Senior inside linebacker listed as one of the nation’s top collegiate linebackers
The Butkus Foundation announced Monday that senior inside linebacker DeAndre Square has been named one of the 51 players on the watch list for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker since 1985.
The watch list features 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. The Butkus Award is focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
Square, a 6-foot-1, 221-pound native of Detroit, enters his fifth and final season with the Wildcats having played in 49 career games with 35 straight starting assignments. His career totals include 244 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery. He’s been voted a team captain twice (2020 and 2021) and is on track to graduate in December with a degree in health promotion.
Square ranked third on the team last season in tackles (80), tackles for loss (9.5) and sacks (3.0). He added three quarterback hurries, one pass breakup, a forced fumble and an interception in helping UK win 10 games for the fourth time in school history.