By Danielle Daniels

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation announced Michigan linebacker Junior Colson as one of five finalists for the 2023 Lott IMPACT Trophy on Tuesday (Nov. 21).

Colson is the third Michigan player to be named a finalist for the award, joining Jabrill Peppers (2016) and Aidan Hutchinson (2021), both of whom went on to be named the winner.

Colson is the top tackler (60 tackles, 24 solo) on the nation’s No. 1 defense in terms of total yards allowed and points allowed per game. He is the leader for a unit holding opponents to 90 yards per game on the ground (eighth nationally) and has played the most snaps of any U-M defender (452) this year. With Colson helping to lead the way, U-M’s defense is holding opponents to 9.0 points per game, its lowest average through 11 weeks since the 1997 National Championship season.

First awarded in 2004, the Lott IMPACT Trophy is presented annually to the student-athlete who exhibits the characteristics displayed by Ronnie Lott during his college and professional years. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Colson will receive at least $5,000 towards the University of Michigan Scholarship Fund and the winner’s donation will be upgraded to $25,000.

The finalists will attend the 20th Annual Lott IMPACT Trophy Awards Dinner in Newport Beach, California, on December 9-10.

COURTESY MICHIGAN ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS