Andrews wins second straight Jacobs Award
FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas right tackle Shawn Andrews was recognized as the Southeastern Conference's best blocker Wednesday, when he was named the Jacobs Award winner for the second consecutive year.
The 6-foot-5, 353-pound junior became just the 11th player in SEC history to win the award in back-to-back seasons. The Camden native is the first SEC player to win the Jacobs Award, which is voted on by league coaches, in consecutive seasons since Jason Odom of Florida in 1994-95.
"I'm pleased that league coaches have once again chosen Shawn as the best blocker in the Southeastern Conference," said Arkansas coach Houston Nutt. "He is a gifted player and has proven that he can be the best offensive lineman in the country. Any time an individual wins an award like this, it is a credit to many people that have helped him along the way.
"(Offensive line coach and running game coordinator) Mike Markuson and Shawn's teammates on the offensive line deserve a lot of credit as well."
Andrews finished another dominant year with 85 knockdown blocks on an offensive line that paved the way for the nation's seventh-best ground game. Arkansas averaged 237.1 rushing yards a game and Andrews even got in on the act, scoring two rushing touchdowns.
He is the only player in the country to also be a finalist for the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy.
Andrews was in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday attending a banquet for the 34th annual Lombardi Award. He will be in Orlando, Fla., today for the College Football Awards Show which will be broadcast live on ESPN at 6 p.m. The broadcast will include the announcement of the Outland Trophy winner.
The Jacobs Award was one of five SEC honors handed out Wednesday.
Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning was named SEC Player of the Year and coach David Cutcliffe was named SEC Coach of the Year. Florida quarterback Chris Leak was named the Freshman of the Year. Auburn linebacker Dontarrious Thomas was awarded the conference's inaugural Scholar-Athlete Award.