July 12, 2012
Vanderbilt linemen Wesley Johnson and Rob Lohr have been named to preseason watchlists for the Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy, respectively.
Johnson, a redshirt junior from Nashville who started multiple games at three offensive line positions in 2011, is one of 71 linemen across the nation regarded as an early candidate for the Outland Trophy. Lohr, a redshirt senior defensive tackle from Phoenixville, Pa., was among 84 players listed as preseason candidates for the Nagurski Trophy.
The Outland Trophy is given to the nation’s top interior lineman. The Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the nation’s best defensive player. Both awards are presented by the Football Writers Association of America, with the Charlotte Touchdown Club joining as a sponsor of the Nagurski Trophy.
Johnson, a product of Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, is one of the Southeastern Conference’s most versatile and productive linemen. In 2011, Johnson started at two games at center, left guard and left tackle. He also enters this season having started 25 consecutive games on the Commodore offensive front.
Johnson is a two-time SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week recipient, following outstanding blocking performances during Vanderbilt victories in conference play.
Lohr, another two-year starter for the Commodores, is one of nine defensive tackles on the Nagurski Trophy watchlist. He is also one of 19 players from the Southeastern Conference named to the list.
Among SEC defensive tackles, Lohr ranks among the leaders in quarterback sacks and tackles loss, both from last year and for his career. In 2011, Lohr contributed five sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. For his career, Lohr has nine sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three finalists who are part of the FWAA All-America team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects the 25-man team and eventually the three Outland finalists to be named on Nov. 19. The eventual winner of the 67th Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 6 on ESPN.
The Nagurski Trophy winner is chosen from five finalists who are part of the FWAA All-America team. The Nagurski Trophy recipient is announced Dec. 3 at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C.