Butkus Award tabs Biegel for watch list
July 12, 2016 | Football
Senior linebacker a preseason candidate for three major defensive honors
MADISON, Wis. — It seems only natural that a player who is considered one of the best on his side of the ball also would rate as one of the best at his specific position.
Having already been named a preseason candidate for both the Bednarik Award and Nagurski Trophy — awards for college football's top defensive player — Wisconsin senior Vince Biegel added recognition from the Butkus Award for the nation's best linebacker to his resume on Tuesday.
Biegel was one of 51 players named to the watch list for the Butkus Award, which will be presented for the 32nd time this fall.
The Wisconsin Rapids native is the top returner for a Badgers unit that led the nation in scoring defense (13.7 points per game) and ranked No. 2 nationally in total defense (268.5 yards per game) last season. Biegel was a third-team All-Big Ten selection while recording 66 total tackles — including 14.0 for loss and 8.0 sacks — as a junior in 2015.
He enters 2016 as the Badgers' most experienced player, with 42 games and 28 starts to his credit. Biegel has started 25 consecutive games at outside linebacker and enters his senior year ranked eighth in school history with 17.5 sacks and 15th all-time at UW with 33.5 tackles for loss.
Biegel also is a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.
Pro Football Focus has rated Biegel the nation's top returning outside linebacker, grading him No. 1 both against the run and as a pass rusher.
Semifinalists for the Butkus Award will be announced on Oct. 31, followed by the naming of finalists on Nov. 21 and the announcement of winners on Dec. 6.
