UW Press Release
The award goes to the most outstanding linebacker in college football
LARAMIE, Wyo. (Aug. 13, 2024) – The 40th annual collegiate Butkus Award® selection process to identify the top linebacker in the country began today with the release of the preseason watch list. Wyoming linebacker Shae Suiaunoa was named to the list as one of 51 players.
Candidates for the collegiate Butkus Award represent 44 colleges and universities from across the country. The list includes two returning semi-finalists from 2023: Deontae Lawson of Alabama and Jay Higgins of Iowa. The watch list by conference includes Big Ten (16), SEC (12), ACC (7), and Big 12 (7), along with candidates from four other conferences and an independent program. Seven schools are represented by teammates, including Alabama, Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, South Carolina, and Utah.
Suiaunoa appeared in and started all 13 games for the Cowboys last season. He was named third-team All-MW by Phil Steele. He ranked second on the team with 93 total tackles. He also added 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception. He ranked tenth in the MW with 7.2 tackles per game. He had ten or more tackles in three games last season.
He recorded a career-high 12 tackles for the Cowboys in the win over Texas Tech. He added 13 tackles against another ranked opponent, Fresno State, and added 11 against Boise State. Suiaunoa recorded an interception against Colorado State. He recorded a season-high 1.5 tackles for loss in the win over Portland State.
Award semi-finalists are expected to be named on November 4, with finalists named on November 25 and the winner named by December 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The 2024 Butkus Award winners at the high school, college, and pro-level will be honored at an event planned for early 2025 at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois as part of the Big Ten Network television special.
The 51-person Butkus Award selection committee, comprised of coaches, scouts, and journalists, guides the selection process emphasizing qualities that define Dick Butkus' career: toughness, on-field leadership, competitiveness, football character, and linebacking skills. The Award is increasingly focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
About the Butkus Award: Founded in 1985, the Butkus Award honors linebackers at three levels while supporting causes important to the Butkus family. These include the Butkus Takes Heart™ initiative, encouraging early cardiovascular screening among adults, and the I Play Clean® initiative, encouraging athletes to train naturally without performance-enhancing drugs. A 51-member expert panel of coaches, scouts, and journalists guides the selection process. The Butkus Foundation has presented high school and professional awards since 2008, and the collegiate award is now in its 40th season.
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