Virginia senior cornerback Chase Minnifield, who has seen his name appear on several award watch-lists this season, earned a semifinalist nomination for the 2011 Lott IMPACT Trophy yesterday afternoon. The annual accolade honors the nation's most elite defensive player for his consistent on-the-field excellence.
Minnifield, who is also a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS award, joins Boston College senior linebacker Luke Kuechly as the only members of the ACC to be recognized by the Lott Trophy selection committee. No one from the conference has won the award since it was first handed out in 2004.
Minnifield boasts two interceptions, 37 tackles and 1.5 sacks in nine starts for the Virginia secondary this season. In addition, the stingy 6-foot, 185-pound standout currently ranks No. 3 among all active FBS football players in career interceptions with 12 picks to his name.
Should Minnifield win the prize, the Lott Trophy committee will donate $25,000 in scholarship money to the University.
The winner of the award will be announced Dec. 11.
-compiled by Stacy Kruczkowski
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