Trio Named To Lombardi Watch List
August 18, 2009 | Football
Aug. 18, 2009
Complete Lombardi Watch List (PDF) 
HOUSTON, Texas - East Carolina seniors Sean Allen (OL), Nick Johnson (LB) and C.J. Wilson (DE) are three-of-153 players from 79 teams and 11 conferences that were named to the 40th Annual Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List Tuesday.
The trio's selection marks the sixth national watch list designation for the 2009 season joining Matt Dodge (Ray Guy Award), Van Eskridge (Jim Thorpe Award), Ben Hartman (Lou Groza Award), Patrick Pinkney (Johnny Unitas Award) and Wilson (Ted Hendricks Award).
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.
Last year's Rotary Lombardi Award, Brian Orakpo a defensive end from the University of Texas, 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.
