Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)
Kentucky senior linebacker Courtney Love has been named a quarterfinalist for the 2017 Lott IMPACT Trophy. The Pacific Club announced that Love, along with 19 other defensive players, make up the list of athletes eligible for the honor.
The best defensive players in the nation who make an IMPACT on and off their team are chosen as quarterfinalists. Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity make up the acronym IMPACT.
The Lott trophy is named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. The award is presented to college football’s defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. It is the only award of its kind that recognizes performance on the field, as well as character of the field.
Love, a senior from Youngstown, OH., is a defensive leader for the Wildcats. The 6-2 senior lead the Wildcats with 43 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Love ranks 5th in the nation and 2nd in the SEC in fumbles recovered. In a win vs. Missouri, Love totaled a career best 10 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Love excels on the field and in the community. Just last week, he was presented the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team trophy during a surprise Amachi event in Lexington. The UK senior volunteers his time to spend with children in the community who are in need of a friend and mentor.
In addition to serving the community, Love was named to the 2016 SEC Academic Honor Roll and graduated in May of 2017. Fittingly enough, Love’s degree is in community and leadership development. He is currently working on a second degree in communications.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced on November 8th and then four finalists will be announced November 28th. The Lott IMPACT Trophy will be presented at a banquet on December 10th at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach. The award will be presented by Ronnie Lott and will include a $25,000 scholarship.
