Georgia football center Lamont Gaillard’s name appeared on the Outland Trophy watch list put together by the Football Writers Association of America.
According to the Football Writers Association of America, Georgia football center Lamont Gaillard is one of the best linemen in America. Not just one of the best centers, or best linemen. One of the best in the trenches on either side of the ball.
The FWAA recently completed their watch list for the Outland Trophy, and Gaillard is on that list. The list includes 82 offensive and defensive linemen from around the nation. Only 20 of those players are seniors and 11 players come from the SEC.
Gaillard is certainly deserving of the award. He started all 15 games last year and led the way for not just the best running back duo in the country, but also a group of three backups who combined for 1,176 yards. Overall, Georgia rushed for 3,914 yards behind Gaillard.
But it is disappointing and confusing that Gaillard is the only Bulldog on the list. Defensive tackle Jonathan Ledbetter also had a great junior year. He started 11 games and appeared in 14. He ended 2017 with 38 tackles, 5.5 for a loss with 2.5 sacks. He’s the leader and the most vocal guy on the defensive line. Defensive end Tyler Clark would have been a good candidate as well. He had 41 tackles, six for a loss with 2.5 sacks.
Outland Trophy history
The Outland Trophy is one of the oldest individual awards in all of college football. Dr. John H. Outland created the award in 1946 decades after his football career ended. He played for the University of Pennsylvania in the 1890’s. He was the first player named an All-American at two different positions; tackle in 1897 and halfback in 1898.
"“The Outland Trophy, now in its 73rd year, is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since. Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.”"
Since the Heisman Trophy always goes to skill position players, usually quarterbacks and running backs, the Outland Trophy has essentially become the equivalent to the Heisman for players in the trenches. In 71 years, only one Georgia player has won the Outland Trophy, that was Bill Stanfill in 1968.
The FWAA will award the Outland Trophy at the Werner Enterprises Outland Trophy Awards Dinner in Omaha, Nebraska on January 9. But the winner will be named at the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN. Former Outland winner Joe Thomas will name the winner.