NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – UCF senior defensive end Josh Celiscar has been named to the 2023 Lott IMPACT® Trophy Watch List, presented by the Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation. This year marks the 20th season of the award.
Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded annually to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field.
The 42-man Lott IMPACT® Trophy Watch List is comprised of 16 linebackers, 13 defensive backs and 13 defensive linemen. There are eight players from both the Big 12 on the watch list.
The Lott IMPACT® Trophy is the only major college football award that considers character.
Celiscar started all 14 games in 2022 and was named an Honorable Mention All-AAC pick by Pro Football Network. One of five team captains and the only junior among the five, the Winter Haven, Florida, native finished tied for third in tackles for UCF last season with 54, including three games with six.
He turned in one of his best performances of the season in UCF's win against No. 20 Cincinnati with six tackles and one sack which resulted in a safety to earn American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of Week honors.
IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career.
The annual winner is selected by a national voter panel, consisting of former winners, members of the media, coaches, and members of the Board of Directors of The IMPACT® Foundation.
The winner will be announced at a gala black-tie event at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California December 10, 2023.