University of Minnesota Athletics

Thomas Barber

Barber On Butkus Award Watch List

7/23/2018 7:45:00 AM | Football

Gopher linebacker led Minnesota with 115 tackles last season

University of Minnesota linebacker Thomas Barber was named to Butkus Award Watch List today. 

The award honors the nation's best linebackers and the list contains 51 linebackers, mirroring the legendary "51" pro jersey associated with the Award's namesake Dick Butkus.

Barber emerged as a breakout star last season as a sophomore. The legacy Gopher started all 12 games and finished first on the team with 115 tackles (third in the Big Ten), which included 76 solo stops (first in the Big Ten). 

The Plymouth, Minn., native made 10.5 tackles for loss (second on the team and 18th in the Big Ten), while forcing three fumbles (tied for second in the Big Ten) and recovering two fumbles (tied for second in the Big Ten). He recorded double-digit tackles in seven Big Ten games and also notched one interception en route to being named All-Big Ten Third Team (media) and All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (coaches).

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