Oklahoma ranked atop August 2011

FWAA pre-season poll Vol. 49, No. 2

DALLAS — The Oklahoma Sooners Inside this issue: are favorites to win the Grantland Rice Trophy in the Football Writers Associa- SUPER 16 POLL tion of America’s annual pre-season poll. Oklahoma, which won the Big 12 title First-place votes in parentheses President’s column 2 last season, would a string of five straight teams 1 Oklahoma (7) 229 to win the FWAA trophy if the FWAA vot- ers are accurate. Auburn won the trophy 2 Alabama (5) 213 FWAA recognizes last season, Alabama in 2009, Florida in Super 11 sports 3 2008 and 2006, and LSU in 2007. 3 Oregon 196 information depart- The Grantland Rice Trophy has been ments awarded to the top team in college foot- 4 Boise State 175 ball by the FWAA since 1954. Oklahoma 5 LSU (1) 174 last won the Grantland Rice Trophy in 2000. The Sooners have claimed the 6 Florida State 162 FWAA Trophy a total of five times (1955, 4 1956, 1975, 1985 and 2000). 7 Stanford (1) 136 Watch List The Sooners garnered seven first- place votes to Alabama’s five. LSU, 8 Nebraska 107 Stanford and South Carolina each re- ceived one first-place vote. Oklahoma’s 9 Virginia Tech 106 229 points easily outdistanced second- place Alabama, which was followed by 10 Texas A&M 91 Oregon, Boise State and LSU. Oregon 4 and LSU will face each other in their sea- 11 Oklahoma State 84 Trophy Watch List son opener on Sept. 3 at Cowboys Sta- dium in Arlington, Texas. 12 Arkansas 62 Rounding out the Top 10 are Florida State, Stanford, Nebraska, Virginia Tech 13 Notre Dame 58 and Texas A&M. The SEC had the most 14 Wisconsin 50 teams in the Super 16 with four Jack Youngblood to receive Nagurski Leg- 5 (Alabama, LSU, Arkansas and South 15 South Carolina (1) 49 Carolina). The Big 12 had the next most ends Award with three. No other conference had 16 TCU 37 more than two teams in the Super 16. Page 2 THE FIFTH DOWN

