Amano earns award as top center in I-AA

Southeast Missouri State University football player Eugene Amano has added another national honor to an already impressive resume.

Amano was recently named as the recipient of the Dave Rimington Award, given to the player deemed the top center in NCAA Division I-AA. Amano earlier was selected to the American Football Coaches Association I-AA All-America team.

"It was a big surprise. It came out of nowhere," said Amano of the Rimington award. "It's a nice way to end my college career. I'm honored for winning that award and everything, but hopefully this will be just the start and I'll have a lot more accomplishments in my football career."

The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Amano, who completed his eligibility during the 2003 season, has his sights set on the National Football League. He doesn't expect to be drafted but figures to get strong looks from several teams.

"My agent has been in contact with a lot of teams who seem to be interested," Amano said. "I hope to impress them and get a shot at the next level. Nothing is ever a sure thing, but I think I've got a shot at it. It's been a dream of mine for a long time."

Amano, a four-year starter at Southeast, was a second-team all-Ohio Valley Conference center the past two seasons after making the second team at guard in 2001. Amano graded out 94 percent on pass blocking and 94 percent on run blocking last season while averaging nine knockdowns per game.

"Winning the Rimington award is a big honor for Eugene, but he's very deserving of it," Southeast offensive line coach Mike Chavez said. "Eugene worked extremely hard and I have said all along that he is probably one of the best centers in the nation. He has great overall athletic ability and outstanding strength."

Chavez said he wouldn't be surprised if Amano winds up in the NFL.

"I really think he's got a legitimate shot at making it," Chavez said.