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Iowa linebacker Cam Buffington has been recognized as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which honors the nation's top linebacker in college football. The announcement came on Wednesday, acknowledging Buffington's consistent performance for the Hawkeyes this season.
The third-year player from Winfield, Iowa, is one of 15 semifinalists for the award, named after Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus. Buffington has recorded 62 total tackles and two sacks for Iowa in the current campaign.
At 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds, Buffington is tied with Northwestern's Braydon Brus for the most total tackles in the Big Ten this season. He has delivered several impactful performances, including a 15-tackle outing in a narrow victory over Iowa State.
Buffington anchors a defense that ranks eighth-fewest in points allowed (14.3 per game) and 14th-fewest in yards allowed (281.3 per game) among all FBS teams. His leadership has been instrumental in the unit's success.
Key Analysis
If Buffington wins the Butkus Award, he would join Jack Campbell as the only Hawkeyes to ever receive the honor. Finalists for the award will be announced on November 20, with the winner revealed in early December.
Originally reported by yahoo.