COLUMBUS – Buckeye senior Pat Elflein was awarded the 2016 Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s most outstanding center.
The honor was handed out on Thursday at the ESPNU Red Carpet Show preceding the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
“Pat is an All-American center, but he’s also an all-American person, which is even more important,” Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer said. “He came back to school for a fifth season to complete his degree and to lead this young team. I love him like a member of my family and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him.”
Named the Big Ten Conference’s Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year this season and a first-team all-Big Ten choice for the third consecutive year, Elflein is the 18th recipient of the award named after Nebraska All-American Dave Rimington, who played for the Bengals from 1983 to 1987.
Two days before the winner is announced, Heisman Trophy favorite Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson has won the Walter Camp player of the year award after accounting for 51 touchdowns this year.
Jackson also came away with the Maxwell Award for the outstanding collegiate player, but Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson received the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top quarterback for the second straight year.
Adoree Jackson of Southern California has won the Jim Thorpe Trophy as the top defensive back.
Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen has claimed the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defensive player in college football. Allen also captured the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s best defensive player.
Crimson Tide offensive tackle Cam Robinson has won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman.
Arizona State’s Zane Gonzalez has been recognized as the top kicker by snaring the Lou Groza award.
And Utah sophomore Mitch Wishnowsky has captured the Ray Guy Award as the best punter.