Lott IMPACT Trophy

ACHO, Emmanuel #18 LB, University of Texas

Character: A senior linebacker for the University of Texas, Emmanuel Acho has seen action in 35 games in his three years since breaking on to the scene with contributions in 10 games as a true freshman in 2008. But Acho’s value exceeds his leadership and athleticism on the gridiron. The younger brother of Sam Acho – a 2010 Lott Trophy Finalist – Emmanuel has been dedicated to football, studying Sports Management and service throughout his Longhorn career.

Acho is a five-time member of the UT’s Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, a two-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection and a two-time Arthur Ashe Award recipient. Each summer, Emmanuel, Sam and their father join a group of volunteers on a medical mission to Nigeria, where his mother and father were born and raised. The family hopes to build a hospital in Isuikwuato, Nigeria someday. Emmanuel has served as a counselor at summer basketball camps and he regularly visits patients at the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Any college student knows the difficulty of balancing education, entertainment and sleep; throw in two-a-days, studying film and a selfless dedication to serving those in need and you’ve got Emmanuel Acho, a true jack of all trades.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Emmanuel Acho’s Time to Shine By: Ian Massey

Career Highlights: In his first three seasons at Texas, Emmanuel has racked up 147 tackles, 93 solo and 22 for a loss; he’s recorded five sacks, forced six fumbles, recovered three fumbles and intercepted two passes. Last season, Emmanuel was part of a Texas defense that was ranked sixth in the country in total defense (300.2 ypg) and pass defense (161.6 ypg). Against No. 8 Oklahoma on October 2, 2010, Acho recorded a career-high 17 tackles, nine solo and five for a loss. He also had one sack and a forced fumble in his breakout game against the Sooners.

BARRON, Mark #4 DB, University of Alabama

Character: A senior captain on the Alabama Crimson Tide, Mark Barron has received a number of accolades for his leadership and athletic prowess. In 2010, Barron was a quarterfinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and was named the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week after his performance against the University of Florida. During spring practice in 2010, Head Coach Nick Saban handed him the Lee Roy Jordan Headhunter Award. This year, Saban gave him the Mal Moore Leadership Award after spring practices. Not only is he a defensive leader on the field, but he is a dedicated workout warrior.

“I have worked out with about 50 guys who are playing in the NFL,” Barron’s personal trainer, Jason Poeth said, “and Mark is probably the second or third-best athlete of them all.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Barron, Mark

Career Highlights: Barron recorded six tackles and a pass deflection as a sophomore in Alabama’s National Championship, 37-21, victory over the University of Texas. He was a first team All-SEC selection in 2009, while also garnering a third team All-American selection by the Associated Press. In his first year as a starter, Barron totaled 76 tackles at strong safety. He led the SEC with 18 pass deflections and his seven interceptions were eighth best in the nation. Last season Barron was, once again, first team All-SEC, registering 75 tackles and three interceptions in an injury shortened season. In 12 games, Barron had two sacks, a forced fumble and six pass deflections, en route to a first team All-American selection by the FWAA.

BEQUETTE, Jake #91 DE, University of Arkansas

Character: Fifth year senior Jake Bequette has already earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Arkansas. As a freshman, Bequette was named to the SEC’s Freshman Academic Honor Roll and Arkansas’ Lon Farrell Academic Honor Roll for the 2007-08 academic year. Jake has been named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and the Athletic Director’s List in the fall of 2009 and 2010. He was also a member of the Razorback Honor Roll during his sophomore year. The fourth member of the Bequette family to play football at Arkansas, Jake bleeds cardinal red. His father was a Razorback from 1980-82, his uncle Chris played from 1984-87, and his grandfather George played from 1954-56.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Bequette, Jake

Career Highlights: In 2010, Bequette was a second- team All-SEC selection. The defensive end started all 13 games, recording sacks in four consecutive games. His seven sacks in 2010 were good enough for fifth most in the SEC and eighth most in Razorbacks history. Jake finished the season with 32 tackles, 8.5 for a loss. In the Sugar Bowl against No. 6 Ohio State, he recorded a safety and had one pass deflection.

Bequette enters his senior season ranked 10th on Arkansas’ all-time sacks list with 13.5. He had 39 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 13 games in his sophomore season, after making 41 stops and earning SEC All-Freshman honors in 2008.

BOLDEN, Omar #3 CB, Arizona State University

Character: The Sun Devils are unsure about redshirt senior cornerback Omar Bolden’s status for the 2011 season after he tore his ACL in spring practice.

Despite his injury, Bolden has roamed the sidelines and kept the mood light at practices for ASU. Bolden has tutored young cornerbacks, fed positive energy into the team and competed in push-up bets with injured receiver Gerell Robinson, based on the outcome of passing drills.

ASU linebacker Vontaze Burfict has been picked apart by the media for his off the field transgressions this offseason, but Bolden has shown leadership and stood behind his teammate.

“We stand 10 toes behind him,” Bolden said of his support for Burfict.

As for playing in his senior season, Bolden is optimistic. “I’m healing quicker than what they anticipated,” he said of the ACL. “I’m staying positive. I’m keeping a window open. I would love to be out there on the field. Nothing would excite me more than stepping on that field one more time. So I’m working my butt off, doing anything I can.”



News: LOTT PROFILES: Bolden, Omar

Career Highlights: Throughout his college career, Bolden has impressed his teammates, coaches and the opposition. Arizona State’s coaching staff awarded him the Bill Kajikawa Sun Devil award in 2007. The award was given to the team’s most outstanding freshman. Bolden was also selected as an Honorable Mention Sophomore All-American in 2008. Last year the Pac 10 coaches selected Bolden as one of only four unanimous decisions for the All-Pacific-10 Conference First Team.

As a redshirt junior, Bolden picked off a team-high three interceptions for 85 yards and broke up seven passes. He also made 52 tackles and returned 11 kickoffs for an average of 29.2 yards. Bolden played only four games in 2009, but he highlighted the medical redshirt season with an 89 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. In 2008, he started 12 games at cornerback, compiling 49 tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore. Bolden became a starter five games into his college career in 2007, starting as a true freshman at cornerback with 33 tackles and an interception.

BOYETT, John #20 FS, University of Oregon

Character: A redshirt junior and sociology major, John Boyett has tackled community service just as hard as he’s knocked down receivers, kick returners and running backs as part of the Oregon Ducks’ defensive backfield.

The 5’10”, 198 pound free safety was given two weeks off in early June to return home to Napa, California. Instead of sleeping in one Wednesday morning, Boyett headed out to Browns Valley Elementary School at 7:50 a.m. to assist the school in their annual, noncompetitive, athletic field day. Wearing his University of Oregon colors, Boyett showed young students that an athlete on the verge of National Football League greatness cared for them and was willing to intercept some of their time. “The kids just love him and he’s a great role model for our students,” Principal Frank Silva told the Napa Valley Register. “He’s not a showboater … I know that I want my students to demonstrate their successes in the classroom and not be a showboater. That’s what I like about John,” Silva continued. “John puts in hard work, plays hard, and plays fair. That’s what I think is really important.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Boyett, John

Career Highlights: In 2010, John Boyett was a SI.com second-team All-American in his sophomore season. The second leading tackler on his team with 78, Boyett led Oregon with 11 tackles in the BCS Championship game against the University of Auburn. Boyett’s five interceptions placed him 22nd in the nation for accumulating 0.38 interceptions per game. Along with picking quarterbacks off, he was ranked 18th in the nation in pass deflections with 1.08 passes contested per game.

As a redshirt freshman in 2009, Boyett became the first freshman in Ducks history to lead Oregon in tackles with 90 in 13 games. Along with his team- high stops, Boyett picked off three passes and totaled eight pass deflections.

BRADHAM, Nigel #13 LB, Florida State University

Character: “Nigel is really starting to come on as a leader,” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said prior to Bradham’s senior season. “He is starting to fill his shoes. Lately, he is really starting to emerge and come out of that shell a little bit and lead.”

A member of the ACC Top Six for Service, Nigel was nominated for his willingness to participate and his desire to serve despite time constraints. He has made significant contributions to his community and been a positive ambassador for FSU’s Athletics Department.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Bradham, Nigel

Career Highlights: Bradham led the FSU defense with 98 tackles for the second straight season in 2010. The outside linebacker started 14 games, recording 5.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks, five pass deflections and a forced fumble in his junior season. He also blocked and returned a point-after-touchdown attempt in the fourth quarter of the Seminoles’ ACC Championship game against Virginia Tech for a two-point conversion.

As a sophomore, Nigel earned honorable mention from College Football News for Sophomore All-American, averaging nine tackles per game in the team’s final five games. In 2008, Bradham was named FSU’s top defensive newcomer, making 29 stops in 13 games. Nigel is also on the Bednarik Award and Nagurski Award watch lists, which are awarded to the top defensive player in the country. He is also a candidate for the Butkus award, given to the top linebacker in the nation.

BROWN, Brodrick #19 CB, Oklahoma State University

Character: At just 5’8, 185 pounds, Brodrick Brown is short in stature, but has big play potential. In the classroom, Brodrick has been named to the Big 12 All-Academic team. A student of the game, the business management major has aspirations to someday become a coach.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Brown, Brodrick

Career Highlights: As a sophomore last season, Brown turned in one of the best defensive plays of 2010, leaping out-of-bounds on the Oklahoma Sooners’ sideline and tipping the pass back inbounds to teammate Shaun Lewis for an interception. The play was nominated for a 2011 ESPY. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstriet and Pat Forde called it the best defensive player of the year. The cornerback was second on the team with 77 tackles, while contributing two interceptions, eight pass deflections, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 13 games. In 2009, Brown played in seven games, but he was hampered by a late-season injury. Despite the injury, he still managed six tackles on special teams in his freshman year.

CARDER, Tank #43 LB, Texas Christian University

Character: By the time Tank Carder was ten, he had won seven BMX dirt biking national championships in the US and one world championship.

As a thirteen year old boy, Carder was in a serious car crash that left him with a collapsed lung, multiple broken ribs, a punctured diaphragm and he broke his back in two places. When his mother asked him what he would do if he could never walk again, Carder responded, “Well, I’ll just have to join the Wheelchair Olympics.”

“There was a point where we thought we’d lose him, his mother, Marti Carder said. “He had massive internal injuries and was on blood thinners for a year. He made it through, but it wasn’t easy.”

Carder has never backed down from a challenge. He started high school with strict orders to avoid contact sports, so he became a kicker. On kickoffs, Carder would pick up the tee and run to the sideline. While kicking an extra point once, the handler fumbled the snap, so Carder decided to pick it up and ran it in for a touchdown.

“The coach was mad at me,” Carder said.

Carder was finally cleared for full contact his sophomore year of high school. He started playing tight end, quarterback and punter before eventually settling in at linebacker.

“Tank is a guy who has turned out to be good at anything he’s ever done,” TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson said.

From a hospital bed to the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the Rose Bowl, Carder’s inspirational story continues in 2011 as a senior leader on the TCU defense.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Carder, Tank

Career Highlights: Carder won the Defensive Most Valuable Player award in the 2011 Rose Bowl after defending a two-point conversion attempt, batting down Scott Tolzien’s pass in the endzone and securing the Horned Frogs’ 21-19 victory over Wisconsin in Pasadena. The linebacker also recorded six tackles and a sack in the game. As a junior, Carder was selected to six All-America teams, including two first-team selections by ESPN.com and the American Football Coaches Association. Named the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Carder also received a first-team All-MWC selection. He anchored a defense that led the nation in total defense for the third straight season. Carder had 60 tackles, 9.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks and an interception.

In 2009, Carder’s sophomore season, he was a second team All-MWC selection in his first season as a starter. A starter in 13 games, Carder made 89 stops, 10 for a loss, and recorded two sacks. Carder was named MWC Defensive Player of the Week after a career performance against Utah in which he returned an interception 15 yards for a touchdown, registered nine tackles and a pass breakup.

In high school, Carder was named the Houston-area Defensive Player of the Year and Brazoria County’s Most Valuable Player.

COPLES, Quinton #90 DE, University of North Carolina

Character: Putting his team first, Quinton Coples switched from defensive end to defensive tackle during his junior year, despite being one of the best defensive line prospects in the country at the end position. His results were off the charts as Coples’ leadership and performance helped lead the Tar Heels to an 8-5 season and a Music City Bowl win over the University of Tennessee. As a projected lottery pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Coples returns back to his natural position in his senior season and continues to intimidate opposing offensive lines.

“I was double-teamed sometimes and even triple- teamed in some games last year, but I didn’t mind making sacrifices for the team,” Coples said. “If I could free up somebody else to make a play by taking on two or three guys that was fine.”

Instead of going pro after recording an astounding 10 sacks in 2010, Coples decided to return to the Tar Heels.

“Coming back [was] my best option,” he said. “I love Carolina. I thought this would be a great opportunity to get my degree, get better on the field and work to help us win more games.”

Coples is double- majoring in African-American Studies and Communications.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Coples, Quinton

Career Highlights: Senior Quinton Coples returns for his senior season at Chapel Hill after being named First-Team All-ACC and Second-Team All-American as a defensive tackle in 2010. Coples recorded 10 sacks, 15.5 tackles for a loss and 59 tackles in 13 games as a junior. As a defensive end in his first two seasons at UNC, Coples had 22 tackles and five sacks as a sophomore and eight tackles with 1.5 sacks as a freshman. This year Coples returns to the end, where scouts say he has more potential. ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper have projected Coples as the No. 2 overall player in their respective preseason NFL draft boards.

CRICK, Jared #94 DT, University of Nebraska

Character: Just a few years ago, the Lott Trophy celebrated a defensive tackle from the University of Nebraska as a finalist, Ndamukong Suh. Last year, Crick was a quarterfinalist and he’s back on our radar once again in 2011. Jared has been honored in 2010 and 2011 by the Berringer Citizenship Team for his role in Nebraska’s nationally recognized Life Skills program. He earned the award for his love and dedication to volunteering in the Nebraska community. Along with being named the Berringer Citizenship team, Crick was also a recipient of the Brooks Berringer Memorial Scholarship. In 2010, Jared was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Spring Academic Honor Roll. The history major has spoken at elementary schools, visited World War II Veterans and volunteered during team hospital visits.

Coples is double-majoring in African-American Studies and Communications.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Crick, Jared

Career Highlights: SCrick is on several publications’ preseason First Team All-American lists. His junior season performance qualified him for the Associated Press, CBS and Sports Illustrated’s Second Team All-American team, while Rivals named him as a First Team All-American. A defensive tackle for the Blackshirts, Crick has been named to the First Team All-Big 12 team for two consecutive years. This year he will look to make the Big Ten’s list in Nebraska’s inaugural year in the storied conference.

Jared’s career sacks entering the 2011 season qualify him for seventh all time in Nebraska’s record books. With 9.5 sacks in the past two seasons, he has solidified himself as one of the nation’s top defensive line prospects. As a junior, he registered 70 tackles, including 17 tackles for a loss. In 2009, Crick set a Nebraska record with five sacks and tied a school record with seven tackles for a loss in a game against Baylor. The Cozad, Nebraska native also had 13 tackles against Baylor, the most by a Nebraska defensive tackle in seven seasons.

DAVID, Lavonte #4 LB, University of Nebraska

Character: Senior linebacker Lavonte David is entering just his second season at Nebraska, but he’s already accomplished something that no Husker has achieved in the storied program’s history, which dates back over a century. Last season, David broke Barrett Rudd’s single-season tackles record for the Blackshirts, tallying 152 stops as a junior.

