Brooks, Ferguson Listed as Lombardi Award Candidates

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March 31, 2005

HOUSTON, Texas – University of Virginia junior linebacker Ahmad Brooks (Woodbridge, Va.) and senior tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson (Freeport, N.Y.) are candidates for the 2005 Rotary Lombardi Award, the Rotary Lombardi Selection Committee announced on its preseason list of 54 candidates.

A first-team All-American and first-team All-ACC honoree last season as a sophomore, Brooks led the team in tackles and quarterback pressures during his second season as a starter. Named the Defensive Back/Linebacker of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Richmond, Brooks was one of three finalists for the prestigious Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker. He earned the team’s Ned McDonald Award as UVa’s outstanding defensive player.

A first-team All-ACC honoree, Ferguson is a three-year starter for the Cavaliers. Named the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week following UVa’s win over Clemson, the left tackle has started every game of his career. He helped the Cavaliers lead the ACC in rushing offense, total offense, first downs, and fewest sacks allowed. Ferguson earned the team’s Speed Elliott Award as UVa’s Most Improved Player .

In its 36th year, the Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the nation’s finest lineman in college football. The 2005 Rotary Lombardi Award Dinner will be held in Houston on December 7. Eligibility for the Rotary Lombardi Award is limited to down linemen and those defensive players who line up within five yards of the football. The selection committee is comprised of 500 members, including all past finalists, all Division I head coaches, and a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.

Virginia kicks off the 2005 season on Saturday, Sept. 3 with Western Michigan at the Carl Smith Center, home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium.