Buffalo's Hodge Named To 2018 Butkus Award Watch List
Buffalo's Khalil Hodge Named To 2018 Butkus Award Watch List
CHICAGO – (July 23, 2018) – The Butkus Award® honoring the nation’s best linebacker kicked off its 34th annual selection process today by announcing its collegiate watch list. The watch list contains 51 linebackers, mirroring the legendary “51” pro jersey associated with the Award’s namesake Dick Butkus, who was recognized by NFL Films as the best defensive player in football history.
Buffalo senior linebacker Khalil Hodge was named to the Butuks Award Watch List. Hodge, a native of Stockton, Calif., is two-time All-MAC selection as he has totaled more tackles (277) than any other player in the nation over the last two seasons. In 2017, he racked up a MAC-best 154 stops, the most ever by a Buffalo player in its FBS era. He ranked second in the nation in tackles in 2017 with 154 total tackles, 66 solo. He also posted 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions in 2017.
Semi-finalists will be named October 29, finalists November 19, and winners will be notified on or before December 4. Formed in 1985, the Butkus Award was expanded in 2008 to honor linebackers at three levels while helping spread the word about Butkus’ I Play Clean® initiative which encourages teens to eat well, train hard, and play with attitude without resorting to performance-enhancing drugs.
The Butkus Award, www.thebutkusaward.com and on Facebook at 51.butkus, is presented by the nonprofit Butkus Foundation. Selectors and selection criteria is located on the official website. Search social media for #butkusaward2018.
The Butkus Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. Its member-awards have honored more than 800 since 1935. Visit www.NCFAA.org for more information.
