Penn State outside linebacker Paul Posluszny has been selected a finalist for the 36th Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia Bank. The award is presented to the nation's top lineman or linebacker.

The 6-2, 229-pound Posluszny is the only junior among the four finalists for the prestigious honor. He is joined as a finalist by Louisville defensive end Elvis Dumervil, Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk and Texas defensive tackle Rod Wright.

The winner will be announced December 7 at the gala Rotary Lombardi Award Dinner. The dinner, which benefits the American Cancer Society, will be held at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston.

The first junior to be elected a team captain since 1968, Posluszny also is one of three finalists for the Butkus Award, presented to the nation's top linebacker, and is a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, presented to the nation's top defensive player by the Maxwell Football Club.