Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma) and Jordyn Brooks (Texas Tech) have been named two of the 12 semifinalists for the 35th annual Butkus Award honoring the nation's best collegiate linebacker, the Butkus Foundation announced. Both were also selected as semifinalists for the Bednarik Award.

Murray leads the Sooners in tackles (55) and tackles for loss (7.5) while accounting for 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups and three QB hurries.

Brooks leads the Big 12 with 87 tackles, including 15.5 that have come from behind the line of scrimmage. He has added three sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and 10 quarterback hurries.
  
Selection for the award is handled by a panel of 51 coaches, recruiters, scouts and journalists who vote separately and confidentially using a 3-2-1 process, with a write-in option offered. Selectors and selection criteria are posted at www.thebutkusaward.com. Finalists will be announced November 25, and winners will be announced on or before December 10.