Aug. 21, 2003
Columbia, Mo. - University of Missouri junior linebacker James Kinney has been named to the pre-season watch list for the Butkus Award, which goes annually to the nation's top collegiate linebacker.
Kinney led Mizzou, and ranked 9th in the NCAA last season, in tackles, as he recorded 148 tackles and scored two touchdowns on fumble and interception returns. The tackle total ranked as the third-most in MU single-season history.
This year's Butkus Award? Watch List includes 90 noteworthy candidates that represent schools and conferences from across the nation. The independent selection committee for the 2003 Butkus Award?, comprised of 26 of the nation's foremost media members, is solely responsible for all voting in the selection process.
Selection Committee members have started evaluating the candidates and will continue their review throughout the entire football season. Additional Watch List candidates may be added as the season progresses. Voting for the three Butkus Award? finalists and the Butkus Award? winner will be conducted by confidential ballots of the selection committee.
The Butkus Award? Watch List will be trimmed to 10 semi-finalists on Thursday, October 16. That list will be cut down to three finalists, who will be announced via a national teleconference with players, coaches, media members and Butkus Award? officials on Thursday, November 13. The winner will be announced Friday, December 12, 2003 at the Butkus Award? Gala in Orlando, FL.
Created in 1985 by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando Inc., the Butkus Award? carries the name and support of one of the greatest middle linebackers in football history, Dick Butkus. The Butkus Award? is regarded as one of the most elite individual honors in college football. Past recipients include such outstanding linebackers as:
E.J. Henderson (2002-Maryland); Rocky Calmus (2001-Oklahoma); Dan Morgan (2000- Miami, FL); LaVar Arrington (1999-Penn State); Chris Claiborne (1998-Southern California); Andy Katzenmoyer (1997-Ohio State); Matt Russell (1996 Colorado); Kevin Hardy (1995-Illinois); Dana Howard (1994-Illinois); Trev Alberts (1993-Nebraska); Marvin Jones (1992-Florida State); Erick Anderson (1991-Michigan); Alfred Williams (1990-Colorado); Percy Snow (1989-Michigan State); Derrick Thomas (1988-Alabama); Paul McGowan (1997-Florida State); and Brian Bosworth (1985 and 1986-Oklahoma).
Kinney's addition to the Butkus Award list makes it a total of five national awards that Tigers are currently up for...
Butkus Award (Outstanding Linebacker) James KinneyLombardi Award (Outstanding Lineman) Rob Droege
O'Brien Award (Outstanding Quarterback) Brad Smith
Outland Award (Outstanding Interior Lineman) Rob Droege
Rimington Award (Outstanding Center) A.J. Ricker