President Tommy Hicks Mobile Press-Register President’s column First Vice President The conversation contributions and work over the years. Lenn Robbins continues on Although Beano wasn't able to attend the New York Post many fronts for banquet, a video of the McGrane Award the FWAA as we presentation by friend and former FWAA Second Vice President all approach the president Ivan Maisel was shown during Chris Dufrense busiest time in our the banquet and was a big hit. Having Times schedules. Com- Beano accept his award on video, and Board of Directors munication is thus on a screen, was fitting in many Kirk Bohls good, regardless ways; that's the way most college foot- Austin American- of the avenue, ball fans have been introduced to Beano Statesman and there has over the past several years. Buddy Davis been no lack of The presentation also allowed us the Ruston Daily Leader communication in opportunity, as do many of the awards in Cory Giger TOMMY recent weeks. which we are involved, to get the FWAA Altoona Mirror From phone calls name in front of the public and let them Kate Hairopoulos HICKS to in-person dis- know of our organization's strength and The Dallas Morning News cussions to e-mail numbers, its purpose and our passion for Wally Hall correspondence to attendance and par- the game we cover. It has been some- Arkansas Democrat- ticipation at various functions, the task of what surprising the support and interest Gazette keeping our organization's issues in play that has come from those opportunities. Mike Huguenin continues to be a priority. Recently, the FWAA was asked to rivals.com In recent weeks, I have had the op- look into a matter of access in regard to Tom Kensler portunity to experience first-hand some a selective media opportunity involving Denver Post of the ways in which we have a voice for Ohio State and its response to NCAA Iliana Limon our concerns, as well as the vantage actions. Some Ohio State officials pro- Orlando Sentinel point of seeing how others view the vided interview access to only a select Kelly Lyell FWAA and the work we are trying to ac- few media members, leaving others, in- Fort Collins Coloradoan complish. From the CoSIDA convention cluding some beat writers, without that Brett McMurphy in Marco Island, Fla., where we had par- access and thus without key information cbssports.com ticipation on a pair of panels, to the Col- with which to do their jobs. The matter Jorge Milian lege Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement was brought to the attention of the Palm Beach Post Festival in South Bend, Ind., where we FWAA. Ethics committee chairman Ron Malcolm Moran had the chance to honor Bert McGrane Higgins, a staunch advocate for media Knight Foundation Award winner Beano Cook as well as access and a former FWAA president, Randy Peterson meet with others in the and executive director Steve Richardson Des Moines Register community, the conversation continues. produced a response to Ohio State’s Randy Rosetta The subjects of media access and the Gene Smith, seeking a reply as to why Baton Rouge Daily effects of social media were the hottest some reporters, including FWAA mem- Advocate topics of the CoSIDA convention that bers, were denied access to school offi- Zach Silva involved the FWAA's participation. With cials regarding such an important issue. Toledo Blade viewpoints from several directions, the Again, our membership of about Andy Staples panels proved interesting and informa- 1,200 provides us with a loud voice and si.com tive. They also served to keep issues hopefully growing strength. The history Phil Steele that are of importance to the FWAA of this organization doesn’t simply pro- Phil Steele Publications membership in the forefront, before the vide us with a strong and proud past; it is Jake Trotter groups most affected by the decisions also a basis for our present and a build- .com regarding both issues. ing block for our future. The greater the Ex-Officio The College Football Hall of Fame membership, the greater that foundation. Charles Bloom Enshrinement Festival offered the oppor- If there is an issue you feel should be Southeastern Conference tunity to meet with people in a relaxed brought to the organization’s attention, John Paquette atmosphere. It also provided the chance feel free to contact me ([email protected] Big East Conference to visit with our friends at the National or 251-610-7808), Steve Richardson or Joe Hornstein Football Foundation and to honor Cook, others with the FWAA. Thanks again for Central Florida a long-time member of the FWAA, for his your support and your membership. Page 3 THE FIFTH DOWN FWAA recognizes Super 11 sports information departments

