10/16/03

Derrick Johnson named Butkus Award semifinalist

	Derrick Johnson

AUSTIN, Texas -- University of Texas junior linebacker Derrick Johnson (Waco, Texas/Waco High) has been selected as one of 11 semifinalists for this year's Butkus Award, the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Inc. (DACO), announced on Thursday. Johnson becomes the first Longhorn in school history to be named a semifinalist for the award in consecutive years. He joins D.D. Lewis (2001) as just the second UT player ever to earn a spot among the semifinalist for the annual award that has honored the nation's outstanding linebacker since 1985. Texas has never had a Butkus Award finalist.  

A 2003 preseason All-American and 2002 first-team All-Big 12 selection, the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder leads Texas with 65 tackles and seven tackles for loss, and is tied for the team lead in interceptions with three (T-No. 5 on UT's single-season interceptions by a LB list). His three interceptions are the most among this year's Butkus semifinalists. He has also registered two fumble recoveries, one sack, two quarterback pressures, and four pass breakups. Johnson 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. He had 13 tackles and a tackle for loss against No. 1 Oklahoma last week and has posted at least 10 tackles in five of six games this season.  

The semifinalists were determined by confidential balloting of the 28-member Butkus Award Selection Committee, comprised of the nation's foremost media members. The selection committee made their choices from the initial Butkus Award watch list of 90 collegiate linebackers, which was announced on Aug. 21.  

On Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003, DACO will announce the three finalists for this year's Butkus Award. 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.  

For more information on the Butkus Award go to www.butkusaward.org or contact the award's chairman, Bobby Olszewski, at 321/217-8687.