Hansen, a 6-3, 220-pound senior from Highland, Utah had career best (ties) 13 tackles, 3 tackles for losses and broke up one pass in win over BYU, 35-27.

For the season, Hansen has 22 tackles for losses, 4th in the nation.  He also leads Utah with 101 tackles. 

Utah is 9-3 and headed for the Pac-12 Championship game this weekend against Washington.

He received a bachelor’s degree this summer with a major in consumer and community studies with an emphasis in financial planning and a minor in sociology.

Utah will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of his 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 Thirteen:

Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky: Had 4 tackles, one sack and a quarterback hurry in 56-10 win over Louisville.

Ben Burr-Kirven, LB, Washington: Had an interception, a fumble recovery and team best 10 tackles in win over Washington State, 28-15.

Joe Dineen Jr, LB, Kansas: Recorded team best 14 tackles with one tackle for loss and a pass broken up in loss to Texas, 24-17.

Jordan Kunaszyk, LB, Cal: Had 14 tackles, broke up one pass in win over Colorado, 33-21.

Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson: Scored a touchdown on a 1-yard run, added 3 tackles, one sack in win over South Carolina, 56-35.

2018 Lott IMPACT Trophy Players of the Week:

Week One – Ed Oliver, Houston
Week Two – Joe Dineen Jr – Kansas
Week Three – DeShaun Davis, Auburn
Week Four – Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington
Week Five – Josh Allen, Kentucky
Week Six – Adarius Pickett, UCLA
Week Seven – Devin White, LSU
Week Eight – Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington
Week Nine – Josh Allen, Kentucky
Week Ten – Te’von Coney, Notre Dame
Week Eleven – Chase Hansen, Utah
Week Twelve – Josh Allen, Kentucky
Week Thirteen –Chase Hansen, Utah

The post UTAH’S CHASE HANSEN NAMED LOTT IMPACT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK #13 appeared first on Lott IMPACT® Trophy.

With the collegiate season winding down, the Lott Impact Trophy’s 15^th annual season is coming to an end. There are many athletes who have shined throughout their journey in 2018, resulting in eight defensive leaders who have emanated the true meaning of IMPACT and finished as award semi-finalists. Although this award is given to the best defensive player in the country, it stands for much more, as the player must make a difference on the field, in the classroom and in the community. The Lott IMPACT Trophy honors both great athletes and individuals.

The award was named after Hall Of Fame safety Ronnie Lott, and was founded as the only award that would recognize greatness in both performance and character. Lott embodied each meaning of IMPACT — Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity — throughout his career at the collegiate and professional levels, setting the stage for many to follow in his footsteps. The trophy represents more than the talent or production of an athlete, but the IMPACT that the student athlete has had within their community.

The semi-finalists were chosen based on a number of accolades, and includes two defensive lineman and six linebackers. Forty-two Lott nominated athletes represented the defensive finest in college football, but now only eight remain. These eight NCAA prospects have made headlines on the gridiron all year but have offered much more in the community. The finalists include:

Christian Wilkins, Defensive Tackle — Clemson

Zach Allen, Defensive End — Boston College

Josh Allen, Outside Linebacker — Kentucky

Ben Burr-Kirven, Linebacker — Washington

Joe Dineen Jr., Linebacker — Kansas

Chase Hansen, Linebacker — Utah

Ben Humphreys, Linebacker — Duke

Jordan Kunaszyk, Linebacker — Cal

The winner will be announced on December 9^th following the final week of the collegiate season and the week prior to Bowl season. After starting the year with some unknown names on the nominated list, these few have encapsulated themselves as the defensive elite at the collegiate level. Let’s take a look at who they are:

Christian Wilkins, DT — Clemson

Wilkins has been a name many have been watching for the last few years as he was a returning nominee from the 2017 season. While he fell short then, he has a chance to right the wrong and make the push for the 2018 award. It is no secret that Clemson boasts one of the most dominant defensive lines in college football, and Wilkins remains a prominent factor in their defensive production. The 6’4” 300 pound lineman has accrued 40 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery en route to an undefeated record and a national rank of 2. Thought to be a first round prospect in 2017, he surprised many with his decision to return to school to play his senior season as a Tiger. Wilkins is a leader both in the locker room and in the community. Earning the CoSIDA Academic All Region honor in 2017, he is the first scholarship Tiger to graduate in 2.5 years. Spending his offseason as a substitute school teacher, Wilkins emulates the meaning of IMPACT. Wilkins was a second team mid-season All-American for Sports Illustrated and is a 2018 finalist for the Campbell Award for academic excellence. He remains one of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football, and stands as an elite prospect entering the 2019 NFL Draft.

Zach Allen, DL — Boston College

Displaying the true meaning of student athlete, Allen has been a core leader on and off the field throughout his collegiate career. He is a foundational member of BC’s defensive front and a core reason for their success on that side of the ball. Recording 56 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, a blocked kick, a forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, an interception and 7 passes defensed, Allen is the rock in their defensive scheme. He isn’t just a one year wonder either. One of the most disruptive players in the country, Allen was one of only two defensive linemen to record 100 tackles last season. Leading the Eagles with 15.5 tackles for a loss and accruing 5 sacks, the Hawks’ defensive end was named second team All-ACC in 2017. He may not make a true impact in community efforts, but he shines the brightest underneath the academic tree. Zach Allen received Academic All-ACC honors, Academic All District and became a National Honor Society member this past season. As a four-year honor roll student, Allen is the definition of student athlete, as he puts in the effort required to excel in the classroom.

Josh Allen, Edge — Kentucky

Kentucky has surprised many with their production throughout the year, and their outside linebacker is a primary reason for their success. Josh Allen is one of the most dominating and physically gifted athletes at the college level, with first round grades flying around his name as we enter draft season. He is a force along the defensive line and acts as a true leader on the field, in the locker room, and within the community. Having been voted the Lott Impact Trophy’s player of the week a leading three times, Allen has provided a season worthy of the Impact Award. In week 12, Kentucky’s defensive star finished the outing with 2.5 sacks, bringing his collegiate total to 27.5 becoming the Wildcats’ all-time sack leader. Throughout 2018, the linebacker has produced 80 tackles, 17.5 for loss, with 13 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 4 passes defensed. Beyond the field, he has taken the meaning of IMPACT and brought it into the community. Allen has donated his time to the Special Olympics, the children’s cancer research program, and most recently offered his time to read for young students in the classroom. He is a Nagurski Trophy finalist, Butkus Award finalist, Bednarik Award finalist, and a Walter Camp Football Foundation semi-finalist. Allen is a class act, taking each aspect of his life in high regard. He is impactful in every aspect of the community and the field that he’s been a part of.

Ben Burr-Kirven, LB — Washington

Washington always seems to feature top defensive talents, and Burr-Kirven is no exception. The 2018 campaign marks Burr-Kirven’s second stint on the Lott watch list and his first within the semi-finalists. He is one of the fast risers with respect to his draft stock, and his play and leadership on the field is the reason why. The Washington linebacker has been all over the field, recording 145 tackles (second in the FBS), 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 5 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. The Huskies defensive leader has been named the Lott Impact Trophy Player of the Week twice and his name has been in contention each week for the honor. A playmaker on the field, he is no slouch in the classroom, boasting a 3.58 GPA in Comparative Literature, Cinema and Media Studies. He has been on the Dean’s List 6 times in college and has been a two-time academic all district and All Pac-12. He is a playmaker on the field and true leader in each aspect of his life.

Joe Dineen Jr., LB — Kansas

Kansas may not be as high powered as these other teams, but Joe Dineen is certainly as talented as anyone else on this list. Although the Jayhawks are currently enduring a subpar season, their star linebacker has been a bright light on an otherwise disappointing campaign. Currently leading the FBS in solo tackles with 98, he has accrued 128 total with 9.5 for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 pass defensed and 2 fumble recoveries. Dineen is a tackling machine that has the ability to fly around the field and make big plays throughout a contest. In 2017, he was named Sports Illustrated All-American after recording an impressive 25 tackles for loss, and he received the Lott Impact Trophy Player of the Week honor on September 8^th. Along with his defensive production, Dineen has been a stalwart in the classroom and community, donating his time to a number of non-profit organizations. He has spent numerous hours working to gain awareness for childhood cancer, and has been found to spend countless hours volunteering with the organizations Just Food, Salvation Army, and the Special Olympics, while also performing in the classroom. The electric linebacker has been a consistent member of the Big-12 Honor Roll, and has been awarded Academic All Big-12 Honors, Big-12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, Academic All Big-12 Rookie Team, and the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. Having already graduated in May of 2018 with his Bachelor’s Degree in management and leadership with an entrepreneurship concentration, he has been able to donate more time to the community and perfect his craft on the field.

