HOUSTON (August 15, 2024) – Washington State offensive lineman
Fa'alili Fa'amoe and linebacker
Kyle Thornton were each named to 2024 The Lombardi Award Preseason Watch List , the award committee announced Thursday.
The Lombardi Award™ Committee proudly releases the 2024 Preseason Watchlist, featuring 90 of the nation's top linemen and linebackers. This list consists of a select group of talented athletes representing the very best from all FBS conferences and independents, based on previous performances and potential for the coming season.
The Lombardi Award™ was established in 1970, in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. It is presented to outstanding linemen who best epitomize his values of leadership, courage, performance and discipline on and off the field. Furthermore, the watchlist includes players who are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions.
Fa'amoe, a redshirt-junior who was also named to the Outland Trophy and Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List, started all 12 games at right tackle last season after being named to the 2023 Preseason Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List. Fa'amoe, of Poleynesian Samoan decent and a native of Pago Pago, American Samoa switched from defensive line to offensive line prior to the 2022 season and has started 19 consecutive games, all at right tackle.
Thornton, redshirt-senior and former walk-on from Upland, Calif., started all 12 games last season and led the team with 87 tackles, seventh-most in the Pac-12 Conference. Thornton tallied 4.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, six quarterback hurries, was a Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll selection and a Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalist, the award given to the nation's best former walk-on.
This marks the 51st anniversary of the award which has been handed out in Houston, Texas since its inception. The 2024 award dinner will take place on December, 11, 2024 and net proceeds from gala sponsorship and table sales are dedicated to supporting cancer research and families and patients battling cancer.
As the 2024 season gets underway, not only will this group of student-athletes be on watch, this list is also dynamic. One or more breakout performers may emerge during the year. And that player or players can be added to the watch list at mid-season.
The Lombardi Award™ represents much more than the distinction involved. It memorializes the perspiration, dedication, and perseverance of these exceptional athletes. As they compete on the gridiron, they inspire future generations of football players and continue the legacy of a coaching icon.
