CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter has been named a finalist for the 40th annual Butkus Award, the Butkus Foundation announced on Monday.
 
The Butkus Award is given annually to the top linebackers at the high school, collegiate and professional levels.
 
One of the leaders on the Clemson defense this season, Carter has registered 61 tackles, including 31 solo stops, 9.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.5 sacks over the Tigers’ 11 games this season. Tabbed a Midseason All-American by both The Athletic and Sports Illustrated, Carter has recorded double-digit tackles in three games with 10 stops versus Stanford (September 28) and at Florida State (October 5) and a season-high 12 at Pitt (November 16). He also matched his career-high with 3.5 tackles-for-loss and one sack versus Stanford. Carter led Clemson with 12 tackles, including 2.0 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks and a pass breakup at Pitt, surpassing 30.0 tackles-for-loss for his career. In the home win over The Citadel on November 23, Carter recorded a four-yard rushing touchdown, becoming the first Clemson defensive player to score an offensive touchdown since 2020.
 
The 51-member Butkus Award selection committee will select top linebackers at the collegiate and high school levels using a 3-2-1 weighted vote with a write-in option. Winners will be named by December 10, with the pro winner selected in early 2025.
 
A Butkus Award celebration featuring the three winners is planned for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois, where the Award’s namesake, the late Dick Butkus, established his legendary career. The celebration will be featured in the Butkus Award special airing on the Big Ten Network in February 2025. More information will be at www.butkusfoundation.org.
 
The 51-person Butkus Award selection committee comprised of coaches, scouts and journalists guides the selection process emphasizing qualities that defined Dick Butkus’ career: toughness, on-field leadership, competitiveness, football character and linebacking skills. The Award is increasingly focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
 
Last season’s collegiate winner was Payton Wilson of NC State (now Pittsburgh Steelers), the high school winner was Sammy Brown of Jefferson, Georgia (now Clemson) and the pro winner was Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens, who also won the pro award in 2022 and the collegiate award in 2017.