North Carolina senior linebacker Zach Brown and N.C. State senior linebacker Audie Cole have been named as semifinalists for the 2011 Butkus Award®, which is presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker.

Brown leads the Tar Heels with 53 tackles, including seven for losses and 4.5 sacks. Cole has 59 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

The 12 collegiate semi-finalists include five returning nominees. Finalists will be announced Nov. 22 and winners will be announced by Dec. 7.

“This Award is about honoring linebackers at all levels, and reminding them that they have a responsibility to serve as rolemodels and to give back to society,” said Dick Butkus, the legendary Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker.

Collegiate 2011 Butkus Award Semi-Finalists:
Zach Brown University of North Carolina
Vontaze Burfict Arizona State University
Audie Cole North Carolina State University
Lavonte David University of Nebraska
Dont’a Hightower* University of Alabama
Luke Kuechly Boston College
Travis Lewis* University of Oklahoma
Keenan Robinson* University of Texas
Sean Spence* University of Miami (Fla.)
Manti Te’o* University of Notre Dame
Courtney Upshaw University of Alabama
Jarvis Jones University of Georgia
* Denotes 2010 Semi-Finalist

Brett Friedlander of the Wilmington Star News just wrote a piece titled “ACC is home of the nation’s top quarterbacks.” To read it, please click here.