AUBURN, Ala. – Named to a national award preseason watch list for the second consecutive day, Auburn senior Eugene Asante is one of 51 candidates for the Butkus Award, presented annually to college football’s top linebacker.
Tuesday’s Butkus Award recognition follows Monday’s selection to the preseason watch list for the Bednarik Award, presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.
Auburn’s leading tackler last season, the 6-1, 219-pound Asante recorded 86 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.
The 51 linebackers named to the watch list is a nod to the storied No. 51 pro jersey won by the award’s namesake, the late Dick Butkus. His tenacious leadership from the middle linebacker position earned him acclaim by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history.
Award semifinalists are expected to be named Nov. 4, with finalists named Nov. 25 and the winner named by Dec. 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.
The 51-person Butkus Award selection committee comprised of coaches, scouts and journalists guides the selection process emphasizing qualities that defined Dick Butkus’ career: toughness, on-field leadership, competitiveness, football character and linebacking skills. The Award is increasingly focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer