AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn's Owen Pappoe was among the 51 linebackers chosen for the Butkus Award Watch List on Monday. The award honors the nation's best linebacker.
The watch list features 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. The Butkus Award is focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
"I am always excited about seeing our great watch list players on the field," said Butkus, the College and Pro Football Hall of Famer. "When an outstanding player receives the Butkus Award he will know two things: First, he is recognized as the best of the best linebackers in America. Second, and in the long run most important, he will understand this recognition brings a responsibility of giving back."
Pappoe, a team captain last year, played in five games finished with 23 tackles. The year before, in 2020, he was second on the team with 93 tackles and had six tackles for loss with four sacks. The former five-star linebacker, now entering his senior season, was voted Third Team Preseason All-SEC by the media last week.
Auburn has now had a player make the Butkus Watch List in five of the last six years with Pappoe (2022), Zakoby McClain (2021), K.J. Britt (2020), Deshaun Davis (2018) and Tre Williams (2017). Though no Auburn player has won the award, Takeo Spikes (1996, 1997) and Karlos Dansby (2003) were both semifinalists.
This year, the semifinalists are expected to be named Oct. 31 with finalists to follow Nov. 21. The winner will be named on or before Dec. 7. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.
