Yusuf Corker Named Lott IMPACT Trophy Quarterfinalist
Senior safety Yusuf Corker has been named one of 20 quarterfinalists for the 2021 Lott IMPACT Trophy, The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation announced. The award honors the top defensive player in college football who makes the biggest impact for his team, both on and off the field. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity and embodied by former NFL star Ronnie Lott.
Corker, a 6-0, 204-pounder from McDonough, Georgia, has played in 44 career games with 31 straight starting nods at safety. Through seven games in 2021 he ranks third on the team in total tackles with 40, including a pair of tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and a quarterback hurry. He ranks third in the Southeastern Conference with seven pass breakups.
As a junior in 2020, he finished second on the team in tackles (77) behind NFL first-round draft pick Jamin Davis. He also added 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, two pass breakups and a forced fumble, earning All-SEC Second Team honors by Pro Football Focus and Phil Steele.
A two-time team captain, as voted by his teammates, Corker’s leadership, demeanor and blue-collar work ethic is revered in the locker room and been invaluable to the Wildcats’ success on the field, which includes a 6-1 start and No. 12 national ranking this season.
Off the field, Corker was named to the Dean’s List and the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll in 2020. He graduated in May 2021 with a degree in economics and is currently working on a second degree in communication. He has volunteered to deliver food for God’s Pantry and has been a volunteer speaker at area elementary schools talking about how to be a successful student-athlete in today’s climate.
The winner of the Lott Trophy, which will be announced in December, will receive $25,000 for his university’s general scholarship fund. Eight semifinalists will be announced on November 29.
This is the 18th year for the Lott Trophy, which has donated more than $1.6 million to schools and other charities around the country.
Kentucky’s Josh Allen was the winner of the 2018 Lott IMPACT Trophy, which began in 2004.
After a much-needed bye week, Kentucky hits the road again Saturday, Oct. 30 to take on Mississippi State in Starkville, Mississippi. Kickoff at Davis Wade Stadium is set for 7 p.m. EDT on SEC Network and the UK Sports Radio Network.
