Jerry Phillips Named To Butkus Award Watch List
Aug 19, 1999 | Football
Aug. 19, 1999
NEW ORLEANS - Tulane junior linebacker Jerry Phillips was one of 65 players named to the Butkus Award watch list announced Thursday.
Phillips, a 5-11, 220-pound New Orleans native, led Tulane's 12-0 squad of a year ago with 104 total tackles. He was named preseason All-Conference USA last month by league coaches.
"Jerry is the leader of our defense," said head coach Chris Scelfo. "His intensity and experience helps set the tone for what we're trying to do on that side of the ball."
The Butkus Award, presented annually by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, is given to the nation's top collegiate linebacker. This is the 15th year it has been in existence. The preliminary list of 65 will be trimmed to 10 semifinalists on October 21.
Defending C-USA champion Tulane, in the midst of two-a-day practices, opens its 1999 season Sept. 6 at Southern Miss. The game, scheduled for 2 p.m. (CDT), will be broadcast nationally by Fox Sports Net.
