PAST OUTLAND WINNERS

2008 * 2009 * 2010 * 2011 * 2012 * 2013 * 2014 * 2015 * 2016 * 2017 * 2018 * 2019 * 2020 * 2021

2023 OUTLAND TROPHY AWARD WINNER

T’Vondre Sweat   

University of Texas 

TEXAS DEFENSIVE TACKLE SWEAT WINS 78TH OUTLAND TROPHY

DALLAS (FWAA) – Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat was named the recipient of the 78th Outland Trophyon Friday night during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN. The Outland Trophy is awarded annually to the nation’s best college interior lineman on offense or defense. Sweat is the school’s fourth Outland Trophy winner.

Sweat, a 6-4, 362-pound senior from Huntsville, Texas, was selected by the All-America Committee of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) from three finalists that also included offensive tackle Joe Alt of Notre Dame and guard Cooper Beebe of Kansas State. Sweat is the second defensive tackle of the past three seasons to win the Outland Trophy (Georgia’s Jordan Davis in 2021) and the fourth from the defensive side of the last seven seasons. He is the first winner from a Big 12 school since 2004 (Oklahoma offensive tackle Jammal Brown).

The official presentation to Sweat will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 10, 2024. Prior to that, Texas (12-1) faces Washington (13-0) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in a College Football Playoff semifinal in New Orleans.

Sweat is the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year as the linchpin of one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the nation. He was one of three unanimous selections and the all-conference honors are the first of his career following a breakout season in which he established career highs with 42 tackles (sixth on the team), 17 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and four pass breakups. In addition Sweat also blocked a kick that was returned for a defensive two-point conversion against Iowa State.

Sweat also caught a two-yard touchdown pass in the Big 12 Championship Game last week against Oklahoma State, the first reception of his career.

Texas’ defensive front that includes Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year Byron Murphy II has led the Longhorns to near the top of multiple national defensive statistical categories:

  • held opponents to 80.9 rushing yards per game (4th in the FBS)
  • held opponents to 26.5 percent on third-down conversions (2nd in FBS)
  • tie for fourth in red zone defense (71.4 percent, tied for 4th in FBS)
  • gave up 17.2 points per game thus far in 13 games (12th in FBS)
  • gave up 210 first downs thus far in 13 games (27th in FBS)

Sweat is the latest winner among Texas’ fine tradition with the Outland Trophy and its first in 46 seasons. Defensive tackle Brad Shearer was the last winner prior to Sweat in 1977 with linebacker Tommy Nobis (1965) and defensive tackle Scott Appleton (1963) also earning previous awards. Like Sweat, each one of Texas’ previous Outland Trophy winners, finalists or semifinalists were native Texans. 

The recipient of the 2022 Outland Trophy was announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live in a virtual presentation on ESPN on Thursday, December 8. The official presentation to the winner Olusegun Oluwatimi, University of Michigan, was made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, NE., on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

Each of the Bulldogs’ Outland Trophy prior honorees have been defensive tackles. Georgia’s lone winner was Bill Stanfill in 1968 and defensive tackle Andrew Thomas was a semifinalist in 2019.

Davis is a commanding presence in the middle of the Georgia defensive line, constantly double-teamed while closing interior running lanes between the ends. His presence taking away the defensive middle was a key in the Bulldogs leading the nation in scoring defense giving up only 9.5 points per game as the only program in single-digits and 5.5 points ahead of the next best unit. Georgia was also second in total defense (254.3 yards per game), third in rushing defense (81.7 ypg) and third in passing defense (172.6 ypg).

Each of the Bulldogs’ Outland Trophy prior honorees have been defensive tackles. Georgia’s lone winner was Bill Stanfill in 1968 and defensive tackle Andrew Thomas was a semifinalist in 2019.

Davis is a commanding presence in the middle of the Georgia defensive line, constantly double-teamed while closing interior running lanes between the ends. His presence taking away the defensive middle was a key in the Bulldogs leading the nation in scoring defense giving up only 9.5 points per game as the only program in single-digits and 5.5 points ahead of the next best unit. Georgia was also second in total defense (254.3 yards per game), third in rushing defense (81.7 ypg) and third in passing defense (172.6 ypg).

During Georgia’s 12-0 start and consensus No. 1 ranking for the bulk of the 2021 season, Davis posted 24 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks and even included a short rushing touchdown. He had four tackles in Georgia’s loss to Alabama in last week’s SEC Championship Game, giving him 28 total tackles for the season.

Davis was also a finalist for the FWAA’s Bronko Nagurski Trophy and is a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, both recognizing the national defensive player of the year.

The Bulldogs, seeded third, take on No. 2 Michigan in the College Football Playoff Semifinals on Dec. 31 in the Capital One Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Fla.

The Outland Trophy is the third-oldest major college football award behind the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since. Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.

The Outland Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935.

2021 Outland Trophy Award Finalists

2021 OUTLAND TROPHY FINALISTS UNVEILED
OMAHA (FWAA) – The top defensive tackle on the nation’s current top-ranked team, a standout center from a program with separate finalists in consecutive years and the top lineman on a contender for the Atlantic Coast Conference title are the three finalists for the 2021 Outland Trophy, as selected by the Football Writers Association of America.

Jordan Davis, the persistent force clogging the middle of Georgia’s defensive line, Tyler Linderbaum of Iowa, regarded nationally as the country’s top center this season, and Ikem “Ikey” Ekwonu of N.C. State, an offensive tackle and one of the top run blockers in the country, are this season’s superior linemen.

The 2021 Outland Trophy is awarded annually to the nation’s best college interior lineman on offense or defense. The All-America Committee of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) selected the three finalists from among the six semifinalists announced last week in Omaha at the Legends Patio Grill and Bar.

The recipient of the 2021 Outland Trophy Award will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. ET. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the 75th Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 12, 2022.

Top Three Interior Lineman in College Football

Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia (#99, 6-6, 340, Sr., Charlotte, N.C.):

Simply put, Davis is the most dominant defensive tackle in college football for top-ranked Georgia (11-0). The Bulldogs own the nation’s second-best total defense giving up 236.3 yards per game and with Davis anchoring the interior line own the nation’s second-best rushing defense (77.2 ypg). Georgia is the national scoring defense leader (7.5 ppg) by more than a touchdown above second-place and has not given up more than 17 points in any game. Nobody has been able to run on Davis. Georgia has an Outland Trophy tradition on the defensive front. The Bulldogs’ lone Outland Trophy winner was also a defensive tackle, Bill Stanfill, in 1968 and boasted defensive tackle Andrew Thomas as a semifinalist in 2019. Defensive tackles have won two of the last four Outland Trophies: Quinnen Williams of Alabama in 2018 and Ed Oliver of Houston in 2017.

Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa (#65, 6-3, 290, Jr., Solon, Iowa): Linderbaum is one of the dominant linemen at his position for the Hawkeyes (9-2). He was the Second Team FWAA All-America center a year ago. The junior has started all 32 career games after playing on the defensive line as a true freshman. He moved to the offensive line following the 2018 regular season, and this season has a 94.8 offensive grade among centers by PFF, the best for a center since 2014. Iowa’s run game has improved, as Tyler Goodson became Iowa’s first 1,000-yard-season rusher since 2017 with a 132-yard output last week.
The Hawkeyes have four Outland Trophy winners in their past, most recently offensive tackle Brandon Scherff in 2014, who is also the Big Ten’s last Outland winner. Offensive tackle Robert Gallery (2003), tackle Alex Karras (1957) and guard Calvin Jones (1955) are other winners. Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs was a semifinalist in 2019. The last center to win the Outland came in 2005 from the Big Ten, Greg Eslinger of Minnesota.

Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State (#79, 6-4, 320, So., Charlotte, N.C.): Ekwonu has been ranked as the top run blocker in college football by Pro Football Focus and has more than 50 pancake blocks and 17 knockdowns.for the Wolfpack (8-3). He has earned the ACC Offensive Line Player of the Week twice this season. Protecting quarterback Devin Leary at left tackle, Ekwonu and N.C. State are 19th nationally in passing offense at 292.2 yards per game, fifth in the ACC and 11th among Power 5 schools. Leary is tied for 14th nationally in passing yards at 289.6 ypg. “He’s.nasty. He’s athletic. He’s big,” said Tim Hasselbeck of the ACC Network. Bruce Feldman of The Athletic calls him the most feared lineman in the ACC. “Ridiculous strength levels, athleticism and will to finish,” said Jordan Reid of ESPN. Ekwonu is N.C. State’s first Outland Trophy finalist. Jim Ritcher, a center, won N.C. State’s only previous Outland Trophy in 1979 before finalists were designated. Garrett Bradbury, a center, was a semifinalist in 2018. Offensive tackles have won the last two Outland Trophys: Alex Leatherwood of Alabama (2020) and Penei Sewell of Oregon (2019).

2021 Outland Trophy Award Semi-Finalists

Top Six Interior Lineman in College Football

Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

(6-6,  340lb, Senior, Charlotte, N.C.):

One of 18 semifinalists for the 2021 Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the outstanding defensive player of the year…has played in all 10 games to date, starting at DL in nine, and has 23 total tackles…3.5 of those are for lost yardage, including 2.0 QB sacks…named to the Mid-Season All-America Team by The Sporting News…season-high five stops in win at #18 Auburn…had three tackles, including a QB sack and another tackle for lost yardage in win over Clemson…also added a QB pressure…named one of three team captains for the South Carolina game…assisted on a QB sack vs. the Gamecocks that resulted in a safety…pre-season All-America 1st team pick by Phil Steele, 2nd team by Associated Press and Walter Camp…also preseason All-SEC 1st team selection by the league’s 14 head coaches, Phil Steele and attendees at SEC Media Days…included on pre-season watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Award, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate defensive player…also on early watch list for the Outland Trophy, which goes to the to interior lineman in college football.

Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State

(6-5, 315lb, Junior, Tampa, FLA.):

Nicholas Petit-Frere is a fourth-year junior and a leader along
the team’s offensive line. He is a two-year starter at offensive tackle
with 17 starts for Ohio State teams that are 15-2 during that time. Named second-team all-Big Ten Conference in 2020, Petit-Frere has been a force in 2021 on the offensive line that has powered Ohio State to No. 1 rankings nationally in total offense (550.4) and in scoring (46.3). Ohio State also ranks 3rd in third down conversions (.534), 6th in passing yards (353.6), 9th in red zone percentage (41 of 44; .932), 12th in completion pct. (.682) and 30th in rushing yards per game (196.8). Additionally, the Ohio State offensive line is T13th in fewest sacks allowed (11) and T4th in fewest TFLs allowed (29). Petit-Frere is a three time OSU Scholar-Athlete who is majoring in marketing. He is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten Conference honoree.

Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

(6-7, 350lb, Junior, Okeechobee, Fla.):

JUNIOR (2021): One of the nation’s top offensive line prospects who has lived up to the expectations from day one … a dominant presence at left tackle for the Crimson Tide … veteran of 36 starts over three years and three positions along the Alabama offensive line, starting 13 games at left guard in 2019, 13 games at right tackle in 2020 and 10 games at left tackle in 2021 … anchors an Alabama offensive front that is opening holes and providing time for the nation’s No. 3 scoring offense (44.6 ppg) and pass efficiency offense (178.05), the No. 1 third-down conversion percentage (56.6), the No. 6 red zone offense (.940) and the No. 11 passing offense (322.6 ypg) … has allowed just 1.5 sacks and 5.5 pressures in 350 Alabama pass attempts … accounted for a team-high 20 knockdown blocks … played 683 snaps over 10 games … named a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award … earned midseason All-America honors from the Associated Press, The Sporting News and CBS Sports … earned offensive player of the week honors from the Alabama coaching staff after the Tide’s win over Mercer, Ole Miss, Tennessee and New Mexico State.

Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

(6-3, 290lb, JR., SOLON, IOWA):

Hawk Item – – Has started at center in 31 straight games over the last three seasons, helping Iowa post 24-7 overall record . . . PFF grade of 94.6 through 10 games, highest grade for a center since 2014 . . . one of 10 juniors named to 2021 Player Council . . .. moved from defensive line to offensive line following 2018 regular season . . . earned Dean’s List recognition spring, 2020.

2021 Honors – – One of four finalists for the Lombardi Award . . . one of six semifinalists for the Outland Trophy . . . named midseason first-team All-America by Associated Press, The Athletic, CBSSports.com and Sporting News . . . named Lombardi Award Preseason Watch List . . . Named to Rimington Trophy Preseason Watch List . . . Named to Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List . . . Named to Big Ten Conference Preseason Honor List . . . Preseason first-team All-America by Associated Press, The Athletic, Athlon Sports, Sporting News and Phil Steele . . . preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele

2020 Honors – – One of three finalists for Rimington Trophy . . . first-team All-America by Pro Football Focus and The Athletic . . . second-team All-America by Associated Press, FWAA, Walter Camp and Phil Steele . . . first-team All-Big Ten by league media . . . first-team All-Big Ten by Associated Press and Phil Steele . . . second-team All-Big Ten by league coaches . . . Academic All-Big Ten . . . preseason second-team All-America by Associated Press . . . preseason third-team All-America by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports . . . preseason fourth-team All-America by Pick Six Previews . . . preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Athlon Sports . . . preseason second-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele and Pick Six Previews.

Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

(6’4, 320lb, Sophomore, Charlotte, N.C.):

Called “the most feared lineman in the ACC” by The Athletic, Ekwonu leads the Wolfpack in pancake blocks this season (56 in 10 games), as well as the past two seasons and has 143 for his career … A midseason All-American according to AP, The Athletic, ESPN and The Sporting News … A two-time ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week in 2021 … Has played 700 snaps – all at left tackle – this season and has allowed just one sack .. Rated as the top offensive tackle in the Power 5 by Pro Football Focus and as the top draft eligible guard (he’s also played guard during his career) by ESPN’s Mel Kiper … Has been the Wolfpack’s top grader in all but one conference game this season … Named one of Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks”, he has reached 18 MPH on the GPS during practice and boasts a 30-inch vertical jump … In 2020, earned second-team All ACC honors from the Associated Press at both guard and tackle … Fraternal twin brother Osita is a LB at Notre Dame. Father T.J. is a 6’6 doctor who played college basketball before coming to the U.S. from Nigeria. Mother Amaka was a high school track star … His name (Ikemefuna) is translated “my effort will not be in vain.” A former coach nicknamed him “Ickey” because he looked like former Cincinnati Bengals RB Ickey Woods … Majoring in business administration, he has won Academic All-ACC honors both of his previous years.

Darian Kinnard, OT, Kentucky

(6-5, 345lb, Senior, Knoxville, Tenn.):

“The only player to rank top 10 in both run- and pass-blocking among Power Five tackles.” – Pro Football Focus … Has a season-long grade of 87.1 as evaluated by Pro Football Focus … Has played in 43 career games with 36 consecutive starts at right tackle for Kentucky … Blocks for Chris Rodriguez Jr., who is averaging more than 100 rushing yards per game and ranks second in the SEC and top 20 nationally in rushing yards … Named SEC Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week after UK’s win over Vanderbilt … 2021 Rotary Lombardi Award semifinalist … Midseason All-American by the Athletic, Sporting News and CBS Sports … Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List … NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Preseason Big Board … Preseason First-Team Offense All-SEC by every media outlet … Graded by PFF as college football’s top run-blocking tackle for 2021 entering the season.

Was Announced Live from the Legends Patio Grill 

2020 OUTLAND TROPHY AWARD WINNER

Alex Leatherwood, OT University of Alabama

Join us as we Recognize and Highlight Alex Leatherwoods’ Collegiate Journey to receiving the Outland Trophy Award and becoming the 75th Winner in Omaha Nebraska January 13th. Alex Leatherwood claimed the 75th Outland Trophy on Thursday night during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN and Leatherwood is the third Alabama lineman of the last five seasons to win it and the sixth overall.

Leatherwood, a 6-6, 312-pound senior from Pensacola, Fla., was selected by the All-America Committee of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) from three finalists that also included Notre Dame offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg and Iowa defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon.

    Of Alabama’s five previous Outland winners – Quinnen Williams (2018), Cam Robinson (2016), Barrett Jones (2011), Andre Smith (2008) and Chris Samuels (1999) – five of them were also offensive tackles. The Outland Trophy now has consecutive offensive winners (Oregon guard Penei Sewell last year) after two defensive tackles in 2017 (Ed Oliver of Houston) and 2018 (Williams).

A backbone on the left side of top-ranked Alabama’s line, Leatherwood is the best lineman on the season’s best team to date. The Crimson Tide has consensus All-Americans at quarterback, running back and wide receiver this season – some of the credit must start up front where its left tackle is providing protection for the nation’s second-highest scoring offense at 48.2 points per game that is also fifth in passing at 349.3 yards per game and sixth in total offense averaging 535.0 yards per game.

He has an overall blocking grade of 91.1 by the Alabama coaching staff having given up two sacks and three quarterback hurries this season. Leatherwood and Alabama center Landon Dickerson were co-winners of the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the league’s top linemen. He was a First Team choice on all four All-America teams by the organizations that decide consensus status and can become a unanimous selection from the Walter Camp Foundation tonight. Named a permanent team captain by the Alabama players last month, the Bama coaches honored him as well making Leatherwood one of their four Offensive Achievement Award winners having earned their Player of the Week selection four times, including after last week’s Rose Bowl playoff semifinal.

Leatherwood’s ability was on display that night in Bama’s 31-14 win over Notre Dame. The Crimson Tide racked up 437 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry on the ground en route to 140 rushing yards. His protection allowed quarterback Mac Jones to complete 25-of-30 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns on the day. In Monday night’s National Championship against Ohio State, Leatherwood and the Alabama front faces perhaps the best defensive line they’ve seen yet this season.

For the 24th consecutive year, the presentation banquet of the Outland Trophy will occur in Omaha on Jan. 13, 2021, at a banquet sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. At the same banquet, the seventh Tom Osborne Legacy Award Sponsored by the Omaha Downtown Rotary will also be virtually presented at the dinner. Osborne, the legendary former Nebraska coach, will present the award to Bill Snyder – Former Legendary Head Coach at K-State, Finally at the Dinner we recognize Nebraska Senior Awards – Tom Novak Award –  Guy Chamberlin Award and the Cletus Fischer Native Son Award.

2020 Outland Trophy Award Finalists

Top Three Interior Lineman in College Football

Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa

Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa (6-3, 305, Jr., Kenosha, Wis.): In just seven games, Nixon leads the Big Ten with 5.0 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in his first season on the Iowa front. His 36 tackles are tied for the most among Big Ten defensive linemen. Nixon opened the season with seven tackles at Purdue and then posted a career-high 11 against division champion Northwestern, and his 71-yard interception return for a touchdown at Penn State remains a national season highlight. The Hawkeyes have four Outland winners in their past, most recently offensive tackle Brandon Scherff in 2014. Offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs was a semifinalist last season. Offensive tackle Robert Gallery (2003), tackle Alex Karras (1957) and guard Calvin Jones (1955) are other winners.

Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame (6-6, 302, Gr., Cleveland, Ohio): Eichenberg, the winner of the ACC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the league’s most outstanding blocker, anchors a talented offensive front that was third in the ACC and 11th nationally in rushing offense at 235.0 yards per game in leading the Fighting Irish to a 10-1 season. The Irish were third in the ACC in fewest sacks allowed per game (2.09, and 23 total). Eichenberg’s efforts helped Notre Dame produce a 1,000-yard rusher in Kyren Williams, and three different running backs had 100-yard games for a combined nine 100-yard days in 11 games. The Irish topped 500 total yards four times this season. Eichenberg was named the ACC’s Offensive Lineman of the Week twice, and his protection at left tackle helped quarterback Ian Book to set a school record with 266 consecutive passing attempts without an interception. Notre Dame has had three Outland Trophy winners, the most recent being defensive end Ross Browner in 1976 (also guard Bill Fischer in 1948 and tackle George Connor in 1946). In 2017 guard Quenton Nelson was a finalist and offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey was a semifinalist.

Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama (6-6, 312, Sr., Pensacola, Fla.): Leatherwood’s qualification is simple: he’s regarded as the best offensive lineman on the nation’s best offense that continues to post record marks in an 11-0 season. Alabama’s 52 points in its SEC Championship Game win marks the third straight game for the Tide to top 50 points and Leatherwood’s protection at left tackle helped quarterback Mac Jones set SEC Championship Game records for yards (418) and completions (33). Alabama has scored 35 or more points in 24 consecutive games, the longest streak in major-college football history, and averages 49.7 points per game. Leatherwood has an overall blocking grade of 90.8 by the Alabama coaching staff and has graded out at a team-high-tying 99.6 on all assignments. Running back Najee Harris (1,262 yards, 5.90 ypc) has 24 rushing touchdowns, the second-most in Alabama history. Leatherwood was named a permanent team captain by his Crimson Tide teammates as well as one of four Offensive Achievement Award winners by the coaches. Four of Alabama’s five previous Outland winners have been offensive tackles – Cam Robinson (2016), Barrett Jones (2011), Andre Smith (2008) and Chris Samuels (1999) – as well as five of the Tide’s last seven finalists.

Join us as we Recognize and Highlight Alex Leatherwoods’ Collegiate Journey to receiving the Outland Trophy Award and becoming the 75th Winner in Omaha Nebraska January 13th. Alex Leatherwood claimed the 75th Outland Trophy on Thursday night during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN and Leatherwood is the third Alabama lineman of the last five seasons to win it and the sixth overall.

Leatherwood, a 6-6, 312-pound senior from Pensacola, Fla., was selected by the All-America Committee of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) from three finalists that also included Notre Dame offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg and Iowa defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon.

