University of Houston Athletics
Ashworth Named To Lombardi Award Watch List
7/16/2012 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 16, 2012
HOUSTON -
University of Houston senior offensive tackle Jacolby Ashworth was one of 145 collegiate student athletes named to the 2012 Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List on Monday. The award is presented annually to the nation's top college lineman or linebacker.
The candidates earned a place on the Official Watch List by: earning All-American or First-Team All-Conference honors last season; being projected to be an All-American or First-Team All-Conference player for the coming season; or by nomination approved by the nominations committee.
As a junior in 2011, Ashworth started all 14 games while anchoring the offensive line at left tackle. He was a key member of the Cougars' record setting offense in 2011 when, Houston led the nation in total yards, passing yards, points and points per game. Ashworth has started in 25 of his last 26 games played and has made appearances in 30 games in his Cougar career.
With his selection, Ashworth became the fourth Cougar student-athlete to be selected to an award Watch List this preseason. Running back Charles Sims was selected to the Maxwell Award watch list, Cornerback D.J. Hayden to the Thorpe Award, and punter Richie Leone to the Ray Guy Award.
Eligibility for the Rotary Lombardi Award is limited to: 1) offensive or defensive end-to-end down linemen who set up no farther than 10 yards to the left or right of the ball and 2) linebackers who set up no farther than five yards deep from the line of scrimmage.
The winner will be selected after four rounds of voting. The first round determines the top 25 quarter finalists. The second round of voting will determine the seven semi-finalists. The third round of voting will determine the four finalists. The fourth and final round of voting will determine the winner to be announced on national television on Wednesday, Dec. 5.
The award will be presented at The Hobby Center in Houston. The list of alumni from recent years includes some college and NFL stars. The last five Lombardi Award winners and 11 of the past 12, were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
ABOUT THE COUGARS
A year ago, the Cougars posted a 13-1 mark to set a school single-season record in wins and capped the campaign with a dominating 30-14 win against No. 22 Penn State during the TicketCity Bowl.
Running back Charles Sims led the Cougars in 2011 with 821 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. The electrifying junior also was a receiving threat out of the backfield, hauling in 51 catches for 575 yards and four scores to rank fourth on the team.
Sophomore linebacker Derrick Mathews finished second among the Cougars with 106 tackles during his first collegiate season, while senior linebacker Phillip Steward led the team with six interceptions and added 77 tackles.
After sitting out as a redshirt a year ago, sophomore quarterback David Piland will take the reins from NCAA record-setting signal-caller Case Keenum. Starting most of the 2010 season, Piland threw for 2,641 yards and 14 touchdowns on 201-of-345 passing during his true freshman season.
SEASON TICKETS
Houston Football season tickets are on sale now in the Athletics Ticket Office, and fans have options for as low as $140 when purchasing.
To purchase season tickets, fans can call 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) or 877-COUGAR-5 (268-4275) or visit the Athletics Ticket Office, located on the first floor of the Athletics/Alumni Center from 8 a.m., to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Fans can buy season tickets 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by clicking the Red and White Tickets tab at UHCougars.com and following the appropriate links or by clicking .
