Each year the Lott Impact Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding defensive player both in "character and performance".
From the awards website:
The Lott IMPACT Trophy® was established by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation® to honor college football's Defensive IMPACT® Player of the Year.
The award is unique because it represents the first trophy to give equal weight to personal character as well as athletic performance from a defensive college player and is the first national college football award based on the West Coast.
The Lott IMPACT Trophy® was named in honor of Ronnie Lott - a two time All -American for USC and College Football Hall of Fame inductee. Ronnie Lott went on to win four Super Bowlrings with the San Francisco 49ers, ten trips to the Pro Bowl and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Always known as a fierce competitor, he was a leader who had IMPACT both on and off the field.
Also up for the award were Southern Cal's Devon Kennard, Iowa's James Morris, and Wisconsin's Chris Borland (all linebackers).
The show aired on Fox Sports tonight and showed both the play and commitment to the community by all of the finalists. The MC Patrick O'Neil remarked "And we haven't seen Matt Barkley after that hit" in pointing out the impact Anthony has had on the turn around of UCLA football. (HT to '94 for getting the quote right!). Anthony was very gracious (of course) and stood out as usual:
Just arrived at the @LottIMPACTrophy banquet. Getting some photos with other finalists & board members #Badgers pic.twitter.com/kuYG1zdVMV
— Badger Football (@BadgerFootball) December 9, 2013
Here is the Lott Impact Trophy profile on Anthony including a wonderful interview. WATCH:
As well as making the Pac-12 All-Academic team, seems he has some excellent communication skills. From Patrick Wen, Barr's Scandinavian Studies instructor:
His performance in these courses has been exemplary and warranted the highest possible grade of "A." A young man of keen intellect and general affability, Anthony's strongest suit as a student is his versatility. As a writer, Anthony performs at the highest levels and I believe that his writing and critical thinking skills, in conjunction with his excellent verbal communication skills make him an ideal candidate."
Congratulations Anthony. Again, you make us proud to be Bruins!