Boo Corrigan Director of Athletics | NC State University Athletics Website
Boo Corrigan Director of Athletics | NC State University Athletics Website
NC State linebacker Sean Brown has been named to the 2024 Butkus Award preseason watch list, announced today, August 13. The award is presented annually to the top linebacker in college football.
In 2024, Brown transitioned to the linebacker position during spring practices. Last season, he moved into the starter's role at free safety. He made his first career start against No. 10 Notre Dame and went on to start 10 of the last 11 games. He ranked third on the squad in tackles, had a career-best 11 stops in the win over Clemson, and made every tackle to hold the Tigers out of the endzone on the final drive.
In his career with the Wolfpack, Brown has played in 30 games, accumulating 85 total tackles, five tackles for a loss, and two sacks. He has two interceptions and seven pass breakups while forcing a fumble.
The 2023 Butkus Award winner hailed from NC State as Payton Wilson took home the award.
The 2024 Butkus Award semifinalists are expected to be named November 4, the finalists November 25, and the winner by December 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement for winning the award. The 2024 Butkus Award winners at the high school, college, and pro levels will be honored at an event planned for early 2025 at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois as part of a 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 increasingly focuses on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
The naming of 51 linebackers to the watch list pays homage to "51," worn by Dick Butkus during his professional career. His tenacious leadership from the middle linebacker position earned him acclaim by NFL Films as "the greatest defensive player in football history."
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