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USC’s Easton Mascarenas-Arnold Named to Butkus Award Watch List
August 13, 2024 | Football
LOS ANGELES—USC linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold was selected to the 2024 Butkus Award Watch List, today (Aug. 13). The Butkus Award is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate linebacker.
Mascarenas-Arnold, an experienced linebacker who transferred to USC in the spring of 2024 from Oregon State, looks to be an impact player as a senior.
In his 3-year career at Oregon State (2021-23), he recorded 410 carries for 1,883 yards (4.6 avg.) with a long of 52 yards and 22 TDs. He appeared in 27 games (with 12 starts).
The 51 linebackers named to the watch list is a nod to the storied "51" pro jersey won by the award's namesake, the late Dick Butkus. His tenacious leadership from the middle linebacker position earned him acclaim by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history.
Award semifinalists are expected to be named Nov. 4, with finalists named Nov. 25 and the winner named by Dec. 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The 2024 Butkus Award winners at the high school, college and pro level will be honored at an event planned for early 2025 at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois as part of the Big Ten Network television special.
The 51-person Butkus Award selection committee comprised of coaches, scouts and journalists guides the selection process emphasizing qualities that defined Dick Butkus' career: toughness, on-field leadership, competitiveness, football character and linebacking skills. The Award is increasingly focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
Mascarenas-Arnold, an experienced linebacker who transferred to USC in the spring of 2024 from Oregon State, looks to be an impact player as a senior.
In his 3-year career at Oregon State (2021-23), he recorded 410 carries for 1,883 yards (4.6 avg.) with a long of 52 yards and 22 TDs. He appeared in 27 games (with 12 starts).
The 51 linebackers named to the watch list is a nod to the storied "51" pro jersey won by the award's namesake, the late Dick Butkus. His tenacious leadership from the middle linebacker position earned him acclaim by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history.
Award semifinalists are expected to be named Nov. 4, with finalists named Nov. 25 and the winner named by Dec. 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The 2024 Butkus Award winners at the high school, college and pro level will be honored at an event planned for early 2025 at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois as part of the Big Ten Network television special.
The 51-person Butkus Award selection committee comprised of coaches, scouts and journalists guides the selection process emphasizing qualities that defined Dick Butkus' career: toughness, on-field leadership, competitiveness, football character and linebacking skills. The Award is increasingly focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
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