UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State junior linebacker Brandon Smith has been named a semifinalist for the 37th annual Butkus Award® honoring the nation's best linebackers. Smith is one of 16 semifinalists.
Selection is handled by a panel of 51 coaches, recruiters, scouts and journalists who vote separately and confidentially using a 3-2-1 process, with a write-in option offered. Selectors and selection criteria are posted at www.thebutkusaward.com.
Finalists in both divisions are expected to be announced November 22, and winners on or before December 7.
Brandon Smith Notes
- Smith was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after a career-high 10 tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup against Auburn.
- He recorded a solo sack and a pass breakup against Indiana.
- The junior forced a fumble on a sack in the second quarter against Illinois, marking his first career forced fumble and fourth career sack.
- Smith tied career-high with eight tackles at Wisconsin, including six solo while adding a tackle for loss.
- Led the Nittany Lions with eight tackles at Ohio State.
The Butkus Award is partnering with Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, Rancho Mirage, Calif. to celebrate Butkus Award winners. The event is scheduled Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Contact the Butkus Foundation for ticket and sponsorship information.
The Butkus Award® is presented by the Butkus Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization which advances health and wellness through special initiatives. This includes the I Play Clean® program encouraging athletes to play using their natural ability, and the Butkus Takes Heart™ program encouraging preventive heart screening among adults.
The Butkus Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) which encompasses college football's most prestigious awards. NCFAA's 25 awards have honored more than 800 recipients since 1935.
For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and ticket information for the 2021 Penn State Football season presented by PSECU, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can visit www.PSUnrivaled.com, or call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
The 2021 Penn State football season is presented by PSECU.