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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Willis Named Butkus Award Finalist, Lott Trophy Semifinalist
11/9/2006 | Football
Willis joins sophomore James Laurinaitis of
“It means a lot to me to be a finalist for this award,” said Willis, who leads the Southeastern Conference in tackles per game with 11.2 per outing. “I am blessed and thankful to my coaches and all the people who have stood behind me. The other two players are very good linebackers and I know it will go down to the wire.”
The Butkus Award-established in 1985 by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando in its first year of existence-each year is presented to the nation's best collegiate linebacker. The recipient of the award is chosen by a selection committee whose members are familiar with the collegiate football scene.
It was only natural that DAC-Orlando chose to name the award in honor of the former Chicago Bears linebacker. In nine years in the professional ranks, Mr. Butkus gave his own definition and nuance to the term "linebacker," and his play established a role model that every man who has played the position since has attempted to emulate.
Linebackers Buster Davis of Florida State and Posluszny join Willis, safety Michael Griffin of Texas, cornerback Daymeion Hughes of Cal and defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock of Ohio State on the list of semifinalists for the 2006 Lott Trophy.
Named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. Now in its third year, The Lott Trophy is the first and only college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player.
“These seven players represent the best of college football, as athletes, teammates, leaders and students,” said Lott. “Each has impressed us with his commitment, his work ethic and his contributions to his team.”
Willis, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year last season, again leads the conference in tackles with 112. He has 7 tackles for losses, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
“Again, to even be mentioned alongside these other great players is an honor within itself,” said Willis. “The Lott Trophy is a very special award because it not only honors what we can do on the field, but also how we live our lives outside of football.”
Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, the Lott award is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
David Pollack of
Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation and Master Coaches, a distinguished group of former head college coaches.
Three finalists will be announced by Lott on Nov. 25 with the winner being recognized at a gala black-tie banquet at The Pacific Club in
“Patrick is not only a talented athlete,” said Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron. “But he also has a unique inner desire to be a great football player. We are extremely excited for Patrick to be recognized as a candidate for these awards. He could not represent Ole Miss and our football program any better.”
Willis and his Rebel teammates are off this weekend. They will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 18, when they travel to