Arizona Wildcats junior linebacker Jacob Manu was named to the 51-player Butkus Award watch list on Tuesday. UA star cornerback Tacario Davis was named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list on Monday.ย
The Butkus Award, named after legendary linebacker Dick Butkus, is given to the top linebackers at the high school, college football and NFL levels. The Bednarik Award is given to the top defensive player in college as judged by the Maxwell Football Club. Former UA star linebacker Scooby Wright III won the Bednarik Award in 2014.ย
Both Manu and Davis were also named to the Bronko Nagurski Award preseason watch list.ย
As a sophomore, Manu led the Pac-12 in tackles (116) and was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team and Associated Press All-Pac-12 First Team. Manu was the first Wildcat to lead the Pac-12 in tackles since Wright in 2014. Manu earned a preseason All-Big 12 nod. Manu was also named a fourth-team preseason All-American by Athlon Sports.
Davis, also a preseason All-Big 12 choice, grew into one of the top defensive backs nationally after leading the Pac-12 in pass breakups (16) and received an 85.9 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. He had the highest overall PFF grade (84.2) amongst UA players last year. Following the departure of former UA head coach Jedd Fisch, Davis entered the transfer portal, but returned to Arizona following the spring practice schedule.
No. 21 Arizona kicks off the 2024 season against New Mexico at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.
