BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo senior linebacker Khalil Hodge was named to the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award – given annually to the nation's top linebacker. Hodge is the just the second UB player to make the list, joining former All-American Khalil Mack who was named to the list in 2013.
The watch list contains 51 linebackers, mirroring the legendary "51" pro jersey associated with the Award's namesake Dick Butkus, who was recognized by NFL Films as the best defensive player in football history. Hodge was the only player from the Mid-American Conference to be named the list.