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Lincoln -- Nebraska senior linebacker Demorrio Williams has been named one of 11 semifinalists for the 2003 Butkus Award, given annually to the best linebacker in college football.
The Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Inc. (DACO) announced the list on Thursday after confidential balloting of the 28-member Butkus Award? Selection Committee, comprised of the nation's foremost media members. The Selection Committee made their selections from the initial Butkus Award? Watch List of 90 college linebackers, which was announced in August.
Williams was a late addition to the Butkus watch list after his blazing start to the 2003 season. The Beckville, Texas native has made a team-leading 58 tackles from his Will linebacker position, including nine tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks for 40 yards. Williams has also caused two fumbles, recovered two others and made his first career interception last week at Missouri. The 6-1, 215-pound Williams was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 7 after his performance against Utah State, when he made nine tackles, including an NU linebacker record three sacks and caused two fumbles.
Williams is one of four Big 12 players on the Butkus semifinalist list, joining Kansas State's Josh Buhl, Derrick Johnson of Texas and Oklahoma's Teddy Lehman. He is Nebraska's first Butkus semifinalist since middle linebacker Carlos Polk in 2000. Nebraska's last Butkus finalist was Ed Stewart in 1994, while outside linebacker Trev Alberts won the award in 1993.
On Nov. 13, 2003, DACO will announce the three finalists for this year's Butkus Award? at a national press/teleconference in Orlando. The three Butkus Award? finalists and their coaches will participate in the announcement. The 2003 Butkus Award? winner will be announced at the Butkus Award? Presentation Ceremony on Friday, December 12, 2003 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World.
2003 Butkus Semifinalists
Michael Boulware Florida State
Josh Buhl Kansas State
Karlos Dansby Auburn
Rod Davis Southern Mississippi
Matt Grootegoed USC
Derrick Johnson Texas
Teddy Lehman Oklahoma
Jonathan Vilma Miami (FL)
Courtney Watson Norte Dame
Demorrio Williams Nebraska
D.J. Williams Miami (FL)