TicketsCINCINNATI -- Cincinnati senior defensive lineman Dontay Corleone has been named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, in addition to the Lombardi Award's Midseason Watch List.
The Witten honor is bestowed to those who demonstrate a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field. The Lombardi Award is presented annually to the nation's best college offensive or defensive lineman.
Corleone was chosen as a member of the All-Big 12 first team last season, and he recently became only the fourth player in program history to be named a captain for a third straight year. In 2024, he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs and underwent treatment before returning to action for a breakout season. During his recovery, he served as a mentor and role model to younger players, and he has been a regular community volunteer in his hometown of Cincinnati. He was also named to the 2023 Big 12 Fall All-Academic Team.
Corleone earned his bachelor's degree from UC in December as well, and he has since led the Bearcats to their first top-25 ranking since 2022.