UNC Football: Tony Grimes named to Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list

Ahead of the UNC football program’s season, standout defensive back Tony Grimes has been named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch list. 

The Lott IMPACT Trophy is one of the most unique awards in college football. It serves as the only major college football award that considers character while selecting a recipient.

Named after Ronnie Lott, former NFL Hall of Famer,  the Lott Trophy is annually awarded to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has made the most significant impact on his team both on and off the field.

There is more meaning behind “IMPACT,” as it stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. These are all characteristics that were exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career.

This year, UNC football standout Tony Grimes has been named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Award watch list.

Grimes is one of 42 candidates for this year’s award, which were selected by the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation. This year’s recipient will be named on December 11 at a banquet in Newport Beach, California.

Heading into his junior season, Grimes is projected by many to be a future first-round NFL Draft selection. He’s coming off a season in which he earned All-ACC honorable mention honors, as he recorded 47 tackles while playing lockdown defense in the Tar Heels secondary. He should continue to be a major factor for Mack Brown’s defense heading into the 2022 season.

To find out more about the Lott IMPACT Trophy Award and this year’s recipients, click here to read the foundation’s official press release regarding this year’s nominees.

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