Ernest Jones #53 of the South Carolina Gamecocks. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
One South Carolina football defender is garnering national recognition.
Inside linebacker Ernest Jones has been named to the Butkus Award semifinalist list, making him one of just 16 players nationally to earn the prestigious recognition. The award, in its 36th year of existence, is given annually to the nation’s top linebacker.
Recent recipients of the award include Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons, Georgia’s Roquan Smith, Alabama’s Reuben Foster, Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o, Boston College’s Luke Kuechly, and Texas A&M’s Von Miller. No Gamecock has ever taken home the trophy.