Texas Longhorn LB Jaylan Ford Selected as Award Semifinalist

For the first time in his college career, Texas Longhorns senior linebacker Jaylan Ford has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2023 Butkus Award.

For the first time in his college career, Texas Longhorns senior linebacker Jaylan Ford has been selected as a semifinalist for an award. 

On Monday, the Butkus Foundation announced that Ford would be considered a semifinalist for the 2023 Butkus Award, an honor that selects the top linebacker in college football.

Senior LB Jaylan Ford / © Maria Lysaker, USA TODAY

Out of all nine games this college football season, Ford had started and appeared in all of them. The Frisco, Texas native leads the Longhorn defensive roster with a total of 65 tackles (28 solo). On top of that, Ford has achieved 10 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, along with contributing one sack, intercepting the ball twice, pressuring the quarterback four times, forcing one fumble, and recovering another fumble. 

In every game this season, Ford has totaled five or more tackles. In addition, in six games this season, the star linebacker has recorded at least seven tackles. 

Ford totaled a season-high 11 tackles when the Texas Longhorns defeated the BYU Cougars on Oct. 28, with a score of 35-6. Against the Houston Cougars the week prior, Ford recorded 2.5 tackles for a loss. 

Not only this but out of his three takeaways this 2023 season, all have led to a score by the Longhorns, two touchdowns, and one field goal. 

The recipients of the 2023 Butkus Awards are set to receive recognition at a grand gala scheduled for January 27, 2024. The event will take place at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage, California. It will serve as a tribute to the legendary Dick Butkus, after whom the award is named, and will enjoy the support of various prominent NFL alumni.