Through the first few months of the 2024 campaign, Anthony Hill Jr. has been one of the Longhorns’ best players on defense. On Monday, he earned national recognition for his play as he was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award. It marks the fourth straight year a Longhorn has been selected as a semifinalist.
In eight games, Hill has recorded a team-high 58 tackles, including ten for a loss. He has made life difficult for quarterbacks, recording 5.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries. The Longhorns star has also added two double-digit tackle efforts to his resume.
With wins at a premium, the Longhorns need Hill to continue his stellar play. In the Longhorns’ latest win, Hill was named the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week after recording 11 tackles, matching his career-high. It marked his fourth-straight game with a sack and his 10th with a tackle for loss.
Anthony Hill Jr. has been named a Butkus Award Semifinalist 🤘 @thegoatanthony1 pic.twitter.com/BFN6QaxgPQ
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) November 4, 2024
Although Hill’s focus is on bringing a national championship to Texas, adding a Butkus Award to his trophy case would be a great way to end the season. Few players have been more impactful regardless of the opponent. That is partly why the Longhorns sophomore is an irreplaceable piece.
During the final stretch of the regular season, Hill will be a name to keep an eye on as he looks to separate himself from other linebackers in the country. With Hill playing some of the best football of his career, the Longhorns lead the nation in passing yards allowed and team passing efficiency defense. In their first year of the SEC, the Longhorns have held their own partly due to Hill.
The winner of the Burkus Award will be announced on February 1 in an award ceremony at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois.