NEWPORT BEACH, California. – The Pacific Club Impact Foundation has named BYU linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi one of 24 semifinalists for the 17th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy.
As a senior captain in 2020, Kaufusi leads BYU with 66 tackles and four sacks through 10 games while ranking No. 3 in the nation in fumble recoveries with three. He has returned a fumble recovery 50 yards and adding a pick-six interception for a touchdown to go with three forced fumbles as a key playmaker on BYU’s No. 8-ranked defense.
From Cottonwood Heights, Utah, Kaufusi is an outstanding individual and football player who exemplifies the character and impact on others that is recognized in the recipients of the Ronnie Lott IMPACT Trophy Award. He exhibits high character and is a leader and example to not just his teammates but also his family and community.
Because of the unusual 2020 college football season—with teams playing irregular schedules throughout the country—the 24 semifinalists come from five conferences and one at-large grouping. There were four players chosen from each group.
The Semifinalists for the 17th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy:
Big 12 Conference: Joseph Ossai, DE, Texas; Darius Stills, DE, West Virginia; Garret Wallow, LB, TCU; Amen Ogbongbemiga, LB, Oklahoma State.
ACC: Victor Dimukeje, DE, Duke; Patrick Jones II, DE, Pitt; Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina; Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Rover, Notre Dame.
SEC: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri; Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama; Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama; Bumper Pool, LB, Arkansas.
Pac-12: Thomas Booker, DE, Stanford; Nate Landman, LB, Colorado; Elijah Molden, DB, Washington; Talanoa Hufanga, S, USC.
Big Ten: Paddy Fisher, LB, Northwestern; Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State; Chauncey Golston, DL, Iowa; Antjuan Simmons, LB, Michigan State.
At-Large: Tarron Jackson, DL, Coastal Carolina; Kekaula Kaniho, DB, Boise State; Richie Grant, DB, UCF; Isaiah Kaufusi, LB, BYU.
Six finalists for the award, which is based on Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, will be announced Jan. 8.
The winner will then be announced at an Awards Ceremony Feb. 21 at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach. The university of the winner will receive $25,000 for its general scholarship fund.
The Inaugural Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation Hall of Fame will also be announced at the Feb. 21 event. FOX college football announcer Joel Klatt will return as the emcee of the event and former USC and LA Rams Coach John Robinson will be the featured speaker.