CHICAGO – Arizona State junior linebacker Merlin Robertson was named to the Butkus Award® preseason watch list, as announced by the Butkus Foundation on Monday. The award honors the nation's top linebacker.
The watch list contains 51 student-athletes, mirroring the legendary "51" pro jersey associated with the Award's namesake Dick Butkus, who was recognized by NFL Films as the best defensive player in football history.
The Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2018, Robertson has accumulated 149 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, including 7.5 sacks, two interceptions and six passes defensed in his first two seasons. In 2019, Robertson led the Sun Devils with three fumbles forced and was third on the team with 72 tackles, adding five tackles for loss and an interception. Robertson was part of a unit that helped ASU finish the regular season 21st nationally in allowing just 116.8 rushing yards per game – the best ranking at the end of the regular season for ASU since 2009.
As a freshman in 2018, Robertson led the team in tackles (77), tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (5.0) and added an interception, two breakups, a fumble forced and a fumble recovered.
Semi-finalists for the 2020 Butkus Award are expected to be named November 2, finalists November 23, and winners on or before December 8. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.
The Butkus Award, www.thebutkusaward.com, @ButkusAward2020 and on Facebook at 51.butkus, is presented by the nonprofit Butkus Foundation. Selectors and selection criteria are located on the official website. Search social media for #butkusaward2020.
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. Visit www.NCFAA.org for more information.
Sun Devils on 2020 Award Watch Lists
Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award
Jayden Daniels – story
Biletnikoff Award
Frank Darby – story
Butkus Award
Merlin Robertson – story
The watch list contains 51 student-athletes, mirroring the legendary "51" pro jersey associated with the Award's namesake Dick Butkus, who was recognized by NFL Films as the best defensive player in football history.
The Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2018, Robertson has accumulated 149 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, including 7.5 sacks, two interceptions and six passes defensed in his first two seasons. In 2019, Robertson led the Sun Devils with three fumbles forced and was third on the team with 72 tackles, adding five tackles for loss and an interception. Robertson was part of a unit that helped ASU finish the regular season 21st nationally in allowing just 116.8 rushing yards per game – the best ranking at the end of the regular season for ASU since 2009.
As a freshman in 2018, Robertson led the team in tackles (77), tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (5.0) and added an interception, two breakups, a fumble forced and a fumble recovered.
Semi-finalists for the 2020 Butkus Award are expected to be named November 2, finalists November 23, and winners on or before December 8. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.
The Butkus Award, www.thebutkusaward.com, @ButkusAward2020 and on Facebook at 51.butkus, is presented by the nonprofit Butkus Foundation. Selectors and selection criteria are located on the official website. Search social media for #butkusaward2020.
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. Visit www.NCFAA.org for more information.
Sun Devils on 2020 Award Watch Lists
Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award
Jayden Daniels – story
Biletnikoff Award
Frank Darby – story
Butkus Award
Merlin Robertson – story