Ohio State’s defense got some early recognition on the first watch list of the year.
Ohio State is the only school with three players on the watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which honors the defensive player who makes the biggest impact for the team both on and off the field based on the acronym IMPACT (Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity).
Senior cornerback Denzel Burke, sophomore safety Caleb Downs and senior defensive end JT Tuimoloau are all among the 42 nominees for the award, which is named after Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott.