(Here’s the press release announcing the semifinalists for the 2011 Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s top linebacker at the high school, collegiate and professional level. Last year’s winner was Texas A&M’s Von Miller.)
Collegiate and high school semi-finalists were announced today for the 27th Annual Butkus Award® honoring the nation’s top football linebackers. Nominees are posted at www.thebutkusaward.com.
The 12 collegiate semi-finalists include five returning nominees and two from the University of Alabama. Meanwhile, the 15 high school semi-finalists are from 12 states, with two each from California, Georgia and Michigan. Finalists will be announced November 22 and winners will be announced by December 7. Meanwhile, the professional winner will be announced in early 2012.
The Award was expanded in 2008 to honor linebackers at three levels while helping spread the word about Butkus’ I Play Clean™ initiative, which encourages teens to eat well, train hard, and play with attitude, instead of resorting to steroids and related drugs. More information is available at www.iplayclean.org or at www.facebook.com/i.play.clean.
“This Award is about honoring linebackers at all levels, and reminding them that they have a responsibility to serve as role models and to give back to society,” said Dick Butkus, the legendary Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker.
The Butkus Award is selected by a 51-person panel comprised of scouts, coaches and journalists. Selectors follow all rules of their leagues, including limitations on contact with players. Individual votes remain completely confidential. The panel is coordinated by Hub Arkush of Pro Football Weekly.
Collegiate 2011 Butkus Award Semi-Finalists:
Zach Brown, North Carolina
Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State
Audie Cole, North Carolina State
Lavonte David,Nebraska
Dont’a Hightower*, Alabama
Luke Kuechly, Boston College
Travis Lewis*, Oklahoma
Keenan Robinson*, Texas
Sean Spence*, Miami (Fla.)
Manti Te’o*, Notre Dame
Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
Jarvis Jones, Georgia
* denotes 2010 semifinalist
