UF's Spikes among 12 semifinalists for Rotary Lombardi Award
Monday, October 20, 2008 | Football
Florida junior linebacker Brandon Spikes (Shelby, N.C.) was named to the list of 12 semifinalists for the 39th Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia.
The Lombardi Award is presented annually to college football's top lineman or linebacker. After four finalists are selected in November, this year's winner will be announced at the Dec. 10 award dinner at the Hilton Americas Hotel in downtown Houston.
Spikes, voted first-team All-SEC by the league's coaches last season as a sophomore, leads the Gators with 46 tackles and he also intercepted two passes against LSU, one of which he returned 52-yards for a touchdown. Spikes ranks third in the SEC with 9.2 tackles per game.
Founded in the weeks following the 1970 death from cancer of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, the Rotary Lombardi Award has consistently delivered upon the mission set forth by Marie Lombardi when she 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. Millions of dollars have been raised since that time.
For tickets and table sales information, visit www.rotarylombardiaward.org.
The 12 semifinalists are:
Brian Cushing, Linebacker, University of Southern California
Auston English, Defensive End, University of Oklahoma
James Laurinaitis, Linebacker, Ohio State University
Alex Mack, Offensive Lineman, University of California
Rey Maualuga, Linebacker, University of Southern California
Michael Oher, Offensive Tackle, University of Mississippi
Brian Orakpo, Defensive End, University of Texas
Duke Robinson, Offensive Lineman, University of Oklahoma
George Selvie, Defensive End, University of South Florida
Andre Smith, Offensive Lineman, University of Alabama
Brandon Spikes, Linebacker, University of Florida
Sean Weatherspoon, Linebacker, University of Missouri
