Notre Dame Football 2012: Manti Te'o Named To 2012 Lott Award Watch List

Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o was a finalist last season for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, and on Tuesday he was named to the preseason watch list for the same award. The Lott IMPACT Trophy is presented annually to college football's best defensive player who also shines off the field.

Te'o had 128 tackles as a junior for the Fighting Irish last season, and 133 as a sophomore. He enters his senior season eighth all-time on Notre Dame's career tackles list.

Te'o was also a finalist for the Butkus Award as a junior. He was named as a second team All-American by the Associated Press.

Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Jonathan Brown was also named to the preseason watch list.

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