Mason Cobb named to 2023 Butkus Award watch list
USC linebacker Mason Cobb was one of 51 players named to the 2023 Butkus Award watch list on Thursday. The award has been given annually at the college level since 1985.
Big things are expected of Cobb this season. The 6-foot, 235-pound inside linebacker transferred to USC from Oklahoma State following the 2022 season. Cobb finished last season with 96 tackles, including 13 for loss. He was named to the All-Big-12 Second Team. He was also an Academic All-Big-12 Second Team selection.
Cobb brings 106 career tackles, including 16 for loss and three sacks with him to the Trojans’ defense. He also tallied an interception, pass deflection and forced fumble in 13 starts and 31 total games over three years at Oklahoma State.
He made a quick impression at USC. Cobb worked his way into the starting lineup during the spring and it doesn’t appear as though he’ll give that up before the season opener. He was also USC’s defensive player representative at Pac-12 media day in Las Vegas this summer. There look to be plenty of options for USC team captains this fall, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cobb chosen as one of them.
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USC and the Butkus Award
USC has one Butkus Award winner in its history. Chris Claiborne won it in 1998. Matt Grootegoed, Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga were all finalists for the award.
USC does have one Butkus Award winner on its roster. The award expanded into both the NFL and high school ranks in 2008. USC’s Solomon Tuliaupupu, who has since moved to the defensive line, won the high school Butkus Award in 2017.
