Pittsburgh (KDKA)- Pitt senior defensive end Brandon Lindsey has been named to the Rotary Lombardi Award watch list.

Lindsey has also been named to the Bronko Nagurski Award and the Bednarik Award watch lists during the 2011 preseason.

Lindsey joins a list of 125 of the top offensive or defensive linemen in the nation. The candidates solidified a place on the official watch list by earning All-America status or all-conference recognition in 2010, or the projection to be awarded with such honors this season.

Last year, Lindsey was named to the All-Big East Second Team after leading the league in tackles for loss with 1.38 per game. Nationally, Lindsey ranked 16th in sacks (0.77 sacks/game) and 16th in tackles for loss. On the year, Lindsey totaled 51 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Pitt kicks off the 2011 season on Sept. 3 at Heinz Field as the Panthers host Buffalo.