University of Connecticut Athletics
Jackson Mitchell Named to Butkus Award Watch List
8/10/2023 12:00:00 PM | Football
STORRS, Conn. - UConn senior linebacker Jackson Mitchell (Ridgefield, CT) continued to add to his preseason honors on Thursday, earning a spot on the 39th annual Butkus Award® watch list as one the top linebackers in the country.
Mitchell, a Butkus Award semifinalist in 2022, was one of 51 collegiate linebackers named to this year's preseason list. The 51, is a nod to the storied "51" pro jersey worn by the award's namesake, Dick Butkus, who was named by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history. The Butkus Award recognizes the best linebackers in football.
Mitchell has also been named to the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List. Last season, he started all 13 games and led the team with 140 tackles (50 solo), 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Mitchell was seventh among NCAA leaders in tackles, averaging 10.8 stops per game. His 140 stops tied for sixth in the UConn single season record book. He finished with two quarterback hurries, three pass break-ups including an interception, and also had two forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. He finished the season leading the the country in fumble recoveries.
The senior linebacker enters his final season at UConn having played in 35 career games with 325 total tackles, 130 solo, and 18 tackles for a loss including 6.5 sacks
The award semifinalists are expected to be named Oct. 30 with finalists to follow Nov. 20. The winner will be named on or before Dec. 6. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.
Founded in 1985, the Butkus Award honors linebackers at three levels while supporting causes important to the Butkus family. Causes include the Butkus Takes Heart™ initiative encouraging early cardiovascular screening among adults, and the I Play Clean® initiative encouraging athletes to train naturally without performance-enhancing drugs.
A 51-member expert panel of coaches, scouts, and journalists guides the selection process. Past winners of the collegiate award include such greats as Patrick Willis, Von Miller, Luke Kuechly, Devin White, Roquan Smith and many more. The Butkus Award is increasingly focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
The Butkus Awards will be unveiling a new trophy design for this year's recipients. Designed by renowned sculptor George Lundeen, whose works include the Red Grange and Dick Butkus statues outside Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois.Â