2020 Outland Trophy Award Semi-Finalists

Was Announced Live from the Legends Patio Grill 

Top Six Interior Lineman in College Football

Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M

Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M (6-4, 325, So., Humble, Texas): Green has led the Aggies into national prominence by allowing quarterback Kellen Mond to set school passing records while also paving the way for an underrated running attack. He’s the best among an offensive line which is fifth in the nation and leads the SEC allowing just 0.5 sacks per game and 4.0 total on the season. The line’s 4.0 TFL’s allowed per game is also top-10 nationally as Mond has set six career passing records, including wins as a quarterback. Texas A&M has an Outland winner from 2012 in offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, and offensive tackle Jake Matthews was a finalist in 2013.

Wiatt Davis, OG, Ohio State

Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State (6-4, 315, Jr., Bellflower, Calif.): Davis is at the forefront of an offensive line that guides one of the country’s most explosive offenses. The Buckeyes in five games played are fourth nationally in scoring offense at 46.6 points per game and sixth nationally in total offense at 536.4 ypg while leading the Big Ten in rushing at 233.2 ypg. The interior protection by Davis, a second-team FWAA All-American last year, has been stellar as Justin Fields moved to fourth in the nation in quarterback efficiency while completing 79 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns against only three interceptions. Ohio State has four Outland winners in its past, started off by guard Jim Parker in 1956. Middle guard Jim Stillwagon (1970) and offensive tackles John Hicks (1973) and Orlando Pace (1996) have won it since. Center Billy Price is the Buckeyes’ most recent semifinalist in 2017.

Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama (6-6, 312, Sr., Pensacola, Fla.): At times the Crimson Tide offense is so fast and fluid you can miss watching the guys up front that make it so. Leatherwood has been a standout in protection as well as blocking, allowing quarterback Mac Jones to rank in the top 10 nationally of nearly every passing statistic. The Crimson Tide has scored 35 or more points in 22 consecutive games, the longest streak in major-college football history. Four of Alabama’s five previous Outland winners have been offensive tackles – Cam Robinson (2016), Barrett Jones (2011), Andre Smith (2008) and Chris Samuels (1999) – as well as five of the Tide’s last seven finalists.

2019 OUTLAND TROPHY AWARD WINNER
Penei Sewell, OT

University of Oregon

Join us as we Recognize and Highlight Penei Sewells’ Collegiate Journey to receiving the Outland Trophy Award and becoming the 74th Winner in Omaha Nebraska January 15th. Penei Sewell claimed the 74th Outland Trophy on Thursday night during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN from the College Football Hall of Fame.

Sewell is the first Outland Trophy winner from Oregon and the third consecutive sophomore to receive the prestigious award. Sewell is just the eighth winner from a Pac-12 school and the third since 2000. He was selected by the All-America Committee of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) from three finalists, including Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown and Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz. The Ducks had two previous finalists in Jake Fisher (OT, 2014) and Haloti Ngata (DT, 2005).

    Just 20 starts into his collegiate career and just over three months since his 19th birthday, sophomore offensive lineman Penei Sewell is Oregon’s first Outland Trophy winner. Sewell is the first Polynesian and first sophomore offensive lineman to win the Outland Trophy. A native of Malaeimi, American Samoa, Sewell is one of two players in program history to be a finalist for the Outland Trophy, joining Oregon legend Haloti Ngata (2005).

     The top-graded offensive lineman in the nation by Pro Football Focus (PFF), Sewell joined LaMichael James (2010) and Marcus Mariota (2014) as the only three players in Oregon history to be a unanimous first-team All-American.
Sewell’s dominance at left tackle protecting senior quarterback Justin Herbert was on full display this season. He finished the regular season as PFF’s top-graded offensive lineman in the nation with a grade of 95.1, while his 95.3 run-block grade was also tops in the country. In 491 pass-blocking snaps this season, Sewell allowed just seven pressures and no sacks. He put together nine games without allowing a pressure, hurry or hit on the quarterback. His 90.7 pass-blocking mark finished third nationally.
Over the 12-game regular season, Sewell was named to PFF’s Pac-12 Team of the Week nine times and to the outlet’s National Team of the Week six times, which led the country. Sewell earned the Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Week nod four times in 2019, while Washington State (2) was the only other team to win the award more than once.

The cornerstone of Oregon’s offensive line that was named one of four finalists for the Joe Moore Award, Sewell led the Ducks with 57 knockdowns on the year. Sewell and the rest of the Ducks up front racked up a lot of knockdowns during the team’s 22-point win over Utah in the Pac-12 Championship game in which Oregon rushed for 239 yards and three TDs.

Oregon is 17-3 over the last two seasons with Sewell in the starting lineup. Over 1,376 snaps the last two years, Sewell has allowed just one sack.

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 in the late 1800s. It is the third oldest player award in major-college football behind the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.

For the 23rd consecutive year, the presentation banquet of the Outland Trophy will occur in Omaha on Jan. 15, 2020, at a banquet sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. At the same banquet, the six Tom Osborne Legacy Award Sponsored by the Omaha Downtown Rotary will also be presented at the dinner. Osborne, the legendary former Nebraska coach, will present the award to James Fischer DeBerry – Former Head Coach at Air Force Academy, Finally at the Dinner we recognize Nebraska Senior Awards – Tom Novak Award –  Guy Chamberlin Award – Cletus Fischer Native Son Award – and Now the Cornhusker Award.

Live from the Old Mattress Factory

Derrick Brown, Auburn, DT        –   7th Pick  –  Carolina Panthers

Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin, C        –  146th Pick  –  Dallas Cowboys

Andrew Thomas, Georgia, OT    –    4th Pick    –  New York Giants

John Simpson, Clemson, OG      –   109th Pick – LasVegas Raiders

Tristan Wirfs, Iowa, OT                –    13th Pick  –    Tampa Bay

Penei Sewell, Oregon, OT          –    Returning to Oregon

2018 OUTLAND TROPHY AWARD WINNER
Quinnen Williams

University of Alabama

Join us as we Recognize and Highlight Quinnen Williams’ Collegiate Journey to receiving the Outland Trophy Award and becoming the 73rd Winner in Omaha Nebraska January 9th. Quinnen Williams claimed the 73rd Outland Trophy on Thursday night during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN from the College Football Hall of Fame.

Quinnen Williams is the first of Alabama’s now five Outland Trophy winners to play on defense. The other four Crimson Tide winners – Chris Samuels (1999), Andre Smith (2008), Barrett Jones (2011) and most recently Cam Robinson (2016) were all offensive tackles. Williams was selected from a list of three finalists that included Alabama teammate Jonah Williams, an offensive tackle, and Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. He is just the second sophomore to win the award, following Houston’s Ed Oliver last season.

The 6-foot-4, 295-pound sophomore from Birmingham, Ala., was an unknown first-time starter when Alabama opened its season and was not mentioned on any preseason All-SEC teams by coaches or media. But Williams immediately became a dominant presence on a front line that has held its opponents to 117.0 rushing yards per game and helped the Crimson Tide’s defense rank fourth in the nation, allowing only 14.8 points per game, and ninth in the nation, giving up 295.4 yards per game. Including last week’s Southeastern Conference Championship Game, Williams leads Alabama with 18 tackles for loss and in yardage with 85 yards lost. His 8.0 sacks were second on the team but lead Alabama with minus-57 yards from those sacks.

