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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Oher Named Rotary Lombardi Award Semifinalist
10/17/2008 | Football
HOUSTON, Texas Ole Miss senior tackle Michael Oher highlights the list of 12 semifinalists for the 39th Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia. In addition, Oher was named Midseason All-America First Team Friday by Phil Steele, after receiving the same honor earlier in the week from CollegeFootballNews.com and CBSSports.com.
Oher has made 40 straight starts over his career, which is the third-most starts in the SEC among active players. With the Memphis native leading the charge, the Rebel offensive line has allowed only six sacks and ranks fourth in the SEC in rushing.
Linebacker James Laurinaitis of Ohio State returns to the Lombardi semifinalist list after being chosen as one of the final four for the 38th Rotary Lombardi Award, which went to LSU's Glenn Dorsey. Also returning from last year's semifinalist list are California's Alex Mack, OU's Duke Robinson and USF's George Selvie.
Four offensive players and eight defensive players were named. The Big 12 Conference leads the pack with four players, followed by the SEC and Pac 10 with three each; the Big 10 and Big East have one each. The semifinalists were announced Thursday at a kickoff event at SRO Sports Bar & Cafe. This year's award dinner will be held on December 10 at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Downtown Houston.
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 husbands 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.
Complete list of semifinalists include:
Brian Cushing, Linebacker, University of Southern California
Auston English, Defens ive End, University of Oklahoma
James Laurinaitis, Linebacker, The 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, The 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
