CHICAGO, IL -- University of Maryland linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II has been named to the 2024 Butkus Award preseason watch list; it was announced today, August 13. The award is presented annually to the top linebacker in college football.
A team captain in 2023, Hyppolite II is entering his fifth season at Maryland. The 2023 Third-Team All-Big Ten selection finished second on the team in tackles last season with 66 (47 solo) to go along with 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one pass breakup. For his career, Hyppolite II has 170 total tackles (105 solo).
Hyppolite II has seen action in 39 games in his career with 34 starts.
The Fort Lauderdale, FL native is on the Butkus Award watch list for the first time in his career.
Award semifinalists are expected to be named November 4, with finalists named November 25and the winner named by December 10.Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The 2024 Butkus Award winners at the high school, college and pro level will be honored at an event planned for early 2025 at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois as part of the Big Ten Network television special.
The 51-person Butkus Award selection committee comprised of coaches, scouts and journalists guides the selection process emphasizing qualities that defined Dick Butkus' career: toughness, on-field leadership, competitiveness, football character and linebacking skills. The Award is increasingly focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
The 51 linebackers named to the watch list is a nod to the storied "51" pro jersey won by the award's namesake, the late Dick Butkus. His tenacious leadership from the middle linebacker position earned him acclaim by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history.
A team captain in 2023, Hyppolite II is entering his fifth season at Maryland. The 2023 Third-Team All-Big Ten selection finished second on the team in tackles last season with 66 (47 solo) to go along with 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one pass breakup. For his career, Hyppolite II has 170 total tackles (105 solo).
Hyppolite II has seen action in 39 games in his career with 34 starts.
The Fort Lauderdale, FL native is on the Butkus Award watch list for the first time in his career.
Award semifinalists are expected to be named November 4, with finalists named November 25and the winner named by December 10.Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The 2024 Butkus Award winners at the high school, college and pro level will be honored at an event planned for early 2025 at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois as part of the Big Ten Network television special.
The 51-person Butkus Award selection committee comprised of coaches, scouts and journalists guides the selection process emphasizing qualities that defined Dick Butkus' career: toughness, on-field leadership, competitiveness, football character and linebacking skills. The Award is increasingly focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
The 51 linebackers named to the watch list is a nod to the storied "51" pro jersey won by the award's namesake, the late Dick Butkus. His tenacious leadership from the middle linebacker position earned him acclaim by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history.
