Three Longhorns named to Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list
Three Longhorns named to Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list Preseason finalists for Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list revealed
With the start of the college football season quickly approaching, excitement is building for what the Texas Longhorns will accomplish this year. Those expectations continued to build on Wednesday when three Longhorns landed on the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list. That trio includes Colin Simmons, Anthony Hill Jr., and Michael Taaffe.
Hill is coming off a stellar 2024 campaign in which he led the Longhorns in tackles with 103 and tackles for a loss with 16.5. While Hill continued to prove his value, he also received national recognition for his play. The Texas native was named a semifinalist for the Bednarik and Butkus awards. He also was named the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week once.
The talented linebacker got some help from Colin Simmons, who was stellar during his freshman campaign. He appeared in all 16 games, adding nine sacks to his resume. On a Longhorns defense that frustrated offensive coordinators, Simmons recorded 48 tackles and one interception. Due to his play, Simmons won the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year Award.
Rounding out the list is Taaffe, who has become a staple in the Longhorns defense. The former walk-on played in every game last season. He finished second in total tackles with 78 and pass deflections with 10. During his time as a Longhorn, the Austin native has been a model of consistency, appearing in 43 games. He will look to help the Longhorns end their championship drought this season.
Each year, the award is given to the student-athlete who makes an impact on and off the field. While the Longhorns trio have plenty of competition, they have a good chance to add to their trophy cases. The winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy will be announced in December. It would be no surprise for Simmons, Hill, or Taaffe to hear their names called when the winner is revealed.
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