AUSTIN, Texas – Sophomore linebacker Malik Jefferson (Mesquite, Texas) has been named to the 2016 Preseason Watch List for the Butkus Award, given annually to the best linebacker in college football. Jefferson has also garnered recognition as a Preseason All-American and as a member of the watch lists for the Bednarik Trophy and Nagurski Trophy.
The preseason honors come on the heels of a standout freshman season. Jefferson, who was selected as a freshman All-American a season ago by the Football Writers Associaton of America, Sporting News and USA Today, played in 11 games for the Longhorns.