Florida right guard O’Cyrus Torrence and JACK linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. are among the 90 players who landed on the Rotary Lombardi Award watchlist Monday when the committee released its midseason update.
According to the award’s website, the accolade “goes annually to the college football lineman — offense or defense — who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the character and discipline of Vince Lombardi.” A subcommittee of the Rotary Lombardi Award committee compiles the watchlist and includes SID submissions. To be considered for the watchlist, players must also have started at least one game at an NCAA Division 1 college or university.
Torrence is currently on the mend, but he’s been one of the best offensive linemen in all of college football this season. He’s transitioned from the Group of Five to the Power Five seamlessly and has first-round potential if he can stay healthy.
Cox flirted with the draft last year but came back to raise his stock. His personal goal was to break the school’s sack record of 13, but he’s only at two through seven games. Still, Cox has been one of Florida’s best players on defense this year. He has a team-high eight tackles for loss and was named Co-SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after Florida’s win over Utah.
It will take a big run for either Gator to beat out some of the other names on the watchlist, but being recognized is always a positive. Both men should warrant plenty of attention come draft season regardless of how many awards they win.