Chase Hansen, LB — Utah

Chase Hansen is the Utes’ leader on the field and in the locker room, as he leads the team in tackles for the second time of his career. Although he was on the Lott Watch list in 2017, injuries took their toll and put him out of the running for the award. Now a senior, he has continued to excel on and off the field, taking the Lott Impact Trophy Player of the Week designation in week 11 of the collegiate season. Hansen has been unstoppable this year, leading Utah to a 8-3 record and to first place in the Pac-12 South division. Hansen has developed into a high profile prospect in 2018, accumulating 88 tackles with 19 for loss, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 3 passes defensed, and a defensive touchdown. Utah’s linebacker is the heart and soul of the defense, and he has made it a priority to achieve greatness in each aspect of his life. Hansen graduated in the summer of 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in consumer and community studies with an emphasis in financial planning and a minor in sociology. He has made academics a priority throughout his college tenure and remains an active member in community outreach.

Ben Humphreys, LB — Duke

Duke has surprised many with their production on the football field, and Ben Humphreys is large reason why. The team captain is a leader both on and off the field who truly believes that academics and community outreach will enrich his life in more ways than one. Duke’s defensive leader possesses undeniable character and a will to succeed. He has totaled 67 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries. Although his numbers don’t jump off the page, his team responsibilities and service do. Humphreys received Academic All-ACC honors during his sophomore campaign and has been a regular in the classroom throughout college. The linebacker is currently a semi-finalist for the Campbell Trophy and won the Glenn Davis award in high school for his outstanding performance and service. He was presented with the “Ronald McDonald House Heart of Gold Award,” recognizing his leadership, service, generosity, and overall character. Humphreys has also developed a strong bond with a 5-year old boy that has Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease, which affects the brain and spinal cord, restricting movement, motor skills and learning. The Duke athlete visits him frequently and has been a staple in the young child’s life. The Blue Devils athlete is a class act and a monumental difference maker within the community.

Jordan Kunaszyk, LB — Cal

Kunaszyk is a foundational piece in California’s defensive system, leading the team in tackles throughout the past two seasons. After finishing 2017 with 74 tackles, his level of production has skyrocketed to 110 tackles with 10 for loss, 4 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 1 pass defensed. Having received an overall GPA of 3.09, the Golden Bears linebacker received an Academic All-American Honorable Mention for his work in sociology, but his work in the classroom isn’t his only accolade. Cal’s defensive leader has been an active and consistent member of his immediate community and the community as a whole. He traveled to Mexico with Athletes in Action to help rebuild a poor and downgraded community. While in Mexico he dug holes, built fences, and developed walls to build a church and living conditions for the locals. Along with his work in Mexico he is an active member of the AIA (American Institute of Architects). Jordan Kunaszyk is a difference maker on the field and in the community.

This has been a tight race all year and many have climbed the ladder to become differences in their communities and on their college campuses. All eight of these defensive athletes have positioned themselves for greatness in each step of their life, and they all have changed the lives of the people around them. They have each created lasting environments where change and IMPACT is embodied.

The post Blitzalytics – Lott IMPACT Trophy: Semi-Finalists appeared first on Lott IMPACT® Trophy.

Here we are rumbling down the last leg of the college season, and we’re staring straight in the eyes of conference championships as well as bowl season. Within the next few weeks we will of had all the votes tallied up for our year’s winner of the Lott IMPACT award, but we do not want to overlook those standout performances of the last few weeks.

This week’s award winner is in a rare class. Josh Allen, linebacker from Kentucky, has been selected for a third time this season. This feat has only been accomplished one time previously, by Manti Te’o back in 2012.

Allen put forth another game-changing effort, helping his Wildcats defeat Middle Tennessee State by a score of 34-23. He chipped in a career high 15 tackles, that include 2 tackles for loss and two more sacks. With this performance Allen’s season totals look something like this: 75 tackles, 17.5 TFL, 13 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. With those 13 sacks this year added to his career numbers, it puts him in sole possession of the sack record for Kentucky with 27.5. Allen surely stands to be a serious suitor for the Lott IMPACT player of the year, as well as other decorated honors such as the Butkus Award Semifinalist, All-SEC team, and AP All-American.  When evaluating his skill set, he is blessed with loose hips, an ability to bend the edge, the strong hands needed to slip off blocks, and the speed to win on rushing situations. Kentucky’s defensive leader can win in a variety of ways to put pressure on the quarterback. He is a monster who continually makes big plays, terrorizing QBs at the release point leading to his 5 forced fumbles. He is not only a one trick pony, as he shows a true acumen for dropping off from his usual outside linebacker position and carrying tight ends or running backs into the flat. He also has a finisher’s mentality when he gets to the quarterback. He has demonstrated the true meaning of IMPACT, utilizing leadership on the field and in the locker room.

Josh Allen wasn’t the only one up for consideration for his game-changing effort, and we will briefly look at some of his key competitors for the weekly honor.

Zach Allen, DE: Boston College

For the second time this season, Allen put up a standout performance that put him square into consideration for player of the week. All he did this week was put up 6 total tackles, a sack, a QB hurry, and a blocked kick, en route to a heartbreaking loss to Florida State 22-21. He is a big, strong, and rugged DE prospect who can win plays with a variety of ways. He uses strong hand usage, great length, an innate sense of when to get his hands up into throwing lanes, plus  an array of pass rush moves including a deadly push-pull and a spin move. He plays with elite effort, and will never give up on making a play.

Ben Burr-Kirven, LB: Washington

Another week, another respectable box score to put Burr-Kirven into consideration for player of the week. He accrued 11 tackles, one for a loss, in a convincing win over Oregon State by a score of 42-23. Burr-Kirven is a tackling machine who plays like his hair is on fire. He uses great speed and acceleration combined with quality play recognition to close on ball carriers. Not only can the linebacker quickly diagnose plays, but he shows up with authority and with tremendous tackling mechanics. The Washington linebacker can be tasked with dropping off into zone coverage and be able to carry running backs and tight ends downfield due to his well-rounded skill set. With a nose for the ball, he always seems to be in the area when a big play is happening. Although he lacks a prototypical build, he makes up for it with instincts and intelligence. Burr-Kirven is a high-end prospect at the collegiate level who is Washington’s team leader.

Drue Tranquill, LB: Notre Dame

Tranquill has had a tremendous bounceback year, and this week he put up a strong effort that has landed him on our radar. He had a great all-around game with 7 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 2.5 TFL in a winning effort for his Golden Domers against Syracuse, 36-3. Tranquill has worked his way back from a devastating knee injury that was sustained during a celebration. He has made his presence felt both on the field and off, being a true leader in every sense of the word during his rehab back to full strength. With decent height and bulk, Tranquill has an intriguing skill set in the mold of a hybrid linebacker/safety, but it his cerebralness out on the field that enhances his abilities. He has great instincts and terrific closing quickness to flash downfield and fill running lanes. Add on soft hands, and he will come up with a timely turnover when his team needs. Tranquill is a sure tackler who loves to lay the wood and punish ball carriers coming his way.

As always, we would like to congratulate Kentucky’s Josh Allen for winning this week’s award, as well as the other candidates that were in consideration. Best of luck to those playing in the final week’s worth of collegiate contests.

The post Blitzalytics – Lott IMPACT Trophy: Week 12 Recap appeared first on Lott IMPACT® Trophy.

Allen, a 6-5, 260-pound senior from Montclair, NJ, had a career best 15 tackles, including two tackles for loss and two sacks,in the Wildcats’ 34-23 win over Middle Tennessee.

It was the third time this season that Allen has been named the Lott IMPACT Trophy Player of the Week.  The last player to win the POW award three times was Manti Te’o of Notre Dame in 2012.

For the season, Allen has 75 tackles,17.5 tackles for losses, 13 sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.  He has a school record 27.5career sacks.

Kentucky will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of his 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.

2018 Lott IMPACT Trophy Players of the Week:

Week One – Ed Oliver, Houston

Week Two – Joe Dineen Jr – Kansas

Week Three – Deshaun Davis, Auburn

Week Four – Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington

Week Five – Josh Allen, Kentucky

Week Six – Adarius Pickett, UCLA

Week Seven – Devin White, LSU

Week Eight – Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington

Week Nine – Josh Allen, Kentucky

Week Ten – Te’von Coney, Notre Dame

Week Eleven – Chase Hansen, Utah

Week Twelve – Josh Allen, Kentucky

The post KENTUCKY’S ALLEN NAMED LOTT IMPACT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR THIRD TIME THIS SEASON appeared first on Lott IMPACT® Trophy.

With only two weeks remaining from conference championship games, we are quickly approaching the end of the regular season portion of the college schedule. That puts into perspective which of our Lott IMPACT candidates have a shot at taking home the end-of-year award, but we are not finished yet and will be still awarding weekly winners.

This week’s winner of the Lott IMPACT trophy weekly award is the rangy linebacker from Utah, Chase Hansen.

Hansen was a key cog in helping his Utah Utes defeat Oregon, 32-25. He accumulated 13 tackles with 3.5 of them going for a loss. That added to his season total of tackles for loss and puts him at 19, which places him in a tie for second most in the nation. Hansen is a converted safety that plays with a hard-hitting demeanor, and the coverage ability to flourish in combats with the high flying offenses of college football. He is a terrific open-field tackler who possesses good speed to cover plays sideline-to-sideline. Coupled with his great hip fluidity for a linebacker, Hansen has the tools to cover big-bodied tight ends and speedy running backs out in the flat. With great instincts, he can read a play developing and will show an outstanding ability to elude or shed oncoming blockers. A true three-down defender that can influence a game in both pass and run defense, Hansen truly resembles the meaning of IMPACT as the team leader in Utah, and should get a large number of looks in the upcoming draft process. He bears a striking likeness to the new era linebacker of the NFL.

Hansen was not the only standout performer in last week’s games. Here’s some of his toughest competition for the award:

Deshaun Davis, LB: Auburn

Even though his team came up short this week against Georgia, Davis put up some staggering stats, accruing 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and pitching in a sack. Davis is an undersized inside linebacker, who has tremendous instincts, play recognition, closing quickness, excellent tackling mechanics, and tackles with a nasty disposition. Due to his intelligence, he is like having a defensive coordinator in the huddle. Not only is he a contributor on the field, but he takes great effort to make an impact off of it as well.

Joe Dineen Jr., LB: Kansas

The always productive Dineen Jr. put up some very strong numbers as well, even though his efforts were for naught in the win column. In a heartbreaking loss to Kansas State, he produced 9 tackles, 2.5 TFL, and a sack. Dineen is the embodiment of a cerebral middle linebacker who is a true force in run defense. He has terrific play recognition and the instincts to flow to the ball quickly, along with enough speed to cover plays sideline-to-sideline. He uses his instincts to gain enough depth in his coverage drops that he becomes a pain for quarterbacks’ throwing lanes. With terrific tackling mechanics, the linebacker doesn’t let runners out of his grasp. He possesses a booming voice and takes great pride getting his teammates in the right spots to succeed.

Jordan Kunaszyk, LB: California

Kunaszyk helped his Cal Bears to a big-time victory over USC, and he put up strong numbers in the process: 11 tackles, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.  Kunaszyk possesses a throwback style for a linebacker in terms of skill set. He is at his best when he sees the play develop and flies downfield. Do not discount his athleticism though, as he has enough speed to reach the far hashes in run defense, and he trusts that his eyes will bring him into the position to make the tackle. Indeed, he has a consistent striking ability that rarely allows ball carriers to elude him. Kunaszyk is also an effective inside blitzer with the ability to time in order to shoot the gap. With a steady set of hands, he often will come down with an interception when given the opportunity.

As always, we would like to congratulate Utah’s Chase Hansen for winning this week’s award, as well as the other candidates that were in consideration. Best of luck to those playing in Week 12 collegiate contests.

The post Blitzalytics – Lott IMPACT Trophy: Week 11 Recap appeared first on Lott IMPACT® Trophy.

Hansen, a 6-3, 220-pound senior from Highland, Utah, had 13 tackles, including 3.5 for losses in the Utes’ win over Oregon, 32-25.

For the season, Hansen has 19 tackles for losses, tied for 2nd in the nation. 

He received a bachelor’s degree this summer with a major in consumer and community studies with an emphasis in financial planning and a minor in sociology.

Utah will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of his 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 Eleven:

Deshaun Davis, LB, Auburn: Led Tigerswith 10 tackles, 2 for losses and a sack in loss to Georgia, 27-10.

Joe Dineen Jr., LB, Kansas: Had 9tackles, 2.5 for losses with a sack in loss to Kansas State, 21-17.

Ben Humphreys, LB, Duke: Had 8 tacklesin win over North Carolina, 42-35.

Jordan Kunaszyk, LB, Cal: Recorded 11tackles, one for a loss, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble in 15-14 winover USC.

Drue Tranquill, LB, Notre Dame: Had 7tackles, half for a loss in 42-13 win over Florida State.

2018 Lott IMPACT Trophy Players of the Week:

Week One – Ed Oliver, Houston

Week Two – Joe Dineen Jr – Kansas

Week Three – Deshaun Davis, Auburn

Week Four – Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington

Week Five – Josh Allen, Kentucky

Week Six – Adarius Pickett, UCLA

Week Seven – Devin White, LSU

Week Eight – Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington

Week Nine – Josh Allen, Kentucky

Week Ten – Te’von Coney, Notre Dame

The post UTAH’S HANSEN NAMED LOTT IMPACT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK #11 appeared first on Lott IMPACT® Trophy.

As we keep steaming forward towards conference championship games, and flow right into bowl games, we take a minute to reflect on some of the top performers from last week’s action.

This week’s winner of the Lott IMPACT trophy weekly award is none other than Notre Dame linebacker Te’Von Coney.

Coney is one of the stars of the fighting Irish defense, and one of the main reasons why their defense is helping to keep them in the race for a national championship. This week, while helping keep his team undefeated against Northwestern, all he did was accrue 10 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and chipped in a pass defensed. He is a thickly built ILB with great muscle definition, and is someone who makes his presence felt in the run defense department due to tremendous instincts, click and close ability, and short area quickness to beat O-linemen to rushing lanes. He has the strength to shed blockers and get in position to stun oncoming ball carriers. Coney is not just a two-down thumper though; he has loose enough joints to drop off into zone coverage, utilizing those instincts and combining them with above-average speed to blanket players trickling out of the backfield. He is very intelligent as well, and you rarely find him out of position. He is a steadying presence on the field, and no situation is too big for him.

Coney was not the only standout performer in last week’s games, and we will briefly highlight some of his toughest competition for the award.

Ben Burr-Kirven, LB: Washington

Another week, another dominant performance to put Burr-Kirven in the discussion for Lott IMPACT player of the week. The two-time award winner helped his Huskies defeat Stanford 27-23, and he stuffed the box score with a team-high 12 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass defensed. Burr-Kirven is a tackling machine who plays like his hair is on fire. He uses great speed and acceleration combined with quality play recognition to close on ball carriers. Not only can the linebacker quickly diagnose plays, but he shows up with authority and with tremendous tackling mechanics. The Washington linebacker can be tasked with dropping off into zone coverage and be able to carry running backs and tight ends downfield due to his well-rounded skill set. With a nose for the ball, he always seems to be in the area when a big play is happening. Although he lacks a prototypical build, he makes up for it with instincts and intelligence. Burr-Kirven is a high-end prospect at the collegiate level who is Washington’s team leader.

Colin Schooler, LB: Arizona

Schooler has put up strong back-to-back performances to jump onto the radar or the weekly award. This week his team defeated Colorado 42-34 and he was all over the field producing 9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass defensed. He is the heart and soul of Arizona’s defense, responsible for play calling and alignment on the defensive side of the ball. He shows outstanding intelligence for such a young player. The Arizona product possesses the speed to cover sideline-to-sideline in run defense and has the ability to utilize his instincts to penetrate gaps and bring ball carriers down. Schooler has a tremendous feel in coverage with the talent to hang with runners or tight end’s downfield. He is a sure tackler who won’t allow many ball carriers to elude his grasp.

