National Award Winners: No. 66 Brett Romberg
2002 RIMINGTON TROPHY WINNER
Became the first University of Miami player to win the Rimington Trophy in 2002.
Contributed in Miami’s 34-game winning streak from 2000 to 2002 as the center.
Had the versatility to play effectively at guard or tackle, but settled in as the center for his sophomore season in 2000.
Helped the Hurricanes win 35 of 37 games, one National Championship, three BIG EAST Conference championships, a Sugar Bowl and a Rose Bowl during his career – all with Romberg calling the blocking signals for the offensive line.
Never allowed a quarterback sack at center and led an offensive line that helped produce three 1,000-yard rushers (James Jackson, Clinton Portis and Willis McGahee), a quarterback (Ken Dorsey) who set every major UM career passing record and an offense that averaged more than 465 yards per game for the balance of his three years as the starting center.
The Dave Rimington Trophy is one of college football’s newest annual awards, given each year since 1999 to college football’s outstanding center. It is hosted by the Boomer Esiason Foundation for research and treatment of cystic fibrosis.
