AJ Johnson Named Butkus Award Semi-Finalist

Since 1985, the Butkus Award has been given annually to the top high school, collegiate and professional linebackers.

On Monday, Vols linebacker AJ Johnson was named as a 2014 semi-finalist for the award. He’s one of four SEC players named semi-finalists. (You can find the full list here)

Johnson is putting together another solid season in his final year on Rocky Top. The senior from Georgia has 86 tackles through eight games this season. He also has 1.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and has forced two fumbles.

In 2014, Johnson became the fourth player at Tennessee to register 400 tackles in his career. He’s also the school’s all-time leader in assisted tackles (199).

Johnson could’ve turned pro after his junior season, but he elected to return to Tennessee for his senior season. Johnson’s return has helped elevate Tennessee’s defense from one of the worst in the SEC to one of the best.

A Tennessee player has never won the Butkus Award and only four SEC players have ever won the award.

The winner of the Butkus Award will be announced in December.