PFF predicts Jeremiah Trotter Jr. will win the 2023 Butkus Award
Heading into the 2023 college football season, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is the top returning linebacker in the country and is expected to take an even bigger leap in his junior season at Clemson.
An All-American in 2022, Trotter was credited with 114 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, a forced fumble, and an interception (which he returned 35 yards for a touchdown) in 737 defensive snaps over 27 career games (14 starts). He was the only Power Five linebacker with 80-plus grades as a pass-rusher and in coverage which means he’s dominant in both pass rush and coverage which is a unique skill set.
As we approach the start of the season, Pro Football Focus released their predictions for the college football awards in 2023. PFF predicts Trotter will win the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s best linebacker.
BUTKUS AWARD (BEST LINEBACKER)
Winner:
Finalists:
Like Marvin Harrison Jr., Trotter has a former All-Pro father by the same name. Also like MHJ, Trotter is living up to his father’s namesake and then some.
The younger Trotter was the only Power Five linebacker last year who earned 80.0-plus grades both in coverage and as a pass rusher. His 42.9 passer rating allowed ranked second in that same group.
Perkins and Eichenberg are two elite linebackers, but it is Trotter who they predict to be the best. This would be an excellent honor for Trotter before he departs for the NFL.
