Outland Trophy finalists to be announced on Nov. 21st

By John Onan  |   Friday, November 11, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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Prior to the kickoff of the 2005 season, the Football Writers Association of American announced that 36 players were added to the pre-season Outland Trophy watch list, which will be narrowed down to three finalists on November 21st.

On December 8th in Orlando, Florida the winner will be announced to honor the best interior lineman in Division 1-A college football this year. In 2004, Oklahoma offensive tackle Jammal Brown took home the award, and went on to be the 13th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.

Let's take a look at the top contenders for the Outland Trophy for this season:

Greg Eslinger, center from Minnesota: Eslinger, a senior, has started all four years for the Golden Gophers and is currently the leader of one of the best offensive lines in the nation. Minnesota boasts the top rushing attack in the country, as Eslinger and offensive tackle Mark Setterstrom (who is also on the Outland watch list) have paved the way for running backs Lawrence Maroney and Gary Russell. The duo has combined for 2227 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2005.
Andrew Whitworth, tackle from LSU: As durable as they come, Whitworth has started every game in his LSU career and is a near shoo-in for All-America honors this year. He rarely gives up a sack or commits a penalty, and has led the team in pancake blocks the last two seasons, while protecting quarterback JaMarcus Russell and helping open holes for running back Joseph Addai.

Eric Winston tackle from Miami, Fl: The Hurricanes, like Minnesota, boast two players on the Outland watch list. Winston, an offensive tackle, and defensive tackle Orien Harris are the leaders on both sides of the line of scrimmage for Miami. While Harris has been bothered by injury, Winston has once again been the anchor of the offensive line and has made quarterback Kyle Wright's adjustment to big-time football a lot easier. Winston has also helped pave the way for Tyrone Moss before the tailback tore his knee ligament in this past week's win over Virginia Tech.

Rod Wright defensive tackle from Texas: The six-foot-five 315 pound Wright surprised quite a few observers by turning down the chance to enter the 2005 NFL Draft and return for his senior year. While Vince Young and the offense gets shown in all the highlights, Wright has been the leader of a Longhorns defense that is yielding just 112 yards on the ground and 14 points per game. His 67-yard fumble recovery and touchdown against Oklahoma after sacking Rhett Bomar sealed Texas 52-12 blowout win.
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