LOMBARDI AWARD Sooners' Harris named top collegiate lineman

He was runner-up for the award last year losing to Terrell Suggs.
HOUSTON (AP) -- Oklahoma tackle Tommie Harris won the Lombardi Award as the nation's top college lineman Wednesday night, one year after being the runner-up for the honor.
Harris beat out Shawn Andrews of Arkansas, Dave Ball of UCLA and David Pollack of Georgia for the granite trophy. He finished behind Arizona State's Terrell Suggs in 2002.
The finalists all vote for the award but Harris declined to cast one for himself. "That just wouldn't be right," he said.
Harris was speechless when his name was announced.
"I didn't think I was going to get the award. I thought they'd give it to Ball," Harris said. "But it's nice to get some accolades for the fat boys in the line instead of the pretty boys getting all the praise."
Praised by Stoops
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops praised the junior.
"He's had a great year," Stoops said. "Tommie gets back there in the backfield and creates problems."
One of Harris' biggest supporters was Oklahoma assistant coach Jackie Shipp.
"It's almost like in the days of Joe Washington," Shipp said. "When the ball snapped, everyone looked to see what Joe would do. As a defensive tackle, we all want to see what Tommie is going to do next."
Harris is the 12th Oklahoma player to be a finalist and the third to win the honor.
Considering NFL jump
He's considering skipping his senior season and moving on to the NFL next year, but he's not ready to say for sure.
"My family and I have to talk about it but we'll let you know," Harris said.
Shipp would be sorry to see his big lineman leave, but recognizes the possibility.
"I'd be a fool not to think about it," Shipp said. "He's a very disruptive football player. At OU we like to be disruptive if you're not making the play. Tommy is one of those guys.
"If he's not sacking the quarterback, he'll be pressuring him or chasing the running back."