HOUSTON -- Michigan defensive end LaMarr Woodley won the
37th Rotary Lombardi Award as the nation's top college lineman or
linebacker tonight.
He becomes the first Wolverine to win the honor.
The 6-foot-2, 269-pound Woodley was the Big Ten's Defensive
Player of the Year after ranking among the nation's leaders in
sacks (11), tackles for loss (15.5) and forced fumbles (4).
The other three finalists were Penn State linebacker Paul
Posluszny, Ohio State defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock and Texas
offensive guard Justin Blalock.
The Wolverines (11-1) will play Southern Cal (10-2) in the Rose
Bowl on New Year's Day.
The award was initiated by Houston's Rotary Club in 1970. It
originated shortly after its Hall of Fame namesake - Vince Lombardi
- died of cancer.