Washington State's Kyle Thornton & Fa'alili Fa'amoe Named To Lombardi Award Watch List

Joe Londergan | Aug 15, 2024

Oct 16, 2021; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars linebacker Kyle Thornton (52) runs down field against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 34-31. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports / James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

The Lombardi Award™ Committee released the award's 2024 Preseason Watchlist, featuring 90 of the nation's top linemen and linebackers.

On that list were two of the Washington State Cougars' finest: redshirt senior linebacker Kyle Thornton, and redshirt junior offensive tackle Fa'alili Fa'amoe.

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Thornton, a redshirt senior, played his first season as a full-time starter last year with and led the team which 87 tackles. He also added 4.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack, a pass break-up, and a forced fumble in 2023.

Fa'alili Fa'amoe, a Samoa native standing at 6'5" and 314 pounds, is the pillar of the WSU offensive line after starting at right tackle in the Cougars' last 19 games.

The Lombardi Award™ was established in 1970 in memory of coach Vince Lombardi. It is presented to "outstanding linemen who best epitomize their values of leadership, courage, performance, and discipline on and off the field. Furthermore, the watchlist includes players who consistently show the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions."

The winner of the award is expected to be chosen in early December.