Despite being an undersized linebacker at 6’1, 215 pounds in 2010, David became Nebraska’s Defensive MVP for a team that ranked 11th nationally in total defense and third in pass defense. As the Huskers transition to the Big Ten for the Big 12, David has bulked up ten pounds in order to play opponents who pound the ball more, as opposed to spreading the field.

“[Lavonte] brings a blow for not being the biggest linebacker in the world,” Nebraska tailback Rex Burkhead said. “He’s very intelligent; he’s a smart kid.”

Thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries, David was called upon to make defensive calls in his first season in Lincoln. He was often the only linebacker on the field when facing spread offenses in the Big 12. Expect there to be more linebackers alongside him in 2011, but David will continue to be a play caller for the Blackshirts.

David is a winner. In high school, Miami Northwestern High School benefited from his play, winning two straight state-titles. Northwestern High School was ranked the No.1 team in the country by USA Today in 2007. In 2009, David was named the Defensive MVP of the junior college national championship game in Fort Scott Community College’s narrow loss to Blinn Junior College.

The linebacker is a criminology and criminal justice major who has volunteered with team hospital visits and the Husker Heroes program.

News: LOTT PROFILES: David, Lavonte

Career Highlights: David led the Big 12 with 10.9 tackles per game in 2010. His 152 tackles set a Cornhusker single-season record. With six sacks, 15 tackles for a loss and ten pass breakups, David was a First-Team All-American and a unanimous choice for the First-Team All-Big 12 team. Nebraska’s 2010 Defensive MVP was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for his 16 tackles and one sack against Kansas State on Oct. 7. Several publications ranked David as a preseason First-Team All-American in 2011. He was the 2010 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and Defensive Newcomer of the Year. David was the leading tackler for two seasons at Fort Scott Community College, leading the team to No. 6 and No. 2 junior college national rankings in respective seasons.

DANIELS, Matt #40 S, Duke University

Character: Matt Daniels has received back-to-back Academic All-ACC honors. The public policy studies major has impressed in the classroom, in the weight room and on the gridiron. In high school, Daniels was honored with the Watkins Award, presented to the top African-American high school student-athlete in the country. Duke’s defensive back is also one of the team leaders in several of the team’s athletic challenges. He power cleans 330 pounds (tied for second on the team), he has a vertical leap of 35.5 inches (tied for third), his broad jump is 10’1” (tied for fourth) and his 40-time is 4.43 (fifth).

Duke hasn’t advanced to a bowl game since 1994, when Daniels was five. But Daniels chose Duke for that very reason.

“I came to Duke to create change,” Daniels said, “to bring back that old Duke football when Duke football – believe it or not – ran the ACC. People forget that. I’m trying to bring back that old Duke atmosphere … back from its glory days. I really think we have that opportunity to do so.”

Daniels’ leadership is key to the team’s hopes of making their bowl game dreams a reality.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Daniels, Matt

Career Highlights: Matt Daniels is tied for second in Duke’s history books with 6 forced fumbles. As a junior in 2010, Daniels started all 12 games, tallying 93 tackles, six tackles for a loss, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception. In 2009, Daniels had 83 stops, three forced fumbles and six pass breakups. The safety started as a true freshman in 2008, finishing the year with 22 tackles, one fumble recovery and one interception. As a tailback at Fayette County High School (Georgia), Daniels broke the single-game rushing school record with 348 yards. Daniels was named the Fayette County Offensive and Defensive Player of the year in 2006 and 2007.

DYE, Tony #6 FS, UCLA

Character: Tony Dye is a history major at the University of California at Los Angeles. Dye has played both safety positions, but is expected to play free safety in his senior season. As a junior, Dye was named UCLA’s Henry R. “Red” Sanders Award for Most Valuable Player. The defensive leader, Dye has been hampered by a groin injury in the preseason, but is expected to be ready for the regular season.

In the spring, Coach Rick Neuheisel named Dye to his leadership council, which consists of 12 Bruins who are united to form a team identity and chemistry.

Dye dyed his hair golden yellow last fall to try to inspire his teammates to show school spirit. Many teammates laughed, but some eventually caved and bleached their hair.

This season, Dye is excited for the unity he and his teammates have created.

“I haven’t had this much fun in practice since I’ve been here,” Dye said in the spring. “It’s nice to come out here every day and be excited to go to practice.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Dye, Tony

Career Highlights: Dye earned UCLA’s Henry R. “Red” Sanders Award for Most Valuable Player in 2010, as well as the Donn Moomaw Award for Outstanding Defensive Player in the rivalry game against the University of Southern California. He earned Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 in 2010 after recording a team-high 96 tackles and one interception as a junior. As a sophomore, Dye made 73 stops and scored a 28 yard touchdown after scooping up a fumbled lateral against the University of Arizona.

FRAZIER, Jameson #48 LB, Brigham Young University

Character: Jameson Frazier is a two-time walk-on who was recently named a team captain at Brigham Young University. Frazier first tried to walk on after finishing his high school career in Draper, Utah, but he was unsuccessful. After going on a two-year Mormon mission, he made the team in his second attempt. From walk-on to starter, Frazier was recently named the defensive captain.

Frazier plays linebacker on Saturdays and then teaches Sunday School in Provo. An English major with a French minor, Frazier also speaks Haitian Creole and Spanish. He carries a GPA that exceeds 3.0 and has been named to the All- Mountain West Academic team twice.

Frazier broke his thumb in the first quarter of a game against Nevada last season, but he played the entire game and recorded three tackles. The injury forced him out of his next three games.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Frazier, Jameson

Career Highlights: In his first full season of college football last season, Jameson Frazier played in 10 games, totaling 33 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, 4.5 tackles for a loss and three quarterback hurries. After failing to make the team out of high school, Frazier has worked his way into the defensive captain role. His leadership is crucial to the team’s hopes for a Mountain West Conference Championship in 2011.

GILMORE, Stephon #5 CB, University of South Carolina

Character: Junior cornerback Stephon Gilmore has cemented his starting role on Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks defense. Gilmore has taken on a leadership role in the team’s secondary. For dedicating time to his sport and entertainment management major, Gilmore was honored as the football team’s Harris Pastides Scholar-Athlete in the spring. A former high school All-American, Gilmore graduated early and began taking classes in January 2009. Gilmore’s decision to attend USC early helped him progress on the gridiron in his first year of spring practices before eventually becoming a Freshman All-American. He was one of only six players to earn First-Team All-SEC recognition and to receive Fall Academic Honor Roll in 2010.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Gilmore, Stephon

Career Highlights: Gilmore was named a third team All-American by the Association Press last season. He led the Gamecocks with 79 tackles. The cornerback showed his versatility, disturbing quarterbacks with three sacks, five pass deflections, two quarterback hits and three interceptions. Gilmore also forced and recovered a fumble, and added six tackles for a loss in his sophomore season. Along with playing cornerback, Gilmore surprised Southern Miss in the 2010 opener, taking two snaps at quarterback, dashing for a 14 yard rush on his first play. Gilmore also returned punts in the early season. He was named First-Team All-SEC.

As a true freshman in 2009, Gilmore started every single game at cornerback, ranking fifth on the team with 56 tackles. He also created havoc, forcing one interception and registered three sacks. Against Clemson, Gilmore played quarterback in the “Wildcat” formation, tossing a 39 yard pass and rushing for 20 yards, en route to the Ernest A. Brooks Memorial Award as the game’s Most Valuable Player. At Tennessee, he returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. Gilmore was named a Freshman All-American.

