DALLAS, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- LSU defensive tackle Chad LaValais, the leader of a unit that allows the fewest points in the country, has been named a finalist for the Outland Trophy.
The award honors the best interior lineman in the country. Joining him are offensive tackles Robert Gallery of Iowa and Shawn Andrews of Arkansas.
LaValais, a 289-pound senior, is the centerpiece of an LSU defense that allows just 10.6 points per game.
Gallery, a 320-pound senior, has been the top player on a Hawkeye offensive line that lost four starters from 2002.
Andrews, also a finalist for the Lombardi Award, is a 371-pound junior who has racked up 85 knockdowns, including 21 against Alabama.
"I'm so proud of Shawn and what he has accomplished this season," said Coach Houston Nutt. "He is the only player in the country to be a finalist for both the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award. That is a tribute to his hard work and dedication."
The winner will be announced on Dec. 11.
