University of Texas sophmore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. was named to the Butkus Award preseason watch list on Tuesday. The award, which is named for NFL great linebacker Dick Butkus, is given each year to the best linebacker in college football.
Hill, a 5-star high school recruit from Denton Ryan High School, played in all 14 games last season for the Longhorns and started in six of them. He registered 66 tackles (40 solo) with 8 of them for a loss, and had five sacks. His performance as a true freshman earned him co-Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors and honorable mention All-Big 12. He was also a member of the Freshman All-America selection by ESPN, the Athletic and College Football Network.
Standout linebacker Derrick Johnson last won the award for the Longhorns in 2004.
The Butkus Award will name its semifinlaists on November 4, with the finalists named on November 25. The winner of the award will be announced on December 10.
