Jordan Kovacs needed two student-body tryouts to make the Michigan football team as a walk-on safety. Now a senior, he's a three-year starter and virtual lock to be named a team captain.

So, his inclusion today on the watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy -- given to the top defensive player, for both athletic performance and personal character -- comes as little surprise.

He was among 42 players named to the list, and the only one from Michigan.

Kovacs had 75 tackles, four sacks and one interception in 12 games last season for the Wolverines. He enters next season with 33 career starts, a team high.

He is one of nine Big Ten players on the watch list, joining Illinois linebacker Jonathan Brown, Purdue defensive tackle Kawaan Short, Michigan State linebacker Max Bullough, Wisconsin linebackers Mike Taylor and Chris Borland, Penn State linebacker Gerald Hodges, Nebraska defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler and Ohio State defensive tackle John Simon.

The Lot IMPACT Trophy was awarded last season to Boston College's Luke Kuechly. It is named for former USC star Ronnie Lott, who went on to become a 10-time Pro Bowl safety for the San Francisco 49ers.

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.