The Butkus Foundation announced that Hawaii senior linebacker Jahlani Tavai is one of the 50 linebackers on the Butkus Award Watch List. The Butkus Award annually recognizes the top linebacker in college football.
Tavai posted 124 total tackles in 2017, including 66 solo tackles. Tavai decided against entering the 2017 NFL Draft, instead opting to play his senior season for the Warriors. Hawaii hired a new defensive coordinator in Corey Batoon, and a new linebackers coach in Mark Banker. The experience between those two coaches combined with Tavai’s vast talent suggest the Inglewood, California product could have a huge final season for Hawaii.