HENRY, Aaron #7 DB, University of Wisconsin

Character: Wisconsin’s senior defensive back, Aaron Henry, has been named to the Academic All-Big Ten team two years in a row. The consumer-affairs major received academic all-state honors at Immokalee High School in Florida. He was also awarded Wisconsin’s co-Rookie of the Year award in 2007. Henry was selected as one of four team captains for the Badgers. He shared a defensive huddle with the 2010 Lott IMPACT Trophy recipient and a Wisconsin alumna, J.J. Watt.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Henry, Aaron

Career Highlights: Henry started all 13 games as a junior and led the Badgers with three fumble recoveries, while totaling two interceptions, 58 tackles and one forced fumble. He scored three defensive touchdowns and was named Second-Team All-Big Ten in the Coaches Poll after transitioning from cornerback to safety. As a sophomore, Henry scored the first touchdown of his career, returning a blocked punt against Purdue on Oct. 31. He started three games and was primarily used as a nickel back, recording 18 tackles and four pass deflections. In 2008, Henry redshirted after being named an honorable mention for freshman All-American in 2007. Henry made 38 tackles, 3.5 sacks, picked off one interception and forced a fumble in his first year at Wisconsin.

HIGHTOWER, Dont'a #30 LB, University of Alabama

Character: Junior linebacker Dont’a Hightower has been hampered with knee injuries throughout his career at Alabama, but when he has been on the gridiron, he’s been unstoppable. Hightower was a star for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman in 2008, earning the team’s Defensive Achievement Award, which was awarded to an underclassman who played a critical role to his defensive unit. He was one of 11 true freshmen since 1972 to start the season opener for Alabama. But after taking a helmet to his knee on a chop block, Hightower tore his ACL and was forced to medical redshirt in 2009. He won Alabama’s Mal Moore Leadership Award in the spring of 2010 and the Lee Roy Jordan Headhunter Award in 2011. Hightower is a dangerous pass rusher who draws attention and sometimes double-coverage from opposing offenses. This is the second season in which Hightower’s leadership has made him the nucleus of a young Crimson Tide defense.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Hightower, Dont'a

Career Highlights: Hightower was named to the Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC teams in 2008 with 64 tackles, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. After sitting out a medical redshirt year in 2009, Hightower returned to the field in 2010 with second-team All-SEC honors. Last year, he recorded 69 stops, nine quarterback hurries and three pass breakups. Hightower helped Alabama limit Michigan State to -49 rushing yards in a 49-7 win in the Capital One Bowl. After a stellar high school senior season in which he scored 19 touchdowns on offense and recorded 168 tackles, five forced fumbles and five interceptions on defense, Hightower competed in the 2007 US Army East West All-Star Game in San Antonio, Texas.

HOLLAND, Joe #30 LB, Purdue University

Character: Senior linebacker Joe Holland has been instrumental on and off the field at Purdue. Holland maintains a 3.99 grade-point average and is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He reads a weekly rosary at a local retirement home, volunteers for the Purdue Athlete Life Success (PALS) and serves as a leader for Dream Season, which is a special needs football day camp. Holland also takes part in the Reading is Leading program and donates blood annually at the Purdue Football Blood Drive. He was voted as a co-captain by his teammates following spring practices. Holland was a Second-Team Academic All- American in 2010 and has been named to the Academic All-Big 10 team as a freshman, sophomore and junior.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Holland, Joe

Career Highlights: Holland recorded 73 tackles, 7.5 for a loss with 1.5 sacks in 2010. As a sophomore, Holland had 81 tackles, one interception, 1.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for a loss. In 2008, Holland moved from safety to linebacker during training camp. He made 76 tackles, four pass breakups, one sack and two tackles for a loss as a freshman.

HOSLEY, Jayron #20 CB, Virginia Tech

Character: Jayron Hosley was raised without the guidance of a father. His father remained in prison for five different sentences from robbery, burglary and cocaine-related crimes from 1976 to 2006. The youngest of six children, Hosley has been raised by a stern mother and his older brother Jeremy, his mentor.

In the fall of 2010, Hosley missed the team’s enforced curfew and was suspended a game for violating the team’s rule. Hosley’s mother subsequently laid into her son.

“I let him know the mistakes he made there at school, he wasn’t raised that way,” Beverly Hosley said. “It got to the point where he was crying like a baby and he said: ‘Mama, I’ll make you proud. I’ll do better.’”

Hosley’s former Virginia Tech teammate, Rashad Carmichael explained that the one game suspension had a big effect on Hosley.

“He started studying more, he started taking in the stuff the coaches were saying,” Carmichael said. “The suspension was an in-house, an on-team thing […] but he just took it upon himself to show everybody that he’s not slacking; he’s not a slacker. I think he bounced back the only way you could from that, with [nine] interceptions.”

Before playing against the University of Miami last season, Hosley explained that he had 25 to 30 family members in attendance.

“I don’t think I have to prove much, but I want to show them that it’s not about size, but about your heart and motivation,” he said.

Hosley won Virginia Tech’s Coaches Award in the spring of 2010. This spring, Hosley took on more leadership, mentoring a young defensive backfield at Virginia Tech that features just two seniors and one junior (Hosley). The consumer studies major and interception machine has chosen a different form of burglary, not the kind that puts him behind bars, but the one that distinguishes him as a potential first round pick in the April 2012 NFL Draft.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Hosley, Jayron

Career Highlights: Hosley had a breakout season at cornerback in 2010, ranking first in the nation with nine interceptions. His first interception was a momentum changer in the red zone against Boston College. Virginia Tech went on to win 19-0. The next week, Hosley recorded three interceptions against North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson, who once went 379 passes without an interception. Hosley helped clinch the ACC Coastal Division title at Miami with another interception and finished the season in the Orange Bowl, picking off a pass from Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. His sophomore season was good enough for the All-SEC team and some organizations tabbed him as a First-Team All-American. Hosley won the 2010 Defensive Back Trophy, which is given to the best defensive back amongst FBS schools.

HOWELL, Delano #26 SS, Stanford University

Character: Delano Howell has a lot on his plate. For starters, he has a major in science, technology and society at a university that Forbes ranks as the fifth best academic undergraduate institution in the United States in 2011. He also plays defensive back for the Stanford Cardinal, a team that enters the 2011 season ranked No. 6 in the nation by USA Today in the preseason polls. And he competes as a sprinter and in the long jump for the track team, holding Stanford’s top mark in the long jump in 2011.

Howell is a leader and a hard-hitter. Compared to Bob Sanders by many, former Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh said last season, “He can be our Troy Palamalu.”

At Stanford, Howell explains, “We’re disciplined. Not only do we have to deal with class and football; we have a lot of discipline due to our coaches. We play with pride, we play with class. Not only do we focus on winning, but we want to walk off the field with our heads held high, proud of what we accomplished that day.”

Howell enjoys attending church, studying the bible and bowling when he’s off the field and out of the classroom.

“If I didn’t play football, I’d try to be a professional bowler,” he said.

On the field, Howell is a two-time all-conference selection who sets the tone for leadership and toughness on the Stanford Cardinal defense. Recruited by Harbaugh as a tailback, he was moved to safety as a sophomore and still was considered a lock for receiving considerable playing time.

Howell listens to gospel the night before games and then cranks up rap music to pump himself up prior to taking the field.

In summer practice, the coaching staff forced an injured Howell to wear a yellow jersey. It wasn’t for the sake of showing the other players on the field to avoid contact with him, but to remind Howell that he was injured. Howell has an engine that keeps churning, a competitiveness that draws respect from teammates and a tackle that could put an opposing playmaker on the sidelines.

“I’ve really had some good leaders, some good role models to follow,” Howell says. “I definitely lived in a very competitive household. When my brothers come home, to this day, we play any type of game and it’s very competitive. We are almost not family at that point. [The competitiveness] is definitely in the family.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Howell, Delano

Career Highlights: The senior safety enters the 2011 season having been selected as a Second-Team All-Pac 10 and an Honorable Mention All-Pac 10 player in the past two seasons. Howell ranks second amongst returners in career tackles (138). Last season he finished with 60 tackles, a team-high five interceptions and one sack in 12 starts.

As a sophomore, Howell finished with 78 tackles, two interceptions, one pass breakup and a fumble recovery. Howell received the Frank Rehm Award after the Cal game, honoring the team’s outstanding defensive player in the Big Game.

