The linebacking corps for the Michigan Wolverines is a returning strength with regard to the 2015 season, and on Tuesday, the unit was recognized as such. Senior linebackers Joe Bolden and James Ross III were each named to the preseason watch list for the 2015 Butkus Award, recognizing the best player at the position across the country.
As a junior, Bolden produced 102 tackles and four tackles for loss during the 2014 season, and Ross III added 32 tackles and three tackles for loss in his own right. Both players were selected, along with senior wide receiver Jehu Chesson, to represent Michigan at the upcoming Big Ten Media Days, and expectations are high for Bolden and Ross III to anchor what should be a stout defensive unit.
Here is the full watch list for the 2015 Butkus Award:
Dominique Alexander, Oklahoma
Kendall Beckwith, LSU
Zeek Bigger, East Carolina
Joe Bolden, Michigan
Kentrell Brothers, Missouri
Richie Brown, Mississippi State
Kelby Brown, Duke
James Burgess, Louisville
De'Vondre Campbell, Minnesota
Su'a Cravens, USC
Brooks Ellis, Arkansas
Kyler Fackrell, Utah State
Travis Feeney, Washington
Leonard Floyd, Georgia
Josh Forrest, Kentucky
Kris Frost, Auburn
Darien Harris, Michigan
Myles Jack, UCLA
Cory James, Colorado State
Jordan Jenkins, Georgia
C.J. Johnson, Mississippi
Peter Kalambayi, Stanford
Raphael Kierby, Miami-Fla.
Carl Lawson, Auburn
Cory Littleton, Washington
Antonio Longino, Arizona State
Curt Maggitt, Tennessee
Blake Martinez, Stanford
Tyler Matakevich, Temple
Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn
Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State
Mason Monheim, Illinois
Nyles Morgan, Notre Dame
Antonio Morrison, Florida
Yannick Ngakoue, Maryland
Jared Norris, Utah
Reggie Northup, Florida State
Montese Overton, East Carolina
Joshua Perry, Ohio State
Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tennessee
Luke Rhodes, William & Mary
Pete Robertson, Texas Tech
James Ross III, Michigan
Anthony Sarao, USC
Michael Scherer, Missouri
Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
Terrance Smith, Florida State
Eric Striker, Oklahoma
Jason Wittingham, Utah
Scooby Wright, Arizona
