The Butkus Award has released its 2011 Watch List. The award, which honors Dick Butkus is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding linebacker.
Selectors choose the best overall linebacker, with primary consideration given to performance on the field and the athlete's overall character.
The award will be presented on the recipient's campus in early December.
2011 Butkus Award Watch List
Emmanuel Acho, University of Texas
Ryan Baker, Louisiana State University
Chris Borland, University of Wisconsin
Jon Bostic, University of Florida
Nigel Bradham, Florida State University
Tanner Brock, Texas Christian University
Arthur Brown, Kansas State University
Zach Brown, University of North Carolina
Ramon Buchanan, University of Miami (Fla.)
Marvin Burdette, University of Alabama-Birmingham
Vontaze Burflict, Arizona State University
Miles Burris, San Diego State University
Tank Carder, Texas Christian University
Audie Cole, North Carolina State University
Jamie Collins, Southern Miss. University
Lavonte David, University of Nebraska
Darius Fleming, Notre Dame University
Jerry Franklin, University of Arkansas
Chris Galippo, University of Southern California
Zaviar Gooden, University of Missouri
Max Gruder, University of Pittsburgh
Dont'a Hightower, University of Alabama
Jelani Jenkins, University of Florida
James-Michael Johnson, University of Nevada
Nico Johnson, University of Alabama
Josh Kaddu, University of Oregon
Mychal Kendricks, University of California-Berkeley
Jake Knott, Iowa State University
Luke Kuechly, Boston College
Travis Lewis, University of Oklahoma
Chris Marve, Vanderbilt University
Michael Mauti, Penn State University
Carmen Messina, University of New Mexico
Tyler Nielsen, University of Iowa
Corey Paredes, University of Hawaii
Kevin Reddick, University of North Carolina
Keenan Robinson, University of Texas
Shayne Skov, Stanford University
Sean Spence, University of Miami (Fla.)
Kenny Tate, University of Maryland
Bruce Taylor, Virginia Tech University
Mike Taylor, University of Wisconsin
Manti Te'o, Notre Dame University
Danny Trevathan, University of Kentucky
Courtney Upshaw, University of Alabama
Bobby Wagner, Utah State University
Tahir Whitehead, Temple University
Garrick Williams, Texas A&M University
Korey Williams, Southern Miss. University
Dwayne Woods, Bowling Green University
Tom Wort, University of Oklahoma
