July 16, 2012
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior linebacker James Morris was named to the 2012 preseason Butkus Award Watch List on Monday.
The Butkus Award honors the nation’s best linebacker in college football. The award, now in its 28th season, will be selected by a panel comprised of 51 coaches, evaluators and journalists, coordinated by Pro Football Weekly.
Morris, who is also on the Bednarik Watch List that recognizes the nation’s top collegiate defensive player, started all 12 games he played in 2011. The Solon, Iowa, native recorded 52 solo tackles and 58 assists to share the team lead. The Academic All-Big Ten honoree ranked fifth in the Big Ten and tied for 37th nationally in tackles per game (9.2). Morris (6-foot-2, 230) earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors by both league coaches and media.
Iowa opens its season Sept. 1 against Northern Illinois at Soldier Field in Chicago. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m., CT (ESPNU).