Lombardi Award 2011: Breaking Down Top Candidates

The Rotary Lombardi Award is named after legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, and it is given to the best lineman in college football every year. It remains the only award open to all linemen. 

The four finalists have been announced, and the winner will be declared on Wednesday night. It began back in 1970, when Jim Stillwagon of Ohio State won the award. In fact, the Buckeyes have the most winners out of any school with six. 

No Ohio State player is up for it this year, but one school does have two finalists, which is a great testament to how good that team has been this season. 

Nick Fairley won it last year, and there's a strong chance the SEC reclaims the award once again. 

With that said, here's a breakdown of the top candidates for the 2011 Lombardi Award trophy. 

Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

The senior linebacker is a big reason why the Crimson Tide have the No. 1 defense in the country. 

Upshaw had a team-high 8.5 sacks with 10 quarterback hurries, and he also led the team and ranked second in the SEC with 17 tackles for loss. He only had one interception, but he did return it 45 yards for a touchdown. 

Alabama's defense has been dominant this season, but without Upshaw, the Crimson Tide would certainly struggle. Factoring in the effect of the player's absence on his team is a key component of how winners are chosen for all awards. 

Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama 

Another Alabama player up for the award is further evidence that the Crimson Tide's defense is not only the best this season, but perhaps ever. 

Hightower led the team with 81 tackles and also had 9.5 tackles for a loss, eight quarterback hurries and three sacks. 

He’s also a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award and Lott Trophy; plus, he finished runner-up to Luke Kuechly for the Butkus Award.

With Upshaw and Hightower both up for the award, it marks the sixth time two finalists are from the same school. 

Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College 

Already given the Butkus Award, which goes to the top linebacker in the country, Kuechly is looking to stockpile more trophies this holiday season. 

The junior linebacker was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and is also up for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lott Trophy. 

For the second straight year, Kuechly led the nation in tackles. He recorded 191 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and led his team with three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford 

The only offensive player up for the Lombardi Award, Martin has been a force up front for Stanford, making sure the nation's top quarterback is protected. 

Without Martin, who plays left tackle, Andrew Luck would have had to deal with a lot more pressure. Keeping Luck's blind side safe for two seasons now, Martin is regarded as one of the top offensive tackles in the country, and the senior is a lock for a first-round draft pick in 2012. 

Martin is a key component to Stanford's success this season, helping to only allow 15 sacks in the last 25 games, which is a remarkable accomplishment. Luck wouldn't be receiving as much hype if he didn't have ample time to shred opposing defenses.  

Prediction: Luke Kuechly