On Monday it was announced that Alabama sophomore linebacker Christian Harris had been named as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award. Harris is one of 16 semifinalists for the award which aims to honor the nation’s top linebacker.
Alabama has seen four linebackers take how the award in the past as Harris would look to join Reuben Foster (2016), C.J. Mosley (2013), Rolando McClain (2009) and NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas (1988).
Christian Harris
Linebacker, Sophomore
- Leads the Crimson Tide defense in tackles with 57, including a team-high 42 solo stops
- Ranks second on UA in quarterback hurries with six and is third in sacks at 2.0 (-17 yards)
- Added 4.5 tackles for loss (-20 yards) to go with two pass breakups
The Butkus Award has been presented annually since 1985 by the Butkus Foundation to recognize the top linebacker in college football. The award is named in honor of college and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus. Selection is handled by a panel of 51 coaches, recruiters, scouts and journalists who vote separately and confidentially. Finalists for the Butkus will be announced Dec. 7 with winners announced on or before Dec. 22.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77