2024 Conroe Oak Ridge OLB Justin Williams (6'2, 210) and 2024 Lovejoy ILB Payton Pierce (6'1, 225) have been selected as semifinalists for the 2023 Butkus Award, which honors the top linebacker in the nation.
Williams, a Georgia commit, is rated as a five-star, checking in as the No. 1 OLB in the 2024 DCTF Rising Hot 100.
Pierce, an Ohio State commit, is rated as a four-star, checking in as the No. 2 ILB in the 2024 DCTF Rising Hot 100.
Nine different states are represented among the 12 high school semifinalists, with Virginia leading the way with three and Texas having a pair of semifinalists. The winner of each award will be named on or before Dec. 7.
The 2023 Butkus Award winners will be honored at a gala event on Jan. 27, 2024, at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The event will honor the legacy of namesake Dick Butkus and be supported by numerous noted NFL Alumni. Ticket and sponsorship information is available by contacting the Butkus Foundation.
2023 High School Butkus Award Semifinalists
Sammy Brown, Jefferson, Ga.
Aaron Chiles, Olney, Md. (Our Lady of Good Counsel)
Chris Cole, Salem, Va.
Cayden Jones, Arden, N.C. (Christ School)
Kris Jones, Fairfax, Va.
Payton Pierce, Allen, Texas (Lovejoy)
Brayden Platt, Yelm, Wash.
Demarcus Riddick, Clanton, Ala. (Chilton County)
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa Bellflower, Calif. (St. John Bosco)
Derek Weisskopf, Williamsburg, Iowa
Justin Williams, Conroe, Texas (Oak Ridge)
Bodie Kahoun, Roanoke, Va. (Patrick Henry)
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