Patrick Willis Takes Home 2006 Butkus Award

ORLANDO, Fla. Ole Miss senior linebacker Patrick Willis was named the 2006 Butkus Award winner on Thursday evening at the 2006 Home Depot/ESPN College Football Awards Show. Willis, a Bruceton, Tenn., native, is the first player from the state of Mississippi to take home the award honoring the nation's top linebacker.

"My heart was beating so fast I didn't hear them call my name," said Willis, who was named 2006 SEC Defensive Player of the Year by both The Associated Press and the league coaches. "My foster mother turned to me and told me they called my name. I'm still in shock."

Willis is the 2006 winner of the award which was created in 1986 by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Inc. The Butkus Award carries the name and support of one of the greatest middle linebackers in football history, Dick Butkus.

"I would like to thank my head coach Ed Orgeron, my foster parents Chris and Julie Finley, my teammates and the entire Ole Miss family for supporting me throughout my career," said Willis, who became just the second player from the SEC to win the award, joining Alabama's Derrick Thomas who took it home in 1988. "I feel so honored to have my name listed next to Dick Butkus, as he is one of the all-time greatest linebackers to play the game. Words cannot describe how thrilled I am to be able to accept this award."

Willis led the Southeastern Conference in tackles for the second-straight season with 137, including 87 solos. He finished the season ranked sixth in the NCAA in total tackles and third in solo tackles. In addition, he had three sacks, 11.5 TFLs for minus 44 yards, seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

"We are very ecstatic for Patrick," said Orgeron. "This was one of the reasons he came back, to help put Ole Miss in the national spotlight. Winning this award brings prominence to Ole Miss on the national level and lets linebackers around the country know the importance we place on the position. Patrick plays with the tremendous passion of a Warren Sapp. He is very deserving of this award."

Willis was also recognized as a member of the 2006 Walter Camp All-America team at the awards show.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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