University Southern California Trojans
Rivers (Butkus), Baker (Lombardi) Named Semifinalists
October 18, 2007 | Football
Oct. 18, 2007
USC senior linebacker Keith Rivers was named a semifinalist for the 2007 Butkus Award while senior left tackle Sam Baker was tabbed a semifinalist for the 2007 Rotary Lombard Award, the committees for the respective awards announced on Thursday (Oct. 18).
Rivers, a 2007 Playboy Preseason All-American, 2006 Pro Football Weekly All-American honorable mention and 2006 All-Pac-10 first teamer, is in his third season as a starting linebacker for the Trojans. After leading the Trojans with 85 tackles (including 7.5 for loss) in 2006, he is again Troy's leading tackler with a team-best 46, including 3.5 for loss. He has four pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
In addition to Rivers, the other nine semifinalists for the top linebacker award are: Dan Connor (Penn State), Shawn Crable (Michigan), Jordon Dizon (Colorado), Erin Henderson (Maryland), Ali Highsmith (LSU), James Laurinaitis (Ohio State), J Leman (Illinois), Ben Moffitt (South Florida) and Wesley Woodyard (Kentucky).
Baker, a two-time All-American and a 2007 Playboy Preseason All-American, is one of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award. He is starting for the fourth year in a row.
In addition to Baker, the other semifinalists are Xavier Adibi (LB, Virginia Tech), Calais Campbell (DE, Miami), Dan Connor (LB, Penn State), Glenn Dorsey (DT, LSU), James Laurinaitis (LB, Ohio State), J Leman (LB, Illinois), Chris Long (DE, Virginia), Jake Long (OL, Michigan), Alex Mack (C, Cal) Duke Robinson (OL, Oklahoma), George Selvie (DE, South Florida).
