Eric Kendricks And Myles Jack Have Been Named Semifinalists For The Butkus Award

There are some football players in Westwood! Two of your UCLA linebackers, Eric Kendricks and Myles Jack, have been named to a 15-player list of semifinalists for the the Butkus Award, which was released today. The award is given annually to the top linebacker in the nation by the Butkus Foundation.

Kendricks is currently leading the Pac-12 and is fifth in the country with 93 total tackles (61 solo, 32 assisted) with 1 sack and 1 interception that was returned for a touchdown. Kendricks is a ball hound who knows where plays are going, gets after the opposition with fury and is great at tackling in the open field.

Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack (30) celebrates with fans following the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jack, who has also been a reliable short-yardage running back, is eighth in the conference with 61 total tackles (40 solo, 21 assisted). Part of Jack’s strengths are his overall athleticism, solid pass coverage and has been showing signs of improvement in pass rushing. Both Kendricks and Jack have been bright spots in a defense that has been subpar the season, yet some how they continue to make, not necessarily great, but important plays. It just goes to show what kind of athletes these players are.

Both Bruin linebackers are among good company as the rest of the list  includes Stephone Anthony (Clemson), Jordan Jenkins (Georgia), A.J. Johnson (Tennessee), Hau’oli Kikaha (Washington), Benardrick McKinney (Mississippi State), Denzel Perryman (Miami), Hayes Pullard (USC), Reggie Ragland (Alabama), Jake Ryan (Michigan), Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame), Eric Striker (Oklahoma), Shaq Thompson (Washington) and Ramik Wilson (Georgia). With that list, it is an honor just to be recognized.

Go Kendricks! Go Jack! Go Bruins!