UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Sophomore linebacker Micah Parsons (Harrisburg, Pa.) is among the five finalists for the Butkus Award for the nation's top linebacker. He is the first Penn State player to be a Butkus finalist since Dan Connor in 2007.
The award, named in honor of legendary linebacker Dick Butkus, annually recognizes the nation's top collegiate linebacker. Parsons is vying to become the first Nittany Lion to earn the honor since Paul Posluszny in 2005. LaVar Arrington also won the award in 1999, and five have previously been named finalists: Shane Conlan (1986), Andre Collins (1989), Brandon Short (1999), Posluszny (2006) and Connor (2007).
For the second-straight season, Parsons is leading the Nittany Lions in tackles with 85. He also has 10.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, three pass breakups and three quarterback hurries. Parsons ranks seventh in the Big Ten with 7.7 tackles per game. He has five games with 10 or more tackles this season. He is one of 22 players in FBS and two in the Big Ten (Dele Harding, Illinois) to total at least 80 tackles and 10 tackles for loss this season. He is the first Penn State player to do so since Mike Hull in 2014 and is the seventh Penn Stater to accomplish the feat since 2000.
Parsons was named a Rivals Midseason All-American. He was selected to the Pro Football Focus Big Ten Team of the Week first team following the Purdue game and second team after the Pitt victory.
The Nittany Lions host Rutgers for Senior Day at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are available by visiting www.PSUnrivaled.com, call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office weekdays from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The 2019 Penn State Football season is presented by PSECU.
