Stephenson, Curvey on Lombardi Watch List

HOUSTON--With the start of the college football season just weeks away, Iowa State center Scott Stephenson and Cyclone defensive tackle Brent "Big Play" Curvey are among 101 players named to the Rotary Lombardi Award's Watch List. The 37^th Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia Bank, which honors the top lineman in college football while raising funds for the American Cancer Society, will be presented in Houston on December 6 at the Hilton Americas Hotel.

Stephenson earned first-team all-Big 12 honors last season and is also on the watch list of the Rimington Trophy, given annually to the nation's best center.

Curvey, already on the watch list for the Nagurski Trophy (best college defensive player) and the Outland Trophy (best collegiate interior lineman) starts his senior year with 176 career tackles, 10 1/2 sacks and three touchdowns. The Houston, Texas native had fumble returns for touchdowns at Baylor and against Kansas in 2004 and an interception return for a score against Colorado in 2005.

Any player who meets the basic award criteria (a down lineman on either side of the ball?including tight ends, and linebackers who line up within five yards of the ball) is eligible to receive votes. This year's list is almost evenly divided between offensive and defensive players, with 54 defenders and 47 offensive players currently listed.