PROVO -- Junior linebacker Cameron Jensen has been named one of 65 candidates for the 2005 Butkus Award, which recognizes the nation's best collegiate linebacker. The Butkus Award is presented by the Downtown Ahletic Club of Orlando, Inc.
This is the third watch list Jensen has been named to, also earning a spot on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lombardi Award lists. Jensen is looking to build on a sophomore season in which he started 11 games led the team in total tackles with 103, solo tackles with 49 and assisted tackles with 54. His 12.0 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries tied him for first on the team. He also added two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown against UNLV. Jensen also set his career high in total tackles against the Rebels with 12.0. He has been named a Preseason All-MWC candidate by several publications and is ranked as the second best linebacker in the MWC by College Football News.
Before coming to BYU in 2003, a redshirt season, Jensen played one year at Ricks JC where he led the team in tackles and earned all-conference honors. Following his freshman campaign, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rostov, Russia.
The 2005 Butkus Award Watch List includes 65 candidates that represent schools and conferences from across the nation. The list will be trimmed to 10 semi-finalists on October 20. The semi-finalist list will be cut to three on November 10 and the winner will be announced at the Butkus award Gala in Orlando, Fla. on December 10. Former University of Illinois and Chicago Bear NFL Hall of Fame member Dick Butkus, the award's namesake, will present the 2005 Butkus Award.
With Jensen being named to the Butkus Award watch list, seven Cougars have been named to eight lists: senior receiver Todd Watkins (Biletnikoff Award), junior linebacker Cameron Jensen (Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award and Rotary Lombardi Award), senior offensive lineman Lance Reynolds (Rimington Trophy), junior offensive lineman Jake Kuresa (Outland Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award), junior tight end Daniel Coats (Mackey Award), senior defensive lineman Manaia Brown (Rotary Lombardi Award) and junior quarterback John Beck (Davey O'Brien Award).