Mizzou Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper Named Butkus Award Finalist

Tigers standout in contention to add to Mizzou's collection of national football honors.

Author:
Christopher Walsh
Publish date:
Nov 21, 2023 5:03 PM EST

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Missouri Tigers

Another Missouri football player is on the short list for a prominent national award as Ty’Ron Hopper was named a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award.

The Butkus is given annually to the nation's best linebacker (edge rushers usually aren't considered). A Southeastern Conference player has won the award in four of the last seven years.

Hopper leads the Mizzou defense with 55 tackles, including six for a loss and three sacks. He's also been credited with six quarterback hurries and three pass breakups in 10 games played.

The Florida transfer wasn't able to play against his former team last week due to an ankle injury. The Tigers still managed to win, 33-31, but gave up more than 500 yards of offense to the Gators.

Hopper suffered the injury during Missouri's 36-7 win over formerly No. 13 Tennessee two weeks ago, forcing him to exit the game. Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz later shared that Hopper's X-ray and MRI came back "clean."

He's considered "questionable" for the regular-season finale at Arkansas on Friday.

The senior is the third Mizzou player to earn finalist honors for the Butkus Award along with Nick Bolton (2020) and Sean Weatherspoon (2008, 2009). The winner will be named on or before Dec. 6.

Earlier Tuesday, running back Cody Schrader a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, and a finalists for the Burlsworth Trophy for the best player who began his career as a walk-on. Wide receiver Luther Burden III is a finalist for the Biletnikoff winner for best receiver.