English, Robinson Make Semis

Oct. 16, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma's Auston English and Duke Robinson are among the 12 semifinalists announced for the 39th Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia. The group was made public Thursday at a kickoff event at SRO Sports Bar & Café.

This year's award dinner will be held on December 10 at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Downtown Houston.

English is a defensive end for the Sooners, while Robinson is the offensive left guard. Robinson was s semifinalist last season as well.

Both hope to become the fourth OU player to win the coveted honor. Lee Roy Selmon won the Lombardi in 1975, Tony Casillas in 1995 and Tommie Harris in 2003.

Linebacker James Laurinaitis of Ohio State returns to the semifinalist list after being chosen as one of the final four for the 38th Rotary Lombardi Award, which went to LSU's Glenn Dorsey. Also returning from last year's semifinalist list are California's Alex Mack and USF's George Selvie.

Four offensive players and eight defensive players were named. The Big 12 Conference leads the pack with four players, followed by the SEC and Pac 10 with three each; the Big 10 and Big East have one each. The 12 semifinalists are:

Brian Cushing, Linebacker, University of Southern California Auston English, Defensive End, University of Oklahoma James Laurinaitis, Linebacker, The Ohio State University Alex Mack, Offensive Lineman, University of California Rey Maualuga, Linebacker, University of Southern California Michael Oher, Offensive Tackle, University of Mississippi Brian Orakpo, Defensive End, The University of Texas Duke Robinson, Offensive Lineman, University of Oklahoma George Selvie, Defensive End, University of South Florida Andre Smith, Offensive Lineman, University of Alabama Brandon Spikes, Linebacker, University of Florida Sean Weatherspoon, Linebacker, University of Missouri

Founded in the weeks following the 1970 death from cancer of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, the Rotary Lombardi Award has consistently delivered upon the mission set forth by Marie Lombardi when she granted the use of her late husband's name. Her only stipulation was that all net proceeds from the event be donated to the American Cancer Society. Millions of dollars have been raised since that time.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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