Lemont Native David Molk Wins Rimington Trophy

Former standout David Molk—a senior at the University of Michigan—has been named the winner of the 2011 Rimington Trophy, which is presented each year to the nation's most outstanding center.

"I am truly humbled to be the Rimington Trophy recipient," Molk said. "It's such an honor considering all of the great centers around the country, including the other finalists. It's an individual award, but it's a credit to our offensive line, our team and our coaching staff.

"I'm proud to represent the University of Michigan."

Molk, who graduated from Lemont in 2007, is a fifth-year senior for the Wolverines and currently serves as a .

This year marks the third consecutive year he was named to the Rimington Trophy "watch list," and the second year he was a finalist.

The winner of the Rimington Trophy is selected by determining the consensus All-American center pick from the All-America teams published by the American Football Coaches Association, Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News and the Walter Camp Foundation.

The official presentation of the trophy will take place Jan. 14 at the Rococo Theatre in Lincoln, NE.

During the awards show, Molk also was named a first team All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation.

Last week, he was of the inaugural Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award.

This fall, Molk repeated as a first-team All-Big Ten honoree on the coaches' ballot, and earned second-team all-conference honors from the media. He made his 25th consecutive start Nov. 26 in Michigan's victory over Ohio State — giving him 41 starts in his four seasons at center.

Michigan will take on Virginia Tech on Tuesday, Jan. 3, in the 78th annual Allstate Sugar Bowl, which will be played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.