Howell played running back in his freshman season at Stanford, rushing nine times for 59 yards and one touchdown. He also caught nine passes for 94 yards and was a factor on special teams. Against USC, he caught three passes for 42 yards.

Howell also competes for Stanford’s Track & Field team. He earned All-Pac 10 honorable mention in the spring as a sprinter and a long jumper. His 23-8 ¾ long jump was the top mark for Stanford in 2011. He also ran a season-best 11.39 in the 100 meters at the Brutus Hamilton Invitational.

JENKINS, Brandon #49 DE, Florida State University

Character: Brandon is a junior defensive end on a young Seminoles defense that features just two returning senior starters in 2011. In 2010, he was named the Florida State Seminoles’ Most Valuable Player at the team banquet. Jenkins is well-respected by his teammates for his work ethic and quiet leadership. “Brandon is a young man from right here in Tallahassee,” Florida State associate athletic director John Lata said. “And he has had the opportunity to show the younger kids from his high school what it takes to be successful at the next level, not just on the football field, not just in the classroom, but in life. He is easygoing, but you know he is going to take care of his business. And he is doing a very good job in the classroom as well.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Jenkins, Brandon

Career Highlights: Jenkins is one of the toughest defensive ends in college football to block in man situations. He’s strong and athletic. Last year, Brandon was a nuisance to quarterbacks. The sophomore registered 13.5 sacks, which was third most in the nation and fifth most in Florida State history. He helped the Seminoles’ defense lead the nation with 48 sacks. With 63 tackles, including 21.5 for a loss in 14 games, Jenkins made First Team All-ACC and Rivals selected him as a Second Team All-American. Jenkins has two years of eligibility left and his potential is frightening.

KENDRICKS, Mychal #30 LB, University of California, Berkeley

Character: A senior linebacker for the Golden Bears, Mychal Kendricks captured Cal’s Dick Artal Award last season. The Dick Artal Award is given each year to a defensive player who exemplifies Cal spirit and attitude. As a social welfare major, Kendricks’ education is focused on a major that aims to combine excellence in teaching and research with service to the community. The anchor of the Golden Bears’ defense in 2011, Kendricks is crucial to the team’s season.

Kendricks loves playing linebacker, because he’s “the captain of the defense. Everyone knows what the linebacker brings,” he said, “it’s intimidation, it’s non-stop, it’s hu nger, it’s drive, I just love it.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Kendricks, Mychal

Career Highlights: Kendricks, a 6’1, 240 pound linebacker, is one of Cal’s best pass rushers. In 2010, he recorded 62 tackles and an impressive 8.5 sacks, en route to Second-Team All-Pac 10 honors. His 8.5 sacks ranked second in the Pac 10. Kendricks also contributed a one-handed interception against Arizona State in isolation against a Sun Devil receiver. As a sophomore in 2009, Kendricks returned a 68 yard interception in the fourth quarter against the UCLA Bruins, sealing the victory. He also made 64 stops, forced one fumble and had one sack. A true freshman in 2008, Kendricks brought down the quarterback once and made three tackles. In three seasons, he has played in every possible game, starting 18 of those 38 contests.

KOVACS, Jordan #32 S, University of Michigan

Character: Redshirt junior safety Jordan Kovacs wasn’t recruited by a single Division I University out of high school, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a Second-Team Freshman All-American and making Sporting News’ First-Team Freshman Big Ten team. Instead of taking the sure thing at a Division II school, he chose to walk-on at Michigan, just like his father, Louis did back in 1982. As a freshman, he was a candidate for the Rudy Award, named after Notre Dame’s motivational walk-on, Rudy Ruettiger, who inspired the movie, Rudy. Enrolled in Michigan’s School of Kinesiology, majoring in movement science, Kovacs was a four-year honor roll member at Clay High School in Ohio. He was also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, earned All-Ohio Academic honors and was a nine-time varsity letterman in football, basketball and track.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Kovacs, Jordan

Career Highlights: As a redshirt freshman in 2009, Kovacs made 75 tackles, forced two fumbles and picked off one interception. Kovacs was second on the team in tackles, playing in 12 games and starting eight at safety. Last season, Kovacs totaled 112 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble. Against Ohio State in the final regular season game, Kovacs had a career-high 17 tackles and returned an interception 41 yards.

KUECHLY, Luke #40 LB, Boston College

Character: A football and lacrosse player in high school, Luke Kuechly led the St. Xavier Bombers to Ohio’s Division I football state championship in 2007 and was the team’s defensive captain in 2008. Kuechly became just the 11th consensus All-American selection in Boston College history last year after leading the Eagles and the nation in tackles.

The humble linebacker may not say much about his accomplishments, but those around him aren’t shy with their praise.

“We used to call him the Quiet Assassin,” said Steve Specht, Kuechly’s high school coach in Cincinnati. “He is a pretty special kid.”

“Luke is a totally different animal,” BC quarterback Dave Shinskie added. “I [have never seen] anyone play linebacker like he can. Just to watch him fly around, it seems like nobody blocks him. I don’t get it. It seems like he’s in on every tackle.”

And he practically is, Kuechly made 183 tackles in 2010 and 158 in 2009.

“He’s a coach’s dream,” BC Head Coach Frank Spaziani said. “The guy works hard, plays hard. He loves football. He wants to get better. And he has instincts. He does a lot of good things.”

Kuechly graduated St. Xavier with a 3.8 grade-point average.

“Academics are very important,” he said. “Doing well in classes is one of the main reasons [I’m] here.”

The soft spoken and polite student-athlete downplays his accolades on the gridiron and is proud of his devotion to academics.

“Luke was never a kid who sought out the spotlight. He never wanted his picture plastered all over the paper,” Specht said. “All Luke wants is for the team to be successful. And to know that he played his part in the success, well, that’s good enough for him.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Kuechly, Luke

Career Highlights: Just weeks into his college career, Kuechly was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Week after recording 11 tackles and returning a touchdown 28 yards for a touchdown as a true freshman. Last season, he lead the nation with 183 tackles and became the fastest Boston College player to ever total 200 tackles in a career (17 games). He was a consensus All-American and a four-time ACC Player of the Week in 2010, totaling three interceptions, two fumbles and 1.5 sacks. Against NC State, Kuechly had 20 tackles and one sack, but his career-high came against Duke on Nov. 13, 2010, tallying 21 tackles against the Blue Devils. Entering the 2011 season, Kuechly registered at least ten tackles in 22 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the nation.

As a freshman in 2009, Kuechly had 158 stops, a sack, a forced fumble, an interception and a defensive touchdown. He was named a Freshman First-Team All-American by FWAA and Sporting News, while also garnering ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and All-ACC First Team honors

LEWIS, Travis #28 LB, University of Oklahoma

Character: Travis Lewis was named to the All-Big 12 Academic first team as a freshman in 2008 and to the All-Big 12 Academic second team in 2009 and 2010. As Oklahoma’s defensive captain, he has become one of the most prolific tacklers that Head Coach Bob Stoops has ever coached. Lewis is expected to miss considerable time in the early portion of the 2011 season due to a broken toe on his left foot.

“He has worked very hard and I know he’ll want to get back as quickly as possible,” Stoops said of Lewis’ injury.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Lewis, Travis

Career Highlights: Lewis totaled 109 tackles, three interceptions, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries in 2010. His best game came against Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship. Lewis created three turnovers against the Cornhuskers, picking off one pass and recovering two fumbles. He led the Sooners in tackles in each of his first two years at OU, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors in the coaches poll in 2009, along with First-Team All-Big 12 from the AP in 2008. As a freshman, Lewis was named the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year. The linebacker broke Oklahoma’s school record for tackles by a freshman with 144, while also contributing 3.5 sacks and four interceptions in 2008. Lewis is one interception away from breaking the Sooners’ record for career interceptions at the linebacker position.

