Jones Earns Spot on Butkus Award Semifinalist List

Syracuse star linebacker and defensive captain Mikel Jones has been named a semifinalist for the Dick Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker.

Fifteen FBS players made the cut to be a semifinalist. The finalists for the award will be named on Nov. 21 by the committee.

Jones leads the Orange defense in tackles (69), for a unit that leads the ACC and ranks 16th nationally in total defense. He also ranks third on the team with three sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. Additionally, he has a forced fumble and fumble recovery on the season.

SEMIFINALISTS:

Jack Campbell, Iowa

SirVocea Dennis, Pitt

Jamon Dumas-Johnson,

Georgia Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State

Dayian Henley, Washington State

Mikel Jones, Syracuse

Jackson Mitchell, UConn

DeMarvion Overshown, Texas

Ivan Pace, Cincinnati

Owen Pappoe, Auburn

Drew Sanders, Arkansas

Noah Sewell, Oregon

Trenton Simpson, Clemson

DeAndre Square, Kentucky

Henry To’o To’o, Alabama

Jones and the Orange head to Pittsburgh on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on ACC Network.