Ryan Named Butkus Award Finalist
11/24/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan football senior Jake Ryan has been named one of five finalists for the Butkus Award, it was announced Monday (Nov. 24). Ryan is the only finalist from the Big Ten for the award presented to the nation's best collegiate linebacker.
Ryan has recorded a team-leading 104 tackles, including 13.0 for loss with 2.0 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one interception this season. The senior from Westlake, Ohio, ranks second in the Big Ten with his average of 9.5 tackles per game and is tied for second in the Big Ten in total tackles-for-loss. He has seven games with double-digit tackles this season, including five straight, which is tied for seventh on Michigan's single-season list. His 10 career double-digit tackle games, including a career-high 14 tackles last week against Maryland, tie him for 12th on Michigan's all-time list.
Ryan has been named Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week twice this season. His first honor came after recording 10 tackles, including a season-high 3.0 for loss, in Michigan's 18-13 win over Penn State. His second was after registering 11 tackles, including a career-high 10 solo with 2.5 TFLs, and two forced fumbles in the Wolverines' 34-10 victory against Indiana. His two forced fumbles tied for the second-highest single-game production in school history and are tied for the fifth-highest single-game total in the NCAA this season.
In his career, Ryan has registered 259 tackles, including 45.0 for loss with 9.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, seven pass breakups and one interception. His seven forced fumbles are tied for second on Michigan's all-time list, and his tackles-for-loss total is tied for seventh all-time in school history.
The Butkus Award has been presented each year since 1985 to college football's best linebacker. Former Wolverine Erick Anderson won the award in 1991. The winner will be selected by Dec. 9 by an independent panel of 51 recruiters, scouts, coaches and journalists.
Michigan wraps up its regular season by traveling to Columbus, Ohio, to take on Ohio State. The Wolverines and Buckeyes are set for a noon kickoff on ABC.
Media Contact: Derek Satterfield (734) 647-1192