MARVE, Chris #13 LB, Vanderbilt University

Character: Chris Marve has always shown his toughness on the field for Vanderbilt. As a freshman, he travelled with the team but never played. He did, however, contribute on a weekly basis to the team’s practice squad. Despite not seeing playing time, he worked hard and was named the team’s Defensive Scout of the Week after the team’s win over Ole Miss. When given an opportunity as a redshirt freshman in 2008, Marve took advantage of it, starting all 13 games and earning a spot on the Rivals’ Freshman All-American team. As a sophomore, Marve received the team’s Captain’s Award and the Most Valuable Linebacker Award at Vanderbilt’s postseason banquet. The accolades came after Marve led the SEC with 10.1 tackles per game. Last season Marve was hampered by a knee injury, but despite playing through pain, he still managed to be a dependable and physical middle linebacker for Vanderbilt.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Marve, Chris

Career Highlights: Marve was a bright spot in 2010 for a Vanderbilt team that was 2-10. Playing through a knee injury, he had a career-low 80 tackles, but still managed 2.5 sacks. In a loss to Florida, Marve had nine tackles and a season-high two sacks. As a freshman and sophomore, Marve broke the 100 tackle barrier and was named Second- Team All-SEC in 2009 and a Freshman All-American in 2008. His 121 tackles in ’09 were second highest in the SEC. Marve topped the SEC with four forced fumbles as a redshirt freshman.

MCDONALD, T.J. #7 S, University of Southern California

Character: The son of Tim McDonald, who was a former USC Trojan All-American and a 13 year veteran of the National Football League, T.J. McDonald had an impressive sophomore season in 2010. Tim Jr. has plans to remain at Southern Cal for his senior year in 2012. The father and son were both enrolled simultaneously in the same major, communications, at USC in the spring. Tim left college for the NFL without a degree and 25 years later, he finally completed his degree this year. T.J. has other plans.

“I came here to USC to get my degree so I’m going to be here for four years,” he said. “My dad [came] back to school and [received] his degree 20-some years later. I don’t know if I’m ready for that, so I want to get it when I’m here.”

As a captain on the Trojans’ defense, T.J. has emerged as a leader.

“The way we’ve been working, we better not lose a game,” T.J. said prior to the 2011 season.

T.J. and Tim are the first father-son captain combination in USC’s storied history.

“I kind of saw it coming from the spring and the way the guys have accepted me in that captain role,” McDonald said of his selection as a team captain. “I learned [how to be a leader] by the way I was brought up.”

His toughness has received Head Coach Lane Kiffin’s praise.

“I think T.J. McDonald has taken his game to the next level,” Kiffin said of his safety’s progress.

McDonald only missed one spring practice in 2011, but he had an excuse. He had a tooth knocked out in a Coliseum scrimmage and finished the practice. The tooth was dug out by doctors the following week, during the team’s scheduled practice.

News: LOTT PROFILES: McDonald, T.J.

Career Highlights: Prior to the 2011 season, T.J. McDonald was named a defensive captain for the Trojans. McDonald had a stellar sophomore season in 2010; the safety made 96 stops, intercepted three passes and blocked a punt. Following the season, McDonald was named Second-Team All-Pac-10. After blocking a punt against Arizona State, McDonald was named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week. McDonald made seven tackles on special teams as a true freshman in 2009.

MERLETTI, Matt #25 S, University of North Carolina

Character: Matt Merletti’s father, Lew Merletti, is the Senior Vice President of the Cleveland Browns and is the former director of the U.S. Secret Service. At the age of 8, Merletti underwent Secret Service training when his family was at an increased risk. He became a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, learned to fire a gun and was taught how to recognize packaged bombs. From 6 years old until he was in high school, Merletti kept a running tally of pull-ups.

Merletti was a ball boy for the Browns when Butch Davis, the current North Carolina Tarheels head coach, was the head coach in Cleveland.

A hardnosed defensive back who can play both safety positions and in nickel packages, Merletti began playing football at the age of 7, because other parents were upset that he was tackling their kids on the soccer field. Merletti has a double major in communications and exercise and sport science. In 2008, Merletti was a co-captain on the Tar Heels’ special teams unit.

“I knew that I was turning my son, who I had raised for 18 years [over to Butch Davis],” Lew Merletti said. “He was on the verge of becoming a man [and] I knew that Butch Davis was going to turn him into a real man. And that’s exactly what Butch Davis did.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Merletti, Matt

Career Highlights: Merletti played in 10 games as a true freshman in 2007. In 2008, he was named the special teams’ co-captain and was one of the Tar Heels’ top tacklers on kickoff returns. Merletti made 11 tackles and capped off his season with a recovered fumble in the end zone for a touchdown against Connecticut. After tearing his ACL and receiving a medical redshirt in 2009, Merletti returned last season to play in 13 games, while starting five. Over the course of the season, he had 37 tackles, two interceptions, two tackles for a loss and four pass breakups.

MINNIFIELD, Chase #13 CB, University of Virginia

Character: The son of Frank Minnifield, a Pro Bowl cornerback who played for the Cleveland Browns from 1984-92, Chase Minnifield was one of the nation’s leaders in interceptions at cornerback in 2010. Minnifield is a leader amongst his teammates and a model citizen in the community and the classroom. The Henry Clay High School alumna earned academic-all state honors in Kentucky.

“[As a child,] we’d have to pick him up every night and put him in bed,” Frank Minnifield said. “He was [always] reading or doing his math and he probably was way ahead of where he needed to be […] He’d be kicking and screaming and telling me, ‘Daddy, I’m not done yet.’”

“I don’t say this because he’s my son,” Frank added, “but I bet you he’s never been in trouble his whole life. He’s never done mischievous things. He’s never treated people in a hateful way.”

Several of Minnifield’s teammates dread his workout routine and struggle to keep up with him.

“I work out like three or four times a day,” Chase said. “Sunday nights, I have a wolfpack group for anybody on the team that wants to work out. We do things like run the stadium steps, run around the city, push cars, things like that.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Minnifield, Chase

Career Highlights: Minnifield started 12 games in 2010, ranking second in the ACC and seventh in the nation with six interceptions. He was an Honorable Mention All-American after contributing 48 tackles, four pass breakups and 0.5 sacks last season. On Nov. 1, 2010, the ACC honored Minnifield as their Defensive Player of the Week after he picked off two passes and helped Virginia upset No. 22 Miami, 24-19.

Minnifield made an impact as a returner and a cornerback in his sophomore season. In 2009, he recorded 601 all-purpose yards, made 28 stops, recovered one fumble recovery and intercepted two passes. As a redshirt freshman in 2008, Minnifield totaled 25 tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and four pass breakups.

NIELSEN, Tyler #45 LB, University of Iowa

Character: Senior linebacker Tyler Nielsen is a tough athlete. Last season, he started the first eight weeks of the season before being sidelined for the rest of the year with a fractured vertebra in his neck. After wearing a neck brace for months, Nielsen has returned to the gridiron for the Hawkeyes and looks to finish off a productive college career in 2011.

He was named to the CoSIDA District Seven Academic All-America team a year ago and has earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition in each of his three seasons at Iowa. Nielsen has also been a member of Iowa’s Leadership Group for three straight years. The management major was a four-year member of the “A” Honor Roll at Humboldt High School in Iowa. On the football field, Nielsen was the Gatorade Iowa Player of the Year and a US Army All-American in 2006.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Nielsen, Tyler

Career Highlights: As a redshirt freshman in 2008, Nielsen saw limited action, recording 12 tackles. He played in all 13 games as a sophomore, but his contributions were minimal, finishing with 7 tackles. After the season, Nielsen was awarded Iowa’s Coaches Appreciation Award. Nielsen started 2010 strong before fracturing a vertebra in his neck. In eight games, Nielsen recorded 42 tackles and one interception. His interception came along with three tackles against Iowa State in week two. Nielsen had a career-high 10 tackles against Wisconsin on Oct. 23. With Nielsen in 2010, the Hawkeyes were 6-2; without him, they were 2-3.

