Even before the first snap of the college football season, Pitt defensive end Greg Romeus is… Even before the first snap of the college football season, Pitt defensive end Greg Romeus is attracting attention.

Yesterday, the senior Panther was one of 42 players named to next season’s watch list for the Lott Trophy, an award given annually to the best defensive player in college football. The award is named for Ronnie Lott, the former Southern California defensive back who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 after a 14-year career primarily with the San Francisco 49ers.

Romeus is entering his senior year at Pitt after winning Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year last year, along with then-teammate Mick Williams. Last season, Romeus recorded 43 tackles and led the Panthers with eight sacks and three fumbles recovered.

Five finalists for the award will be named in late November, and the winner will be announced in mid-December, after the regular season schedule ends.