LSU Tiger fans have grown accustomed to hearing the names of defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and strong safety Craig Steltz when referring to defensive plays this season. The seniors’ play has not only made them standouts on the team but also on the national stage. Dorsey is a finalist for five national awards, and Steltz is a finalist for one. Dorsey is in the running for the Outland Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Rotary Lombardi Award, the Lott Trophy and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. Teammates say Dorsey is a hard worker and gives his all on the field. “He’s a great leader,” said senior linebacker Luke Sanders. “He always works hard and motivates the guys to do their best.” The Outland Trophy is given to the best interior lineman. The Bednarik award is given to the best defensive player chosen by the Maxwell Football Club. The Lott and Nagurski Trophies are also given for the best defensive player. The Nagurski Trophy is chosen by Football Writers Association of America, and the Lott is chosen by the Pacific Club. The Lombardi Award is given to the best lineman or linebacker. Dorsey has accumulated 61 total tackles and 6.0 sacks while often drawing double teams. Dorsey’s play was the catalyst for a defense that was second in the Southeastern conference in rushing defense. “Being a linebacker, I appreciate him more than anyone can,” Sanders said. “He is one of those guys that can hold double teams and keep blockers off of us to where we can make plays. On top of that, he is the type of lineman that can make big plays. That is one thing that he has done a great job of.” Steltz, along with Arizona cornerback Antione Cason and Boston College free safety Jamie Silva, is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. The annual award goes to the best defensive back in the nation. “Steltz is a great player,” said sophomore safety Danny McCray. “If someone messes up, most of the time he is there to make up for them. He is always in his spot when he needs to be, that is why his name is out there.” Steltz is tied for the SEC lead with six interceptions. He leads LSU with 89 total tackles, has one sack and is second only to senior cornerback Chevis Jackson with 13 passes defended. The New Orleans native said his contention for the award has not affected his play. “It isn’t in my mind any,” Steltz said. “It is more important to go out there this Saturday, and win an SEC championship. Having that award for the team is more important than anything.” Senior defensive end Kirston Pittman might be a finalist for the Ted Hendricks award. The Hendricks award is given to the best defensive end and will be announced today. Pittman has accumulated 60 tackles and seven sacks. Senior linebacker Ali Highsmith was a semifinalist for the Dick Butkus award. This award goes to the nations top line backer and the finalists are Colorado junior Jordon Dizon, Penn State senior Dan Connor and Ohio State junior James Laurinaitis. Highsmith said his teammates winning would be gratifying. “I’d be happy for them obviously” Highsmith said. “Being a part of the team with them makes it that much better knowing that you played with the best. That is an accomplishment in it self. Just being a part of a team with someone of that status makes you feel good on the inside.”
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