May 7, 2012
STANFORD, Calif. -- - Stanford outside linebacker Chase Thomas is one of 42 players who have been named to the 2012 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List, an award that is presented to the top defensive player in the country for his outstanding achievements both on and off the playing field.
One of the top linebackers in the country heading into the 2012 season, Thomas earned Sporting News All-America and first team All-Pac-12 honors last season as a junior after a 52-tackle campaign that included 8.5 sacks among his 17.5 tackles for loss.
He finished fourth on the squad in tackles with 52 and led the conference in tackles for loss per game at 1.35, while ranking second in sacks per game at 0.65.
"Each year we are proud to present a list of college football players who exemplify the things we believe in," said Ronnie Lott. "This group is no exception. These young men are terrific players and great role models, both on and off the field."
The 2012 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List includes seven players from last season, headed by 2011 finalist Manti Te'o of Notre Dame. Semi-finalists John Simon of Ohio State and Brodrick Brown of Oklahoma State are also on the list as are quarter-finalists T.J. McDonald of USC, John Boyett of Oregon and Jordan Kovacs of Michigan. Brandon Jenkins of Florida State rounds out the returning nominees.
The Big Ten leads the way with nine nominees, followed by the Pac-12 with eight, the ACC and Big-12 with seven each and the SEC with five.
There are 18 linebackers, 13 defensive backs and 11 defensive linemen on the list.
Voting for the Lott IMPACT Trophy will take place throughout the season with the winner announced at the annual black-tie awards banquet Dec. 9 at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach.
About the Lott IMPACT Trophy
Named after Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football's Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. Founded in 2004 by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, The Lott Trophy is the first and only college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. The Lott Trophy is given to the player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation and the Legends Coaches which is a distinguished group of former college football head coaches.