Alabama LB named a semifinalist for Dick Butkus Award

Alabama football has a linebacker ‘questionable’ for Saturday’s matchup against Kentucky, but he has played well all season.

Deontae Lawson, a redshirt sophomore, has thrived next to Trezmen Marshall at inside linebacker. He has 52 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks.

Lawson also has four quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. He’s helped the Crimson Tide shut down some the best offenses in the Southeastern Conference in the second half of games.

Lawson has been named a semifinalist for the Dick Butkus Award, which goes to the best linebacker in high school, college, and professional football.

Four former Alabama players have won the Butkus Award since 1985. Derrick Thomas (1988), Rolando McClain (2009), C.J. Mosley (2013), and Reuben Foster (2016) earned the honor.

Lawson has a chance to represent the program as the next winner if he continues to thrive.