HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Owen Porter, a redshirt senior defensive end at Marshall University, was added to the 2023 Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List on Tuesday.
The Rotary Lombardi Award acknowledges outstanding college football offensive or defensive linemen who exemplify the qualities of NFL Hall of Fame Coach Vince Lombardi, alongside exceptional performance and capability.
Porter secured a spot among the 80 players nationally recognized on the list by the Rotary Club of Houston. This recognition follows his inclusion on the Bednarik Award Watch List the previous day, and he had earlier been named to the Nagurski Award Watch List.
Porter was also selected for the 2023 Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference First Team by Sun Belt coaches, Phil Steele Publications, and Athlon.
A native of Huntington, W.Va., Porter ranks highly in FBS for sacks and tackles for loss from the previous year. His achievements in both categories placed him among the top three SBC players.
In the 2022 season, Porter recorded 60 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, positioning him among the top three SBC players.
Porter’s exceptional performance during a victory over James Madison earned him the title of Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 24, 2022. He also secured a key interception during Marshall’s 26-21 upset against No. 8 Notre Dame last season.
Porter led Marshall in quarterback hurries (9) and forced fumbles (2), in addition to his notable accomplishments in tackles for loss and sacks.
The Rotary Lombardi Award has specific eligibility criteria, including being a down lineman, end-to-end, on offense or defense, setting up no further than 10 yards to the left or right of the ball when snapped. The recipient must also be eligible to participate in the current season.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 1, and the winner of the 29th Chuck Bednarik Award will be declared on Dec. 6.
Image Credit: Marshall Athletics
