Miami’s Sapp Wins Lombardi Award

Warren Sapp, a junior defensive end at Miami, on Thursday became the first member of the Hurricanes to win the Lombardi Award as the nation’s top lineman.

Sapp, 6-foot-3 and 284 pounds, beat out Arizona defensive end Tedy Bruschi, Nebraska offensive tackle Zach Wiegert and Florida State linebacker Derrick Brooks.

For the season, Sapp had 84 tackles, 10.5 sacks for 62 yards in losses, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 25 quarterback pressures. Miami (10-1) will play No. 1 Nebraska (12-0) in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1.

Sapp was the leader on a Miami team that led the nation in total defense this season, holding opponents to 220.9 yards per game. Now he must consider jumping to the pros or playing another year at Miami.

“I don’t want to brag on him too much, I’ve love to have him around for his senior year,” Miami coach Dennis Erickson said. “And, I wouldn’t be surprised if he decided to stay.”

Sapp was the third Miami lineman to be nominated for the Lombardi Award. The others were Jerome Brown in 1986 and Russell Maryland in 1990.