Auburn’s Rocker Wins Outland Trophy

Defensive tackle Tracy Rocker of Auburn, the top player on the nation’s No. 1 collegiate defensive unit, Wednesday was named winner of the 43rd Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman.

Rocker, a 6-foot 3-inch, 278-pound senior, said he was shocked when he was announced as the winner over Michigan State tackle Tony Mandarich and Pitt guard Mark Stepnoski “because I’ve been double-teamed all year by offensive linemen, and right now I have two offensive linemen (Mandarich and Stepnoski) next to me.”

Rocker is Auburn’s second Outland winner. Guard Zeke Smith won it in 1958.

Auburn led the nation this season in scoring defense (7.2 points a game), total defense (218.1 yards a game) and rushing defense (63.2 yards a game). Rocker made 101 tackles, including 13 behind the line, plus 5 sacks. His 354 career tackles are the most by a lineman in Auburn history.