Lombardi semifinalists named

HOUSTON, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Twelve semifinalists have been named for the Lombardi Award, given to the top lineman in college football each year.

The players, who were chosen by the Rotary Club of Houston, include senior defensive end David Pollack of Georgia, who returned to the SEC school after being named a finalist in 2003.

Among others are defensive end Dan Cody of Oklahoma; Virginia guard Elton Brown, Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk, Wisconsin defensive end Erasmus James, Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson and LSU defensive end Marcus Spears.

Pollack is tied for the SEC lead in sacks with four this year and needs two more to set a Georgia career record.

The list will be trimmed to four finalists during the next round of voting, which begins on Oct. 25. The four finalists will be announced on Nov. 9.

Last year's winner was Tommie Harris of Oklahoma.

The Rotary organization has been presenting the award since shortly after the 1970 death of legendary NFL Coach Vince Lombardi.