DALLAS, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Seniors from Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin have been selected finalists for the 2006 Outland Trophy, given to college football's best lineman.
The finalists are: Texas offensive lineman Justin Blalock, West Virginia center Dan Mozes and Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas.
Blalock, a 6-foot-4, 329-pounder, had started 44 consecutive games at right tackle for the Longhorns, 9-2, before being moved to right guard for the last five games because of an injury to another offensive lineman. Of the team's 22 rushing touchdowns this season, 16 have been behind Blalock.
Thomas has appeared in 42 games, including 33 starts, for the Badgers, 11-1. The 6-foot-8, 306-pounder has been the anchor for a line, which has produced the top freshman running back in college, P.J. Hill.
Mozes, a 6-foot-4, 290-pounder, has been the key to the offensive line for the Mountaineers, 9-1, who are ranked second in the nation in rushing offense, total offense and scoring offense.
The Football Writers' Association of America has annually selected the winner of the award since 1946. The winner of the Outland Trophy will be announced Dec. 7.
