CU senior up for nation’s top linebacker
Inside linebacker Jordon Dizon was named one of three finalists for the Butkus Award Thursday. The award is given to the best college linebacker of the year.
Dizon, a four-year starter out of Hawaii, came to CU as a running back but moved to linebacker his freshman season and won Defensive Newcomer of the Year.
The other two finalists of the award are Dan Connor of Penn State and James Laurinaitis of No. 1 ranked Ohio State.
Dizon led the nation in tackles for a majority of the season, although his 119 (98 solo) tackles currently puts him fifth nationally. The 6-foot, 225 pound linebacker has 25 tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage, including four quarterback sacks. He also scored his first career touchdown when he returned an interception 42 yards in Colorado’s 31-26 win at Texas Tech on Oct. 27.
The winner of the Butkus Award will be announced in December in Florida. Dizon is the fourth Buff to be named a finalist and could become the third Buff to win the award.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Margot Schneider at margot.schneider@thecampuspress.com.
