Three Linebackers on Butkus Watch List

HOOVER, Ala. – The Gators had three linebackers named to the preseason watch list for the 2012 Butkus Award, which is given to the nation’s top linebacker in college football. All three are returning starters that will anchor the Florida defense in the fall.

Florida is one of two schools that placed three preseason nominees on the list.

Jon Bostic, Jelani Jenkins and Lerentee McCray were three of the 51 players placed on the watch list for the Butkus Award on Monday morning. Bostic and Jenkins were on the watch list before the 2011 season.

Bostic appeared in all 13 games at middle linebacker for Florida in 2011 and led the Gators with 94 tackles. He was tied for second with 10 tackles for a loss. Bostic was also selected to the third team preseason All-SEC by the coaches.

Jenkins was third on the team with 75 tackles and second with six pass breakups in 2011. He was chosen to the second team preseason All-SEC by the coaches.

McCray started five games last season and tied for a team-high four quarterback hurries and was fifth on the team with 7.5 tackles for a loss. He missed the last four games of the season because of a shoulder injury.