Ulofoshio, Tupuola-Fetui Named To Butkus Watch List

The Butkus Award® honoring the nation's best linebackers kicked off its 37th annual selection process today by announcing its collegiate and high school preseason watch lists and Huskies Edefuan Ulofoshio and Zion Tupuola-Fetui were both named to the list.

Ulofoshio was previously named to the Chuck Bednarik Watch list for the nation's top defensive players. He has been named to preseason All-America teams by numerous publications.  

Pro Football Focus has ranked Ulofoshio as the nation's top returning inside linebacker. The sophomore from Anchorage, Alaska, by way of Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas, earned honorable mention All-America and second-team All-Pac-12 last year, when he notched 47 tackles, four passes defensed, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in the Huskies' four games.

Tupuola-Fetui was named first team All-Pac-12 in 2020 and earned second-team All-America recognition from The Athletic and Walter Camp. He was named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press. As a redshirt-sophomore, Tupuola-Fetui finished the season as the national leader in sacks per game (1.75 per game) and forced fumbles (tied, 0.75 per game). 
 
Each watch list contains 51 linebackers, mirroring the legendary "51" pro jersey associated with the Award's namesake Dick Butkus, who was recognized by NFL Films as the best defensive player in football history.

Semi-finalists are expected to be named Nov. 1, finalists Nov. 22, and winners on or before Dec. 7.