Striker on Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List

NORMAN, Okla. – University of Oklahoma senior linebacker Eric Striker was named to the 2015 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List on Wednesday. The Lott IMPACT Trophy is presented annually to the nation's defensive player in character and performance.

The Seffner, Fla., native was named a Third Team All-American by the AP in 2014, after totaling 68 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a junior. Striker was also recognized as an All-Big 12 First Team honoree by the league's coaches, AP and ESPN.com. The senior was a quarterfinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy last season.

Striker is one of 17 linebackers to make the 2015 Watch List, as well as one of seven players from the Big 12 to do so. The senior is making an appearance on the Watch List for the second straight season, joing five other players to earn back-to-back selections.

The criteria for selecting student-athletes for the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List and subsequently the finalists and eventually the overall winner, is based on both athletic ability and character attributes.

Character transcends the on-the-field accomplishments of the players. The acronym for IMPACT is Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

The nominees are considered for their academic standing at their university, their community contributions, their leadership skills and their overall character.

Past winners of the Lott IMPACT Trophy have exhibited these characteristics, ones that were and are displayed by Ronnie Lott and embraced by the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, founders and sponsors of the event.

The 12th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy Award Banquet will be held Dec. 13 at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Ca.