REYES, Kendall #99 DT, University of Connecticut

Character: Kendall Reyes is a communication science major and a defensive lineman at the University of Connecticut. In 2006, Reyes was the captain of his football, basketball and track teams at Nashua North High School in New Hampshire. He was also an honor roll student and the sophomore class president at Nashua North.

For the second straight year, Reyes is a captain on the Huskies’ defense. Often alternating between end and tackle throughout his college career, Reyes plays wherever he’s needed for the Huskies.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Reyes, Kendall

Career Highlights: Named to the 2010 All-Big East First Team, Reyes made 39 tackles as a junior, while contributing two interceptions, 2.5 sacks, four pass breakups and 10 tackles for a loss. Against Cincinnati on Nov. 27, 2010, Reyes had a game-changing interception in the first half, returning it 79 yards. The Huskies later punched it in for a touchdown and went on to win 38-17.

In 2009, Reyes totaled 37 tackles, three sacks, two pass breakups and six tackles for a loss. As a redshirt freshman in 2008, he made 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks and three tackles for a loss. Reyes collected four game balls in 37 games played entering the 2011 season.

SIMON, John #54 DL, Ohio State University

Character: This season, Ohio State’s first-year Head Coach Luke Fickell has decided to rotate captains on a game-by-game basis. For the team’s season opener on Saturday August 3, junior John Simon took the field as the team’s lone defensive captain against Akron. As a mature and disciplined player on and off the field, Simon will likely get more nods as the Buckeyes’ defensive captain throughout the season. Known for being a hard worker, Simon is diligent in the film room and the weight room. In the spring, he was awarded Ohio State’s Attack Force award on defense. At OSU’s Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Simon often enters a sand pit, where he does sprints, sometimes with a tire harnessed around his waist. The exercise science major is always working on improving his burst from the defensive line and is a forced to be reckoned with in the Big Ten.

Ohio State’s strength coordinator Jeff Uhlenhake called Simon the “best total package workout guy” he’s coached.

A member of the National Honor Society at Cardinal Mooney High School in Ohio, Simon was named the Cardinal Mooney Ambassador. He still holds a number of Mooney weightlifting records and was on a squad that advanced to four consecutive state titles.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Simon, John

Career Highlights: Simon was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection in 2010 at defensive tackle. He highlighted his sophomore season with a 30 yard touchdown return after corralling a fumble against Minnesota. The Sandman made 41 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks in 2010. As a true freshman in 2009, Simon made 16 tackles, four tackles for a loss, 0.5 sacks and forced one fumble.

SKOV, Shayne #11 ILB, Stanford University

Character: Stanford’s junior inside linebacker Shayne Skov originally chose to study at Palo Alto over Northwestern, Duke, Boston College, Notre Dame and Vanderbilt. The management science and engineering major’s great-grandfather, Rogers P. Smith, served as the varsity captain of Stanford’s track team in 1931. Entering 2011 with 18 career starts under his belt, Skov has grown into a leadership role. A big game player, Skov has recorded 27 tackles in his first two bowl appearances against Oklahoma (15 in 2009 Sun Bowl) and Virginia Tech (12 in 2011 Orange Bowl). With Stanford ranked No. 6 by USA Today in the preseason polls, the Cardinal will call upon Skov to quarterback a defense that is determined to contend for the BCS Championship in January.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Skov, Shayne

Career Highlights: Skov made 12 tackles, five tackles for loss four sacks in the 2011 Orange Bowl, helping the Cardinal defeat Virginia Tech, 45-12. In 2010, he was an Honorable Mention All-Pac 10 selection and was named Stanford’s most outstanding sophomore. Despite missing the team’s first two games, he still led Stanford with 84 tackles, while contributing 7.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles. Skov totaled 46 tackles over the last six games of the season as the Cardinal gave up just 56 points in that stretch. As a true freshman in 2009, Skov made 62 stops, three tackles for a loss and received the Menlo-Atherton Award as the team’s top freshman.

SMITH, Jacquies #3 DL, University of Missouri

Character: Missouri’s senior Jacquies Smith is a leader in many arenas. The interdisciplinary studies major is set to graduate this December, taking just three-and-a-half-years to earn his degree. A nominee for the Lombardi Watch List, Smith won the Tigers’ 2010 Outstanding Underclassman Leadership Award and the team’s Most Improved Defensive Lineman in 2009. The Dallas, Texas native once interned at the Dallas Morning News. As Missouri’s defensive captain, Smith has a knack for finding the ball carrier and should continue his exceptional career in 2011.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Smith, Jacquies

Career Highlights: Smith received Second-Team All-Big 12 honors as a junior in 2010, racking up 35 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. He also forced and recovered two fumbles, returning one of them 53 yards for a touchdown against Kansas State. Smith enters 2010 with three career defensive touchdowns. Playing in all 13 games as a sophomore in 2009, Smith made 39 tackles, four tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks for the Tigers. The playmaker forced four turnovers, including a forced fumble that led to a momentous offensive touchdown against Kansas. Smith recorded one interception and also scored on a fake field goal attempt, getting the call on offense against Colorado and running the ball in from 24 yards out.

He impressed from day one in fall camp as a true freshman and ended up playing in 14 games for the Tigers in 2008. Smith recorded a career-high 46 tackles, while adding one sack and three tackles for a loss.

TATE, Kenny #6 LB, University of Maryland

Character: Maryland’s senior Kenny Tate converted from safety to star (a combination of outside linebacker and safety) in the spring after being the second-leader tackler in the ACC in 2010 among defensive backs. Tate also converted from wide receiver to defensive back as a freshman.

When you watch the tape of Kenny from a year ago, almost 90 percent of the time he was playing down,” first year Head Coach Randy Edsall said. “He wasn’t playing back in the deep half, the quarters or a post player. When you take a look at his abilities, he’s better suited to being a linebacker.”

“I’m excited,” Tate said. “Coach told me that they wanted to get the best 11 on the field … so I have embraced it.”

One of four captains for the Terrapins, the 6’4, 220 pound Tate is a valuable player blessed with size, speed, versatility and toughness.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Tate, Kenny

Career Highlights: Tate started his 2011 season off with 11 tackles and one interception in Maryland’s 32 -24 win over the Miami Hurricanes. Entering the 2011 season, he led all Terrapins in career tackles and interceptions with 162 and five respectively. A consensus preseason All-conference selection, Tate also received the nod as one of Phil Steele’s preseason All-Americans. Tate was a consensus All-ACC choice in 2010, becoming Maryland’s first defensive back to compile 100 tackles since Tony Jackson in 2000. He forced an ACC high four fumbles, the most by a Terp since Milton Harris in 2005.

Tate had a career game against Navy on Sept. 6, 2010, making a career-high 12 tackles and forcing two fumbles. He snuffed out a fourth-and-goal attempt at the one yard line against the Midshipmen, securing the Terrapins’ victory. Tate also recorded three interceptions in 2010, returning one eight yards to the house against Wake Forest. The hybrid player also made 3.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2010.

In 2009, Tate made 49 stops, 1.5 sacks, picked off one interception and returned six punts for 39 yards. As a true freshman in 2008, Tate tallied 15 tackles, one interception and one pass deflection.

TAYLOR, Brandon #18 S, Louisiana State University

Character: As is tradition at Louisiana State University, senior Brandon Taylor has been selected to wear the No. 18, a uniform given to the player who best represents what it means to be a Tiger on and off the field. Head Coach Les Miles along with former No. 18’s Matt Mauck, Jacob Hester, Richard Dickson and Richard Murphy awarded Taylor the traditional jersey for his character and leadership qualities.

“I was happy to get it because it shows they have a lot of faith in me on and off the field,” Taylor said. “It represents being a Tiger, and I’m the first person to wear it on defense, so I want to start a legacy over here.”

