BC Linebacker Luke Kuechly Named Butkus Semifinalist

BOSTON (CBS) - Boston College Linebacker Luke Kuechly has been named one of 12 semifinalists for the 27th Annual Butkus Award honoring the nation's top linebacker, according to announcement made by the organization on Monday.

Kuechly has registered 118 total tackles, including 61 solo stops, in seven games this season, leading all collegiate players in both. He has 28 consecutive games with double-digit tackles, the longest active streak in college football.

Earlier in the season, Kuechly recorded a career-high 23 tackles against Duke.

The junior led the nation in tackling last season as a sophomore and was a unanimous All-America first-team selection.

The other 11 semifinalists are: Zach Brown (North Carolina), Vontaze Burfict (Arizona State), Audie Cole (NC State), Lavonte David (Nebraska), Don't'a Hightower (Alabama), Courtney Upshaw (Alabama), Travis Lewis (Oklahoma), Keenan Robinson (Texas), Sean Spence (Miami), Mant Te'o (Notre Dame) and Jarvis Jones (Georgia).

Boston College is currently 1-6 this season, and next play Saturday at Maryland.