From Hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Football player at the University of Iowa Jay Higgins, Nick Jackson And Logan Jones were placed on the candidate list for the 51st Lombardi Award, which was announced on Thursday.
The award is given to the college player who best embodies the values and spirit of legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi, which include character, discipline and excellence both on and off the football field.
Higgins (6-foot-2, 235 pounds) recorded 171 tackles (79 solo, 92 assists) last season, leading the Big Ten and ranking third nationally, making him the program’s record holder for most tackles in a single season. The fifth-year player was named to the 2023 FWAA All-American First Team.
Jackson (6’2″, 235 lbs) contributed 110 tackles (51 solo, 59 assists) as a linebacker last year, good for second on the team and fourth in the conference. The Atlanta native was selected to the All-Big Ten third team by the league’s media and received honorable mention All-Conference from the league’s coaches in 2023.
Jones (6-foot-3, 295 pounds) was named to the Rimington Watch List, which is considered the nation’s top center, earlier this month. He was also nominated to the preseason Outland Trophy Watch List, which is given to the nation’s top offensive lineman.
A native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jones was selected to the All-Big Ten third team by the conference media and received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors for 2023 by league coaches. Jones started 13 games at center and missed the game against Nebraska due to injury.
The Hawkeyes open their season on August 31 against Illinois State. The sold-out game is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. CT.
HAWKEYES ON THE WATCH LISTS 2024
* Sebastian Castro – Bronko Nagurski Trophy (D-POY) // Chuck Bednarik Award (D-POY) // Jim Thorpe Award (DB)
* Jay Higgins – Butkus Award (LB) // Bronko Nagurski Trophy (D-POY) // Chuck Bednarik Award (D-POY) // Wuerffel Award (Community Service) // Lombardi Award
* Nick Jackson – Butkus Award (LB) // Bronko Nagurski Trophy (D-POY) // Chuck Bednarik Award (D-POY) // Lombardi Award
* Leshon Williams – Doak Walker Award (RB)
* Logan Jones – Outland Trophy (OL) // Rimington Award (C) // Lombardi Award
* Drew Stevens – Lou Groza Award (PK)
* Luke Elkin – Mannelly Award (LS)
* Cade McNamara – Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (QB) // Comeback POY
* Luke Lachey – Mackey Award (TE) // Comeback POY
