Dizon Named to Lott Trophy Watch List

BOULDER—University of Colorado senior linebacker Jordon Dizon is among 42 of the top defensive players in the nation to be named to the 2007 Lott Trophy Watch List, announced Monday.

Dizon finished the 2006 season with 137 total tackles, four sacks and 17 third down stops, earning him second team Big 12 honors. In the season finale against Nebraska, he recorded 19 tackles (nine solo), including two for losses. He was also named second team Academic All-Big 12.

“He’s a fourth-year starter and I’m expecting his best season yet,” linebackers coach Brian Cabral said. “He’s played in a lot of big games and has made a lot of plays for us.”

The Lott Trophy, named after Hall-of-Famer Ronnie Lott, is awarded to college football’s defensive impact player of the year. The award equally recognizes athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.

Expected to be the heart and soul of the Buffalo defense in 2007, Dizon has always exhibited a passion matched by few who man his position. Last season he won the team’s Tom McMahon Award, given to the player who demonstrates exemplary dedication and work ethic.

Currently 14^th on CU’s all-time tackles list, Dizon would move into the top four all-time with another tackle output like 2006. That’s pretty good company considering the pedigree of linebackers CU has produced.

So where does his position coach think he stacks up against some of CU’s all-time linebacker greats like Barry Remington, Matt Russell, Greg Biekert, Kanavis McGhee and Alfred Williams?

“Not many of those guys have started for four years,” Cabral said. “So he’s up there.”