December 3, 2012 at 2:07 PM

Matt Stankiewitch was named a finalist for the Rimington Trophy on Monday afternoon.

The senior is one of six finalists for the award, which is handed out to the nation's best center. He joins Louisville's Mario Benavides, Notre Dame's Braxston Cave, Clemson's Dalton Freeman, Southern California's Khaled Holmes, and Alabama's Barrett Jones on the list.

Stankiewitch anchored Penn State's offense line all season. He helped turn Zach Zwinak into a 1,000-yard rusher, and also kept Matt McGloin safe, as the Nittany Lions allowed just 21 sacks this year.

The Orwigsburg native was named a first-team All-Big Ten pick by conference coaches. The media tabbed Stankiewitch as a second-team selection.

Former Penn State center A.Q. Shipley won Rimington Trophy in 2008. Shipley, a current Indianapolis Colt, helped the Lions to a Rose Bowl berth four years ago.

David Molk from Michigan won the Rimington Trophy last season, and this year's award will be handed out on Jan. 12, 2013 in Lincoln, Neb.