First given in 1985, the Butkus Award honors the nation’s top linebacker. The award recognizes both the recipient's athletic achievments and his service to the community. The award has been presented to a Big 12 student-athlete five times since 1996.
The two Big 12 linebackers on the preseason watch list are Bryce Hager (Baylor) and Jeremiah George (Iowa State).
Finalists will be announced in November and the winner will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN Thursday, Dec. 12.
The Rotary Lombardi Award was established to recognize the lasting impact Vince Lombardi had on football in America. Each year since 1970 the award has been presented to college footballs most outstanding lineman, offense or defense.
Representing the Big 12 on the Rotary Lombardi Preseason Watch List are Bryce Hager (Baylor), Cyril Richardson (Baylor), Ben Heeney (Kansas), BJ Finney (K-State), Gabe Ikard (Oklahoma), Calvin Barnett (Oklahoma State), Devonte Fields (TCU), Chucky Hunter (TCU), Jackson Jeffcoat (Texas), Mason Walters (Texas), Le’Raven Clark (Texas Tech) and Kerry Hyder (Texas Tech).
The 2013 Rotary Lombardi Award will be presented on Dec, 11 at the Wortham Center in Houston, Texas.
Past Big 12 Butkus Award Recipients
2010 Von Miller Texas A&M
2004 Derrick Johnson Texas
2003 Teddy Lehman Oklahoma
2001 Rocky Calmus Oklahoma
1996 Matt Russell Colorado
Past Big 12 Rotary Lobmardi Award Recipients
2009 Ndamukong Suh Nebraska
2008 Brian Orakpo Texas
2003 Tommie Harris Oklahoma
1998 Dat Nguyen Texas A&M
1997 Grant Wistrom Nebraska
