O’Neill Named to Lott IMPACT® Trophy Watch List

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football DL Eric O’Neill earned a spot on the Lott IMPACT® Trophy watch list, the Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation announced Wednesday. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top defensive player.
 
O’Neill is the third Scarlet Knight to appear on the watch list under head coach Greg Schiano, joining defensive standouts Eric Foster (2007) and Courtney Greene (2008).
 
Established by The Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation, The Lott IMPACT® Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, is awarded annually to the nation’s top defensive player, who also exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT® on and off the field. IMPACT® is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
 
O’Neill is set for his first season with the program after appearing in 38 career games with 35 starts at James Madison (2024) and LIU (2021-23), totaling 185 tackles with 63 for loss and 28.5 sacks during his collegiate career. Last season, O’Neill earned first team all-conference and second team All-America laurels at JMU, producing 52 tackles with 18.5 for loss and 13 sacks in 13 starts. O’Neilll finished fifth nationally in sacks per game (1.0) and sixth in tackles-for-loss per game (1.4).
 
Rutgers opens the 2025 season on Thursday, Aug. 28 with Ohio at SHI Stadium. To purchase season tickets, visit ScarletKnights.com/tickets or call 866-445-GORU (4678). Benefits of being a season ticket holder include an exclusive opportunity to purchase season parking on Busch campus within walking distance to SHI Stadium, special pricing, a payment plan option and other Rutgers ticket offers throughout the year. Purchasing season tickets directly supports student-athletes. Visit Rutgers Football Ticket Central for more information.
 
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