Florida junior defensive end Carlos Dunlap (North Charleston, S.C.) and senior linebacker Brandon Spikes (Shelby, N.C.) are two of 12 semifinalists for the 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award, announced by the Rotary Club of Houston Wednesday.
The Lombardi Award is given annually to the top college lineman, offensive or defensive, who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi.
Both Dunlap and Spikes have led a 2009 Florida defense that ranks No. 1 in the SEC in four defensive categories, including scoring defense (6.4/game), pass defense (115.2/game), total defense (202.6/game) and passing defense efficiency (78.3). The Gators’ defense has given up only 32 points in 2009, including just two touchdowns, a nation-leading statistic, while stringing together a 17-game streak with at least one interception.
Spikes, also a Butkus Award and Lott Trophy candidate, leads UF in total tackles in 2009, with 32, and recorded his first-career multi-sack performance, tallying three in the 13-3 road win over LSU, while collecting a season-high 11 tackles against the Tigers. Spikes’ three sacks were the most by a Gator since Derrick Harvey tallied as many versus Ohio State in the 2006 Tostitos BCS National Championship Game.
Dunlap, the 2009 FedEx BCS National Championship Game Defensive MVP, has three career punt blocks, more than any other Meyer-coached player, and has grabbed 12 tackles, two pass break-ups and two sacks so far this season. In addition to being a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award, Dunlap is a candidate for the 2009 Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award.
Additionally, both Dunlap and Spikes are listed as Chuck Bednarik and Bronko Nagurski Award Watch List candidates.
