Mustang vies for linebacker award
The Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Inc. (DACO), the organization which annually presents the prestigious Butkus Award to the nation’s top collegiate linebacker, has announced the preliminary list of candidates for this year’s award.
SMU senior linebacker Vic Viloria made the list.
Viloria is one of 66 candidates for the award as well as one of four players from the Western Athletic Conference.
The Butkus Award is regarded as one of the most elite individual honors in college football.
Created in 1985, the Butkus Award carries the name and support of one of the greatest middle linebackers in football history, Dick Butkus of Illinois.
The field of candidates will be trimmed to 10 semifinalists on Oct. 17. That list will be cut down to three finalists on Nov. 14 and the winner will be announced Dec. 13.
“Vic’s track record on the field speaks for itself,” in a statement given by SMU head coach Phil Bennett. “He is a throwback, a hard-nosed player who makes plays all over the field. We are expecting a lot of him this season.”
Viloria has twice been named a first-team All-Western Athletic Conference team. As a sophomore in 2000, he was a second team selection after leading the league with 130 tackles. Last year, he ranked fourth in tackles with 110 and was a first team choice.
The Chalmette, La., native has recorded at least 10 tackles in 16 of his 28 career gains.
Viloria was also named to the watch list for the 2002 Rotary Lombardi Award, presented to the nation’s top college lineman or linebacker. The Rotary Club of Houston presents the award.
The Rotary Lombardi Award benefits the American Cancer Society. The Rotary Club initiated the award in 1970 shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi to cancer.
In 1967, after nine winning seasons with the Packers, Lombardi decided to retire as head coach. The Packers had dominated professional football under his direction, collecting six division titles, five NFL championships, two Super Bowls (I and II) and acquiring a record of 98-30-4.
The award goes annually to the college football lineman, offense or defense, who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi.
The 33rd winner will be announced on the floor of Reliant Stadium on December 11, 2002.
“Vic is going to get his stats. We are going to need him just as much as he needs us this season. It is going to be a team effort,” junior cornerback Wesley Medlock said.
