ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Rocky Calmus of Oklahoma Friday was named the winner of the Butkus Award, which recognizes the
top linebacker in the country.
Also a finalist last year, Calmus is the first Sooner to capture the award since Brian Bosworth in 1985 and 1986. Bosworth is the only multiple winner.
The other finalists, pared from a list of 12 semifinalists, were Maryland junior E.J. Henderson and UCLA senior Robert Thomas.
The 6-3, 235-pound Calmus has 117 tackles, with 15 coming for losses, four sacks and an interception during his senior year for the 10-2 Sooners, who will face a Southeastern Conference
team in the Orange Bowl on Jan.1.
Calmus also was a finalist for the Lombardi Award, which went to Julius Peppers of North Carolina. The Lombardi Award honors the
nation's top lineman.
Henderson is the top defensive player for surprising Maryland, which won the Atlantic Coast Conference title and is headed to the Orange Bowl.
Thomas led the Pac-10 Conference with 111 tackles, including a school-record 26 for losses.
The Butkus Award, named after Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, has been presented since 1985. Last year's winner was Dan Morgan of Miami.
