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Linebackers from Michigan, Wisconsin selected as finalists for Butkus Award
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Two B1G linebackers have been selected as finalists for the Dick Butkus Award, presented to college football’s top linebacker.
Michigan’s Devin Bush and Wisconsin’s T.J. Edwards were on the list of five finalists for the award, which was announced Monday morning. The other three included are Roquan Smith (Georgia), Tremaine Edmunds (Virginia Tech) and Dorian O’Daniel (Clemson).
Bush has been one of the top tacklers in the B1G this season, tallying 87 stops, 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks on the year. He’s also recorded nine pass break-ups and an interception as a sophomore.
Edwards has been effective in multiple aspects for the Badgers defense this season. Not only has the junior racked up 60 tackles and 8.5 stops for loss, he ranks third in the B1G with four interceptions.
Both players have been effective members on two of the best defenses in college football. The Badgers sit at a perfect 11-0 on the year while Michigan is 8-3.
No B1G player has won the Butkus Award since 2007, when Ohio State’s James Laurinaitis was presented with the honor. But with the conference having two players in the mix, it certainly increases the odds.
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