Long semifinalist for Lombardi Award
ANN ARBOR — Jake Long, a current starting left tackle for the U-M football team and senior co-captain, who’s started all nine games for the Wolverines this season, was named a semifinalist for the Rotary Lombardi Award Oct. 17.
The annual award is given to either an offensive or defensive lineman or linebacker who has shown courage, leadership, desire, discipline and respect for authority. Voters for the Rotary Lombardi Award consist of head coaches from all Div. 1 schools, national sports media personnel and former finalists and award winners.
Long, a 2003 graduate of Lapeer East High School, was among four Big Ten Conference players that made the 12-man list, along with linebackers James Laurinaitis of Ohio State, J Lehman of Illinois and Dan Connor of Penn State.
The two-time team captain and three-year Michigan letterman hasn’t allowed a sack this season and is one of two returning consensus All-American offensive linemen, along with Southern Cal’s Sam Baker. Long also was a 2006 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and a unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection last season.
Long has paved the way for a running attack that features Mike Hart, who’s accumulated 1,119 rushing yards on 200 attempts with 12 touchdowns in seven games played.
This year’s recipient will be announced Dec. 5 in Houston, Texas. Last season, former U-M defensive end LaMarr Woodley became the first Wolverine to win the Lombardi Award. Michigan is 7-2 overall, 5-0 Big Ten. — M.S.

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