Ventrell Miller named to Butkus Award Watch List
Florida Gators linebacker Ventrell Miller was named to the Butkus Award Watch List on Monday.
This is the third consecutive preseason that Miller has been named to the watch list for the award, which is given to the nation’s top linebacker at the high school, collegiate and professional levels.
Florida has had seven linebackers represent the school as finalists for the award, but Miller would be the first to win the award.
The Butkus Foundation will announce semifinalists on Oct. 21 and finalists on Nov. 21 with the winner being announced on or before Dec. 7.
Miller ready to come back from injury
As he heads into his fifth season with Florida, the Lakeland native is ready to bounce back from a biceps tendon tear that he suffered early on in the 2021-22 season.
“I’m antsy for the season, I can’t lie,” Miller said on the Gators Online Podcast in June. “Sitting out, missing a lot of games. There’s a lot of games I’m taking personal this year. Texas A&M, I was at the Kentucky game when we lost over there. Still hurt on the sideline, the field gets stormed. There’s a lot of personal games I’m ready for and I can’t wait to play. I’m hyped up.”
Miller has appeared in 38 games for the Gators, recording 166 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss for 75 yards, 7.5 sacks for 57 yards, one interception, one fumble recovery and six pass deflections.
Other Gators on watch lists
Three of Miller’s teammates have also made preseason award watch lists.
The Maxwell Football Club announced quarterback Anthony Richardson was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List on July 18 as a candidate for the college player of the year.
Florida running back Nay’Quan Wright was named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List on Wednesday as a candidate for the nation’s top college running back.
Pro Football Focus announced Friday UF center Kingsley Eguakun was named to a watch list of 40 centers across the country for the Rimington Trophy as a candidate for the nation’s top center.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
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