LEXINGTON, Ky. ? Senior linebacker Wesley Woodyard has been named a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy by the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation.

The Lott Trophy is named after former defensive back Ronnie Lott and goes to the outstanding college defensive player of the year who also has the greatest IMPACT on his team, both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. Woodyard is one of 17 quarterfinalists for the award, which honors personal character in addition to athletic performance.

So far this season, Woodyard leads the Southeastern Conference with 85 tackles, including eight tackles for loss, two quarterbacks, and four pass breakups. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for the Arkansas game when he tied a career high with 18 tackles and caused a fumble that Trevard Lindley returned for a touchdown. He is the first Wildcat in 14 years to reach 300 tackles in a career.

Off the field, Woodyard is on track to graduate in only three and one-half years with a degree in social work. He has been very involved with the UK Athletics community service program and was named to the UK Athletics Society of Character.

Woodyard also is a semifinalist for the Butkus Award (nation?s best linebacker) and on the watch lists for the Nagurski Award (national defensive player of the year) and Bednarik Award (national defensive player of the year).