Malcolm Rodriguez is playing like the best defender in the Big 12 on the best defense in the Big 12. But he’s not even being treated as one of the best at his position nationally.
Finalists for the Butkus Award, given annually to the best linebacker in the sport, were announced on Monday, and the in-state product was a big, fat snub from the list. He was omitted over a final group that included Georgia and Cincinnati products despite some pretty telling stats that suggest that should not have been the case.
For posterity, here’s a little look at the stats by player.