Penn State linebacker [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag] is one of 12 semifinalists for this season’s Collegiate Butkus Award, honoring the top linebacker in college football. The Butkus Award released its list of semifinalists on Monday.
Through 9 games this season, Jacobs has 36 total tackles, 25 solo tackles, 5 tackles for a loss and 1 sack. His 36 total tackles leads the team, with two more than fellow star linebacker [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag]. Jacobs always seems to be around the football and is one of the most consistent players on what has been a tremendous defense for the Nittany Lions all year.
Jacobs is now looking to become the third player in Penn State history to win the Butkus Award. The only two players to previously win the award while wearing a Penn State uniform are [autotag]LaVar Arrington[/autotag] in 1999 and [autotag]Paul Posluszny[/autotag] in 2005.
Last year’s Butkus Award winner was Jack Campbell of Iowa, who is also the most recent Big Ten player to take home the award.
Here is the full list of semifinalists for this year’s Butkus Award.
2023 Collegiate Butkus Award Semifinalists
- Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
- Jaylen Ford, Texas
- Cedric Gray, North Carolina
- Jay Higgins, Iowa
- Curtis Jacobs, Penn State
- Deontae Lawson, Alabama
- Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
- Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
- Nathanial Watson, Mississippi State
- Payton Wilson, NC State
The winner of this year’s award will be named on or before Dec. 7.
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