Talavou, Tupola on Watch List for Lombardi Award - The Official Athletic Site of the University of Utah

Talavou, Tupola on Watch List for Lombardi Award
Ute seniors earn consideration for nation's best lineman

Tavo Tupola is on the watch list for the Lombardi Award.

Aug. 10, 2006

HOUSTON--With the start of the college football season just weeks away, a total of 101 players are on the Rotary Lombardi Award's Watch List. The 37th Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia Bank, honors the top lineman in college football while raising funds for the American Cancer Society.

Kelly Talavou is on the watch list for the Lombardi Award.

University of Utah senior offensive lineman Tavo Tupola and senior defensive lineman Kelly Talavou are both on the watch list for the Lombardi Award. Both Talavou and Tupola are also mentioned on the watch list for the Outland Trophy, honoring the nation's top interior lineman. In addition, Talavou is on the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Award, honoring the nation's best defensive player.

Any player who meets the basic award criteria (a down lineman on either side of the ball--including tight ends, and linebackers who line up within five yards of the ball) is eligible to receive votes. This year's list is almost evenly divided between offensive and defensive players, with 54 defenders and 47 offensive players currently listed.

Founded in the weeks following the death of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi from cancer in 1970, the Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia Bank, has annually delivered upon the mission set forth by Marie Lombardi when she first granted the use of her late husband's name. Her only stipulation was that all net proceeds from the event be donated to the American Cancer Society and millions of dollars have been generated since that time.

-UU-