Moody and To’o To’o Named to 2022 Butkus Award Watch List

Senior linebackers Jaylen Moody and Henry To’o To’o represents Alabama as they were two of the 51 college players named to the 2022 Butkus Award Preseason Watch List on Monday.

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The Butkus Award is given annually to the best linebacker in college football, as voted on by a committee of experts consisting of scouts on the high school, college, and professional levels, and sports journalists.

The award is named after Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus, who is considered to be one of the best linebackers of all time in his time in college at the University of Illinois and in the pros with the Chicago Bears, the award was created in 1985.

Last season, Moody recorded 11 tackles in the 15 games Alabama played, including three solo tackles, and an interception in the opening game against Miami. After the conclusion of the season, he entered the transfer portal, but eventually decided to withdraw his name from the portal and return to the Crimson Tide as a redshirt senior.

To’o To’o came to Alabama last season via the transfer portal after spending two seasons at Tennessee prior. In his first season with the Tide, To’o To’o had 111 total tackles, which was the most on the team, as well as having four sacks and one forced fumble. He was named to Second Team All-SEC along with fellow defensive teammates Phidarian Mathis and Jalyn Armour-Davis.

Alabama has had four Butkus Award winners since the award was first given out in 1985, them being Derrick Thomas (1988), Rolando McClain (2009), C.J. Mosley (2013) and Reuben Foster (2016).

Both Moody and To'o To'o are expected to bring veteran leadership to a more experienced Alabama defense as they look to avenge the Crimson Tide's championship loss last season.