Cody, McClain on Lombardi Watch list

March 03, 2009

By Ken Rogers

Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody and middle linebacker Rolando McClain are included on the preliminary watch list for the 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award, which goes to the nation’s top down lineman or linebacker.

McClain and Cody provided strength up the middle for Alabama’s defense, which allowed just 74.1 rushing yards per game last season. Alabama did not allow a running back more than 100 yards in 2008. The opposing team rushed for 100 yards in just three of 14 games.

Cody was an All-America after making 24 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. More than those statistics, he was a disruptive force anchoring the middle of the Tide defensive line. Cody was also a semifinalist for the 2008 Chuck Bednarik Award and a unanimous first-team All-SEC choice.

McClain led the team in total tackles with 95 and tackles for loss with 12 (-45 yards). He also registered three sacks, one interception, six pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and two fumble recoveries, including one for a touchdown. The 2008 Butkus Award finalist was a first-team All-SEC selection by both league coaches and the Associated Press while earning third-team All-America honors from the AP. 

Alabama is one of eight teams to have multiple candidates on the initial watch list. The Southeastern Conference and the Big 12 tied for the most players with eight, followed by the Sun Belt with six and the Western Athletic with five. The Big Ten and the Pac-10 have four each.

Andre Smith was a finalist for the 2008 Lombardi Award. Cornelius Bennett is the only Alabama to win the award, earning it in 1986.

The Rotary Lombardi Watch List will be periodically updated and revised through the conclusion of the voting to determine the 12 Semifinalists for 2009.