Newton and Randolph are on two postseason award watch lists.

Originally posted on Armchair Illini | By Dante Pryor | Last updated 8/16/23

Illinois defensive linemen Jer’Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph are on the Chuck Bednarik and Lombardi Award watch lists.

One of the reasons the Illini are expected to compete in the final year of the Big Ten West is the defensive front. Illinois has one of the best front sevens in the conference. Two of the reasons for that are defensive end Jer’Zhan Newton and his bookend Keith Randolph. Moreover, both Newton and Randolph are expected to be All-American and All-Big Ten selections barring injury.

The Lombardi Award

The most outstanding lineman — offense or defense — in college football wins the Rotary Lombardi Award. The award winner not only demonstrates “outstanding performance and ability but best exemplifies the character and discipline of Vince Lombardi.” The Granite Trophy is to commemorate Lombardi’s initial claim to fame in football. He was part of Fordham University’s “Seven Blocks of Granite” offensive line in 1936.

Vince Lombardi’s widow and sister established the award in 1970 after Lombardi died of colon cancer. Will Anderson (Alabama), Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan), and Zaven Collins (Tulsa) are the last three winners of the award. Also, Illinois joins Michigan, Ohio State, Maryland, and Penn State with players on the watch list.

The Bednarik Award

In addition to the Lombardi Award watch list, Newton and Randolph are on the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list. College football’s most outstanding defensive player wins the Bednarik Award. The Maxwell Football Club has awarded the Bednarik to the top defensive player since 1995. Paul Posluzny and Pat Fitzgerald are the only two-time award winners. Will Anderson and Jordan Davis are the last two winners of the award.