IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior center Sean Welsh has been named to the 2016 Rimington Trophy Watch List. The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I college football.
Since redshirting as a freshman in 2013, Welsh (6-foot-3, 288-pounds) has competed in every game for the Hawkeyes (27 games), while notching 21 starts. The Springboro, Ohio, native is set to take care of snapping duties in 2016 after playing the majority of the last two seasons at left guard (19 starts). Welsh has also started at right guard and right tackle twice.
Behind Welsh and the offensive line, the Hawkeye rushing attack amassed 2,544 total yards and scored 35 rushing touchdowns — second most in the Big Ten and 12th nationally — in 14 games. That same unit was also crucial to the Hawkeye passing game, which accounted for 2,862 yards.
Following a year that saw the Hawkeyes go undefeated in the regular season, win a program-high 12 games, and reach its first Rose Bowl since 1991, Welsh garnered Honorable mention All-Big Ten honors by both the league coaches and media.
Finalists for the Rimington Trophy will be announced on December 5 with the winner being determined by a majority vote from the Rimington Trophy committee. The winner will be recognized at the Rimington Trophy Presentation at the Rococo Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska, on January 14, 2017.
Welsh and the Hawkeyes open the 2016 season at home against Miami (Ohio) on September 3 inside Kinnick Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase by contacting the UI Athletic Ticket Office at (800) IA-HAWKS, or online at hawkeyesports.com.