Aug. 18, 2009

LAS VEGAS - UNLV senior linebacker/end Jason Beauchamp (San Diego, CA/Steele Canyon HS) is one of 153 players from around the nation appearing on the official 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List, which was released Tuesday.

The Lombardi is awarded annually by the Houston Rotary Club to the nation's top college lineman - offensive or defensive.

Beauchamp returns for his senior season after leading the Mountain West Conference in tackles last fall with 127. A preseason first team all-conference honoree, he is expected to play at both linebacker and defensive end for the Rebels in 2009.

The 12 semifinalists for this year's award will be announced on Oct. 14. On Nov. 11, four finalists will be named, all of whom will travel to Houston for the announcement of the winner on Dec. 9.

The 2008 winner was University of Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo. The Rotary Club founded the Lombardi Award in 1970 just after the death of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi.