Texas Tech University Athletics
Duckett, Loper Named to Lombardi List
August 11, 2004 | Football
Aug. 11, 2004
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech senior defensive end Adell Duckett and senior offensive tackle Daniel Loper have been named to the 2004 Lombardi Award Watch List, announced today by the Executive Committee of the Rotary Lombardi Award in Houston. A preseason first-team All-Big 12 pick, Duckett led the league in sacks (14) and tackles for loss (23.5) last season, setting school records in both. He also set a school mark with 116 tackles for loss yards. Duckett enters the 2004 campaign third on the career sacks list with 24, and is one-and-a-half sacks behind former Tech All-American Montae Reagor in second place. A legitimate candidate for national honors from his left tackle position this season, Loper is one of two returning Red Raiders with a team-leading 31-career starts. Loper's tremendous 6-foot-7, 329-pound frame and outstanding work ethic have enabled him to become of the most dominating linemen in school history. The 114 members of the watch list earned a place by receiving All-America honors at the end of the 2003 or previous seasons, by being named to their respective all-conference teams as selected by the conference's head coaches, or by being named to one of the preseason honor teams. Eligibility for the Rotary Lombardi Award is limited to down linemen and those defensive players who line up within five yards of the ball. While the watch list highlights players who have already received national recognition, any NCAA Division I player who meets the position requirements is eligible for consideration from the Rotary Lombardi Selection Committee, which is comprised of over 500 members, including all past finalists, all Division I head coaches and a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. The Rotary Lombardi Award is celebrating its 35th year of honoring the finest linemen in college football. The annual Rotary Lombardi Award Dinner will be held in Houston on December 8, with all proceeds from the dinner and related activities adding to the total of nearly $3 million that has been raised for the American Cancer Society since the event's inception. Chris Spielman, the 1987 winner of the award, will serve as this year's featured speaker.
