Nixon named a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy

October 20, 2009

Arizona State University senior linebacker <a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/nixon_mike00.html">Mike Nixon</a> has been named one of 20 quarterfinalists for the Lott Trophy, presented annually to college football's Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.<separator></separator>Nixon (Phoenix, Ariz.) has started all six games this season, and he leads the team with 34 tackles (25 solo). In the season opener against Idaho State, he had three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and blocked a punt, earning him Pacific-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Week and Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week honors. Nixon also has two pass break-ups, one forced fumble, one tackle for loss and a half-sack on the season thus far.<separator></separator>Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, the Lott Trophy is the first college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. The award is given to the player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.<separator></separator>Nixon is one of four players from the Pac-10 to make the list, joining UCLA's Brian Price and Alterraun Verner and USC's Taylor Mays.<separator></separator>The semi-finalists will be announced November 3 and the four finalists on November 24. The winner will be announced at the sixth annual Lott Trophy banquet on December 13 in Newport Beach, Calif.