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Several B1G linebackers have been named to the 2021 Butkus Award Watch List. The release came out on Monday morning.
The Butkus Award is presented to the top linebacker in college football every year. While the B1G has been known for strong play at the position, it’s been quite some time since a player from conference has claimed the honor.
Ohio State’s James Laurinaitis was the B1G’s last recipient, receiving the award in 2007.
This year, seven B1G linebackers have received the honor of finding their names on the 2021 Watch List. Here are the players from the league considered top contenders for the honor:
Chris Bergin, Northwestern
Olakunle Fatukasi, Rutgers
Jake Hansen, Illinois
Jesse Luketa, Penn State
Micah McFadden, Indiana
Jack Sanborn, Wisconsin
Brandon Smith, Penn State
You can view the complete Butkus Award Watch List here.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB