Defensive tackle Tracy Rocker of Auburn, the school with the nation's top-rated defense, Wednesday was named the winner of the Outland Trophy given to college football's premier interior lineman.
Rocker, a senior who was the only finalist for both the Outland the Lombardi Trophy, awarded to the nation's best lineman, won the Outland over Michigan State offensive lineman Tony Mandarich and Pittsburgh offensive guard Mark Stepnoski.Because Mandarich finished sixth in voting for the Heisman Trophy, he had been projected as the favorite for the Outland.