Butkus Award^® 2005 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 2005 Butkus Award ® Finalists are as follows:

A.J. Hawk, Ohio State, Senior
Paul Posluszny, Penn State, Junior
DeMeco Ryans, Alabama, Senior

The 2005 Butkus Award® winner will be announced Saturday, December 10, 2005 at the Butkus Award® Gala at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, FL. The Butkus Award® will be presented to the winner by the award’s namesake former University of Illinois and Chicago Bear NFL Hall of Fame member, Dick Butkus. The finalists, their coaches and families are invited to attend the Butkus Award® Gala festivities including a welcome reception, golf tournament and silent auction.

The independent Butkus Award® Selection Committee for the 2005 Butkus Award®, comprised of the nation’s foremost national media members, is solely responsible for all voting in the selection process. Selection Committee members have been evaluating the candidates since the beginning of the season and will continue their review throughout the entire football season. Voting for the three Butkus Award® finalists and the Butkus Award® winner will be conducted by confidential ballots of the Butkus Award® Selection Committee.

November 10, 2005 Press Release