The sport administration major’s leadership is crucial to his defense.

“I’m basically the leader back there. I make sure all the DBs get all the calls from the linebackers, make sure everybody is in the right spot at the right time, making plays.”

After getting his cleat stuck in the turf and breaking his foot against Alabama in November 2010, Taylor worked himself back into playing shape and bulked up for his senior season.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Taylor, Brandon

Career Highlights: Taylor started and played in nine games last season before breaking his foot against Alabama. Prior to the injury, he made 44 tackles, four tackles for loss and recovered a fumble. Taylor had a season-high eight tackles against Mississippi State on Sept. 18, 2010. In 2009, Taylor played in all 13 games for the Tigers, notching 41 tackles, two interceptions and four pass breakups. As a true freshman in 2008, Taylor made four tackles and broke up one pass after converting from a high school cornerback to a college safety.

TE'O, Manti #5 ILB, Notre Dame

Character: Notre Dame’s junior inside linebacker, Manti Te’o, is special. One of the nation’s elite players, Te’o was the first Hawaiian native to be named the high school player of the year by Sporting News. He led Punahou High School to a state championship and won the inaugural high school Butkus Award as the top prep linebacker in the country.

“He’s ahead of the game,” former Irish linebacker coach Jon Tenuta said of Te’o’s transition to college in 2009. “He was a tremendous high school player, now he comes here and he has to learn the size and speed of the game. He understands that and he also understands how to play, so he’s a little bit ahead of a lot of people in that aspect.”

Back in Hawaii, many knew Te’o was destined for greatness years ago.

“I knew when I saw him walk on the field as an eighth grader,” said his high school coach Kale Ane, a seven-year NFL veteran.

“He’s very humble, very respectable,” Ane said. “He talks highly of his opponents, he talks highly of his coaches, he talks highly of his teammates. Everyone loves him because he’s so giving and fits right in.”

Te’o has given his time to the Hawaiian Special Olympics and the Head Start Preschool program after having become an Eagle Scout in 2008.

“I wish I would be as much of the person he has become,” his father, Brian, said. “If you were to compare the two of us, he stands shoulders above me as far as character.”

“Hopefully, I will influence this place for good,” Te’o said of the legacy he wants to leave at Notre Dame, “whether it will be in football or just in life in general. I just want to be a good person. That’s my main goal, to influence people as an example to others.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Te'o, Manti

Career Highlights: Te’o recorded 63 tackles at South Bend in 2009, the most by an Irish freshman in 34 years. He also contributed one sack and 5.5 tackles for loss as a true freshman. Last season, Te’o made a smooth transition to the new Fighting Irish coaching staff, leading the team with 133 tackles, including a 21 tackle performance against Stanford. His 133 stops were the most for a Notre Dame player since Tony Furjanic recorded 147 in 1983. He also added a quarterback sack and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2010. For his efforts, Te’o appeared on several All- American teams.

Te’o was Sporting News’ 2008 High School Athlete of the Year. He was also named USA Today’s Defensive Player of the Year as a senior at President Barack Obama’s alma mater, Punahou High School.

WAGGNER, Prentiss #23 DB, University of Tennessee

Character: The Tennessee Volunteers’ junior defensive back Prentiss Waggner lettered in football, basketball and track and field at Clinton High School in Louisiana. Waggner is a versatile, ball hawk who has played each secondary position at Tennessee.

“I know the playbook in and out,” Waggner said after a 2011 preseason scrimmage. “I know the linebackers and [defensive] ends, basically the whole defense. I’m comfortable wherever they put me.”

The experienced, instinctual playmaker will vary positions in 2011 depending on the opponent and situations.

“I’m still out there floating around, from corner to nickel to safety,” he said. “I’m just out there having fun.”

“He’s pretty settled at corner right now,” Head Coach Derek Dooley added. “I think he’s been our most consistent corner. He’s still got that ability to go to safety if anything happens or just depending on who we play. Prentiss has been playing the best, most consistent out there.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Waggner, Prentiss

Career Highlights: Waggner had a 2010 to remember, setting a Tennessee record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns and becoming the first Volunteer since 1999 to recover two fumbles in a game. His eight takeaways were also the most for a Volunteer since 1999. Waggner was an Associated Press Second-Team All-SEC selection and a scout.com Second-Team All-American. In 13 games, he had three fumble recoveries, five interceptions, 57 tackles and three defensive touchdowns. As a redshirt freshman in 2009, Waggner made two starts and recorded six tackles.

WINN, Billy #90 DT, Boise State

Character: Boise State’s senior defensive tackle, Billy Winn, is a powerful young man. A three sport letterman at Las Vegas High School, Winn set a Vegas Open Weightlifting competition record with a power clean of 335 pounds. He also went 32-4 as a junior in wrestling, threw the discus 176-11 and the shot put 53-1 and ran the 100 meter in 11.86 seconds on LVHS’s track team.

Winn has a brilliant work ethic.

“It’s about going out there [every day] with a purpose and getting that task accomplished,” he said.

When ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper announced Winn as a top ten defensive tackle prospect in the 2011 draft, Winn shot down the notion of leaving early.

“I made a promise to this university that I was going to stay five years,” the redshirt senior said. “That’s what I’m going to do.”

When Winn returned home for the Las Vegas Bowl last December, he had approximately 60 friends and family members in the crowd supporting him, but Winn was most proud to have his great grandmother on hand.

“To have my great grandmother at my game [means] a lot to me,” Winn said. “She hasn’t gotten to come to many of my games. […] She [loves] to see her grandson out there playing football.”

News: LOTT PROFILES: Winn, Billy

Career Highlights: Winn helped Las Vegas High School win the 2006 Nevada state championship and was the only Nevada high school player to be selected to the East-West All-American award in 2006. As a redshirt freshman in 2008, Winn was selected to Phil Steele’s All-Freshman Second Team after appearing in 13 games and making 26 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble. In 2009, Winn earned Second-Team All-Western Athletic Conference honors. He recorded 44 tackles, six sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and made a crucial safety in the Broncos’ 19-8 win over Oregon in the season opener. Last season, Winn was named Second-Team All-WAC for the second straight year. In 13 games, he had 28 tackles, four sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and forced two fumbles.

WORTHY, Jerel #99 DT, Michigan State University

Character: Along with his nomination for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, Michigan State’s junior defensive tackle Jerel Worthy is also being considered for the Bednarik, Lombardi, Nagurski and Outland Trophies. Worthy is also up for the CFPA Defensive Lineman of the Year Trophy. Some experts rate him as the No. 1 defensive tackle prospect. Whether he’s a lottery selection in the future or not, this Spartan has made an IMPACT on and off the field. Worthy is faithful. He’s active in Athletes in Action sports ministry. In terms of his loyalty to Michigan State – let’s just say that he’s the guy that you want going to war for you.

“The Michigan State fans know my passion for the [Michigan] rivalry, they know my passion for the team and they know I will fight for this team until the day I die,” he said.

That’s why he showed up for preseason practice this year with a new tattoo on his left shoulder, featuring a Spartan warrior standing on a scrawny helmet with a block lettered “M.”

Worthy was handed the Spartans’ 2010 Underclass Lineman Award after a stellar sophomore season. He is a family community services major.

News: LOTT PROFILES: Worthy, Jerel

Career Highlights: Worthy was made the Second-Team All-Sophomore team and was as an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection in 2010. He led all Spartan defensive linemen with 40 tackles, had a team-best four sacks and had eight tackles for loss. Against Michigan, he had a nine-yard sack against Denard Robinson and blocked a field goal attempt on the final play of the first half. Named the Spartans’ defensive game captain against Minnesota, Worthy responded by tying his career high with five tackles, including 1.5 for losses. As a redshirt freshman in 2009, Worthy was a First-Team Freshman All-American, totaling 37 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.