Michigan linebacker Devin Bush named a finalist for the Butkus Award

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Finalists for various college football awards were announced on Monday, as the season winds down and some of the nation’s top talents will be recognized in the coming weeks for their performances in 2017.

Of local note, Michigan linebacker Devin Bush has been tabbed as a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top linebacker.

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The Florida-native Bush has done a little bit of everything for Michigan this season. His 89 tackles and eight pass break-ups leads the team. He’s also added 10 tackles for loss, one of five Wolverines to accomplish that this season, and his 5.5 sacks are tied for third on the team. Bush also tallied his first career interception last week against Wisconsin.

Bush has arguably been the team’s most outstanding defensive player, leading a defense that not only ranks among the better ones in the Big Ten but the entire country as well.

Bush becomes the first Michigan player since Jake Ryan in 2014 to be a finalist for the Butkus Award. Of the five finalists this year, he is also one of two Big Ten linebackers to make the list:

  • Devin Bush | Michigan
  • Tremaine Edmunds | Virginia Tech
  • T.J. Edwards | Wisconsin
  • Dorian O’Daniel | Clemson
  • Roquan Smith | Georgia

Michigan senior center Patrick Kugler raved of Bush’s athleticism despite being often perceived as undersized.

“He’s really athletic,” senior center Patrick Kugler said last week. “People kind of doubt his size and everything, but I think it gives him an advantage. You can’t see him sometimes. He brings a pop more than you would think. He’s definitely one of our more physical linebackers. 

“He’s definitely one of the most athletic ones. He’s really difficult to block.”

The winner of the Butkus Award and the other prestigious college football honors will be revealed some time around December 6. Bush will look to become just the second Michigan player ever to take home the Butkus Award, the first since Erick Anderson in 1991.