Jefferson named Butkus Award semifinalist

CHICAGO, Ill. – Texas junior linebacker Malik Jefferson was named a semifinalist for the 2017 Butkus Award, announced on Monday morning. The award, given to the nation's best linebacker, is presented by the Butkus Foundation. Jefferson looks to become the second Longhorn to win the award, after Derrick Johnson took it home following the 2004 season. Johnson (2003) and Sergio Kindle (2009) have also been finalists for the award.

A third-year linebacker and native of Mesquite, Texas, Jefferson has been one of the Longhorns' best players on the defensive side of the ball this season. He has started all eight games, totaling a team-high 76 tackles (54 solo). He also leads the team with 8.5…