ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – UCF redshirt senior Shaquem Griffin has added yet another national award watch list to his list of accolades this preseason, earning a spot on the 2017 Butkus Award watch list this week.
Griffin, who has also been named to the Bednarik Award, Nagurski Award and Wuerffel Trophy watch lists, won the 2016 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award as a junior.
The Butkus Award honors the nation's best linebackers in college, high school and the pros. Last year's award winners were Khalil Mack of the Oakland Raiders (Pros), Reuben Foster of Alabama (College) and Dylan Moses of IMG Academy (High School).
This year's collegiate award includes candidates from 42 universities and six returning semifinalists from a year ago. The 2017 semifinalists will be announced on Oct. 30 with finalists revealed on Nov. 20 and the winner named on Dec. 5.
A season ago, Griffin accumulated 11.5 sacks and 20.0 tackles-for-loss, which was tied for the third most in a single season in Knights history. He ranked 12th in the nation in sacks and 13th in tackles-for-loss.
Griffin was also named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List this week, which is presented annually to the player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement by the All Sports Association of Fort Walton Beach.
Griffin and the Knights open up camp July 27 and will host FIU in the season opener, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. at Spectrum Stadium.
Knights on Preseason Watch Lists
Bednarik Watch List – Shaquem Griffin
Mackey Watch List – Jordan Akins
Groza Watch List – Matthew Wright
Nagurski Watch List – Shaquem Griffin
Outland Watch List – Jamiyus Pittman
Biletnikoff Watch List – Tre'Quan Smith
Wuerffel Watch List – Shaquem Griffin
Butkus Watch List – Shaquem Griffin
RISE AND CONQUER
The second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is just around the corner. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.
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