Henry To’o To’o named to the Butkus Award watch list

Another week, another watch list for Tennessee linebacker Henry To’o To’o. The sophomore defender was named to the 2020 Butkus Award watch list on Monday, which is handed out each season to the nation’s top linebacker. To’o To’o made an appearance on the Bednarik Award watch list last week, which is given out to the nation’s top defensive player.

To’o To’o is joined on the list by 50 other players, including 15 more from the SEC.

The California native had a breakout season as a freshman, starting from day one. The former four-star, top 50 prospect was credited with 72 total tackles in his first season, playing alongside of senior leader Daniel Bituli. With Bituli now gone, To’o To’o will be the man running the show in the teeth of the Tennessee defense.

His leadership will be a key for Tennessee, which lost Bituli, Nigel Warrior and Darrell Taylor after last season. It’s a bit of a new era in the Volunteers’ front seven, and To’o To’o is leading the way.

Finalists for the award will be named on November 23rd, with the winner announced on December 8th.