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Photo – OT Anthony Davis – Rutgers
Lombardi Award Announces Watch List
HOUSTON – The Watch List for the 40th annual Rotary Lombardi Award has been announced and it includes 153 players from 79 teams and 11 conferences. The Rotary Lombardi Award is presented annually by Houston's Rotary Club to the nation's top college football lineman -- offense or defense -- who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi.
The Watch List was formed by using 2008 postseason and 2009 preseason all-conference and All-America teams. Additional nominations were accepted from Rotary Lombardi Award voters and college sports information directors.
On Oct. 14, the 12 semifinalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award will be announced. On Nov. 11, the four finalists will be named. All of the finalists will travel to Houston for the ceremony to announce the winner on Dec. 9 at the Hilton Americas. The 2008 Rotary Lombardi Award winner was Brian Orakpo, a defensive end from the University of Texas. He was the first round draft selection of the Washington Redskins.
The Rotary Club of Houston founded the Rotary Lombardi Award in 1970, in the weeks following the death of legendary coach Vince Lombardi from cancer. The 40th Rotary Lombardi Award dinner will be held on Dec. 9, 2009, at the Hilton Hotel. Net proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information call the Rotary Club of Houston at 713-973-9936 or visit the website at www.rotarylombardiaward.org.
Rutgers junior offensive tackle Anthony Davis (Piscataway, N.J.) is one of the premier players for this award. He was also named to the 40-man Outland Trophy Watch List. He is a Preseason All-American and has been the anchor of a Scarlet Knight offensive line in recent seasons that returns all five starters for the 2009 season.
2009 Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List
Name / School / Pos / Yr / Hgt / Wgt
Rahim Alem - LSU - DE - Sr - 6-3, 254
Sean Allen - East Carolina - OL - Sr - 6-3, 310
Tyson Alualu - California - DL - Sr - 6-3, 295
Geno Atkins - Georgia - DT - Sr - 6-1, 287
Marvin Austin - North Carolina - DT - So - 6-3, 305
Carl Barnett - Houston - OL - Sr - 6-2, 285
Kevin Basped - Nevada - DL - Jr - 6-6, 240
Zane Beadles - Utah - OL Sr - 6-4, 305
Jeremy Beal - Oklahoma - DL - Jr - 6-3, 261
Jason Beauchamp - UNLV - LB - Sr - 6-3, 235
Nick Bellore - Central Michigan - LB - Jr - 6-1, 241
Patrick Benoist - Vanderbilt - LB - Sr - 6-1, 224
Scooter Berry - West Virginia - DL - Jr - 6-1, 294
Ciron Black - LSU - OL - Sr - 6-5, 325
Clint Boling - Georgia - LT - Jr - 6-5, 297
Greg Boone - Virginia Tech - TE - Sr - 6-3, 283
Korey Bosworth - UCLA - DE - Sr - 6-1, 242
Kyle Bosworth - UCLA - LB - Sr - 6-1, 234
Navorro Bowman - Penn St. - LB - Jr - 6-1 230
Mike Brewster - Ohio St - C - So - 6-5, 296
Mike Bryan - Tulsa - LB - Sr - 6-3, 226
Bryan Bulaga - Iowa - OT - Jr - 6-6, 315
Ben Burkett - Northwestern - C - So - 6-4. 285
Brad Bustle - Louisiana - G - Sr - 6-3, 302
Jeff Byers - Southern California - OG - Sr - 6-3, 290
Nate Byham - Pittsburgh - TE - Jr - 6-4, 265
Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin - OL - Jr - 6-7, 325
Alex Carrington - Arkansas St - DE - Sr - 6-5, 275
Brandon Carter - Texas Tech - OL - Sr 6-7, 354
Reggie Carter - UCLA - LB - Sr - 6-1, 240
Anthony Castonzo - Boston College - OT - Jr - 6-7, 287
Nick Charles - Air Force - OL - Sr - 6-4, 285
Keenan Clayton - Oklahoma - LB - Sr - 6-1, 221
Terrence Cody - Alabama - DL - Sr - 6-5, 354
Justin Cole - San Jose St. - LB - Sr - 6-3, 240
Antonio Coleman - Auburn - DE - Sr - 6-3, 257
Erik Cook - New Mexico - OL - Sr. - 6-6, 318
Jermaine Cunningham - Florida - DE - Sr - 6-3, 252
Rennie Curran - Georgia - LB - So - 5-11, 228
Anthony Davis - Rutgers - OL - Jr - 6-6, 325
40 Players - Early consideration for Nation's Top interior lineman
2009 Outland Trophy Watch List
DT Ndamukong Suh - Nebraska
The Southeastern and Big 12 conferences dominated the 40-man 2009 Outland Trophy Watch List that was released this week. The SEC placed 10 players on the list and the Big 12 had nine, with no other conference having more than four players on the prestigious list. Every Division I Bowl subdivision conference, along with Notre Dame, had at least one player on the annual list, which includes only interior linemen – tackles, guards and centers on both sides of the ball. Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody is the only player on the list who was on the FWAA's 2008 All-America Team.
