Daiyan Henley Named to 2022 Butkus Award Watch List

BRUSH PRAIRIE, Wash. (July 25, 2022) – Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley was named to the 2022 Butkus Award Watch List, the Butkus Foundation announced Monday.
 
The Butkus Award is presented annually to the best linebacker in college football. Henley, one of 51 players named to the list, is the first Cougar to be named to the Butkus Award Watch List since Jahad Woods prior to the 2020 season. Note on criteria: The Butkus Award is focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional LB form. (Outside linebackers primarily rushing the passer in 30 fronts are regarded as pass rushers, not linebackers.)
 
Henley is set to begin his first season at Washington State after transferring from Nevada where he earned All-Mountain West Conference second-team honors last season. The Los Angeles native led the Wolfpack with 103 tackles including  three for loss with four interceptions, three fumble recoveries, four pass breakups and five double-digit tackle efforts.
 
The Butkus Award was established in Dick Butkus' honor in 1985 to celebrate the nation's best collegiate linebacker. High school and pro honors were added in 2008. The Award is characterized as the "Defensive Heisman" recognizing the critical yet frequently overlooked role of defensive leaders. Winners are chosen by a panel of football talent selection experts beginning with watch lists in July, semi-finalists in October, finalists in November and winners in December-January. Butkus representatives arrange surprise presentations for winners before teammates, coaches and family. An annual celebration of Butkus Award linebackers is hosted by Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa.