Butkus Award^® 2003 Finalists
presented by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando

The three finalists for this year's Butkus Award®, which is presented annually to the best linebacker in college football. In alphabetical order the three 2003 Butkus Award ® Finalists are as follows:

• Derrick Johnson, Jr., University of Texas
• Teddy Lehman, Sr., University of Oklahoma
• Jonathan Vilma, Sr., University of Miami (FL)

The list was determined by confidential balloting of the 28-member Butkus Award® Selection Committee, comprised of the nation's foremost college football media members. The Selection Committee made their selections from the 11 Butkus Award® Semi-Finalists, which were announced back on October 16, 2003.

The 2003 Butkus Award® winner will be announced at the Butkus Award® Gala on Friday, December 12, 2003 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World. All finalists, their families and head coaches are scheduled to be in attendance. The Butkus Silver Anniversary Award winner Tom Cousineau of Ohio State will also be present to join in the festivities. The master of ceremonies will be former Butkus Award® winner and current ESPN College Football analyst Trev Alberts.