Tide's Andre Smith Lombardi Finalist

Alabama left tackle Andre Smith has been named one of 12 semi-finalists for the 2008 Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia. The Lombardi Award is presented to the nation’s top offensive or defensive lineman.

The Lombardi Award will be presented Dec. 10 in Houston. Andre Smith is a 6-5, 330-pound junior who is considered one of the nation's best offensive lineman.

Smith was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week following Alabama’s 49-14 win at Arkansas on Sept. 20. In that game, Smith paved the way for the Tide to rush for an SEC-high 328 rushing yards and 9.4-yard per carry average.

Smith was a pre-season All-America after earning first team All-Southeastern Conference last year. He won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy last year as a sophomore as the top offensive lineman in the conference.

Former UA All-America Cornelius Bennett won the Lombardi Award in 1986.