Iowa linebacker Tyler Nielsen has been named to the 2011 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List. The annual award, which is in its eighth year, honors the nation’s top defender.

Nielsen, a 6-4, 235-pound senior, is coming off a 2010 season in which he recorded 42 tackles, including 4.5 for loss, four pass breakups, and one interception. He started in Iowa’s first eight games before suffering a broken neck that caused him to miss the remainder of the season.

The Humboldt, Iowa, native is one of 42 players on the watch list and one of eight Big Ten players.

The 2011 winner will be announced on Dec. 11.