
Photo by: Paul Hokanson/UBBulls.com
Dolac Named to Butkus Award Watch List
8/10/2023 12:14:00 PM | Football
BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo linebacker Shaun Dolac was named to the Butkus Award Watch List on Thursday, presented annually to the top linebacker in college football. It is the second preseason watch list for Dolac who was also named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. He is one of only two players from the Mid-American Conference on the list.
Last season, Dolac, an All-MAC First Team selection, led the Mid-American Conference and ranked second in the nation in tackles with 147. He had a school-record 97 solo tackles which was tops in the nation. He also led the Bulls in tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (4.5).
The number of linebackers on the watch list, 51, is a nod to the storied "51" pro jersey worn by the award's namesake, Dick Butkus, who was named by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history. The Butkus Award recognizes the best linebackers in football.
The award semifinalists are expected to be named Oct. 30 with finalists to follow Nov. 20. The winner will be named on or before Dec. 6.
Click here for the full watch list.
Bulls on 2023 Watch Lists
Max Michel - Allstate AFCA Good Works Team & Wuerffel Trophy
Shaun Dolac - Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award
Marcus Fuqua - Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award
Daymond Williams - Outland Trophy
Alex McNulty - Lou Groza Award
Ron Cook, Jr. - Paul Hornung Award
Last season, Dolac, an All-MAC First Team selection, led the Mid-American Conference and ranked second in the nation in tackles with 147. He had a school-record 97 solo tackles which was tops in the nation. He also led the Bulls in tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (4.5).
The number of linebackers on the watch list, 51, is a nod to the storied "51" pro jersey worn by the award's namesake, Dick Butkus, who was named by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history. The Butkus Award recognizes the best linebackers in football.
The award semifinalists are expected to be named Oct. 30 with finalists to follow Nov. 20. The winner will be named on or before Dec. 6.
Click here for the full watch list.
Bulls on 2023 Watch Lists
Max Michel - Allstate AFCA Good Works Team & Wuerffel Trophy
Shaun Dolac - Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award
Marcus Fuqua - Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award
Daymond Williams - Outland Trophy
Alex McNulty - Lou Groza Award
Ron Cook, Jr. - Paul Hornung Award
Players Mentioned
Buffalo Football 2026 Schedule Release Video: Hot Horns Episode 3 - Miles Greer and Tyrone Davis
Friday, March 27
Buffalo Football '26 Schedule Release: Hot Horns Episode 1 - Terrance Shelton, Jr. and Cornell Evans
Friday, March 27
Buffalo Football 2026 Schedule Release Video: Hot Horns Episode 1 - Chance Morrow and SaVeon Brown
Friday, March 27
Coach Lembo First Spring Practice Press Conference
Wednesday, March 25




.png&width=22&height=22&type=webp)
























