HOUSTON – MTSU redshirt junior DL Marley Cook was selected to the Lombardi Award Watch List, presented to the nation’s offensive or defensive lineman that exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, the Rotary Club of Houston announced Tuesday.
Cook recorded 22 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and blocked a kick in 13 appearances for Middle Tennessee in 2022, helping lead the Blue Raiders to an easypost Hawai’i Bowl victory over San Diego State. The Water Valley, Mississippi, native had a monster performance in a dominant win over Florida Atlantic, recording three tackles, a pair of sacks and a quarterback hurry.
To be considered for the Lombardi Award™, players must be an NCAA FBS College Football team member and meet the following qualifications:
· Be a down Lineman, end to end, either on offense or defense, setting up no further than ten (10) yards to the left or right of the ball at the time of the snap.
· Be a Linebacker on defense, setting up no further than five (5) yards deep from the line of scrimmage.
· Must not come out of the offensive backfield and set up on the line of scrimmage as a Blocker or a Receiver or listed in the program as an Offensive Back or Receiver.
· Be eligible to participate in the current season.
A mid-season watch list will be released on Oct. 13 to reflect any updates to the current list.
Introducing the 2023 Lombardi Award™ Watchlist – a compilation of standout linemen from across college football. This list is meticulously assembled by a subcommittee of the Lombardi Award™ committee, with a keen eye on players’ previous performances and potential for the upcoming 2023 college football season. Athletes must have participated in at least one NCAA Division I college or university game to merit inclusion.
About the Lombardi Award
Just weeks after Coach Vince Lombardi’s 1970 death from colon cancer, the Rotary Club of Houston was authorized by Lombardi’s widow, Marie, to establish the Lombardi Award™. As stipulated by Mrs. Lombardi, net proceeds from the Award’s activities are contributed to Cancer Research and specifically the American Cancer Society’s programs.
For additional information, visit www.lombardiaward.org.
-ConferenceUSA.com-
