Watch CBS News

Luke Kuechly Named ACC's Top Male Athlete

BOSTON (CBS) - Former Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly has won the annual Anthony J. McKevlin Award as the top male athlete in the ACC.

Kuechly, a two-time All-American who was drafted ninth overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, becomes the first defensive player to be named the McKevlin Award winner.

In his junior year at with the Eagles, Kuechly set three NCAA records: total tackles per game over a career (14); total tackles per game in a season (15.92); and assisted tackles per game over a career (6.14).

The Cincinnati native also stands second in total tackles in a career (532) and in a season (191 in 2011) and in solo stops per game over a career (7.87).

This is not the only award Kuechly has claimed this year, also taking home the Bronko Nagurski and Lott IMPACT Trophies (given to college football's top defensive player), the Dick Butkus Award as the best linebacker, and the Lombardi Award for the premier lineman or inside linebacker.

Kuechly is the first Boston College athlete to win the McKevlin Award. The Eagles began ACC competition in 2005-06.

Kuechly's selection for the McKevlin is the 15th by a football player and the first since NC State quarterback Philip Rivers' victory in 2004.

The award is given alongside the Mary Garber Award, presented annually to the conference's finest female athlete.  Duke fencer Becca Ward, a three-time All-American, earned that honor.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.