Ad Disclosure
This season’s award for the nation’s top linebacker is likely going to a player from the SEC.
On Monday, the finalists for the 2016 Butkus Award were announced. Four of the five candidates suit up down south on game days:
- Reuben Foster (Alabama)
- Kendall Beckwith (LSU)
- Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt)
- Jarrad Davis (Florida)
- Josey Jewell (Iowa)
Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith took home the honors for his efforts in 2015. Only one SEC linebacker — C.J. Mosley (Alabama, 2013) — has won the award since 2010.
“When a player receives the Butkus Award he will know two things. First, he is recognized as the best of the best linebackers in America. Second, and in the long run most important, he will understand that this recognition brings a responsibility to serve others by giving back.” – Dick Butkus
Tyler Waddell is a member of the Saturday Down South news team. He brings over five years of professional journalism experience and is closing in on a Bachelor's in sports management. Follow him on Twitter (@Tyler_Waddell).
