Jaylan Ford named a Butkus Award semifinalist
Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award on Monday, the Butkus Foundation announced. Founded in 1985, the Butkus Award honors linebackers at three levels while supporting causes important to the Butkus family.
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Ford, a senior from Frisco (Texas) Lone Star, has tallied 65 total tackles this season with 36 of them solo. Ten of his tackles have been for loss with one of them a sack. Ford has also recorded two interceptions, forced one fumble, and recovered one more ball on the ground. Ahead of the 2023 season, Ford was named the Big 12 preseason defensive player of the year and was a selection to the conference’s preseason team.
Last season Ford earned third-team All-America honors from the Associated Press and was also a first-team All-Big 12 selection. He tallied 119 tackles with 10.0 TFL and two sacks along with four interceptions, two passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles. Texas has one Butkus Award winner in its history. Derrick Johnson took home the honor in 2004.
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Per release, the 2023 Butkus Award winners will be honored at a gala event on January 27, 2024, at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The event will honor the legacy of namesake Dick Butkus and be supported by numerous noted NFL Alumni. Ticket and sponsorship information is available by contacting the Butkus Foundation.
2023 Collegiate Butkus Award Semifinalists
Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
Jaylan Ford, Texas
Cedric Gray, North Carolina
Jay Higgins, Iowa
Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri
Curtis Jacobs, Penn State
Deontae Lawson, Alabama
Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State
Payton Wilson, NC State
