Pinckney, Quarterman on Butkus Watch List
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Seniors Michael Pinckney and Shaquille Quarterman were among those players named to the watch list for the 35th annual Butkus Award, honoring the nation’s best linebacker.
The collegiate watch list contained 51 linebackers, mirroring the legendary “51” pro jersey associated with the Award’s namesake Dick Butkus, who was recognized by NFL Films as the best defensive player in football history.
Miami was one of just nine schools with multiple players appearing on the watch list.
Pinckney delivered another impressive year in 2018, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention recognition for the second straight year. Pinckney, who made 12 starts, ranked third on the team in total tackles (74) and added 11 tackles for loss with 3.5 sacks. In three seasons at The U, the Jacksonville, Fla., native has totaled 203 tackles and 29.5 tackles for loss.
Quarterman delivered a dominant 2018 campaign in the middle of Miami’s defense, starting all 13 games for the third straight year and earning first team All-ACC recognition. Quarterman ranked second on the Hurricanes with 82 tackles and added a career-best 14 tackles for loss, including six sacks. Quarterman, also from the Jacksonville area, has totaled 249 tackles and 31 tackles for loss in three seasons.
Pinckney is the fifth Hurricane to garner preseason plaudits; earlier this week, junior defensive lineman Jonathan Garvin and Quarterman were tabbed to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, redshirt senior wide receiver K.J. Osborn was named to the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award and sophomore tight end Brevin Jordan was named a preseason Mackey Award candidate.
Semifinalists will be named Nov. 4, finalists Nov. 25, and winners on or before Dec. 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.
Formed in 1985, the Butkus Award was expanded in 2008 to honor linebackers at three levels while supporting causes important to the Butkus family. They include the I Play Clean® initiative promoting training and nutrition instead of performance-enhancing drugs, and the Butkus Takes Heart™ initiative encouraging early cardiovascular screening among adults.
The Butkus Award, www.thebutkusaward.com and on Facebook at 51.butkus, is presented by the nonprofit Butkus Foundation. Selectors and selection criteria are located on the official website. Search social media for #butkusaward2019.
The Butkus Award® is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 800 recipients since 1935. Visit www.NCFAA.org for more information.
