Ohio State saw a pair of defensive contributors land on the Lott IMPACT Trophy preseason watch list on Friday, with linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau garnering recognition.
Eichenberg and Tuimoloau were among the 42 preseason candidates for the award, which is given to the collegiate defensive player that most exudes the qualities of Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
Eichenberg was a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy last season, while also garnering Lott IMPACT Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks for his play in wins over Iowa and Penn State. He led the Buckeyes with 120 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2 1/2 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown last season.
Tuimoloau also enjoyed a solid campaign in 2022, racking up 28 tackles, 10 1/2 tackles for loss, 3 1/2 sacks, and a pair of interceptions for the Buckeyes last season. He earned National Defensive Player of the Week honors last season during Ohio State’s win over Penn State, in which he tallied six tackles, three for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble while willing the Buckeyes to the 44-31 victory.
The duo also represented two of the Big Ten’s eight candidates, joining Maryland linebacker Jaishawn Barham, Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter and defensive back Kalen King, Michigan linebacker Junior Colson and defensive back Will Johnson, as well as Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zahn Newton.
