HOUSTON, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Linebacker Rocky Calmus, who has Oklahoma in contention for a second straight national title, was named as one of four finalists for the Lombardi Award Tuesday.
Defensive ends Dwight Freeney of Syracuse, Juluis Peppers of North Carolina and Alex Brown of Florida also were named as finalists for the honor, which will be presented on December 5.
The Lombardi Award is presented annually by the Rotary Club of Houston to the college football lineman -- offense or defense -- who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi.
Calmus, Oklahoma's career leader in tackles for losses, will try to join Lee Roy Selmon (1975) and Tony Casillas (1985) as Sooners to win the award.
Freeney leads the nation with 16.5 sacks and 26 tackles. In his last 18 games over two seasons, he has 30.5 sacks.
Peppers gave up college basketball after last season and has emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players in the country. Brown is in line to earn All-SEC honors for the third straight season.
As the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, Lombardi first made a name for himself as the smallest but toughest member of Fordham University's "Seven Blocks of Granite," renowned in their day (1934-37) for being the most unyielding line in college football.
The winner is elected by a panel of media members, coaches, broadcasters and former winners of the award.
Florida State defensive end Jamal Reynolds won the award last season.
