Texas senior DE Brian Orakpo has been named to the watch list for the 2008 Lott Trophy, The Pacific Club has announced. Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.

Ranked as one of the nation’s Top 10 defensive ends by The Sporting News, Orakpo has played in 35 career games, starting 10, and has posted 90 tackles, 19 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 32 pressures, four PBD, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. In 2007, he appeared in nine games, starting eight, after missing four due to a right knee injury. Despite the injury, Orakpo tallied 37 tackles, nine TFL, 5.5 sacks, 12 pressures, two PBD and a forced fumble and earned Defensive MVP honors in the 2007 Holiday Bowl. He also was part of a defensive line that helped the UT defense allow just 93.4 rushing yards per game (sixth NCAA).

Former Texas LB Derrick Johnson was a finalist for the award in 2004, while S Michael Griffin was a semifinalist in 2006.

Now in its fifth year, The Lott Trophy equally recognizes athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, The IMPACT Foundation Board of Advisers comprised of many retired NFL players and Master Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.

The winner will be announced at a gala black-tie banquet at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Calif., on Dec. 14, 2008.

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