Carl Nassib is officially the nation’s best defensive lineman.
At least, that’s what the Lombardi Award’s selection committee has decided.
The finalists for the award, which was given to Nassib at a ceremony on Wednesday night, were a talented bunch that also included Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa, Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett, and Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson.
The Penn State senior joins a star-studded group of award recipients. Luke Kuechly won in 2011 and before him came Ndamukong Suh in 2009, A.J. Hawk in 2005, Terrell Suggs in 2002, Julius Peppers in 2001, and Warren Sapp back in 1994.
Nassib was at or near the top in most major statistical categories after his senior campaign, racking up 46 tackles, a university record 15.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles. Earlier today, Nassib was named the nation’s top defensive end as he won the Hendricks Award.
His college career will come to a finish at the TaxSlayer Bowl showdown with Georgie on Jan. 2, but Nassib has his eyes on a professional career — and hopefully another trophy with the Lombardi name attached to it.
