Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland was recognized as one of five finalist for the Dick Butkus Award Monday morning, courtesy of the Butkus Foundation. The award is presented annually to the nation’s best linebacker.
Ragland joins Leonard Floyd (Georgia), Deion Jones (LSU), Raekwon McMillion (Ohio State) and Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame) as a nominee. Ragland has been stellar this year, leading Alabama in total tackles with 82.
He has posted 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, five pass breakups, four quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. The senior anchors a defense that is second nationally against the run (77.8 ypg) and third stands in total defense (265 ypg) and scoring defense with 14.5 points per game.
Former Crimson Tide players Derrick Thomas (1988), Rolando McClain (2009) and C.J. Mosley (2013) were the three previous winners of this award. The latest winner will be announced on Dec. 8.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