Oklahoma and Texas from the Big 12; Florida, Georgia and Alabama from the SEC; USC from the Pac-10; and Penn State from the Big Ten each had two players on the list.
In early October, the FWAA will consider other players for the 2009 Outland Trophy Watch List when most teams have completed four games of play. Sports Information Directors will be asked to contact their conference's representative on the 2009 All-America Committee and copy the FWAA office with the nominated player.
The Outland Trophy, presented annually since 1946, is the third oldest award in major college football. The winner of the Outland Trophy, named after the late John Outland, an All-America lineman at Penn and Kansas at the turn of the century, will be announced on the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Outland Trophy presentation banquet, sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee, will be held on Jan. 14 in Omaha, Neb.
2009 OUTLAND TROPHY PRESEASON WATCH LIST
Jon Asamoah, Illinois, G
Geno Atkins, Georgia, DT
Zane Beadles, Utah, OL
Ciron Black, LSU , OT
Bryan Bulaga, Iowa, OT
Jeff Byers, USC, G
Brandon Carter, Texas Tech, G
Nick Charles, Air Force, G
Terrence Cody, Alabama, DT
Anthony Davis, Rutgers, OT
Chris Fisher, Louisiana-Lafayette, C
Kurtis Gregory, Missouri, G
Chris Hall, Texas, C
Mike Iupati, Idaho, OL
John Jerry, Ole Miss, OT
Mike Johnson, Alabama, OL
Arthur Jones, Syracuse, DT
Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma, DT
Kentucky's Jeremy Jarmon Highlights Draft Class
Free NFL Supplemental Issue for subscribers
DE Jeremy Jarmon - #99 - 6’3” 275 lbs. - Kentucky
This is a fairly strong class of prospects headed by Kentucky DE Jeremy Jarmon who will probably be selected in the middle rounds. He is a 6’3” 275 lb.+ defender with the versatility to play either up or down in either pro front seven that makes him attractive to all 32 NFL clubs. He opted for the Supplemental Draft after the NCAA ruled he was ineligible due to a positive test for a banned substance that he claims was an unapproved dietary supplement. He is a very good athlete with size, bulk and agility. He is a tough tackler with an excellent motor who is an every down defender for either pro scheme after proving to be stout at the point of attack vs the run. He uses his hands well to separate to get off blocks and win late on the down. He plays with good leverage and can fight through the double team block. He deflects passes very well when unable to get to the passer. He is an athlete with intriguing upside and rare versatility to be an interchangeable defender on a front seven. He is a smart athlete and a hard worker who produced in the tough SEC. He needs to get stronger and show additional moves inside as a pass rusher, in addition to improving his initial quickness and explosive on the snap. At his pro day in early July, he weighed in at just over 6’3”and 278 lbs and was timed in the 4.8 range in front of over half the NFL teams. He was a three year starter for the Wildcats, earning SEC honors his final two seasons. Over the ’08 season, he mad 38 tackles with 10 TFL and 4.5 sacks. Over his career, he started 31 of 38 games with 130 tackles for 30 TFL and 17.5 sacks. He also had 12 PBU with 6 coming over his final season. As a sophomore, he was more impressive with 13 starts with 62 tackles for 13.5 TFL and 9 sacks. He is a prospect who could have been a top 50 prospect next spring with a big ’09 season. He shows fine intangibles including a bright student who despite being a late addition should be a quick study for a playbook and contribute as a rookie. He can be a key front seven defender with some development and experience and the type of defender who can be the interchangeable starter who allows his club to be flexible playing both the 3-4 and 4-3 sets. He is best suited for clubs like the Ravens, Broncos, Patriots and Dolphins where his talent could surface the earliest in his pro career. He should be a solid middle round addition and possibly as early as the 3rd round. If he falls to the 4th round area, he could become a huge steal over time. Playmaker with fine upside potential to become a core defender on his club.
