2007 Butkus Award

Named after the famed Linebacker from Illinois University, the Butkus Award is given to the nation's best Linebacker annually. Last year's winner, Patrick Willis to home the coveted award from Ole miss. Here are the three finalists for the 2007 Butkus Trophy.

Dan Connor, SR, Penn State- Has anchored the PSU defense for the year he has 136 total tackles on the year tied for 1st in the nation, 66 solo and 70 assisted . Also has recorded 7 sacks, 17 tackles for a loss, 1 int, and 6 passes defensed. He has a high of 18 tackles in a game this year, which he has achieved twice.

Jordon Dizon, Sr, Colorado - Leads the nation in solo tackles with 93, with 38 assisted totaling for 131 tackles which ranks 3rd in the nation. He has 11 solo tackles to go along with 4 sacks, 2 passes defensed, a forced fumble and 2 int's, 1 was returned for a TD.

James Laurinaitis, Jr, Ohio State - Leads the Buckeyes in total tackles with 103, 39 solo and 64 assisted. He has posted 11 tackles for a loss, 5 solo and 5 assisted, 5 solo sacks to go along with that, 2 int's and 1 passed defensed.