UConn junior linebacker Yawin Smallwood was named one of 12 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, which is presented annually to the nation's premier linebacker.

Smallwood leads the Huskies with 79 tackles and also has 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack. He has scored double-digit tackles in five of UConn's seven games this season.

The Butkus finalists will be announced on Nov. 26 with the winner be revealed on Dec. 10.