CHICAGO – Ole Miss senior linebacker D.T. Shackelford is one of 51 candidates on the preseason watch list for the 29th annual Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s best linebacker.
A vocal team leader, Shackelford will make his return to the playing field this fall after missing the last two years with knee injuries. The Decatur, Ala., native recorded 68 tackles, 11.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks, three fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and an interception in 23 games played as a freshman and sophomore. He was a 2009 SEC All-Freshman pick and the 2011 Chucky Mullins Courage Award winner.
Shackelford was previously named to the preseason watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, as well. Other Rebels named to watch lists this preseason include Bo Wallace (Maxwell Award), Evan Swindall (Rimington Trophy) and Denzel Nkemdiche (Nagurski Trophy).
Ole Miss has one previous winner of the Butkus Award – Patrick Willis in 2006.
The Butkus Award is named after Dick Butkus, who is regarded by NFL Films as the best defensive player in football history. The selection panel is comprised of 51 coaches, evaluators and journalists. Players who do not appear on the watch list may be considered for the award.
