NEWPORT BEACH, CA. – Cal Linebacker Evan Weaver has been named the Lott IMPACT Trophy Player of the Week for the third time this season.
Weaver, who leads the nation in tackles with 15 per game (105 total), had 21 stops with two sacks in Saturday’s loss to Oregon State, 21-17. It was the third time this season Campbell had 18 or more tackles in a game. And he’s topped 100 tackles each of the past two seasons.
“He’s a nasty, forceful and instinctive defender who makes plays up the field and in pursuit. I like Weaver’s intensity, football smarts and approach,” says Tony Pauline of the Pro Football Network
“His instincts as a defensive player are off the charts,” said David Ortega, Cal’s career leader in tackles with 525 and a three-time All-American. “One of the things he possesses that I haven’t seen in a long while from any other player is that he sincerely believes his job is to make every play. That’s how the guys that are the best at that position all believe.”
Weaver is a 6-3, 235-pounder from Spokane who has made most mid-season All-American teams and is a quarter-finalist for the 16th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Cal will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of Weaver’s performance.
The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation sponsors the Lott IMPACT Trophy and has donated more than $1.5 million to universities and charities throughout the country.
Other nominees for the Lott IMPACT Trophy in Week Eight:
Brandon Jones, Texas, DB, Sr.: Led team with 10 solo tackles in win over Kansas, 50-48.
Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma, LB, Sr.: Led team with 9 tackles (6 solo), with 1.5 tackles for loss and 2 quarterback hurries in win over West Virginia, 52-14.
Chris Orr, Wisconsin, LB, Sr.: Recorded 3 sacks, a forced fumble, with a team high 9 tackles in loss to Illinois, 23-24.
Isaiah Simmons, Clemson, LB, Jr.: 8 tackles (7 solo), 2 sacks, a pass break up, in win over Louisville, 45-10.
David Woodward, Utah State, LB, Jr.: Led team with 11 tackles and added two passes defended, and combined for a tackle for loss, in win over Nevada, 36-10.
2019 Lott IMPACT Trophy Players of the Week:
Week One – Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Week Two – Evan Weaver, Cal
Week Three – Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Week Four – Evan Weaver, Cal | Joe Bachie, Michigan State
Week Five – David Woodward, Utah State
Week Six – Jordan Fuller, Ohio State
Week Seven – Chris Orr, Wisconsin
Week Eight – Evan Weaver, Cal
Previous Winners of the Lott IMPACT Trophy:
2004 – David Pollack, Georgia
2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama
2006 – Dante Hughes, Cal
2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU
2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
2009 – Jerry Hughes, TCU
2010 – J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
2011 – Luke Kuechly, Boston College
2012 – Manti Te’o, Notre Dame
2013 – Anthony Barr, UCLA
2014 – Eric Kendricks, UCLA
2015 – Carl Nassib, Penn State
2016 – Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
2017 – Josey Jewell, Iowa
2018 – Josh Allen, Kentucky