Tommy Eichenberg made the cut.
On Friday, the Ohio State linebacker was named one of 16 quarterfinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, an award presented to a college football player who best exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
Eichenberg has been one of Ohio State's top defenders this season and is tied with fellow linebacker Steele Chambers for the team lead in tackles with 25. He has also collected one sack, one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits and one forced fumble across four appearances in 2023.
"He's become that guy that sees like me. He thinks like me," said Jim Knowles, Ohio State defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, in his Tuesday press conference. "Maybe we're using him more for his mind and less for his aggression, but both are still involved. He's become a true quarterback of the defense."
Here is the complete list of quarterfinalists for the award, which includes seven defensive linemen, six linebackers, and four defensive backs.:
- Caden Bullock, DB, USC
- Jordan Burch, DE, Oregon
- Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
- DeWayne Carter, DL, Duke
- Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
- Howard Cross III, DL, Notre Dame
- Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State
- Jonah Elliss, DL, Utah
- Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
- Travis Hunter, DB, Colorado
- Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
- Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry, DB Alabama
- Malachi Moore, DB, Alabama
- Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
- Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
- Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
Semifinalists will be chosen in late November, followed by four finalists in December. The four finalists will be invited to attend the annual Lott IMPACT Trophy award show on December 10 in Newport Beach, California, where one winner will be selected.
