Alabama LB Deontae Lawson Named Butkus Award Semifinalist

Alabama's leader in the middle of the defense is being recognized nationally as one of the best at his position. 

Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award by the Butkus Foundation on Monday morning. 

The award is given annually to the best linebacker in the country at both the collegiate and high school level. 

Lawson is second on the team with 52 tackles, including 3.5 TFL and two sacks. 

Alabama has had four players take home the Butkus in program history, including Derrick Thomas (1988), Rolando McClain (2009), C.J. Mosley (2013) and Reuben Foster (2016). This year's winner will be announced on or before Dec. 7.

Lawson left the second half of the LSU game with an injury. Nick Saban said it was an ankle injury, but would not know the extent of it until after an MRI and further testing. Saban will speak to the media Monday afternoon. 

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