Stanford running back Bryce Love wins Lombardi Award

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CYPRESS – Bryce Love was the most explosive running back in college football in 2017 with 23 carries covering at least 30 yards and 12 rushes for 50 yards or more.

Love represents himself and Stanford on a positive note, displaying character, integrity and resilience.

Those characteristics are what the Lombardi Award represents. On Saturday night at Lone Star College, Love was named the winner of the award, named after the late legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, and given annually to the most outstanding college football player and leader by the Houston-based Lombardi Foundation.

"This is incredible," Love said. "You look at everything Vince Lombardi stood for. And growing up my dad made sure I learned so much about him and going to Stanford the coaches stressed a lot of his teachings."

Love was one of seven finalists for Saturday's Lombardi Honors. He won over Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin, Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and Iowa State linebacker/quarterback Joel Lanning.

Lanning and Love, who will return to Stanford for his senior season in 2018, were the only finalists in attendance on Saturday night.

"I'm thankful for being able to be here and experience it," said Love, who rushed for 1,973 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns this season. "I'm just happy to be the recipient this year.

Stanford University junior running back Bryce Love poses for photos with the Lombardi Award trophy at Long Star College Cy Fair on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, in Cypress, Texas. The annual award recognizes an NCAA Division I player, regardless of position, based on performance, leadership, character, and resiliency. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less Stanford University junior running back Bryce Love poses for photos with the Lombardi Award trophy at Long Star College Cy Fair on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, in Cypress, Texas. The annual award recognizes an NCAA ... more Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Stanford running back Bryce Love wins Lombardi Award 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

"It's a joy. A feeling of happiness being able to represent this group of finalists and to represent everything Vince Lombardi stood for and the Lombardi family. I'm just thankful for all of it and to be a part of it."

Proceeds from the Lombardi Honors go to organizations that support cancer research and treatment, including Texas Children's Cancer Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Harris Health Cancer Treatment Centers.

Lombardi coached the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships in seven years in the 1960s. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, the year following his death from cancer.

In helping Stanford reach the Pac-12 championship game, Love finished 54 yards behind San Diego State's Rashaad Penny as the nation's leading rusher. Love averaged 8.3 yards per carry this season.

Central Florida's Scott Frost was named Lombardi Coach of the Year, guiding the Knights to an unbeaten season before taking over the Nebraska program.

Lombardi Honors also went to John Robinson as Legendary Coach, 1958 Heisman winner Pete Dawkins of Army was inducted into the Lombardi Hall of Fame and Verne Lundquist earned Lombardi Honors as Legendary Broadcaster.

"He (Lombardi) was the face of football for football coaches," said Robinson, who won four Rose Bowls coaching USC. "John Madden and I grew up together and we both were enamored with people like that."

The Lombardi Humanitarian Award was presented to Greg Headington and the Headington family. Houston Chronicle sportswriter John McClain was also recognized for his contributions on Saturday.