Sheppard on Outland Trophy Watch List

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas senior defensive Tackle Malcolm Sheppard was one of 40 interior linemen named to the 2009 Outland Trophy Watch List on Tuesday afternoon. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top player at the tackle, guard or center position.

Sheppard is one of 10 Southeastern Conference players on the watch list, a total that leads all other conferences in the nation. The Big 12 ranked second with nine nominees.

Sheppard was Arkansas’ second leading tackler last season as he split time between defensive end and defensive tackle. He recorded 52 solo take downs and 68 total tackles while leading the Razorback roster in tackles for loss (14.5), sacks (6.5), quarterback hurries (12) and forced fumbles (2). In the national rankings, his 14.5 tackles for loss ranked 25th and was tied for 38th in sacks.

The 2009 Outland Trophy Watch List will be updated in early October. The winner of the award will be announced at the Home Depot ESPNU College Awards Show on Dec. 10 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., and a presentation banquet is slated for Jan. 14, in Omaha, Neb.

For more information regarding Razorback football or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.