Complete Supplemental Draft Preview Available Now
NFL Training Camp 2009 Veteran Reporting Dates/ Places
NFC
Arizona Cardinals - Flagstaff, Ariz. July 29
Atlanta Falcons - Flowery Branch, Ga. July 31
Carolina Panthers - Spartanburg, S.C. Aug 2
Chicago Bears - Bourbonnais, Ill., July 31
Dallas Cowboys - Oxnard, Ca.. July 29
Detroit Lions - Allen Park, Mich. July 31
Green Bay Packers - Green Bay, Wis. July 31
Minnesota Vikings - Mankato, Minn. July 30
New Orleans Saints - Metairie, La. July 30
New York Giants - Albany, N.Y. Aug 3
Philadelphia Eagles - Bethlehem, Pa. July 29
San Francisco 49ers - Santa Clara, Ca.. July 30
Seattle Seahawks - Kirkland, Wash. July 30
St. Louis Rams - Mequon, Wis. July 31
Tampa Bay Bucs - Lake Buena Vista, Fl. July 31
Washington Redskins - Ashburn, Va. July 29
AFC
Baltimore Ravens - Westminster, Md. July 29
Buffalo Bills - Pittsford, N.Y. July 25
Cincinnati Bengals - Georgetown, Ky. July 30
Cleveland Browns - Berea, Oh., July 31
Denver Broncos - Englewood, Colo. July 30
Houston Texans - Houston, July 31
Indianapolis Colts - Terre Haute, Ind. Aug 2
Jacksonville Jaguars - Jacksonville, Aug 2
Kansas City Chiefs - River Falls, Wis. July 31
Miami Dolphins - Davie, Fl. Aug 1
New England Patriots - Foxboro, Mass. July 29
New York Jets - Hempstead, N.Y. July 30
Oakland Raiders - Napa Valley, Ca. July 29
Pittsburgh Steelers - Latrobe, Pa. July 31
San Diego Chargers - San Diego, Ca., July 31
Tennessee Titans - Nashville, Tenn. July 30
Hindu Theory Players '09
Hindu Theory - This theory is a takeoff on our old friend, George Young former General Manager of the New York Giants, "If NFL General Managers and scouts had one common religion, it would be Hinduism because they all believe in reincarnation. They think every new player reminds them of some former NFL performer." This theory takes into account a players' projected NFL ability, size, body type, athleticism and upside potential as a pro.
