When it comes to winning battles in the trenches, Paris Johnson Jr. is one of the best in the business.
On Wednesday, the Ohio State left tackle was named one of 12 semifinalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award, an honor given to the best offensive or defensive lineman in college football. Additionally, the voting committee considers linebackers and tight ends eligible to win the award.
Congratulations to the 12 Semi-Finalists for the 49th Rotary Lombardi Award. https://t.co/xR1KxtvFDo@UA_Athletics @KStateSports @UGAAthletics @TheIowaHawkeyes @UGAAthletics @OhioStAthletics @UMichAthletics @GopherSports @NU_Sports @FloridaGators @USC_Athletics @Vol_Sports pic.twitter.com/wPOPU3owxl
— RotaryLombardiAward (@RotaryLombardi) November 2, 2022
Johnson has been a standout for an Ohio State offensive line unit that has helped power the Buckeyes' second-best scoring offense in the NCAA at 48.9 points per game. At the same time, the team also ranks No. 6 in total offense with 317.8 passing yards and 191.5 rushing yards per contest.
In addition to skill, the Lombardi award also honors players for their exemplary character on and off the field. Since the start of name, image and likeness in July 2021, Johnson has been at the forefront of charitable work in the Columbus community through The Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation, a non-profit organization "empowering and serving disabled veterans and disadvantaged student-athletes with dignity and respect" by helping them obtain helpful resources.
If Johnson were selected as the winner of the Lombardi Award, he would accompany former Ohio State guard Jim Stillwagon – who won the inaugural Lombard Award in 1970 –guard John Hicks (1973), linebacker Chris Spielman (1987), offensive tackle Orlando Pace (1995-96) and linebacker A.J. Hawk (2005) as the only Buckeyes to claim the distinguished honor.
The second round of voting for the four Lombardi Award finalists will occur on Nov. 4 and the nominees will be revealed on Nov. 17. The winner will be announced at a live event in Houston, Texas, on Dec. 7.
