NEWPORT BEACH -- BYU defensive end Jan Jorgensen has been selected as one of 20 quarterfinalists for the fifth annual Lott Trophy. Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, the trophy is awarded to college football’s defensive IMPACT player of the year, and is based upon athletic performance as well as personal character.
Jorgensen is a 6-3, 274-pound junior from Helper, Utah. In eight games he has recorded 38 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a team-high eight quarterback hurries. His block of a PAT in Washington preserved a Cougar victory and was named the ESPN Game Changing Performance for week two of the 2008 season.
An All-America candidate, Jorgensen’s sack against nationally ranked TCU gave the junior 20.5 sacks for his career — tying the Mountain West Conference career record.
“It’s a real honor to be selected as a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy,” said Jorgensen. “The award represents a lot of things that I strive to emulate, both in the way I approach football and in my personal life.”
The Lott Trophy is given annually to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career — Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity (IMPACT).
In addition to success on the field, Jorgensen excels in the classroom. He was named Academic All-MWC as a freshman and a sophomore.
Jorgensen is also very active in the community. In 2008, he has participated in nearly 20 service projects — speaking at events, working with youth and helping with student leadership conferences. In addition, he is a candidate for the 2008 ARA National Sportsmanship Award.
The Lott Trophy is sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation. Voters for the award include members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club and a distinguished group of former head college coaches.
Eight semifinalists will be announced on Nov. 11 and the four finalists named on Nov. 26. The winner will be announced at a gala black-tie banquet at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach on Dec. 14.