Lehman Named Butkus Award Semifinalist

Oct. 17, 2002

Norman, Okla. - Oklahoma junior Teddy Lehman has been named a semifinalist for the Dick Butkus Award, which is presented annually to the nation's best linebacker. The award and the list are voted upon by a panel assembled by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Fla.

OU players have won the award three times. Brian Bosworth remains the only two-time winner (1985 and 1986), while Rocky Calmus was the selection last year.

Lehman, a junior from Fort Gibson, Okla., has 62 tackles in the season, including 10 for 19 yards in losses. He also has one interception for a 20-yard return, four passes broken up, five quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries and one fumble forced.

Lehman entered the season of 10, but has tied or bettered that mark four times this season.

Earlier this week he was tabbed by CBSSportsline.com as the mid-season favorite to win the Butkus Award.

This is the third time in four years that there have been more than 10 semi-finalists. There was a tie for 10th place. The Butkus Award has been presented since 1985.

The list was determined by confidential balloting of the 29-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 67 college linebackers, which was announced back on Aug. 22, 2002.

On Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002, DACO will announce the three finalists for this year's Butkus Award. The three Butkus Award finalists and their coaches will participate in the announcement. The 2001 Butkus Award winner will be announced at the Butkus Award(r) Presentation Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 13, 2002 by the award's namesake Dick Butkus.

The 11 semi-finalists (in alphabetical order) for the 2002 Butkus Award are: Boss Bailey, Georgia; Michael Boulware, Florida State; Rod Davis, Southern Miss; E.J. Henderson, Maryland; Bradie James, LSU; Derrick Johnson, Texas; Teddy Lehman, Oklahoma; Jonathan Vilma, Miami(FL); Courtney Watson, Notre Dame; Matt Wilhelm, Ohio State; D.J. Williams, Miami (FL).

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Lehman Named Butkus Award Semifinalist

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