The Football Writers Association of America has an- Register-Guard; Mark Blaudschun, Boston Globe; Lenn nounced its second Super 11 field of sports information Robbins, New York Post; Chad Cripe, Idaho Statesman; departments that were deemed the best in the NCAA Kate Hairopoulos, The Dallas Morning News; Matt Football Bowl Subdivision during the 2010 season. Markey, Toledo Blade; Ted Miller, espn.com; and Randy Georgia, Northwestern, Utah, Clemson, Colorado, Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate. Rutgers, Troy, Navy, Tulsa, Kentucky and Southern Cali- fornia are the winners from the past season. Five are FWAA RECOMMENDED PRESS POLICIES repeaters from 2009: Georgia, Utah, Clemson, Rutgers and Southern . 1. Players (eligible and playing in varsity games) Since the FWAA’s inception in 1941, one of the or- who are requested should be available to media during ganization’s charges is to provide better working condi- Mondays and Tuesdays of Game Week (minimum). tions for writers across the country. Over the years, the 2. Defensive Coordinator AND Offensive Coordinator FWAA has given out press box commendations to de- available to media once a week during season serving schools. The FWAA also has conducted ratings (minimum) and once a month during off. season of sports information departments. (minimum). “There are many outstanding sports information de- 3. Freshmen who play should be available to media. partments across college football,” said Tim Griffin, Su- 4. If former players and/or boosters are allowed into per 11 Committee chairman and the FWAA’s immediate scrimmages or practices, the media should not be ex- past president. “But we felt it was very important to hon- cluded from those same scrimmages or practices. or the best of the best, including some who have been 5. Coaches should be available to media on their honored for two straight years who are consistently ex- campuses at least once a week during the season for no emplary above and beyond the call of duty. We plan to less than 30 minutes. They also should be made availa- continue this honor in upcoming years to recognize the ble after practice each day for updates on the team. departments that understand the demands of our jobs Weekly telephonic press conferences do not count to- and continually do what they can to help us." ward these times. Criteria in determining the winners not only included 6. A no cheering in the press box statement should how press boxes/operations were run, but the quality be made in the press box before the beginning of each and timeliness of information provided, the amount of half of play. In addition, SIDS should make every attempt information presented and appropriately updated on to keep the press box quiet and escort rowdy individuals websites, personal responsiveness to media inquires as to the exits. well as the accessibility of players, head and assistant 7. Requests for quotes for key players injured in a coaches. The ratings also took into consideration the game should be granted by the home SID and his staff. departments that went the extra mile in servicing the 8. FWAA member(s) should help the Home and Visit- media. ing SID with requests for players to be interviewed after The Super 11 Committee received input from other the game. Any player who has played (and is not in- FWAA members covering college football during a peri- jured) and is not made available for interviews will be so od from Feb. 1, 2010 through Jan. 31, 2011. noted by FWAA observers. The FWAA recommends “The FWAA is proud to honor the fine work produced open locker rooms after games, but short of this, any on a consistent basis by the Super 11,” said Tommy player who plays in a game and is not injured, upon re- Hicks, 2011 FWAA President. “Led by past president quest, should be made available to the media. Tim Griffin, our organization seeks to recognize the 9. FWAA pool reporter or a reputable news person sports information offices, big and small, that go about should be designated by the home SID before every daily tasks with professionalism as well as a personal game in case there is an officiating controversy during touch. Each of the offices included in the Super 11 has the game. established itself among the best in the country.'' 10. Boosters should not be present at post-game In January, 2009, at its board meeting, the FWAA news conferences involving the media, coaches and formed the first Super 11 Committee. Members of the players. Interruptions or noise will be duly noted by the 2010 committee are: Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express- FWAA observer. Press boxes where non-media make News (chairman); Dennis Dodd, cbssports.com; Herb noise will also be noted. Gould, Chicago Sun-Times; George Schroeder, Eugene Page 4 THE FIFTH DOWN Offensive linemen dominate Watch List for Outland Trophy

The prestigious 2011 Outland Trophy Watch List has winner of the 66th been released with a galaxy of potential line stars who Outland Trophy, could win the award that goes to the best interior line- named after the late man in college football. John Outland, an All- Every Division I Bowl Subdivision conference, along America lineman at with independents BYU and Notre Dame, had at least Penn and Kansas in one player on the annual list, which includes only tack- the 1890s, will be les, guards and centers on both sides of the ball. announced on The Of the 65 players on the watch list, 16 defensive tack- Home Depot College les occupied spots. The rest of the linemen were on of- Football Awards on fense. Dec. 8 on ESPN. The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three fi- The Outland Tro- nalists who are part of the FWAA All-America Team. phy presentation ban- The FWAA All-America Committee, after receiving quet, sponsored by voting input from the entire membership, selects the 25- the Greater Omaha man team and eventually the three Outland finalists to Sports Committee, Ohio State center Mike be named on Nov. 21. Committee members, by individu- will be held on Jan. al ballot, then select the winner. 12, 2012, in Omaha, Brewster was an FWAA The Outland Trophy, presented annually since 1946, Neb. All-American in 2010. is the third oldest award in major college football. The

