsey of LSU were the winners of the first four Lott Trophies. Georgia, Alabama, Cal and LSU each received $25,000 for their general scholarship funds. In four years, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated $450,000 to various charities, in addition to the universities.

Capsules of the Eight Semi Finalists - below

Alabama's Rashad Johnson is Nagurski
Defensive Player of the Week

Photo - Safety Rashad Johnson - Alabama

Senior safety plays key role in win at LSU

Alabama free safety Rashad Johnson has been named the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week for games of the weekend of Nov. 8.

Johnson is a 6' 190 lb. senior from Sulligent, Ala. and tied a Crimson Tide record with three interceptions in Alabama's 27-21 overtime victory at LSU. He returned one of the interceptions 54 yards for a touchdown and his third interception helped seal the win in overtime. Johnson also recorded four tackles, including a half sack. The senior safety intercepted an LSU pass in overtime, paving the way for Alabama's 27-21 overtime win at No. 15 at LSU win and earning the Crimson Tide a "Pontiac Game Changing Performance" nomination.

Johnson is already on the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be presented to the best defensive player in college football on Dec. 7 by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C. Five finalists for the Nagurski Trophy will be announced next week.

Each week during the 2008 season the FWAA All-America Committee has selected a national defensive player of the week from nominations made by the 11 Division I Bowl Subdivision Conferences and major independents. This is the final week that a player of the week will be selected this season. Frank Coyle has been a voter in this award over recent years.

Jim Thorpe Award List - Semifinalists

Photo - Corner D.J. Moore - Vanderbilt

Thirteen of the nation's best college football defensive backs were announced as finalists for the 2008 Jim Thorpe Award. The award named after Oklahoma born Native American sports legend Jim Thorpe, is presented annually to the defensive back who best exhibits performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The semifinalist list will be narrowed to three finalists on Monday, November 24, and the winner will be announced on the ESPNU College Football Awards Show, broadcast nationally on Thursday, December 11. Formal presentation will be at a banquet in Oklahoma City, Monday, February 11, 2009. Frank Coyle has been a Jim Thorpe voter the past 15 years.

2008 Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists:

Asher Allen, Jr., Georgia
Eric Berry, So., Tennessee
Emanuel Cook, Jr., So. Carolina
Vontae Davis, Jr., Illinois
Trimane Goddard, Sr., N. Carolina
Malcolm Jenkins, Sr., Ohio St
Trevard Lindley, Jr., Kentucky
Taylor Mays, Jr., USC
Mike Mickens, Sr., Cincinnati
D. J. Moore, Jr., Vanderbilt
William Moore, Sr., Missouri
Alphonso Smith, Sr., Wake Forest
Otis Wiley, Sr., Michigan St

Wiley and Goddard were added to the award's preseason ‘watch list' midway through the season. The first Jim Thorpe Award was presented in 1986 to Thomas Everett, Baylor, and last year's trophy went to Antoine Cason, Arizona.
Jim Thorpe is generally considered history's greatest all-around athlete, a man who excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on offense, but also an awesome defensive back. Recognized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame simply as “The Legend", Thorpe also played professional baseball and won gold medals in the 1912 Olympics decathlon and pentathlon.