April 30, 2010

HOUSTON - Maryland linebacker Alex Wujciak was named to the preliminary watch list for the 2010 Rotary Lombardi Award on Thursday.

The award goes to player who sees action at or near the line of scrimmage (linemen, linebackers or tight ends).

A two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection (first team in 2009; second team in 2008), Wujciak had 131 tackles last year and ranked eighth nationally in that category (10.9 per game).

Wujciak, one of five returning starters on the Maryland defense, is first among active players in the ACC with 264 career tackles.

The senior is one of 12 players on the list from the ACC, joining Allen Bailey (Miami), Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson), Anthony Castonzo (Boston College), Mark Herzlich (Boston College), Rodney Hudson (Florida State), Nate Irving (NC State), Luke Kuechly (Boston College), Robert Quinn (North Carolina), Barquell Rivers (Virginia Tech) and Quan Sturdivant (North Carolina).

Wujciak was placed on the watch list for the Lott Trophy, which honors the country's top impact defensive player, two weeks ago.

Lombardi Award candidates earned a place on the preliminary watch list by earning All-America or all-conference honors.

The list, intended as a reference tool for the selection committee, will be periodically updated and revised through the conclusion of the voting to determine the 12 semifinalists.

The 41st Rotary Lombardi Award will be held on December 7-8, 2010 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

To view the complete watch list, please visit www.rotarylombardiaward.org.