IOWA CITY – University of Iowa senior linebacker James Morris is one of 20 quarterfinalists for the 2013 Lott IMPACT Trophy. The announcement was made Wednesday by the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, sponsors of the annual award.
Eight semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 13 and four finalists will be announced Nov. 27. The winner will be announced at the 10th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy Banquet, Dec. 8 at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Calif. The university of the winner will receive $25,000 for its general scholarship fund, while each of the other finalists will receive $5,000 for their schools’ general scholarship fund.
Morris (6-3, 230) is a senior from Solon, Iowa. He is a candidate for the 2013 National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Awards and is on watch lists for the Bednarik, Butkus and Nagurski awards. As a political science major, Morris has twice earned academic all-Big Ten honors. He was named to the Capital One District VI Academic All-America Team in 2012, while also being presented the Third House Scholar Award by The University of Iowa political science department.
Morris has been in Iowa’s starting line-up since early in his freshman season. Morris has totaled 349 career tackles to rank ninth on the career chart. Morris was named Big Ten defensive Player of the Week for his play in Iowa’s win at Minnesota and he had 13 tackles in Iowa’s most recent contest at Ohio State. In seven games, he ranks second on the team with 56 tackles. He is tied for the team lead with three interceptions, has recorded five tackles for loss and has one forced fumble.
The quarterfinal list includes 11 linebackers, seven defensive backs and two defensive linemen. Morris is one of five Big Ten Conference players among the quarterfinalists.
