University of Alabama football players Terrence Cody and Rolando McClain both have been named to the preliminary watch list for the 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top down lineman or linebacker.
McClain and Cody led the nation’s second-best rush defense in 2008, allowing just 74.1 yards per game, and the No. 3 total defense at 263.5 yards per game. The Alabama defense did not allow an opposing running back to gain 100 yards all season and held opponents to less than 100 rushing yards in 11 of 14 games.
Cody was a consensus All-America selection from his noseguard position after making 24 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries last season as a junior. He was a semifinalist for the 2008 Chuck Bednarik Award and a unanimous first-team All-Southeastern Conference choice.
McClain, the Crimson Tide’s middle linebacker, led the team in total tackles with 95 and had 12 tackles for loss. He also registered three sacks, one interception, six pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and two fumble recoveries, including one for a touchdown.
Auburn’s Antonio Coleman also was added to the watch list. Last season, Coleman was named All-SEC after making 46 tackles, six sacks and 101/2 tackles for a loss.
