TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama senior center William Vlachos was named one of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy, the organization announced Monday. The winner of the Rimington Trophy will be announced during the ESPNU/Home Depot College Football Awards show, broadcast live from Orlando, Fla., on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Vlachos is the veteran leader of the Crimson Tide’s offensive line, making all the identifications and calls for the offense front. He has started in 39 straight games at center, blocking for 27 100-yard rushers over that span, including 11 this season.

This season he has paved the way for Heisman Trophy candidate Trent Richardson, who leads the Southeastern Conference with 1,583 yards and 23 touchdowns. Despite facing seven of the nation’s top 50 defenses in 2011, he has helped the Tide rank 15th nationally in rushing and first in the SEC with 219.8 yards per game.

The winner of the Rimington Trophy is selected by determining the consensus All-American center pick from four existing All-America teams.

The winner will be recognized at the Rimington Trophy Presentation at the Rococo Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, January 14, 2012.

Courtesy Alabama Athletic Media Relations