Tre Lamar one of five finalists for Butkus Award

The Football Writers Association of America announced today that Clemson junior linebacker Tre Lamar was named as one of five finalists for the Butkus Award. The Butkus award is given to the best collegiate linebacker in the country and is named after famed linebacker Dick Butkus.

Lamar, a 6’4, 247-pound linebacker from Roswell, GA has made a major impact during his time at Clemson. This season Lamar is second on the team with 65 tackles. He has contributed seven quarterback pressures, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and an interception, which he returned 43 yards.

Lamar is only the fourth player in school history to be named a Butkus finalist, joining Dorian O’Daniel (2017), Keith Adams (2000) and Levon Kirkland (1990). Lamar and O’Daniel became the first Clemson duo to be named finalists in back-to-back years. If Lamar were to win the award, he would become the first player in school history to earn the honor.

Lamar has been a central figure on a unit that ranks first in the country in scoring defense (12.1 points per game), second in total defense (254.4) and third in rushing defense (84.3 yards per game).

The other finalists are Josh Allen from Kentucky, Devin Bush from Michigan, Dylan Moses from Alabama, and Devin White from LSU. 

The winner will be announced on or before December 6. Selection is handled by a panel of 51 coaches, recruiters, scouts and journalists who vote separately and confidentially using a 3-2-1 process, with write-ins allowed. Selectors and selection criteria are posted at www.thebutkusaward.com.