Adams One of 11 Semifinalists for Butkus Award

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Orlando-- Clemson linebacker Keith Adams has been named one of 11 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, the honor presented to the top linebacker in college football. The Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Inc. (DACO) made the announcement on Thursday.

The Butkus Award has been presented since 1985 by the DACO. For the second year in a row there was a tie for tenth place creating 11 semi-finalists instead of the usual 10. The list was determined by confidential balloting of the 28-member Butkus AwardÆ Selection Committee, comprised of the nation' s foremost media members. The Selection Committee made their selections from the initial Butkus AwardÆ Watch List of 71 college linebackers, which was announced back on August 24, 2000.

Adams is Clemson's top tackler this year with 80 stops, and is a big reason the third ranked Tigers rank second in the nation in total defense, eighth in scoring defense, eighth in rushing defense and fifth in pass efficiency defense. Thirteen of his tackles are behind the line of scrimmage, including a team best six sacks. He has made a tackle every 4.7 snaps and leads the team in quarterback pressures with 14.

On Thursday, November 9, 2000, DACO will announce the three finalists for this year' s Butkus Award. The 2000 Butkus Award winner will be announced at the Butkus Award Gala in Orlando on Friday, December 8. The Butkus Award Gala will be televised nationally on Fox Sports Net.

The 11 Butkus Award semi-finalists (in alphabetical order)

	1.	Keith Adams     	Clemson


	2.	Brian Allen      	Florida State


	3.	Adam Archuleta      	Arizona State


	4.	Rocky Calmus       	Oklahoma


	5.	Dan Morgan         	Miami (FL)


	6.	Carlos Polk      	Nebraska


	7.	Tommy Polley        	Florida State


	8.	Matt Smith	        Oregon


	9.	Ben Taylor	        Virginia Tech


	10.	Robert Thomas	        UCLA


	11.	Eric Westmoreland	Tennessee

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