Dumas-Johnson, Mondon named to 2023 Butkus Award Watch List

UGA football linebackers Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Smael Mondon, Jr., have both been named to the 2023 Butkus Award Watch List, The Butkus Foundation has announced.

The Butkus Award, named after legendary linebacker Dick Butkus, is an annual college football award given to the nation’s best linebacker by The Butkus Foundation.

“I am always excited about seeing our great watch list players on the field,” said Butkus, the College and Pro Football Hall of Famer. “When an outstanding player receives the Butkus Award he will know two things: First, he is recognized as the best of the best linebackers in America; Second, and in the long run most important, he will understand this recognition brings a responsibility of giving back.”

Semifinalists for the Butkus Award will be announced on Monday, Oct. 30, finalists on Monday, Nov. 20, and winners will be notified on or before Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Last season, Jamon Dumas-Johnson was named a Butkus Award semifinalist.

Dumas-Johnson (6-1, 245, Jr.) hails from Hyattsville, Md. Last season as a sophomore, he started all 15 games and finished the season with 70 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, four quarterback sacks, and 36 quarterback hurries.

Smael Mondon, Jr. (6-3, 225, Jr.) is a native of Dallas, Ga. He played in 13 of 15 games in 2022 and led the team in tackles with 76 despite missing two games due to injury. Mondon also recorded eight tackles for loss and 23 quarterback hurries.

The back-to-back national champion Georgia Bulldogs are scheduled to open the 2023 season on Saturday, Sept. 2 against the UT Martin Skyhawks at Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga. (Buy Tickets).

2023 UGA Football Schedule

Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Smael Mondon Jr. have been named to the Butkus Award watch list. The award is presented annually to the nation’s best linebacker.@JamonJohnsonn @SmaelJr #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/K7IwWQUBtj

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) August 10, 2023