University Southern California Trojans
Claiborne a Semifinalist for Butkus Award
June 21, 1999 | Football
October 15, 1998
LOS ANGELES - USC junior linebacker Chris Claiborne was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker, on Thursday.
The Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, which presents the award, made the announcement.
Through six games, Claiborne leads the Trojans with 53 tackles and has six tackles for losses, four sacks, two interceptions (one for a touchdown) and five pass defenses.
Also this week, Claiborne was named by Sports Illustrated one of the nation's top 10 hitters.
The other candidates for the Butkus Award are LaVar Arrington (Penn State), Jay Foreman (Nebraska), Andy Katzenmoyer (Ohio State), Jevon Kearse (Florida), Jeff Kelly (Kansas State), Dat Nguyen (Texas A&M), Johnny Rutledge (Florida), Brandon Short (Penn State) and Al Wilson (Tennessee).
Three finalists will be named on November 12, and the winner will be announced on December 11.
