North Carolina senior linebacker Zach Brown and N.C. State senior linebacker Audie Cole have been named as semifinalists for the 2011 Butkus Award\u00ae, which is presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker. <\/p>\n
Brown leads the Tar Heels with 53 tackles, including seven for losses and 4.5 sacks. Cole has 59 tackles and 2.5 sacks.<\/p>\n
The 12 collegiate semi-finalists include five returning nominees. Finalists will be announced Nov. 22 and winners will be announced by Dec. 7.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Collegiate 2011 Butkus Award Semi-Finalists:<\/b>
\nZach Brown University of North Carolina
\nVontaze Burfict Arizona State University
\nAudie Cole North Carolina State University
\nLavonte David University of Nebraska
\nDont’a Hightower* University of Alabama
\nLuke Kuechly Boston College
\nTravis Lewis* University of Oklahoma
\nKeenan Robinson* University of Texas
\nSean Spence* University of Miami (Fla.)
\nManti Te’o* University of Notre Dame
\nCourtney Upshaw University of Alabama
\nJarvis Jones University of Georgia
\n* Denotes 2010 Semi-Finalist<\/p>\n