Outland Trophy Watch List

Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State, OT Khaled Holmes, USC, C Tydreke Powell, North Carolina, DT Jeff Allen, , OT Jaye Howard, Florida, DT Kheeston Randall, Texas, DT Don Barclay, West Virginia, OT Malik Jackson, Tennessee, DT , Iowa, OT Chris Barker, Nevada, G Chris Jacobson, Pittsburgh, G , Connecticut, DT , SMU, OT T.J. Johnson, South Carolina, C Matt Reynolds, BYU, OT Tony Bergstrom, Utah, OT , Alabama, G Mitchell Schwartz, California, OT Mike Brewster, Ohio State, C Ben Jones, Georgia, C Kawann Short, Purdue, DT James Brown, Troy, OT , USC, OT Bradley Sowell, Ole Miss, OT , Nebraska, DT Jonathan Martin, Stanford, OT Akeem Spence, Illinois, DT , Florida State, OT Mike Martin, Michigan, DT Alameda Ta'amu, Washington, DT David DeCastro, Stanford, G Zack Martin, Notre Dame, OT Lane Taylor, Oklahoma State, G Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech, OT Ryan Miller, Colorado, G Chris Thompson, Houston, C Lonnie Edwards, Texas Tech, G , Michigan, C Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech, G Joel Foreman, Michigan State, G Al Netter, Northwestern, OT , Alabama, C , Miami, DT Lucas Nix, Pittsburgh, OT Larry Warford, Kentucky, G Dalton Freeman, Clemson, C Xavier Nixon, Florida, OT , Miami, G Garth Gerhart, Arizona State, C Trevor Olson, Northern Illinois, OT Rokevious Watkins, So, Carolina, OT Cordy Glenn, Georgia, OT , Iowa State, OT Billy Winn, Boise State, DT Ben Habern, Oklahoma, C Moe Petrus, Connecticut, C Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati, DT Braden Hansen, BYU, G Ken Plue, Purdue, G , Michigan State, DT Logan Harrell, Fresno State, DT , Memphis, DT , Wisconsin, G Dan Hoch, Missouri, OT , Boise State, OT

By conference: Big Ten 13, SEC 11, Pac-12 9, ACC 7, Big 12 7, Big East 6, Conference USA 3, Independents 3, Mountain West 2, WAC 2, MAC 1, Sun Belt 1. Tackles, guards and centers are eligible for consideration Candidates may be added or removed during the season. THE FIFTH DOWN Page 5

Eighty-seven players nominated for 2011 Bronko Nagurski Award

The 2011 Watch List fea- sive Player of the Week. If that player is not on the tures the best and brightest of the upcoming season's Watch List, he automatically will be added. The FWAA defensive players. and the Charlotte Club will announce five One of 87 players on the list most likely will receive finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 17. the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is awarded annually The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner is chosen from to the nation's best defensive player by the Football Writ- five finalists who are part of the FWAA All-America ers Association of America and the Charlotte Touch- Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after receiv- down Club. Every NCAA Division I Bowl Subdivision ing voting input from the entire membership, selects the conference and Notre Dame are represented on the list, 25-man team and eventually the Bronko Nagurski final- which is pretty evenly divided among linemen, lineback- ists. Committee members, by individual ballot, then se- ers and defensive backs. lect the winner. Players may be added or deleted from the Bronko The winner will be revealed at the annual Bronko Na- Nagurski Watch List during the season. For the 11th gurski Trophy Banquet on Dec. 12 at the Westin Hotel in straight season, the FWAA will choose a National Defen- Charlotte, N.C.

Bronko Nagurski Watch List

Tackles (32) Nathan Williams, Ohio State Korey Williams, Southern Miss Jared Crick, Nebraska Linebackers (31) (14) Marcus Forston, Miami , Florida State , Georgia Logan Harrell, Fresno State Tanner Brock, TCU , LSU Jaye Howard, Florida Arthur Brown, Kansas State Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska Malik Jackson, Tennessee , North Carolina , South Carolina Mike Martin, Michigan , Arizona State , Oregon Dontari Poe, Memphis , San Diego State , Vanderbilt Tydreke Powell, North Carolina , TCU Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech Kheeston Randall, Texas , Nebraska Coryell Judie, Texas A&M Kendall Reyes, Connecticut Jerry Franklin, Arkansas , Alabama Kawann Short, Purdue Zaviar Gooden, Missouri Chase Minnifield, Virginia Akeem Spence, Illinois Dont’a Hightower, Alabama Shaun Prater, Iowa Alameda Ta’amu, Washington James-Michael Johnson, Nevada , Florida State Billy Winn, Boise State , California Josh Robinson, UCF Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati Jake Knott, Iowa State Keith Tandy, West Virginia Jerel Worthy, Michigan State , Boston College Safeties (10) , Arkansas Travis Lewis, Oklahoma Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami Vince Browne, Northwestern Chris Marve, Vanderbilt , Alabama Quinton Coples, North Carolina Michael Mauti, Penn State Tony Dye, UCLA , Mississippi State Keenan Robinson, Texas Delano Howell, Stanford , Marshall J.K. Schaffer, Cincinnati Robert Lester, Alabama , West Virginia Mychal Sisson, Colorado State Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State Brandon Jenkins, Florida State Shayne Skov, Stanford T.J. McDonald, USC Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh , Miami Charles Mitchell, Mississippi State Brad Madison, Missouri Kenny Tate, Maryland Harrison Smith, Notre Dame Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy Bruce Taylor, Virginia Tech Prentiss Waggner, Tennessee Roosevelt Nix, Kent State Manti Te’o, Notre Dame By conference: SEC 19, ACC 14, Big Donte Paige-Moss, North Carolina Danny Trevathan, Kentucky Ten 10, Big 12 9, Pac-12 9, Big East 6, Adrian Robinson, Temple Courtney Upshaw, Alabama Conference USA 5, Mountain West 5, Devin Taylor, South Carolina , Utah State Independents 3, MAC 3, WAC 3, Sun Taylor Thompson, SMU Brian Wagner, Akron Belt 1. Page 6 THE FIFTH DOWN Jack Youngblood to receive Nagurski Legends Award

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Touchdown Club, in conjunction with the Football Writers Association of America, proudly announce Jack Youngblood as re- cipient of the 2011 Bronko Nagurski Legends Award, which recognizes the “best of the best” of defensive foot- ball players from the past 40 years. The award will be presented formally during the an- nual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Awards Banquet on De- cember 12th at The Westin Hotel. After a distinguished college career at The , Youngblood was drafted by the as the 20th player in the first round in the 1971 draft. During his 14-season playing career, Youngblood earned numerous awards and a reputation for durability. Youngblood was three-time the winner of Most Valuable Player for the Rams and significantly contributed to the team’s trip to the 1980 against the Pitts- burgh Steelers. Youngblood played in over 200 games for the Rams while missing only one game. “My greatest thrill from football definitely came after playing five championship games and winning the NFC championship that put us in the Super Bowl. It was awe- some, I was always wondering when it was our time and when we would stop being the bridesmaids,” said Youngblood. Youngblood has stayed active with football since his retirement in 1985 and is still working with the league and players association, helping players with traumatic brain injury. When asked what motivates Youngblood to stay so involved in charitable organizations, he simply After a college career at Florida, Jack says it is one of his callings. “When much is given, much Youngblood played 14 seasons in the NFL. is required,” he said. “I was very surprised when I found out I was chosen as the winner of the Bronko Nagurski Legends Award. Steve Richardson, executive director of the FWAA. “The There are so many qualified players out there who de- FWAA felt he was worthy of All-America status during serve this award too. It really makes you smile,” his college playing days at Florida, and he certainly went Youngblood said. on to distinguish himself in the NFL. It is an honor to Youngblood joins a growing list of distinguished have a player of his caliber at the Bronko Nagurski ban- Bronko Legends Award winners including Bubba Smith quet in Charlotte. The Legends Award has added an and in 2007, in 2008, Roger important component to the Bronko Nagurski Award, Wehrli in 2009 and Mike McCoy in 2010. recognizing those players who were the best on the de- The Bronko Nagurski Legends Award, sponsored by fensive side of the ball before this award was inaugurat- Florida East Coast Railway, was initially presented in ed in 1993.” 2007 to players from the 1966 season, the first season Added James R. Hertwig, President of Florida East the FWAA All-American Teams were separated into de- Coast Railway: “Jack Youngblood’s contributions as a fense and offense. football player and his numerous charitable activities "Jack Youngblood certainly was a terrific defensive make him an ideal recipient for this year’s Bronko Na- player both in college and the professional ranks,” said gurski Legends Award.”