Baker Mayfield leads finalists for Lombardi Award

January 23, 2018 11:29 AM

Site staff,

Posted: January 23, 2018 11:29 AM

by Site staff

Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield is among seven finalists named for the Lombardi Award.

The award would add to the Oklahoma senior quarterback’s haul for this season after winning the Maxwell, Walter Camp Davey O’Brien and Chic Harley awards to go along with his Heisman.

The other Lombardi finalists are 2016 Heisman-winning quarterback Lamar Jackson of Louisville, Stanford running back Bryce Love, Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, Iowa State linebacker/quarterback Joel Lanning and UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin.

The award previously had been given to college football’s top lineman or linebacker, but the criteria was changed this year to make any player eligible. The award is based on performance, leadership, character and resiliency on and off the field.

Alabama’s Jonathan Allen won the award for the 2016 season and Penn State’s Carl Nassib won the 2015 edition.