Alabama Football Standout Linebacking Duo Named Butkus Award Semifinalist

The Crimson Tide’s linebacking duo were selected as part of 15 semifinalists for the Butkus

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama linebackers Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson have been selected as semifinalists for the prestigious Butkus Award, the Butkus Foundation announced on Monday.

Campbell and Lawson are among the 15 semifinalists competing for the honor, which recognizes the nation’s top linebackers at both the collegiate and high school levels. Lawson was a semifinalist for the award last season, while this marks Campbell’s first nomination. The finalists for the 40th annual Butkus Award will be unveiled on Nov. 25, with the winner to be announced by Dec. 10.

Alabama has a strong legacy with the Butkus Award, having had four past winners: Derrick Thomas (1988), Rolando McClain (2009), C.J. Mosley (2013), and Reuben Foster (2016).

– A versatile defender who plays both inside and outside linebacker for the Tide
– Tied for the team lead with 66 total tackles, including a team-high 38 solo stops
– Registered 6.5 tackles for loss (−25 yards) and 2.5 sacks (−13 yards) through eight games
– Added an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup this season

– The defensive leader in the middle of Alabama’s front seven
– Shares the team lead in tackles with 66, including 5 for loss (−29 yards) and 2 sacks (−21 yards)
– Also has 3 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble to his name

Both Campbell and Lawson are key contributors to Alabama’s defense and are now in the running for one of college football’s most prestigious individual honors.