Reggie Ragland Finishes Second in Butkus Award Voting

Alabama senior Reggie Ragland just missed becoming the fourth linebacker to win the Butkus Award in the program's history. 

The award, given annually to the nation's top linebacker, went to Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith. He was presented with the trophy by Hall of Famer Dick Butkus at an event on Tuesday. Smith received 89 total points in the voting, which was followed by Ragland with 61 and Ohio State's Raekwon McMillan with 20 points.

For the first time in his career, Ragland leads Alabama in tackles with 90. He finished second behind Landon Collins in 2014. The Madison native anchors a Crimson Tide team that ranks first nationally in rushing defense, second in total defense, and third in scoring defense.

Ragland was recently named a permanent team captain by his teammates and first team All-SEC by the league's coaches.