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Progar named to Lombardi Award watch list

July 16, 2012
Sean Progar

Sean Progar

Northern Illinois senior defensive end Sean Progar, a second team All Mid-American Conference selection a year ago, has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2012 Rotary Lombardi Award as one of the top defensive linemen and linebackers in college football.

Progar makes his second consecutive appearance on the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List as he was also recognized in 2011.

The senior from Glenview, Ill. (Glenbrook South HS) made a career high 52 tackles, 22 solo, in 13 games a year ago for the MAC champion Huskies. He ranked third on the team with 11 tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with five-and-a-half quarterback sacks.

In 40 career games, Progar has 121 tackles, 29 tackles for loss and 15.5 quarterback sacks. He made a career-high 10 tackles versus Kansas a year ago and was named the MAC West Defensive Player of the Week for his performance versus Eastern Michigan after collecting a safety and making a key sack on EMU’s final drive.

Progar was first named to the Rotary Lombardi Award preseason watch list a year ago and is one of eight MAC players on this year’s list. He is the first Huskie to appear on a watch list this preseason and is one of two players who will represent Northern Illinois at next week’s Mid-American Conference Football Media Day in Detroit.

Linebackers and down linemen on both sides of the ball are eligible for the Rotary Lombardi Award, which has been presented for 21 straight years. The Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List is updated periodically for the 500-plus member selection committee that includes all NCAA FBS head coaches, a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters and all past winners and finalists.

For more information on NIU football and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.