The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Wright named Lombardi Award semifinalist
10.18.2005 | Football
Senior defensive tackle Rodrique Wright has been named to the list of 12 semifinalists for the 36th Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia Bank. The award honors the top lineman in college football.
Wright has also earned a spot on the Bednarik Award (nation's top defensive player), Lott Trophy (nation's IMPACT defensive player of the year), Nagurski Trophy (nation's top defensive player) and Outland Trophy (nation's top interior lineman) watch lists in 2005. He has 20 tackles, five TFL, 1.5 sacks, nine pressures and a fumble return for a TD in six games this year. For his career, Wright has 201 tackles, 33 TFL, 14.5 sacks, 61 pressures, and five forced fumbles in 43 games (38 starts).
It marks the fourth time in the last five years Texas has had a semifinalist for the award. Derrick Johnson (2004) and Cory Redding (2002) where both finalists, while Casey Hampton was a semifinalist in 2001. Texas has had two winners of the award, including Tony DeGrate in 1984 and Kenneth Sims in 1981.
Wright is joined by center Greg Eslinger of Minnesota, offensive tackles D'Brickshaw Ferguson of Virginia, Joe Thomas of Wisconsin and Eric Winston of Miami, linebackers Spencer Havner of UCLA, A. J. Hawk of Ohio State, Paul Posluszny of Penn State and DeMeco Ryans of Alabama, defensive ends Elvis Dumervil of Louisville, Mathias Kiwanuka of Boston College, and defensive tackle Jessie Maheloa of Tennessee.
Founded in the weeks following the death of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi from cancer in 1970, the Rotary Lombardi Award presented by Wachovia Bank has annually delivered upon the mission set forth by Marie Lombardi when she first granted the use of her late husband's name. Her only stipulation was that all net proceeds from the event be donated to the American Cancer Society and over $3.1 million has been generated since that time.
Former Texas A&M All-American and Houston Oiler All Pro Ray Childress is serving as the events Honorary Chairman of the 36th Rotary Lombardi Award presented by Wachovia.
This year's Rotary Lombardi Award is being presented by Wachovia Bank, which earlier this month announced a two-year presentation sponsorship agreement with the Rotary Club of Houston Foundation to support the event and its fund raising component.
The Rotary Club of Houston, in operation since 1912, is an association of more than 350 successful business professionals, all prominent in their individual fields of endeavor, who volunteer their efforts through the work of some two dozen club committees. Assistance is provided to such diverse groups as troubled youngsters, former prison inmates, business oriented high school students, families of cancer patients, deserving college scholarship candidates and the nation's cancer research efforts. The club's most recent community project is the East End Healthy Children's Collaborative which provides much needed access to primary health care for residents on Houston's East side.
Tables and individual tickets are now on sale through the Rotary Club of Houston office (713) 973-9936.
