Jon Bostic and Jelani Jenkins Named to Butkus Award Watch List
Friday, July 15, 2011 | Football
University of Florida linebackers Jon Bostic (Wellington, Fla.) and Jelani Jenkins (Olney, Md.) have been named to the 2011 Butkus Award watch list, the National College Football Awards Association announced Thursday.
Bostic is coming off a stellar sophomore season where he appeared in all 13 games and finished tied for third on the team with 57 tackles (36 solo and 21 assisted). Additionally, the Wellington, Fla. native recorded three interceptions, ranking him eighth nationally among linebackers.
Jenkins, a 2010 SEC All-Freshman team selection, made a strong impression during his first season on the field tallying 78 tackles, tops among SEC freshmen and 21st overall in the Conference.
Instituted in 1985, The Butkus Award is awarded annually to the nation's top linebacker. An independent Butkus Award Selection Committee, headed by Pro Football Weekly's Hub Arkush and comprised of 51 experts including professional, college and high school scouts, and prominent sports journalists, will conduct the selection process. The winner will be announced on December 8 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN at 9 p.m. EST.
Although UF has never had a Butkus Award winner, several Gator greats have been named finalists over the years including Alonzo Jackson, Tim Paulk, Jevon Kearse and Brandon Spikes.
The Gators kick off their 2011 season on September 3 when they host Florida Atlantic in a battle of in-state foes.
