Collins named to Butkus Award Watch List

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss senior defensive lineman Jamie Collins added to his list of preseason awards watch lists on Monday when he was named to his third list, the Butkus Award presented by the Butkus Foundation.

The 28th annual Butkus Award is given to the nation's top linebacker and is named in honor of retired NFL linebacker Dick Butkus, regarded by NFL Films as the best defensive player in football history. Each watch list, both for high school and college players, contains 51 candidates, Butkus' now-retired professional jersey number.

Collins has also been named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Bednarik Award this preseason.

The McCall Creek, Miss. Native plays a unique role in the Southern Miss defense, both as a linebacker and defensive end. Collins returns as the team's top tackler. In three seasons, Collins has posted 222 stops (127 solos) with 25.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, to go along with 10 pass breaks, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, three interceptions and a blocked kick.

Two of his interceptions have been returned for touchdowns, including a 97-yard return last year at East Carolina and a 32-yard against the Pirates at home in 2010.

Semi-finalists for the award will be named October 22, finalists November 20, and winners will be notified on or before December 4. Winners will be featured in a television special a week before the Super Bowl.