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Despite being in the middle of the line, Williams is third on the team with 66 total tackles and tied for the team lead with 42 unassisted tackles. He won the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Week award three times this season, and earlier this week was one of three players to earn Alabama’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, and one of four to earn the team’s Outstanding Defensive Player based on tackles and points given by the coaches.

Williams gained national attention with his play in Alabama’s keynote prime-time win Nov. 3 at LSU when he posted career-high numbers for tackles (10) and sacks (2.5) and tied his career-best in tackles for loss (3.5) that helped the Crimson Tide limit LSU to 196 yards of total offense. Williams clogs the middle and allows those around him to create havoc – Alabama has had at least 10 tackles for loss in five of 13 games and the Crimson Tide’s 42 sacks are No. 5 nationally. Williams had two tackles for loss (for minus-12 yards) and a sack last week as Alabama defeated Georgia 35-28 in the SEC Championship Game.

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 in the late 1800s. It is the third oldest player award in major-college football behind the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.
For the 22nd consecutive year, the presentation banquet of the Outland Trophy will occur in Omaha on Jan. 9, 2019, at a banquet sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. At the same banquet, the fifth Tom Osborne Legacy Award will also be presented at the dinner. Osborne, the legendary former Nebraska coach, will present the award to Frank Solich – former Nebraska Football Coach and Ohio Head Football Coach, Omaha Downtown Rotary will Present Mike Ruth (’85) Outland Trophy Winner – from Boston College his Trophy, Finally at the Dinner we recognize Nebraska Senior Awards – Tom Novak Award – Devine Ozigbo, Guy Chamberlin Award – Stanley Morgan Jr. and the Cletus Fischer Native Son Award – Mick Stoltenberg.

2017 OUTLAND TROPHY AWARD WINNER
Ed Oliver

University of Houston

Join us as we Recognize and Highlight Ed Oliver’s Collegiate Journey to receiving the Outland Trophy Award and becoming the 72nd Winner in Omaha Nebraska January 10th. Ed Oliver claimed the 72nd Outland Trophy on Thursday night during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN from the College Football Hall of Fame.

The Houston native claimed the trophy that goes to the top interior lineman in college football, as chosen by the Football Writers Association of America. Oliver is the first Houston player to receive the Outland Trophy, as well as the first sophomore to win the award since its inception in 1946. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound tackle was chosen over finalists Quenton Nelson, a senior offensive guard at Notre Dame, and Oklahoma junior offensive tackle Orlando Brown.

“Ed Oliver is one of the rising young stars in college football,” said FWAA President Dave Jones of the PA Media Group. “On the defensive line he is prolific. He is one of the most aggressive defenders in college football who some day will be in the National Football League.”

“I’m not surprised. He’s the best lineman in college football – it is not even close,” said Houston head coach Major Applewhite. “Ed is just a tremendous player. He has a lot of great physical skill. He works to hone those skills every day. He is a technician. He has a 3.2 GPA over his first semesters and you don’t have to worry about him off the field.”

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Oliver is the fourth defensive tackle to win the Outland Trophy since 2007, following Pitt’s Aaron Donald (2013), Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh (2009) and LSU’s Glenn Dorsey (2007). A true sophomore in 2017, Oliver will return next season to the Cougars as a junior. In Atlanta, he was flanked by Houston head coach Major Applewhite and his brother Marcus Oliver, a senior starting offensive guard for the Cougars.

Oliver was a second-team FWAA All-American as a freshman and a member of the FWAA’s Freshman All-America Team. He has established himself as arguably the nation’s top defensive player as a sophomore playing the nose tackle position in the Cougars’ three-man front. Oliver tallied 69 tackles in 11 games despite missing portions of two games due to injury. He recorded a career-high 14 tackles in the final game of the regular season against Navy, including a career-high tying 3.5 tackles for loss.

On the season, Oliver has 5.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, three pass breakups and seven quarterback hurries. Oliver was also one of five finalists for the FWAA’s Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player. He is the first player from Houston to win the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year honor.

“Defensively, it all starts with their defensive tackle, Ed Oliver, who I think is probably the most impactful player in our conference, and one of the most impactful defensive linemen in the country,” said Memphis coach Mike Norvell. “At any of the schools I’ve coached at, if we were playing this young man, I’d say he’s one of the best defensive linemen, regardless of conference, regardless of where they are, he’s a phenomenal player. And when you take a phenomenal player and you surround him with so many other explosive athletes that can create problems with their defensive scheme, it leads you to some sleepless nights.”

Previously, Oliver was a five-star recruit at Houston’s Westfield High School and was generally regarded as the No. 1 player in the state of Texas in 2016, choosing the Cougars over Alabama, Baylor, LSU, Mississippi, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M.
Nebraska leads all schools with eight different Outland Trophy winners (nine total), followed by Oklahoma with five then Alabama, Ohio State and Iowa with four each.

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 in the late 1800s. It is the third oldest player award in major-college football behind the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.
For the 21st consecutive year, the presentation banquet of the Outland Trophy will occur in Omaha on Jan. 10, 2018, at a banquet sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. At the same banquet, the fourth Tom Osborne Legacy Award will also be presented at the dinner. Osborne, the legendary former Nebraska coach, will present the award to Bobby Bowden, One of the most dynamic coaches in College Football. He has one of the highest winning percentages of any college football coach in history, has two National Championships and 14 ACC Championships. The Osborne Legacy Award will recognize a coach or player who made contributions to the Outland Trophy or interior line play in college football; or a former lineman who made great contributions to the game through charity or community work. Finally at the Dinner we recognize Nebraska Senior Awards – Tom Novak Award, Guy Chamberlin Award and the Cletus Fischer Native Son Award.

2016 OUTLAND TROPHY AWARD WINNER
Cam Robinson

Join us as we Recognize and Highlight Cam Robinson’s Collegiate Journey to receiving the Outland Trophy Award and becoming the 71st Winner in Omaha Nebraska January 11th. Cam Robinson claimed the 71st Outland Trophy on Thursday night during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN from the College Football Hall of Fame.
It is the fifth time one school has swept the FWAA’s two major position awards in the same season: the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman in college football on offense or defense) and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (best defensive player). But it is the first time two different players from the same school have won the awards in the same year. In the four other sweeps, it was the same player. Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen claimed the FWAA’s Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Monday night in Charlotte.

