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The University of Utah Athletics
Tafuna Named To Lombardi Award Watch List
8/15/2024 9:59 AM | Football
HOUSTON, Texas – University of Utah Football defensive tackle Junior Tafuna has been named to the Lombardi Award Watch List, announced today by the award that is in its 51st year.
The Lombardi Award is given annually to the outstanding college football lineman, whether on offense or defense, that displays exceptional performance and ability and embodies the character and discipline that Vince Lombardi championed throughout his life.
In addition to the Lombardi Award, Tafuna has also been named to the preseason watch lists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
Tafuna is a three-time all-conference selection with 38 career games and 36 starts as a Ute. He was the 2021 Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, recording 33 tackles (5.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks) that season.
In 2022, the Taylorsville, Utah, native started all 14 games with 27 tackles (3.5 TFL, 1.0 sack), also grabbing his first interception as a Ute against Southern Utah. He entered 2023 as one of the best defensive tackles in the country, racking up 17 tackles (3.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks).
FOLLOW UTAH FOOTBALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Follow along with behind the scenes content and coverage throughout the season on social media through Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok along with visiting www.UtahUtes.com.
PRESEASON AWARDS TRACKER
UtahUtes.com will keep a running tally of preseason, in-season and post-season awards all through '24 as the Utes look to have another standout campaign on and off the gridiron. Click here to follow along.
The Lombardi Award is given annually to the outstanding college football lineman, whether on offense or defense, that displays exceptional performance and ability and embodies the character and discipline that Vince Lombardi championed throughout his life.
In addition to the Lombardi Award, Tafuna has also been named to the preseason watch lists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
Tafuna is a three-time all-conference selection with 38 career games and 36 starts as a Ute. He was the 2021 Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, recording 33 tackles (5.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks) that season.
In 2022, the Taylorsville, Utah, native started all 14 games with 27 tackles (3.5 TFL, 1.0 sack), also grabbing his first interception as a Ute against Southern Utah. He entered 2023 as one of the best defensive tackles in the country, racking up 17 tackles (3.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks).
FOLLOW UTAH FOOTBALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Follow along with behind the scenes content and coverage throughout the season on social media through Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok along with visiting www.UtahUtes.com.
PRESEASON AWARDS TRACKER
UtahUtes.com will keep a running tally of preseason, in-season and post-season awards all through '24 as the Utes look to have another standout campaign on and off the gridiron. Click here to follow along.
Players Mentioned
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