The Rotary Club of Houston announced Thursday the four finalists for the prestigious Rotary Lombardi Award with a perplexing twist.
LSU senior defensive tackle Drake Nevis, a semifinalist for the annual award that recognizes the nation’s top lineman or linebacker, was surprisingly left out.
Nevis has anchored an LSU defense that ranks fifth in the NCAA in total defense and 24th in rushing defense. He is currently third on the team in tackles (49), first in sacks (6) and tackles for loss (12.5) to go along with three forced fumbles, an interception and one safety.
“I was shocked,” said junior running back Stevan Ridley. “That really just blows my mind. I kind of wonder what people have been watching on TV if they don’t think he should be up there for the Lombardi.”
The four finalists are Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers, Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley and TCU center Jake Kirkpatrick.
Bowers and Fairley were no-brainers as Bowers leads the nation with 13.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss, while Fairley is tied for 20th with 7.5 sacks and leads the Southeastern Conference with 18 tackles for loss.
The biggest question mark — statistically speaking — is Clayborn’s selection over Nevis. Nevis has more tackles, sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles than Clayborn. Clayborn does boast a blocked kick and four quarterback hurries.
“For me, I don’t know that there is a nose tackle or a defensive lineman, certainly an interior guy, that has as great an impact on a game or in leadership on a program as Drake Nevis has had,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “It’s sad that he’s not in the finals.”
PETERSON MUM ON FUTURE
Fifteen LSU seniors will play their last game in Tiger Stadium this weekend against Ole Miss, but junior cornerback Patrick Peterson could join them. Peterson, who projects to be a top-10 pick next year, is expected to forego his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.
But Peterson wouldn’t reveal any decision just yet Monday, saying he wants to focus on the rest of the year first.
“My dad and coach Miles and the other coaches will come together probably at the end of the season and weigh the options,” he said. “I just want to go out there and continue to help this ball club win games. That’s my ultimate goal for this season.”
 
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Contact Sean Isabella at [email protected]