Handicapping the Outland Trophy: Auburn's Reese Dismukes
The honors keep rolling in for Reese Dismukes.
Auburn’s anchor along the offensive line blocked for one of the most prolific offenses in the country, and the SEC’s top rushing offense.
The senior looks to take home the award given to the top interior lineman on offense or defense on Thursday during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show from Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
The SEC has dominated the award over the last several years, winning it four times since 2009 — Johnthan Banks, Mississippi St. (2012); Morris Claiborne, LSU (2011); Patrick Peterson (2010); Eric Berry, Tennessee (2009).
Dismukes — a four-year starter and Rimington Trophy finalist — looks to finish on a high note as Auburn takes on Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day.
MEET THE FINALISTS
REESE DISMUKES, AUBURN, C — A captain and mainstay on the Tigers offensive front, Dismukes has started 47 career games. Dismukes was a constant on an Auburn offensive line that shuffled pieces around throughout the 2014 season. The Tigers’ rushing offense ranks first in the SEC and eighth nationally. Auburn averages 35.1 points per game and 476.4 yards of total offense per game.
MALCOLM BROWN, TEXAS, DT — Brown leads the Longhorns in sacks with 6.5 sacks, a feat the likes of which haven’t been accomplished by a defensive tackle in more than a decade in Austin. Brown tops Texas with 14 tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries. Brown came up big against Oklahoma State to make the Longhorns bowl eligible in Charlie Strong’s first season, recording two sacks and a forced fumble.
BRANDON SCHERFF, IOWA, OT — Scherff’s name has been penciled in the starting lineup for 24 straight games, en route to 42 career appearances in Iowa City. Scherff, from his left tackle position, is the next in a long line of great linemen produced by the Hawkeyes. Iowa is averaging more than 27 points and 400 yards of offense per game during Scherff’s senior season.