Photo - OL Max Unger - Oregon
Current Player - Reminds of
OL Max Unger - Pete Kendall
LB Larry English - LaMar Woodley
CB Lardarius Webb - Cortland Finnegan
DE/LB Connor Barwin - Mike Vrabel
Robert Ayers - Tamba Hali
TE James Casey - Owen Daniels
LB Aaron Curry - Junior Seau
WR Hakeem Nicks - Terrell Owens
LB Aaron Maybin - Jason Taylor
S William Moore - Adrian Wilson
RB Knowshon Moreno - Marshawn Lynch
LB Lawrence Sidbury - Shaun Phillips
CB Michael Ray Garvin - Chris Carr
OC Alex Mack - Jeremy Newberry
WR Percy Harvin - Steve Smith
DT Chris Baker - Tank Johnson
TE Jared Cook - Daniel Graham
S Louis Delmas - Kerry Rhodes
WR Kenny Britt - Braylon Edwards
NT B.J. Raji - Jamal Williams
OC Eric Wood - Jake Grove
LB Brian Cushing - Keith Brooking
OG Duke Robinson - Davin Joseph
RB Donald Brown - Marion Barber
TE Richard Quinn - Reggie Kelly
CB Malcolm Jenkins - Nate Clements
DE Michael Johnson - Mathias Kiwanuka
TE Chase Coffman - Zack Miller
WR Jeremy Maclin - Eddie Kennison
DT Mitch King - Dan Klecko
RB Shonn Greene - Rudi Johnson
CB Alphonso Smith - Antoine Winfield
DT Fili Moala - Shaun Cody
TE Travis Beckum - Randy McMichael
RB * Chris Wells - Jamal Lewis
OL Herman Johnson - Leonard Davis
WR Brian Robiskie - Amani Toomer
Atlanta Falcons - 11-5 - Head Coach - Mike Smith - 2nd Year
Photo - DT Peria Jerry - Ole Miss
The Falcons pulled off a major trade acquiring veteran Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez for a #2 pick in the NFL Draft 2010. Gonzalez gives young QB Matt Ryan a valuable weapon for their passing game. He will open up the middle zones for the wide receivers and keep linebackers out of the box for tough runner Michael Turner. His acquisition allows the Falcons to focus on defense early in the draft and primarily on their front seven positions. They could possibly use all their top 100 selections on the defensive side of the ball to improve a young unit that has undergone many changes over recent offseasons.
Atlanta Falcon Team Report
Key Team Needs:
1. DT 2. LB 3. CB 4. OT 5. S
1. Defensive Tackle - The Falcons will probably address the DT position in the early rounds with a possible #1 selection if DT Peria Jerry or Ziggy Hood are still on the board at the 24th overall pick. Young potential starters Jon Babineaux and Trey Lewis are still untested. They have become very interested in both Jerry and Hood over recent weeks. They also like Corvey Irwin and Alex Magee in the 3rd round.
2. Linebacker - The Falcons lost Michael Boley in FA after releasing Keith Brooking. They have little depth currently and could address both the inside and outside spots. They hope to address this area with at least prime top 100 selection and could use a #1 pick on Clay Matthews or Brian Cushing. They have OLB Marcus Freeman and Ashlee Palmer on their 3rd round list. They also like Tyrone McKenzie in the middle rounds.
3. Cornerback - The secondary may be addressed at both the safety and corner positions. They could surprise and address the corner early and they like Darius Butler very much in the late 1st round. In the 2nd round, they could add CB D.J. Moore who would be a major boost to their return game. They like Bradley Fletcher and Asher Allen in the 3rd round.
4. Offensive Tackle - The Falcons have pressing needs at right tackle. They will look to add a right tackle early to couple with last year’s #1 pick Sam Baker. They will consider OT Eben Britton in the first round. He has the ability to play either side and start as a rookie. They like Troy Kropog and Jason Watkins in the middle rounds.
5. Safety - The Falcons released veteran Lawyer Milloy and will look to young Thomas DeCoud to step in and claim a starting job. They have little depth behind projected starters. They hope to address this area with at least prime top 100 selection and have Rashad Johnson on their early middle round list. They also like Darcel McBath and Chip Vaughn and have them on their 3rd round list.
