PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football LB Tyreem Powell earned a spot on the Butkus Award watch list, the Butkus Foundation announced Thursday. The award is presented annually to the nation's best linebacker.

Starting all 12 games last season, Powell totaled 71 tackles with six for loss and three sacks. He posted at least four tackles in every game, was in on a tackle-for-loss in seven contests and added four pass breakups. The Vineland, New Jersey, native recorded a career-high nine stops at Michigan State, collecting sacks versus Boston College, Iowa and Ohio State.

Powell previously was selected to the Shrine Bowl 1000 and named preseason All-Big Ten (fourth team) by Phil Steele this summer.

The Scarlet Knights saw Olakunle Fatukasi merit semifinalist status for the Butkus Award in 2020 and 2021. The award has honored the nation's best linebackers since 1985.

Rutgers opens the season Sunday, Sept. 3 at SHI Stadium against Northwestern (noon, CBS), the first time beginning with a Big Ten opponent at home since joining the conference. The Back to the Birthplace Game is presented by Provident Bank. That is part of three consecutive home games to start the year and seven overall in 2023. Season and individual game tickets are on sale.

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