Joseph, Lamar Selected to Butkus Award Watch List

CLEMSON, S.C. — The Butkus Foundation announced today that Clemson linebackers Kendall Joseph and Tre Lamar have each been named to the watch list for the 34th annual Butkus Award, which honors the nation's top linebacker. The duo represents two of the 51 names on this year's watch list, a number that honors the jersey number of the award's namesake, Dick Butkus.

Last year, Joseph collected third-team All-ACC honors after finishing second on the team with 87 tackles despite missing two games late in the season. Lamar recorded 52 tackles in the first 10 games of the season, including a highlight-reel sack in the Tigers' 31-14 victory against Florida State last November. Both players were key contributors to a Clemson defense that finished the year ranked 12th in the nation in rushing defense and fourth in pass defense.

Semifinalists for the award will be named Oct. 29, with finalists to be announced on Nov. 19. Winners will be notified on or before Dec. 4.

Joseph and Lamar are the newest additions to the list of Clemson Tigers to earn watch list selections for the 2018 season. Members of the team have earned watch list nods for the Maxwell, Bednarik, O'Brien, Doak Walker, Mackey and Rimington awards this year.