Rutgers football’s Tyreem Powell earned a spot on the Butkus Award watch list on Thursday. The Butkus Foundation gives the award annually to the nation’s best linebacker.
Powell started every game last season, producing 71 tackles, six for loss including three sacks along with four pass breakups. He was the model of consistency in the middle of the defense, registering at least four tackles in all 12 games last fall. He posted a career high nine tackles in a loss at Michigan State.
The Scarlet Knights are a week into preseason training camp. Powell is a key starter returning for the defense along with fellow linebacker Deion Jennings. The position group is one of the deepest entering this season with Mo Toure and Moses Walker returning from season ending injuries. Expect a big season from Powell and the entire unit.
Earlier this preseason, Powell was selected to the Shrine Bowl 1000 and also was named preseason All-Big Ten (fourth team) by Phil Steele.
Last week, Rutgers tight end Johnny Langan was named to the John Mackey Award watch list. The award is annually given to the most outstanding tight end in college football.
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