Robinson, a 6-6, 310-pound junior from Monroe, La., is the top offensive tackle on the No. 1-ranked team in college football. He has started every game at left tackle since he has been on campus (42 straight games). He had 28 knockdown blocks in the regular season. He has been selected a six-time offensive player of the week by the Alabama coaching staff. He played a great game in the 10-0 victory at LSU, with no sacks allowed and no penalties. He has blocked for 10 100-yard rushers this season. In the 30-12 victory over Auburn in the Iron Bowl, Robinson graded out at 89 percent and did not allow a quarterback hurry or sack. He cleared a path for 203 rushing yards in that game.
“He certainly is a dominant offensive lineman on the college scene and should have a great future in the NFL,” said Steve Richardson, FWAA Executive Director. “He follows in a long line of outstanding linemen for the Tide. He is the third under Nick Saban since (2008) to win the Ourland Trophy. Alabama runs the ball with authority against just about everybody, and Robinson is a big reason why.”
Alabama ties Ohio State and Iowa with Outland winners at four – the third highest total by one school. Alabama didn’t have a winner until 1999, but now has Robinson, Chris Samuels (1999), Andre Smith (2008) and Barrett Jones (2011). Nebraska leads all schools with eight different Outland Trophy winners (nine total), followed by Oklahoma with five then Alabama, Ohio State and Iowa with four each.
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 in the late 1800s. It is the third oldest player award in major-college football behind the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.
For the 20th consecutive year, the presentation banquet of the Outland Trophy will occur in Omaha on Jan. 11, 2017, at a banquet sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. At the same banquet, Oklahoma Greg Roberts, the 1978 winner, will receive an Outland Trophy. The Downtown Omaha Rotary Club has provided trophies to Outland winners prior to 1988, the year the FWAA began giving out the trophy.
The third Tom Osborne Legacy Award will also be presented at the dinner. Osborne, the legendary former Nebraska coach, will present the award to Barry Switzer, One of the most dynamic coaches in College and Professional Football. He has one of the highest winning percentages of any college football coach in history, and is one of only three head coaches to win both a college football national championship and a Super Bowl. The Osborne Legacy Award will recognize a coach or player who made contributions to the Outland Trophy or interior line play in college football; or a former lineman who made great contributions to the game through charity or community work.

2015 OUTLAND TROPHY AWARD WINNER
Joshua Garnett

Join us as we Recognize and Highlight Joshua’s Collegiate Journey to receiving the Outland Trophy Award and becoming the 70th Winner in Omaha Nebraska January 14th.
Garnett, a human biology major, is the first offensive guard to win the Outland Trophy since Nebraska’s Aaron Taylor in 1997.
Garnett has been a dominant run blocker for the Pac-12 champions, who have scored 30 or more points in each of its past 12 games. He has started 28 straight games for Stanford, which has rushed for at least 100 yards in 47 of its last 50 games. Garnett, a team captain, is a great finisher of blocks and through 13 games has 104 pancakes. He has helped Stanford win the time of possession battle in 17 of the last 19 games with his consistent offensive line play.
Overall, Stanford (11-2) leads the nation in time of possession this season. Stanford ranks 19th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing offense and 18th in scoring heading into a Rose Bowl battle with Iowa.
Garnett, Stanford’s Player of the Game in a 55-17 victory over Arizona, is one of the highest-rated guards for the NFL Draft next spring. He is only Stanford’s second Outland Trophy finalist after offensive guard David DeCastro (2011), a NFL first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers. And he is the first West Coast player to win the Outland Trophy since Washington State defensive tackle Rien Long in 2002.
Garnett grew up a Washington Husky fan. “My dad Scott was a big-time defensive line guy for them,” Garnett said. “He later played in the NFL, but then Stanford offered.” And the rest is history. He has been a standout on the line since his freshman season on The Farm.
This season, Garnett’s blocks have often sprung Heisman Trophy candidate and all-purpose star, sophomore Christian McCaffrey, for long runs. On his twitter account (@IamJoshG), Garnett is pushing McCaffrey for the Heisman Trophy.
“It is easy to block for a guy so explosive and quick,” Garnett said of his protégé, who is also in Atlanta this week and on his way to New York for the Heisman announcement on Saturday night.
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 in the late 1800s. It is the third oldest player award in major-college football behind the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.
For the 19th consecutive year, the presentation banquet of the Outland Trophy will occur in Omaha on Jan. 14, 2016, at a banquet sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. At the same banquet, Maryland Randy White, the 1974 winner, will receive an Outland Trophy. The Downtown Omaha Rotary Club has provided trophies to Outland winners prior to 1988, the year the FWAA began giving out the trophy.
The second Tom Osborne Legacy Award will also be presented at the dinner. Osborne, the legendary former Nebraska coach, will present the award to Jim Ridlon, a Syracuse Orangeman two way player, who played 8 seasons as a safety in the NFL, became a renowned sports painter and sculptor that in 1988 was commissioned to design and sculpt the Outland Trophy, one of college football’s most prestigious awards. The Osborne Legacy Award will recognize a coach or player who made contributions to the Outland Trophy or interior line play in college football; or a former lineman who made great contributions to the game through charity or community work.

2014 OUTLAND TROPHY AWARD WINNER
BRANDON SCHERFF

Join us as we Recognize and Highlight Joshua’s Collegiate Journey to receiving the Outland Trophy Award and becoming the 70th Winner in Omaha Nebraska January 14th.
Garnett, a human biology major, is the first offensive guard to win the Outland Trophy since Nebraska’s Aaron Taylor in 1997.
Garnett has been a dominant run blocker for the Pac-12 champions, who have scored 30 or more points in each of its past 12 games. He has started 28 straight games for Stanford, which has rushed for at least 100 yards in 47 of its last 50 games. Garnett, a team captain, is a great finisher of blocks and through 13 games has 104 pancakes. He has helped Stanford win the time of possession battle in 17 of the last 19 games with his consistent offensive line play.
Overall, Stanford (11-2) leads the nation in time of possession this season. Stanford ranks 19th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing offense and 18th in scoring heading into a Rose Bowl battle with Iowa.
Garnett, Stanford’s Player of the Game in a 55-17 victory over Arizona, is one of the highest-rated guards for the NFL Draft next spring. He is only Stanford’s second Outland Trophy finalist after offensive guard David DeCastro (2011), a NFL first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers. And he is the first West Coast player to win the Outland Trophy since Washington State defensive tackle Rien Long in 2002.
Garnett grew up a Washington Husky fan. “My dad Scott was a big-time defensive line guy for them,” Garnett said. “He later played in the NFL, but then Stanford offered.” And the rest is history. He has been a standout on the line since his freshman season on The Farm.

This season, Garnett’s blocks have often sprung Heisman Trophy candidate and all-purpose star, sophomore Christian McCaffrey, for long runs. On his twitter account (@IamJoshG), Garnett is pushing McCaffrey for the Heisman Trophy.
“It is easy to block for a guy so explosive and quick,” Garnett said of his protégé, who is also in Atlanta this week and on his way to New York for the Heisman announcement on Saturday night.
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 in the late 1800s. It is the third oldest player award in major-college football behind the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.
For the 19th consecutive year, the presentation banquet of the Outland Trophy will occur in Omaha on Jan. 14, 2016, at a banquet sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. At the same banquet, Maryland Randy White, the 1974 winner, will receive an Outland Trophy. The Downtown Omaha Rotary Club has provided trophies to Outland winners prior to 1988, the year the FWAA began giving out the trophy.
The second Tom Osborne Legacy Award will also be presented at the dinner. Osborne, the legendary former Nebraska coach, will present the award to Jim Ridlon, a Syracuse Orangeman two way player, who played 8 seasons as a safety in the NFL, became a renowned sports painter and sculptor that in 1988 was commissioned to design and sculpt the Outland Trophy, one of college football’s most prestigious awards. The Osborne Legacy Award will recognize a coach or player who made contributions to the Outland Trophy or interior line play in college football; or a former lineman who made great contributions to the game through charity or community work.

Rest of the 2014 Outland Trophy Semi-Finalists

2013 Outland Trophy Finalists

Jake Matthews #75

Offensive Tackle
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 305 pounds
Class Year: Sr
High School: Elkins
(Missouri City, Texas)

2013 Outland Trophy Finalists

Following in the footsteps of last years Outland Award Winner Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M has slotted another Finalist in the Outland Trophy race. Jake Matthews would be the 2nd ever Aggie to garnish such an Award in as many years. In 2012 Jake was First-team All-American by the Football Writers of America Association … earned first-team All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches and the Associated Press … also earned second-team All-America honors from Walter Camp and third-team honors from the AP … part of the Aggie offense that outscored opponents nearly 2-to-1, led the SEC in rushing, passing, scoring and total offense and ranked third nationally in total offense and scoring offense … blocked for freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel in a record-breaking season that earned him the Heisman Trophy … served as the team’s deep snapper.

Cyril Richardson #68

Offensive Guard
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 340 pounds
Class Year: Sr
High School: North Crowley
(Fort Worth, Texas)

2013 Outland Trophy Finalists
ALL-BIG 12 CANDIDATE
ROTARY LOMBARDI AWARD CANDIDATE
OUTLAND TROPHY CANDIDATE

Dominant, powerful, All-American offensive lineman, fifth-year senior… 2012 All-American (second-team AP, SI.com, CBSSports)… Big 12 Offensive Lineman of Year (by league coaches)… Two-time All-Big 12 honoree… Veteran third-year starter with 38 career games played (sixth-most on squad) and 29 career starts (second-most on team) entering 2013 season… Played one season at tackle (2011)… Has benched 400 pounds and recorded 32 reps on 225-pound bench… Has squatted 665 pounds (highest on team)… Former Hurrican Katrina
refugee.
2012 (Junior): Starter in 12 games as junior, played all 13… Earned All-America honors (second team: AP, SI.com, CBSSports; third team: Phil Steele) and unanimous first-team All-Big 12 selection… Selected 2012 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of Year by league coaches… Star of offensive line that led Big 12 in rushing (231.7 ypg) and finished second nationally in total offense (572.2 ypg)… Posted team-best average coaches grade of 89.8 percent and team-high 105 knockdowns on season… Graded out at 90 percent or higher in each of final six games (reached 90 percent-plus grade and 9-plus knockdowns in final five games)… Led team in knockdowns in 10 of 13 games… Graded 90 percent and had six knockdowns in season-opening win over SMU… Recorded season-high 94 percent coaches grade (tied for top mark among linemen for season) and had team-high eight knockdowns in win over Sam Houston State in second game… Team-high nine knockdowns and 89 percent grade in win at ULM in third game… Led team in both coaches grade (89 percent) and knockdowns (nine) vs. TCU in fifth game… Made team-high eight knockdowns and graded 87 percent at UT in sixth game… Team-best nine knockdowns and grade of 86 percent at Iowa State in seventh game… Team-high 91 percent grade and five knockdowns in non-start win over Kansas in eighth game… Team-high eight knockdowns and 90 percent grade at No. 14 Oklahoma in ninth game… Led team with season-high 10 knockdowns as well as 92 percent grade in historic upset of No. 1 Kansas State in 10th game, team rushed for season-high 342 yards… Totaled team-best nine knockdowns and 91 percent grade in win over Texas Tech in 11th game… Equaled season-high of 10 knockdowns and graded 90 percent in win over No. 24 Oklahoma State in 12th game… Led team with nine knockdowns and earned 91 percent grade in Holiday Bowl win over No. 17 UCLA… Listed on preseason watch lists for Rotary Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy… Returned to guard position during spring 2012.

2012 Outland Trophy Finalists

Barrett Jones   #75

Offensive Center
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 302 pounds
Class Year:Sr
High School:
Evangelical Christian
(Memphis Tennessee)

Alabama offensive tackle Barrett Jones was named the 2011 winner of the Outland Trophy, became the third Crimson Tide player to win the award and was a finalist for the second consecutive year with hopes to be the second in Outland Award History to become a two time recipient, tieing Nebraska’s Dave Remington (81′, 82′).
. . Jones, a 6-5, 302 -pound senior from Germantown, Tenn., followed previous Outland Trophy winners from Alabama, offensive tackles Chris Samuels (1999), Andre Smith (2008) as last years (2011) winner. Jones is one of the most versatile and productive linemen in College Football. He has played guard, tackle and center on 2 National Championship teams at Alabama.
. . . “It was kind of fun, it was definitely a challenge,” Jones said. “I watched a lot of film. Playing all those positions gave me a greater understanding of the schemes and concepts of the entire offensive line. It helped me understand the big picture better.”

Jonathan Cooper #64

Offensive Guard
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 305 pounds
Class Year: Sr
High School:
Wilmington
(Wilmington, North Carolina)

Cooper, a 6-3, 305-pound senior from Wilmington, N.C., has been a standout lineman in the Atlantic Coast Conference this season and has not allowed a sack. He has been named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice through games of Nov. 10. He has been one of the main reasons that North Carolina tailback Giovani Bernard has been one of the country’s top rushers. Cooper was seeking to become North Carolina’s inaugural Outland Trophy winner and the first from the ACC since North Carolina State’s Jim Ritcher in 1979. He is the first Outland finalist from UNC.

2011 Outland Trophy Finalists

David DeCastro #52

Offensive Guard
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 310 pounds
Class Year: Jr
High School:
Bellevue
(Washington)

DeCastro, a 6-5, 310-pound junior from Bellevue, Wash., is one of the top run blockers in college football for Stanford (10-1), which ranks 22nd in the country in rushing offense (209.0 yards per game), 24th in passing (276.6 yards per game) and 10th in total offense (485.6 yards per game). Considered the vocal leader of the offensive line, DeCastro, a three-year starter, is able to dominate the line and get to linebackers as well as protect standout quarterback Andrew Luck. In matchup with Washington’s mammoth defensive tackle Alameda Ta’amu, Castro dominated in a 65-21 Stanford victory.

Devon Still   #71

Defensive Tackle
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 310 pounds
Class Year: Sr
High School:
Howard
(Wilmington, Delaware)

Still, a 6-5, 310-pound senior from Wilmington, Del., has led a Penn State defense that ranks third nationally in points against (13.0 per game), trailing only Alabama and LSU. The Nittany Lions’ defense is eighth nationally in yards allowed per game (287.3). Still has been Penn State’s defensive leader and is tied for 11th in the country in tackles for loss (16.5 for 75 yards), of which four of those are sacks for 34 yards in losses. He has one pass breakup and one forced fumble. He has 53 total tackles (25 assisted) for a 9-2 team that is playing for a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game this weekend. He’s is a two-year starter who has overcome injuries that hampered him early in his college career.

2010 Outland Trophy Finalists

Nate Solder   #78

Rodney Hudson #62

Offensive Tackle
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 315 pounds
Class Year: Sr
High School:
Buena Vista
(Colorado)

Offensive Guard
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 282 pounds
Class Year: Sr
High School:
B.C. Rain HS
(Mobile, Al.)

DALLAS _Colorado’s   Nate Solder and Florida State’s Rodney Hudson were announced as two of the three finalists for the Outland Trophy by the Football Writers Association of America.

