Aug. 18, 2009
University of South Carolina linebacker Eric Norwood has been named to the preseason Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List, it was announced today.
Norwood, a 6-1, 252-pounder from Acworth, Ga., was a consensus first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection in 2008 after finishing second on the squad with 75 tackles, including a team-leading 14.5 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks. He also led the team with nine quarterback hurries, while recovering two fumbles and forcing another. A 2007 first-team All-SEC selection by the SEC coaches and a 2006 Freshman All-American, Norwood is Carolina’s all-time leader with 43.0 career tackles for loss and is third on the school’s all-time list in sacks with 22.0. He is the SEC active leader in both categories. He has played in all 38 games over the past three seasons, making 25 consecutive starts for the Gamecocks.
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. To be eligible, the player can be an offensive lineman, defensive lineman, linebacker, or tight end.
The Watch List for the 40th annual Lombardi Award 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 football coach Vince Lombardi from cancer. The 40th Rotary Lombardi Award dinner will be held on December 9, 2009, at the Hilton Americas 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.
Norwood is also on the Watch list for the Lott Trophy, the Bednarik Award and is a 2009 preseason first team All-SEC selection.
