Young Named To Lombardi Watch List

May 8, 2001

Clemson, SC – Clemson Center Kyle Young is one of 52 preseason Watch List of candidates for the 32nd Rotary Lombardi Award. This year’s winner will be announced on December 5th in Houston, TX. The Lombardi Award goes to the top lineman in college football.

The preseason Watch List is comprised of returning Division I linemen who have been All-Americans or first-team all-conference selections during a previous season. Eligibility for the award is limited to down linemen and those defenders who lineup within five yards of the football.

Young is Clemson’s starting center. The native of Clemson was a first-team Academic All-American in 1999 and 2000. He was chosen a second-team all-American on the field by Football News and was a third-team selection by Sporting News. He was also a first-team All-ACC selection.

Young became just the 14th athlete in Clemson history to be named an Academic All-American and on-field All-American in the same year. He can join current professional golfer Jonathan Byrd next year as the only Clemson athletes to accomplish that feat twice.

Young can also become just the second offensive lineman in college football history and just the second ACC player (regardless of position) in history to be named first-team Academic All-American three times.

The former Mr. Football selection in South Caolina had 120 knockdown blocks last year, most ever by a Clemson center. He has started 28 consecutive Clemson games, the last 24 in succession at center.