Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons has been named the recipient of the 2019 Butkus Award, the Butkus Award committee announced Sunday.
Simmons becomes the first Clemson player to win the Butkus Award which goes to the nation’s best linebacker. This is the 35th year of the award. Simmons was surprised with the announcement during the College Football Playoff Bowl selection show.
Simmons garnered 29 percent of the weighted vote and 35 percent of first place votes from the selection committee.
The 6-4, 230-pound linebacker from Olathe, Kans. has amassed 93 tackles, 58 solo, during the Tigers’ 2019 undefeated march to the College Football Playoff.