Gordon, Reid Named to Lott Trophy Watch List
April 18, 2005
LAWRENCE, Kan. — University of Kansas defensive back Charles Gordon and linebacker Nick Reid have been named to the 2005 Lott Trophy Watch List, given annually to the top defensive player in the nation. Gordon, a junior, and Reid, a senior, represent two of the 42 players on the preseason list.
Both players were first-team All-Big 12 choices a year ago. Gordon’s seven interceptions as a sophomore led the nation, while Reid topped the Jayhawks in tackles.
Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, the trophy goes to the college defensive player of the year who has the biggest IMPACT both on and off the field. Georgia’s David Pollack won the inaugural award last year.
Sponsored by the IMPACT Foundation of The Pacific Club, the award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics that Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. It is the only college award that is based on both performance and character.
The inaugural banquet featured an array of football luminaries, including Lott, Marcus Allen, Bill Walsh, John Robinson and Pat Haden. Pollack and the other two finalists – Derrick Johnson (Texas) and Jim Leonhard (Wisconsin) – were also in attendance at the sold out event.
THE LOTT TROPHY FACT SHEET
NAMED AFTER: Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott.
CRITERIA: The award is given to the college defensive player who exhibits the same characteristics that Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
SPONSOR: The IMPACT Foundation of the Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Ca.
VOTERS: A panel of national voters including collegiate offensive and defensive coordinators, former NFL coaches and players, media and the Board of Directors of The IMPACT Foundation.
YEARS IN EXISTENCE: This is the second year for The Lott Trophy.
2004 WINNER: David Pollack of Georgia.
BANQUET: The second annual Lott Trophy Banquet will be Dec. 11, 2005 at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach.
DONATIONS: The IMPACT Foundation of the Pacific Club made three donations last year: $25,000 to the general scholarship fund at the University of Georgia, $25,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of America; and $25,000 to the Pat Tillman Foundation.
— KU —