Solder CU’s starting left tackle, he is CU’s most decorated in the preseason since 2006 (PK Mason Crosby).  His top honor was being named to the prestigious Playboy Preseason All-America team; he also earned first-team honors from The Kickoff and Consensus Draft Services, second-team mention from Lindy’s Big 12 Football and Phil Steele’s College Football, and third-team from Athlon and CFI.  A unanimous preseason All-Big 12 selection, he is also one of 63 players on the watch list for the Outland Trophy and one of 75 for the Lombardi Award.  Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 72 player overall (all positions) in the nation, while Lindy’s rated him as the No. 3 offensive tackle, with Phil Steele tabbing him No. 7 on that same list.   ESPN.com ranked him as the No. 5 “freak” in the nation as far as conditioning is concerned; with less than 7 percent body fat on his frame, he power-cleans 415 pounds (for three reps), hang-cleans 473 (also three reps), owns a 4.88 time in the 40 and a 32-inch vertical jump.  Those numbers helped him earn the team’s Iron Buffalo Award for the second straight year for all offensive linemen.  He was also a co-recipient of the Greg Biekert Award for attention to detail.

Hudson a consensus preseason All-American and candidate for the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy, Hudson is on the cusp of becoming one of the most decorated linemen in FSU history from his left guard position. Is poised to become the first offensive lineman in league history to earn All-ACC honors four times. Earned the Hinesman Award as the most dominant performer at the conclusion of spring practice and was also honored with the Matt Schmauch academic award.

The Outland Trophy, which has been awarded annually by the FWAA since 1946, is named after the late John Outland, a 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 official 2010 award presentation will be Jan. 13, 2010, in Omaha, Nebraska at a banquet sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. A Past Winner of, the Outland Trophy, will also receive his trophy there.

2009 Outland Trophy Finalists

Ndamukong Suh #93

Russell Okung #76

Defensive Tackle
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 300 pounds
Class Year: Sr
High School:Grant HS(Portland, Ore.)

Offensive Lineman

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 300 pounds
Class Year:
Sr
High School:
George Bush HS
(Richmond, TX)

DALLAS _Nebraska’s   Ndamukong Suh , Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung and Idaho’s Mike Iupati were announced as three finalists for the Outland Trophy on Monday by the Football Writers Association of America.  The winner of the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to college football’s top interior lineman on offense or defense, will be announced on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10 from the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Suh, a  6-4, 300-pound senior defensive tackle, leads Nebraska in tackles with 35 unassisted and 30 assisted. He has 15 tackles for 52 yards in losses (6.5 sacks) , 10 pass break-ups, 20 quarterback  hurries, one interception, one forced fumble and three blocked kicks. Nebraska ranks eighth in the country in total defense and 14th in rush defense. The Portland, Oregon, native, a top NFL prospect, heads up the nation’s third-ranked scoring defense that has propelled the Cornhuskers to an 8-3 regular-season record heading into the regular-season finale at Colorado on Friday.

Okung, a 6-5, 300-pound senior from Houston, is often rated as the top offensive tackle NFL prospect  in college football. Heading into the regular-season finale against Oklahoma on Saturday, the durable Okung is slated for his 46th consecutive start for the Cowboys. He’s a big reason why the 9-2 Cowboys’ offense produces 203.5 yards a game on the ground. Twice during his career he has not allowed  a sack against the nation’s leader at the time_ the latest was an effort against Texas A&M end Von Miller this season.

Offensive Lineman
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 330 pounds
Class Year: Sr
High School:
Western HS
(Anaheim, Calif.)

Iupati, a 6-foot-6, 330-pound senior offensive guard, is projected as a high NFL draft pick and has been the anchor for the Vandals’ offensive line, which has helped produce more than 30 points a game this season and the 17th best passing offense in college football. Born in Samoa, Iupati, a high school wrestler and track star from Anaheim, California, has been one of the major reasons the Vandals have compiled a 7-4 record and are bowl-eligible heading into the regular-season finale again Utah State on Saturday.

2008 Outland Trophy Finalists

Michael Oher   # 74

Duke Robinson  #72

Offensive Lineman Senior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 318
Previous Affiliations
Briarcrest Christian
Hometown Memphis, Tenn

Offensive Lineman Senior
Height: 6-5  Weight: 335
Previous Affiliations Washington HS
Hometown:    Atlanta, Ga.

2008 Outland Award Finalists
Ole Miss offensive tackle Michael Oher and Oklahoma guard Duke Robinson were named finalists for the 63nd Outland Trophy, which was awarded to Alabama’s  offensive tackle Andre Smith as the best interior lineman in college football.
Michael Oher   # 74
Oher, a 6-5, 318-pound senior from Memphis, Tenn., 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.

Robinson, a 6-5, 335-pound senior from Atlanta, Ga., 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.

Year Player School

2023

2022

2021

T’Vondre Sweat

Olusegun Oluwatimi

Jordan Davis

Texas

Michigan

Georgia

2020 Alex Leatherwood Alabama
2019 Penei Sewell Oregon
2018 Quinnen Williams Alabama
2017 Ed Oliver Houston
2016 Cam Robinson Alabama
2015 Joshua Garnett Stanford
2014 Brandon Scherff Iowa
2013 Aaron Donald Pitt
2012 Luke Joeckel Texas A&M
2011 Barrett Jones Alabama
2010 Gabe Carimi Wisconsin
2009 Ndamukong Suh Nebraska
2008 Andre Smith Alabama
2007 Glenn Dorsey LSU
2006 Joe Thomas Wisconsin
2005 Greg Eslinger Minnesota
2004 Jammal Brown Oklahoma
2003 Robert Gallery Iowa
2002 Rien Long Washington State
2001 Bryant McKinnie Miami (FL)
2000 John Henderson Tennessee
1999 Chris Samuels Alabama
1998 Kris Farris UCLA
1997 Aaron Taylor Nebraska
1996 Orlando Pace Ohio State
1995 Jonathan Ogden UCLA
1994 Zach Wiegert Nebraska
1993 Rob Waldrop Arizona
1992 Will Shields Nebraska
1991 Steve Emtman Washington
1990 Russell Maryland Miami (FL)
1989 Mohammed Elewonibi Brigham Young
1988 Tracy Rocker Auburn
1987 Chad Hennings Air Force
1986 Jason Buck Brigham Young
1985 Mike Ruth Boston College
1984 Bruce Smith Virginia Tech
1983 Dean Steinkuhler Nebraska
1982 Dave Rimington Nebraska
1981 Dave Rimington Nebraska
1980 Mark May Pitt
1979 Jim Ritcher North Carolina State
1978 Greg Roberts Oklahoma
1977 Brad Shearer Texas
1976 Ross Browner Notre Dame
1975 Lee Roy Selmon Oklahoma
1974 Randy White Maryland
1973 John Hicks Ohio State
1972 Rich Glover Nebraska
1971 Larry Jacobson Nebraska
1970 Jim Stillwagon Ohio State
1969 Mike Reid Penn State
1968 Bill Stanfill Georgia
1967 Ron Yary USC
1966 Loyd Phillips Arkansas
1965 Tommy Nobis Texas
1964 Steve Delong Tennessee
1963 Scott Appleton Texas
1962 Bobby Bell Minnesota
1961 Merlin Olsen Utah State
1960 Tom Brown Minnesota
1959 Mike McGee Duke
1958 Zeke Smith Auburn
1957 Alex Karras Iowa
1956 Jim Parker Ohio State
1955 Calvin Jones Iowa
1954 Bill Brooks Arkansas
1953 Jd Roberts Oklahoma
1952 Dick Modzelewski Maryland
1951 Jim Weatherall Oklahoma
1950 Bob Gain Kentucky
1949 Ed Bagdon Michigan State
1948 Bill Fischer Notre Dame
1947 Joe Steffy Army
1946 George Connor

Notre Dame