Reese Dismukes one of three Outland Trophy finalists

AUBURN -- Reese Dismukes is one of three finalists for the 2014 Outland Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America announced on Tuesday.

A four-year starter and two-year captain, Dismukes is joined by Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown and Iowa offensive tackle Brandon Scherff as finalists as the nation's top interior lineman.

"I think that's awesome and great," Dismukes said. "I think that goes to show it's not just me. Those are team awards. I couldn't do it without the guys next to me, my coaches and all these players pushing me and me pushing those guys every day."

Dismukes has started 48 games over four seasons and has been the offensive captain in each of the last two years.

The 6-foot-3, 295-pound Spanish Fort native was a finalist for the Rimington Award as the nation's top center last season, and is considered likely to repeat that feat this year.

"Our center is like another quarterback," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "He makes all the calls up front. Everything is on him, especially when you go pace. The center directs everything. He's a very good athlete. He's a tough guy. He's been one of our leaders around here for a long time."

Auburn has two previous Outland Trophy winners, guard Zeke Smith (1959) and defensive tackle Tracy Rocker (1988).

The winner of the 69th Outland Trophy will be announced on ESPN during The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec.11. The presentation banquet of the Outland Trophy will occur in Omaha on Jan. 15, 2015.