Texas Longhorns LB Anthony Hill Jr. Named Semifinalist for Major Award

Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has proven himself as one of the nation's best defenders this season.

Sep 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) celebrates sacking Louisiana Monroe Warhawks quarterback General Booty (14) in the first half of the Texas Longhorns' game against the ULM Warhawks at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sara Diggins-Imagn Images / Sara Diggins-Imagn Images

AUSTIN -- Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. is officially being recognized as one of the best at his position in college football.

Hill Jr. was announced as a semifinalist for the Dick Butkus Award Monday, joining a group of 14 other players. The Butkus Award is given annually to the best linebacker in college football.

Former Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford was also a semifinalist for the award last season.

Here's the full list of semifinalists:

Jihaab Campbell, Alabama

Deontae Lawson, Alabama

Shaun Dolac, Buffalo

Barrett Carter, Clemson

Jalon Walker, Georgia

Aiden Fisher, Indiana

Jay Higgins, Iowa

Chandler Martin, Memphis

Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss

Sean Brown, N.C. State

Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

Carson Schwesinger, UCLA

Shae Suiaunoa, Wyoming

This season, Hill Jr. has posted 28 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one pass breakup and one interception.

He was recently added to the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given annually to the best defensive player in college football.

After the loss to Georgia, Hill Jr. said that the Longhorns are staying confident. They bounced back with a win over Vanderbilt before heading into the bye week.

"Nobody wants to lose but we're gonna look at the film, we're gonna get better," Hill Jr. "Our heads are up. We're not gonna just be sad and look all disappointed. We're happy and we're gonna get better and look at the film. We needed this, I feel like we need some adversity and it's gonna be good to see how we bounce back next week."

No. 5 Texas and Florida will kick off from Austin on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT. The game will be broadcast live on ABC.

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