11/13/03

Derrick Johnson tabbed Butkus Award Finalist

Derrick Johnson highlight video
Comments from Teleconference Announcing the Butkus Award Finalist

	Derrick Johnson

Orlando, Fla. -- University of Texas junior linebacker Derrick Johnson (Waco, Texas/Waco High) has been selected as one of three finalists for this year's Butkus Award, the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando announced on Thursday. Johnson, who was a semifinalist for the honor in 2002, becomes the first Longhorn in school history to be named a finalist for the award that has recognized the nation's outstanding linebacker since 1985. He also is the only underclassman among the three finalists.

"I'm really excited about being picked as a finalist because the Butkus Award was one of my personal goals coming into the season and something I've thought about for a long time," Johnson said. "It's even more special to be the first finalist from Texas, especially considering all of the great linebackers that have played here.

"Of course I wouldn't have a chance to make any of the plays I've been fortunate enough to make without my teammates. We all work together to make things happen on defense, so they all deserve as much credit as I do."

Johnson is joined by Oklahoma's Teddy Lehman and Miami's Jonathan Vilma as 2003 Butkus Award finalists. All three of this year's finalists were semifinalists in 2002.

	2003 Butkus Award Finalists Teddy Lehman, Sr., Oklahoma DERRICK JOHNSON, JR. TEXAS Jonathan Vilma, Sr., Miami (Fla.)

"For me, being the young guy of the finalists, it's a thrill to be on a list with these two talented guys," Johnson added. "I've met and played against Teddy, and he's a great guy and a great player. I really haven't had a chance to meet Jon, but I've watched him on TV and he's a great linebacker too."

A 2003 preseason All-American and 2002 first-team All-Big 12 selection, the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder leads Texas in several categories this season. He ranks first on the squad in tackles (97), solo tackles (63), tackles for loss (15/-38 yards), fumble recoveries (3) and 10-tackle games (6). Johnson ranks second on the team in interceptions (4) and also has four sacks, eight QB pressures, five pass breakups and a forced fumble on the year.

"We are very proud of Derrick," said Longhorn head coach Mack Brown. "He has done a tremendous job this year and throughout his career at Texas. It is exciting for us to have him in this group with two great universities and two great football players. Derrick is a great player and person. He represents his university well on and off the field.

"The University has a long and proud tradition of great linebackers and defensive players. It's neat that Derrick will be remembered as the first one to be named a Butkus Award finalist. When he leaves here, he will be one of the best players to ever play college football, as well as one of the great players at The University of Texas."

Johnson's 97 tackles, 15 TFLs, four sacks, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries, five pass breakups and eight QB pressures (hurries) are all the top marks among this year's Butkus finalists.

Texas' junior linebacker ranks 10th on the UT all-time list (T-No. 2 among LBs) in TFLs (41) and is tied for seventh on the UT career list in fumble recoveries (6). His 18 career PBUs are the most-ever by a UT linebacker. Johnson also has 300 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, fourteen 10-tackle games and 27 pressures in 35 career games (25 starts).

Johnson was named the Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week after registering 11 tackles, four TFLs, four pressures, one interception, a PBU and a caused fumble in Texas' 31-7 win over No. 12 Nebraska. The Longhorns held the Huskers to 175 yards of offense and limited Nebraska to 53 rushing yards on 40 carries, more than 200 yards below their average entering the game (259.1 ypg). He also was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after recording six tackles, two interceptions, two pass breakups and fumble recovery versus Tulane on Sept. 27. Johnson has been tabbed UT's Defensive Player of the Week four times on the year.

"When you're watching film on Sundays, you just shake your head because D.J. will do some things that not many players at any level can do," Texas' defensive coordinator Carl Reese said. "He's so athletic and has developed such a great feel for the game that when his instincts take over, he's pretty amazing. I'll be watching film and you'll see a hole open up and, zoom, Derrick is in there and getting the sack. He's exciting to watch and as good as they come at the linebacker position."

In four games against Top 25 opponents in 2003, Johnson has posted 41 tackles, 10 TFLs, two PBUs, one interception, four QB pressures and a caused fumble. Six of his seven forced turnovers this season (four interceptions/three fumble recoveries) have either resulted in touchdowns (he returned a pick 47 yards for a score against New Mexico State) or set up short touchdown drives.

"Derrick is the type of guy you build a whole defense around," said UT senior CB Nathan Vasher, a Thorpe Award (nation's top DB) semifinalist. "He came in on day one as a freshman and played at a high level. Since then, he's only gotten better and now he is one of the most outstanding players in the nation."

Vilma leads the No. 14 Miami Hurricanes (7-2) in tackles (82) and TFLs (9/-20 yards) on the season. He also has one sack, two PBUs two QB hurries, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble on the year.

Lehman leads the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners (10-0) in tackles (83) and also has 11 TFLs (-31 yards), one sack, one interception, four PBUs, four quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery on the season.

The 2003 Butkus Award winner will be presented with the trophy by the award's namesake, Dick Butkus, at the Butkus Award Presentation Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 12, 2003, at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World.

The list was determined by confidential balloting of the 28-member Butkus Award Selection Committee, comprised of the nation's foremost college football media members. The Selection Committee made their selections from the 11 Butkus Award Semi-Finalists, which was announced back on October 16, 2003.

The 2003 Butkus Award winner will be announced at the Butkus Award Gala on Friday, December 12, 2003 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World. All finalists, their families and head coaches are scheduled to be in attendance.  The Butkus Silver Anniversary Award winner Tom Cousineau of Ohio State will also be present to join in the festivities.  The master of ceremonies will be former Butkus Award winner and current ESPN College Football analyst Trev Alberts.