Jonah Elliss is a game-changing defender and star defensive end for Utah. After a breakout performance a season ago, Elliss developed into an elite playmaker for one of the best defenses in the country.

On Wednesday, Elliss was announced as one of the four finalists for the prestigious Lombardi Award. That award is given annually to a lineman on either side of the ball who best embodies the values and spirit of legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi.

Ellis is joined by Notre Dame OT Joe Alt, Georgia TE Brock Bowers and UCLA DE Laiatu Latu. The four finalists will be invited to a formal dinner and award ceremony in Houston on Dec. 6 where the winner will be announced.

As for Elliss, he leads all Power 5 players and is second nationally with 12 sacks. He is also tied for fifth nationally in TFL with 16. That mark ranks second in the Pac-12 behind Latu.

Overall, Elliss has set career-high marks with 37 total tackles, 16 TFL and 12 sacks to go with 3 pass breakups. He also has a forced fumble for a Utah defense that is giving up 17.8 points per game.