HOUSTON, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Justin Blalock of Texas and three Big 10 players have been named finalists for the Lombardi Award, given annually to the top U.S. college football lineman.
Blalock, an offensive lineman, joins defensive lineman Quinn Pitcock of Ohio State, linebacker Paul Posluszny of Penn State and defensive end LaMarr Woodley of Michigan on the list of candidates for the award. Posluszny is the only returning nominee from 2005 -- and the first Nittany Lion to become a two-time finalist for the Lombardi trophy.
He won the Butkus Award in 2005 as college football's top linebacker and the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defensive player.
Pitcock leads the No. 1 Buckeyes with seven sacks. Woodley leads the Big Ten and is third in the nation with 11 sacks.
The winner will be announced Dec. 6.