Christian Wilkins, DL: Clemson

Wilkins is helping his Clemson Tigers in their charge back to a national championship with a dismantling of Louisville, 77-16. All he did was live in the opponent’s backfield with 5 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and chip in an additional QB hurry. Wilkins is a physical freak, who can play up and down the defensive line. He even gets some time as a runner on offense due to his freaky athleticism. He is blessed with great strength and quickness to rock linemen back on their heels, so much so that offensive coordinators must gameplan for him. He possesses the strong hands necessary to shed blocks, and a motor to scrape off linemen and finish plays. He also flashes a variety of pass rushing moves that help him set up OL for failure. Overall, Wilkins displays a non-stop motor that helps him make a ton of plays, and is a sure tackler to boot.

As always, we would like to congratulate Notre Dame’s, Te’Von Coney for winning this week’s award and the other candidates that were in consideration. Best of luck to those playing in Week 11 collegiate contests.

The post Blitzalytics – Lott IMPACT Trophy: Week 10 Recap appeared first on Lott IMPACT® Trophy.

Coney, a 6-1, 240-pound senior from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, had 10 tackles, 2 for losses, 2 sacks and a pass break up in win over Northwestern, 31-21, to keep the Irish unbeaten at 9-0.

For the season, Coney has 80 tackles, giving him 271 for his career at South Bend.

He has already graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in philosophy and a minor in business economics.

Notre Dame will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of his 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 Ten:

Ben Burr-Kirven, LB, Washington: Had team high 12 tackles, forced a fumble and broke up a pass in win over Stanford, 27-23.

Ben Humphreys, LB, Duke: Recorded 6 tackles, recovered 2 fumbles, forced a fumble and had a quarterback hurry in win over Miami, 20-12.

Taylor Rapp, S, Washington: Had an interception and 6 tackles in win over Stanford, 27-23.

Colin Schooler, LB, Arizona: Had 9 tackles, 3 tackles for losses, a sack and a pass break up in win over Colorado, 42-34.

Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson: Had 2.5 tackles for losses, 5 total tackles, a sack and a quarterback hurry in 77-16 win over Louisville.

2018 Lott IMPACT Trophy Players of the Week:

Week One – Ed Oliver, Houston

Week Two – Joe Dineen Jr – Kansas

Week Three – Deshaun Davis, Auburn

Week Four – Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington

Week Five – Josh Allen, Kentucky

Week Six – Adarius Pickett, UCLA

Week Seven – Devin White, LSU

Week Eight – Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington

Week Nine – Josh Allen, Kentucky

The post NOTRE DAME’S CONEY NAMED LOTT IMPACT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK #10 appeared first on Lott IMPACT® Trophy.

We are winding down on the last few weeks of college football and entering bowl season. First, we need to stop and recognize the standout performers from week 9.

For the second time this season, standout linebacker Josh Allen has been voted player of the week.

Allen was a terror in Missouri’s backfield; he collected 11 tackles, 2 sacks, and added 2 forced fumbles, helping his team pick up a clutch win by a close 15-14 margin. With week 9 in the books, Allen now leads the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss ranking second and third nationally. He is a monster who continually makes big plays terrorizing QB’s at the release point leading to his 5 forced fumbles. When evaluating his skill set, he is blessed with loose hips, an ability to bend the edge, the strong hands needed to slip off blocks, and the speed to win on rushing situations. Kentucky’s defensive leader can win in a variety of ways to put pressure on the quarterback. He is not only a one trick pony, as he shows a true acumen for being able to drop off from his usual outside linebacker position and carry tight ends or running backs into the flat. He also has a finisher’s mentality when he gets to the quarterback. He has demonstrated the true meaning of IMPACT utilizing leadership on the field and in the locker room.

Josh Allen wasn’t the only one up for consideration for his game-changing effort, and we will briefly look at some of his key competitors for the weekly honor.

