Lott Trophy event on Sunday

USC’s Adoree’ Jackson is one of four finalists for the 13th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy, which will be awarded at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach on Sunday Night.

The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation also named Jonathan Allen (Alabama), Jabrill Peppers (Michigan) and Weston Steelhammer (Air Force) as finalists for the Lott Trophy, the award named after the Hall of Fame defensive back, given to the best defensive player in the nation. With an added element, the award goes to the college football defensive player who has had the biggest “IMPACT” on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

“It is important that we recognize the character traits of our student-athletes, the ones who step forward with their leadership skills, with their commitment to their education and with their passion for helping build better communities,” Ronnie Lott said in a release. “Each year we have had young men who represent their teams and universities at the highest standard. They exemplify all we believe in and all we are honored to promote.”

A national voter panel, made up of former coaches, players, selected media and previous Lott IMPACT Trophy winners, selected four finalists as well as the winner.

Former UCLA head coach Terry Donahue, a Balboa Island resident, will also be honored for his work on the California Showcase, an opportunity for high school football players to receive college scholarships/and or financial aid. In four years, the showcase has provided assistance for nearly 500 high school players.

The keynote speaker for the banquet will be former Los Angeles Rams All-Pro defensive end Fred Dryer.

The black-tie gala will be hosted by Joel Klatt of FOX Sports and televised on that network.

— Steve Virgen

— Steve Virgen