UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State sophomore linebacker Micah Parsons is among the 12 semifinalists for the Butkus Award for the nation’s top linebacker.(Photo by Paul Burdick. Check out more of Burdick’s work here)
The award, named in honor of legendary linebacker Dick Butkus, annually recognizes the nation’s top collegiate linebacker. Parsons will be vying to become the first Nittany Lion to earn the honor since Paul Posluszny in 2005. LaVar Arrington also won the award in 1999, and five have previously been named finalists: Shane Conlan (1986), Andre Collins (1989), Brandon Short (1999), Posluszny (2006) and Dan Connor (2007).
For the second-straight season, Parsons is leading the Nittany Lions in tackles with 57. He also has six tackles for loss, one sack, two pass breakups and two quarterback hurries. Parsons was named a Rivals Midseason All-American. He was selected to the Pro Football Focus Big Ten Team of the Week first team following the Purdue game and second team after the Pitt victory.
The Nittany Lions visit No. 13 Minnesota Saturday. The Nittany Lions’ remaining home schedule includes Big Ten games against Indiana (Nov. 15) and Rutgers (Nov. 30 – Senior Day).
