Luigs takes award as nation’s top center

BY NATE ALLEN Northwest Arkansas Times

Posted on Friday, December 7, 2007

URL: http://www.wholehogsports.com/nwat/59993/

University of Arkansas junior All-American Jonathan Luigs became the national center of attention with Thursday’s announcement that he won the Rimington Award as the best center in the country.

Luigs received the award Thursday night at the Home Depot Awards ceremony in Orlando, Fla.

“ This is a tremendous eye-opener for me, especially when I look at the history of the trophy and the distinguished lists of winners, ” Luigs, a fourth-year junior from Pulaski Academy, was quoted in a press release issued by the Rimington Award. “ It is an honor to be mentioned in the same circle and even bigger honor to receive the trophy. ”

Luigs drew praise from Dave Rimington, the former Nebraska All-American center for whom the award is named.

“ It is an honor to name Jonathan as the winner of the 2007 Rimington Trophy, ” Rimington said. “ He and the Razorbacks played a great season. To compete at the level Jonathan did against such tough SEC defenses, it is a testament to the strength and skill that makes him the top collegiate center. ”

Arkansas offensive line coach Mike Markuson lauded Luigs but said this is truly a team award as Luigs and the line run-blocked All-American running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones to an SEC-leading 296. 8 yards per game average and passblocked quarterback Casey Dick to fourth in the SEC in pass efficiency.

“ It’s awesome, ” Markuson said of Luigs winning the Rimington. “ It’s a great honor for him and for this school and this team. ”

Of the collective effort, Markuson said, “ The backs ran good, and Casey started getting better throwing the ball. We didn’t give up a lot of sacks. We didn’t throw the ball much, but our productivity was good when we did throw it. We had some huge games running the football, and Jonathan was a big part of it.

“ He’s a smart guy and a very exceptional athlete playing the center’s position and he’s reaping the rewards from it. He’s reaping the hard work of a lot of other people, including himself. ”

Though eligible as a fourth-year junior to turn professional, Luigs has said he definitely will return to Arkansas next year.

In the meantime, he’ll return from Orlando to practice Saturday as the Razorbacks prepare to play Missouri New Year’s Day in the Cotton Bowl.