After a breakout freshman season, Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Dick Butkus Award. The award is given to the top linebacker in college football.
In his first year with the Longhorns, Hill played in all 14 games recording 66 total tackles including 40 solo tackles. He also recorded eight tackles for a loss and added five sacks to his resume which was tied for fourth-most by a Longhorn freshman.
As Hill was a bright spot defensively for Texas, he also etched himself into the record books. His eight tackles for a loss were the eighth-most for a freshman in program history and sixth-most for a true freshman.
What stood out the most about Hill’s play was his ability to take his game to another level against some of the best teams in the country. Against No.3 Alabama, the Longhorns linebacker recorded six tackles and two sacks. Due to his play, Hill earned Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week and 247Sports True Freshman of the Week honors.
Additionally, the Billy Ryan High School product was selected to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and earned preseason second-team All-SEC praise on defense. Hill will be critical to the Longhorns’ success as they chase a national championship.
The winner of the Dick Butkus Award will be revealed on Dec.10. If Hill can continue to build on his stellar freshman season, then he could hear his name called and add more hardware to his trophy case.