BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo senior linebacker James Patterson has been named to the watch list for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the best linebacker in college football. It is the second preseason watch list for Patterson who was named the Bednarik Award watch list last week.
 
Patterson, an All-MAC First Team selection in 2020, led the Bulls in tackles with 63. For his career, Patterson has 181 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss. He has been a team captain since his sophomore campaign.
 
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.
 
Formed in 1985, the Butkus Award honors linebackers at three levels while supporting causes important to the Butkus family. Causes include Butkus Takes Heart™ initiative encouraging early cardiovascular screening among adults, and the I Play Clean® initiative encouraging athletes to train naturally without performance-enhancing drugs.
 
The Butkus Award is partnering with Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage to celebrate Butkus Award winners. The event is scheduled Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Contact the Butkus Foundation for ticket and sponsorship information.
 
The Butkus Award® is presented by the Butkus Foundation and selected by a 51-member expert panel of coaches, scouts and journalists. The award is part of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) which encompasses college football's most prestigious awards. NCFAA's 25 awards have honored more than 800 recipients since 1935. Visit www.NCFAA.org for more information.