PSU LB Kobe King Receives Butkus Award preseason Watch List Honor
In 2023, posted 59 tackles (39 solo) to go with six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and one QB hurry, while starting 11 games at middle linebacker.
·According to Pro Football Focus, led Big Ten linebackers with an 85.3 run defense grade (minimum 200 run defense snaps).
The Butkus Award is named in honor of the late Dick Butkus. 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.
Penn State Football Recognized On Preseason Watch Lists:
Drew Allar – Davey O’Brien Award, Maxwell Award
Kaytron Allen – Doak Walker Award
Abdul Carter – Bednarik Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, Nagurski Trophy, Walter Camp Player of the Year Award
Dani Dennis-Sutton – Lott IMPACT Trophy
Tyler Duzansky – Mannelly Award
Kobe King – Butkus Award
Chase Meyer – Lou Groza Award
Nicholas Singleton – Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award, Paul Hornung Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year Award
Riley Thompson – Ray Guy Award
Tyler Warren – Mackey Award
Kevin Winston Jr. – Bednarik Award
Sal Wormley – Outland Trophy
Penn State's season opener at West Virginia on Aug. 31 will kick at noon on FOX.
