UCLA Linebacker Eric Kendricks Wins Butkus Award

Eric Kendricks has become the first ULCA Bruin to be named the top linebacker in the nation by receiving the Butkus award after an impressive 139-tackle season.

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Eric Kendricks was an absolute force on the field this year for the UCLA Bruins, tallying up 139 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks. His stats, versatility and leadership all contributed to Kendricks winning the Butkus Award. His 139 tackles are nearly 30 more than the 113 Manti Te’o had his senior year when he was considered for the Heisman award.

The selection committee had this to say about Kendricks and the rest of the finalists:

"This year’s class of linebackers featured as many deserving candidates as ever before, perhaps lacking a truly distinguished standout, as evidenced by a race that was as close as any the past decade and included a record eight different write-in recipients. We commend Kendricks for his diagnostic skill, cover instincts, sideline-to-sideline pursuit and on-field leadership. The two-time captain will finish his career as the Bruins’ all-time tackling leader.“He has been overlooked much of his career despite being an extremely productive tackling machine and opportunistic playmaker against the run and pass. His exceptional instincts, motor, toughness and football intelligence distinguished his play. His integrity, selflessness and leadership embody what the Butkus Award represents.”"

Kendricks will suit up one last time with his team January 2 in the Alamo Bowl against Kansas State.

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