TUSCALOOSA—A pair of senior linebackers joined punter JK Scott in earning a spot as semifinalists for a national award. On Monday, both Ryan Anderson and Reuben Foster were two of 12 candidates named to the 32nd Dick Butkus Award, which is presented annually to college football’s top linebacker.
Anderson is among Alabama’s defensive leaders in tackles (29), sacks (4.5) and quarterback hurries (six), while his 11.5 tackles for loss leads the team and is second in the Southeastern Conference. He’s totaled three forced fumbles and a pass breakup, en route to aiding a unit that’s averaged an FBS-leading four sacks a game.
Foster, the signal caller on defense, leads the group in tackles with 53.
He stands at 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups and four quarterback hurries. The combination of Anderson and Foster has propelled the Tide in limiting opponents to 14.9 points, 70.1 rushing yards, 204.4 passing yards and 275 total yards per game, all of which ranks toward the top nationally. Finalists for the Dick Butkus Award will be announced on Nov. 21, and a winner will be announced during the week of Dec. 6.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
