Brian Smith, a University of Missouri defensive end, has been named a 2006 Rotary Lombardi Award semi-finalist. Smith, who holds the MU career sack record with 31.5, is one of 12 semi-finalists for the award that goes to college football’s best lineman on either offense or defense. Linebackers apply too.

There could be other sack records to fall before Smith is done in Columbia. He already tied the school’s single-game record earlier this year with four against New Mexico. Smith only needs three more sacks to rewrite the Big 12 Conference career mark of 34, set by Texas Tech’s Aaron Hunt (1999-2002).

The list will be narrowed down to four finalists and announced Nov. 7th. The award will be presented Dec. 6th in Houston, Texas.

The other 11 semi-finalists include DE Gaines Adams of Clemson, OT Justin Blalock of Texas, DE Mkristo Bruce of Washington State, LB Buster Davis of Florida State, DE Quentin Moses of Georgia, OT Dan Mozes of West Virginia, DT Quinn Pitock of Ohio State, LB Paul Posluzny of Penn State, OT Joe Thomas of Wisconsin, LB Patrick Willis of Mississippi, and DE LaMarr Woodley of Michigan.

Related web sites:
Rotary Lombardi Award Official Site