Ben Burr-Kirven, LB: Washington

A stalwart on the player of the week voting circuit this year who has already collected the honor twice. Burr-Kirven pitched in 14 Tackles, 2 TFL, and a sack to a heartbreaking loss against Cal in a 12-10 defeat. Ben Burr-Kirven is a tackling machine, who plays like his hair is on fire. He uses great speed and acceleration combined with his quality play recognition to close on ball carriers. Not only can the linebacker quickly diagnose plays, but he shows up with authority and with tremendous tackling mechanics. The Washington linebacker can be tasked with dropping off into zone coverage and be able to carry running back’s and tight end’s downfield due to his well-rounded skill set. With a nose for the ball, he always seems to be in the area when a big play is happening. Although he lacks a prototypical build, he makes up for it with instincts and intelligence. A high-end prospect at the collegiate level who is Washington’s team leader.

Joe Dineen Jr., LB: Kansas

Joe Dineen Jr., Another former Lott IMPACT player of the week from early in the college season, was up for consideration this past week. Dineen accrued 13 tackles, and 5 tackles for loss in a demoralizing loss against the Horned Frogs by a score of 27-26. Dineen is the embodiment of a cerebral middle linebacker who is a true force in run defense. He has terrific play recognition and the instincts to flow to the ball quickly. Dineen has enough speed to cover plays sideline-to-sideline. He uses his instincts to gain good depth in his coverage drops so that he can become a pain for quarterback’s throwing lanes. With terrific tackling mechanics, the linebacker doesn’t let runners out of his grasp. He possesses a booming voice and takes great pride getting his teammates in the right spots to succeed. The true embodiment of the Lott Foundation and what the award stands for.

Colin Schooler, LB: Arizona

For the second time during the 2018 collegiate season, Colin Schooler was in contention for player of the week honors due to his quality contributions of 11 tackles, and 1.5 TFL in a statement victory over Oregon, 44-15. He is the heart and soul of Arizona’s defense responsible for play calling and alignment on the defensive side of the ball. He shows outstanding intelligence for such a young player. The Arizona product possesses the speed to cover sideline-to-sideline in run defense and has the ability to utilize his instincts to penetrate gaps and bring ball carriers down. Schooler has a tremendous feel in coverage with the talent to hang with runners or tight end’s downfield. He is a sure tackler who won’t allow many ball carriers to elude his grasp.

As always, we would like to congratulate Kentucky’s Josh Allen for winning this week’s award and the other candidates that were in consideration. Best of luck to those playing in Week 10 collegiate contests.

The post Blitzalytics – Lott IMPACT Trophy: Week 9 Recap appeared first on Lott IMPACT® Trophy.

Allen, a 6-5, 260-pound senior from Montclair, New Jersey, had 11 tackles and two sacks that both resulted in forced fumbles as Kentucky improved to 7-1 with a dramatic 15-14 win over Missouri.

Allen was also selected the Walter Camp Football Foundation National Defensive Player of the Week.

He leads the SEC and is second nationally in sacks (10) and leads the SEC and ranks third nationally in tackles for loss (14.5). He also has five forced fumbles, which is second in America.

Allen has also been named to every mid-season All-American team.

He has participated in an event with the Special Olympics and worked as volunteer at the Indian Sumner Camp in previous years.

Kentucky will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund in recognition of his 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 Nine:

Ben Burr-Kirven, LB, Washington: Led Huskies with 14 tackles, 2 tackles for losses and a sack in loss to Cal, 12-10.

Te’von Coney, LB, Notre Dame: Recorded 14 tackles, one for a loss in win over Navy, 44-22.

Joe Dineen Jr., LB, Kansas: Had a team high 13 tackles, ½ for loss in win over TCU, 27-26.

Chase Hansen, LB, Utah: Broke up 3 passes and had 5 tackles in win over UCLA, 41-10.

Colin Schooler, LB, Arizona: Led team with 11 tackles, 1.5 for losses in win over Oregon, 44-15.

2018 Lott IMPACT Trophy Players of the Week:

Week One – Ed Oliver, Houston

Week Two – Joe Dineen Jr – Kansas

Week Three – Deshaun Davis, Auburn

Week Four – Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington

Week Five – Josh Allen, Kentucky

Week Six – Adarius Pickett, UCLA

Week Seven – Devin White, LSU

Week Eight – Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington

The post KENTUCKY’S ALLEN NAMED LOTT IMPACT TROPHY PLAYER OF THE WEEK #9 appeared first on Lott IMPACT® Trophy.