Vilma, Winslow Named Lombardi Award Semi-Finalists
Oct. 29, 2003
Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – Two University of Miami stars – senior middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and junior tight end Kellen Winslow – are among 12 semi-finalists for the 2003 Lombardi Award, the Rotary Club of Houston (Texas) announced Wednesday. The 34th Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the best lineman in college football.
Vilma and Winslow have been key factors in Miami’s 7-0 start, Vilma spearheading a defensive effort that has the No. 2-ranked Hurricanes currently listed among the top 20 nationally in total defense (17th – 302.5 yards allowed per game), scoring defense (15th – 15.50 points per game), and pass efficiency defense (16th – 103.04 rating) while Winslow has led the team in receptions, including several crucial catches in close games.
Vilma leads the Hurricanes in tackles with 58 through seven games, including 37 unassisted stops. The senior from Coral Gables, Fla., also has 4.5 tackles for losses, one quarterback sack, two quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries, has forced a fumble and has one pass broken up.
Winslow has caught fire in recent weeks, catching 21 passes for 253 yards in wins over West Virginia, fifth-ranked Florida State and Temple. Winslow recorded 100-yards receiving for two consecutive weeks for the first time in his career against WVU and FSU. His 18-yard reception on fourth and 13 against West Virginia kept the Hurricanes game-winning drive alive. Winslow now has 36 catches for 391 yards on the season with a 10.9 yards per catch average. He ranks 56th nationally in receptions per game with 5.14 and third among tight ends. Winslow’s numbers from the tight end position are comparable to the top wide receivers in the nation.
Winslow is the first tight end to be a semi-finalist for the award since Oklahoma’s Keith Jackson in 1987. A total of eight defensive players make up this year’s list including four defensive ends and three linebackers, while the offensive side of the ball is represented by two tackles and a center, in addition to Winslow.
Semifinalists were selected by a panel of more than 400 selectors, comprised of all Division 1 head coaches, all past winners and finalists of the Rotary Lombardi Award, plus writers and broadcasters who cover college football. Voting to determine four finalists for the award will begin immediately and conclude on Monday, November 11.
The 2003 Rotary Lombardi Award winner will be announced at the Rotari Lombardi Award Presentation dinner on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 in Houston.
The 12 semi-finalists (in alphabetical order) for the 2003 Rotary Lombardi Award are:
Shawn Andrews OT ArkansasDavid Ball DE UCLARobert Gallery OT IowaMatt Grootegoed LB USCJake Grove C Virginia TechTommie Harris DT OklahomaTeddy Lehman LB OklahomaDavid Pollack DE GeorgiaBo Schobel DE TCUWill Smith DE Ohio StateJonathan Vilma LB MiamiKellen Winslow TE Miami
