STANFORD, Calif. - Linebacker Bobby Okereke was one of 42 players named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy preseason watch list, awarded annually to the defensive player who has had the biggest impact on their teams both on and off the field.
The 42 (Ronnie Lott's number) nominees represent the finest in college football -- defensive players who have had the biggest IMPACT on their teams both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
Okereke was an All-Pac-12 honorable mention selection last season and led the Cardinal to the Pac-12 Championship Game and Alamo Bowl. He was third on the team with 96 tackles and added 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, a forced fumble and returned an interception for a touchdown at Washington State.
A native of Santa Ana, Okereke will earn his undergraduate degree in June in management science and engineering with an emphasis in finance. In the fall, he will pursue his master's degree in media studies.
Okereke has been an active member of the broader Stanford community as a volunteer at St. Anthony's church, the Palo Alto Public Library and local elementary schools.
Stanford's Harrison Phillips was a finalist for the award last season, and Chase Thomas was a finalist in 2013. Owen Marecic was awarded an honorary Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2010.
There are 21 linebackers, 11 defensive backs and 10 defensive linemen on the initial watch list. Nine different conferences (and two independents) are represented with the Pac-12 leading the way with 11 student-athletes nominated.
Candidates will be evaluated during the season with a Player of the Week chosen each week (and his school receiving $1,000 for its general scholarship fund). The four finalists will attend the 15th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy banquet on Dec. 9 in Newport Beach.
Stanford's Preseason Honors
Lott IMPACT Trophy
Bobby Okereke • Linebacker
Athlon Preseason All-Pac-12
First Team
Bryce Love • Running Back
JJ Arcega-Whiteside • Wide Receiver
Kaden Smith • Tight End
Nate Herbig • Offensive Line
Bobby Okereke • Linebacker
Cameron Scarlett • Kick Returner
Second Team
Walker Little • Offensive Line
Jet Toner • Kicker
Jake Bailey • Punter
Third Team
Jesse Burkett • Offensive Line
Fourth Team
Frank Buncom • Safety