NEW YORK -- San Diego State's Alama Uluave has been named to the 2022 Rimington Trophy Watch List, the Rimington Trophy committee announced Friday. The award is given to the nation's most outstanding center.
Uluave is one of 40 centers on the initial list and the only player from the Mountain West.
Uluave, who was named to the MW preseason all-conference team on Thursday, started all 22 games the past two seasons for the Aztecs at center. He was an honorable mention all-league pick in 2021 after allowing just six pressures (two hits, two hurries and two sacks) in 409 passing chances, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Additionally, Uluave played the most snaps on the team (953). Uluave has also been named a preseason all-MW first-team selection by both Phil Steele Magazine and Athlon Sports.
The Rimington Trophy is named after Dave Rimington, who was a consensus first-team All-America center at Nebraska in 1981 and 1982 during which time he became the John Outland Trophy's only two-time winner as the nation's finest college interior lineman. The Rimington Trophy works with PFF to grade every player on every play of every game on how well they execute their given assignment.
SDSU finished with a school-record 12 victories last season, one of only 10 programs with at least 12 wins. Only four teams had more victories than San Diego State (12-2), including national champion Georgia, and CFP teams Alabama and Cincinnati. The Aztecs played five teams who reached double-digit victories in 2021, securing wins over Pac-12 Champion/Rose Bowl participant Utah (10-4), UTSA (12-2) and Air Force (10-3).
SDSU, which played all 14 of its games away from its own market, including eight "home games" two hours from campus at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, finished the 2021 season ranked 25th in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll. It was the third time in program history San Diego State made the final AP Top 25 poll (also 1977 (16th) and 2016 (25th)). The Aztecs were also ranked in every CFP poll in 2021.
SDSU opens Snapdragon Stadium against Arizona on Sept. 3, and also has home games against Idaho State (Sept. 10), Toledo (Sept. 24), Hawai'i (Oct. 8), UNLV (Nov. 5), San Jose State (Nov. 12) and Air Force (Nov. 26). The Aztec contest against UNLV will be SDSU's annual homecoming game.
San Diego State football season tickets are still on sale. Many options are available and a virtual 3D seat map of Snapdragon Stadium allows fans to take a tour of the seats before reserving season tickets. Members will have several benefits such as priority access to on-site parking and the flexibility to resell or donate any games they're unable to attend. For season-ticket information or to secure tickets, submit a Ticket Interest Form, call (619) 283-7378 or email seating@snapdragonstadium.com.
Aztec football single-game tickets for all seven 2022 Aztec home games for the inaugural season at Snapdragon Stadium will go on sale in August. As an exclusive member benefit, football season-ticket holders can purchase the single-game tickets on Aug. 8, while all remaining Aztec Club members can purchase on Aug. 12. Tickets for the general public will be available on Aug. 15.
Aztec football parking will soon be available on a season basis for as low as $175 (or $25 per game). Any remaining passes will be offered for single-game purchase beginning Aug. 8
Student tickets will once again be free and can be claimed on a first-come, first-serve basis the week of each home game. More information for student tickets can be found at GoAztecs.com/StudentTickets.
Alama Uluave Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List
