DALLAS – The top-graded offensive lineman in the nation by Pro Football Focus heading into the final week of the regular season, sophomore offensive lineman Penei Sewell has been named one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, announced on Monday by the Football Writers Association of America. Sewell joins Oregon legend and five-time NFL pro bowler Haloti Ngata (2005) as the only two players in program history be a finalist for the Outland Trophy, which is awarded annually to the nation’s best college interior lineman on offense or defense. Sewell’s dominance at left tackle protecting quarterback Justin Herbert has been on full display this season. He leads all offensive linemen nationally with an overall grade of 96.7, according to PFF, while also leading the way with a 96.0 run-blocking grade. In 403 pass-blocking snaps this season, Sewell has allowed just six pressures and no sacks. He has put together seven games without allowing a pressure, hurry or hit on the quarterback. His 91.7 pass-blocking mark ranks second nationally. Named the Outland Trophy Offensive Player of the Month for September, Sewell leads Oregon with 52 knockdowns, including a staggering 11 against Montana. A native of Malaeimi, American Samoa, Sewell has been the top-ranked offensive lineman in the Pac-12 by PFF six times this year and taken home the Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Week award three times. Oregon ranks 14th nationally in scoring offense (36.9) and 21st in total offense (460.1). The Ducks lead the Pac-12 in total rush yards (1,104) in the second half of games and rank 19th nationally in yards per carry in the second half (5.36). The recipient of the 74th Outland Trophy will be announced during ESPN’s The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 12, live from the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