Insiders’ Insights
The Falcons had their best draft class in franchise history last April selecting possibly six starters including franchise QB Matt Ryan. They still have clear needs on both sides of the ball. On the late first round, they like DT Peria Jerry and LB Brian Cushing and will debate those two to the last minute. DT Ziggy Hood could be a surprise #1 pick. They could use most of their draft choices on defensive players including a few picks for their changing secondary. Their biggest offensive need is a big mobile tackle with an early starting grade. He would be difficult to pass on OT Britton if available. Their defense will probably be the primary focus of the draft with each unit in need of an influx of talent. Both the linebacker unit and secondary are high priorities. They see Brian Cushing as a Keith Brooking clone. In a good defensive back class; they may address both the corner and safety spot twice by the middle rounds. Cornerback is still a high need and could be addressed in early rounds. They may find several top athletes like Darius Butler or Alphonso Smith available.
1st Round - DT Peria Jerry - Ole Miss - Mobile defender would be a fine addition for the inside.
Alternate Pick - CB Darius Butler - Upon Natural cover defender would be an excellent addition.
Jay Cutler Traded to Bears
Photo - OT Eugene Monroe - Virginia
The Broncos pulled the trigger on the Jay Cutler deal, sending the disgruntled QB along with a #5 pick to the Bears for two #1 picks plus a #3 selection and veteran QB Kyle Orton. This gives the Broncos two #1 picks over the next two drafts with the 12th and 18th overall in the first round this year. They will miss out on the top two QBs, Matt Stafford and Mark Sanchez at those spots and would now have to package another deal to move up to land either of the junior passers.
This deal will probably begin movement in the early rounds with clubs like the Browns, Jaguars and Jets, in addition to the Broncos talking deals with QB prospects their prime target. Veteran NFL passers like Brady Quinn, Alex Smith, Kellen Clemons and Jason Campbell have all been involved in trade talks with clubs. Any new trades will probably be contingent on the draft prospects available On the Clock when they select in the first round.
First Round
1 Detroit - Matt Stafford - QB - Georgia
2 St. Louis - Eugene Monroe - OT - Virginia
3 Kansas City - Aaron Curry - LB - Wake Forest
4 Seattle - Jason Smith - OT - Baylor
5 Cleveland - Brian Orakpo - DE - Texas
6 Cincinnati -* Everette Brown - DE - Florida St
7 Oakland - * Jeremy Maclin - WR - Missouri
8 Jacksonville - * Mark Sanchez - QB - Southern Cal
9 Green Bay - B.J. Raji - DT - Boston College
10 San Francisco - * Michael Crabtree - WR - Texas Tech
11 Buffalo - Michael Johnson - DE - Georgia Tech
12 Denver - * Vontae Davis - CB - Illinois
13 Washington - * Andre Smith - OT - Alabama
14 New Orleans - Malcolm Jenkins - CB - Ohio St.
15 Houston - * Percy Harvin - WR - Florida
16 San Diego - * Aaron Maybin - LB - Penn St
17 New York Jets - * Josh Freeman - QB - Kansas St
18 Denver (Chicago) - Tyson Jackson - DE - LSU
19 Tampa Bay - * Darrius Heyward-Bey - WR - Maryland
20 Detroit (Dallas) - Michael Oher - OT - Mississippi
21 Philadelphia - Brandon Pettigrew - TE -Oklahoma St
22 Minnesota - * Eben Britton - OT - Arizona
23 New England - * Hakeem Nicks - WR - North Carolina
24 Atlanta - Alphonso Smith - CB - Wake Forest
25 Miami - Brian Cushing - LB - Southern Cal
26 Baltimore - Rey Maualuga - LB - Southern Cal
27 Indianapolis - Peria Jerry - DT - Mississippi
28 Philadelphia (Carolina) -* Knowshon Moreno - RB - Georgia
29 New York Giants - * Kenny Britt - WR - Rutgers
30 Tennessee - Darius Butler - CB - Connecticut
31 Arizona -* Chris Wells - RB - Ohio St
32 Pittsburgh - Alex Mack - OC - California
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