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Lombardi Award Finalists

Photo - Jerry Hughes - TCU

Texas Christian defensive end Jerry Hughes was nominated as one of four finalists for the 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award. The Rotary Lombardi Award is presented 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 other finalists are Terrence Cody (Alabama), Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma) and Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska). All four seniors rank in the top three pro prospects of their position and carry a first round grade in the NFL Draft 2010 by Frank Coyle and Draft Insiders.
Hughes was also a 2008 consensus All-American and has followed that up with 10 1/2 tackles for loss with nine sacks and is fourth on the Horned Frogs with 41 tackles this fall. He was named to all Midseason All-America teams (SI.com, DrafInsiders.com, CBSSports.com, Sporting News and Phil Steele). Hughes is also one of 16 semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award and one of 20 quarterfinalists for the Lott Trophy.

Lombardi Award Finalists
DT Terrence Cody - Alabama
DE Jerry Hughes - Texas Christian
DT Gerald McCoy - Oklahoma
DT Ndaumkong Suh - Nebraska

Finalists will be in Houston for the Dec. 9 ceremony to announce the winner. Former Green Bay Packers standouts Bart Starr and Jerry Kramer will participate in the 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award ceremonies as will Vince Lombardi Jr., son of the award's namesake. The voters for the Rotary Lombardi Award consist of all head coaches of NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision teams, former winners and finalists of the Rotary Lombardi Award and selected members of the media.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc.