Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o nominated for the Lott IMPACT Trophy

Fighting Irish linebacker viewed as one of the most important college football players of 2012

DARA KELLY,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Friday, November 30, 2012, 8:15 AM

Updated Friday, November 30, 2012, 8:15 AM

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Manti Te'o during NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009.

Photo by AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Georgia's Jarvis Jones, Manti Te'o of Notre Dame, Stanford's Chase Thomas and Arthur Brown of Kansas State are the finalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, an honor given to the collegiate defensive player having the biggest impact on his team.

The Associated Press reported that the winner of the award, named for Hall of Fame defensive back Ronnie Lott, will be announced on December 9. Each of these four finalists was recommended by their school for their strong academic work, community involvement and team leadership. The winner’s school will receive $25,000 for its general scholarship fund.

The Hawaiian college linebacker has also been named as one of the candidates for the annual Heisman Trophy presentations. According to the Bleacher Report Johnny Manziel and Manti Te'o are the frontrunners for the honor. Being recognized with this honor could mean major National Football League potential for the Fighting Irish defensive ace.