LEXINGTON, Ky. – Senior linebacker Wesley Woodyard has been named to his fourth preseason national award watch list, this time being picked for the Butkus Award list for the top collegiate linebacker.

Woodyard was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference by league coaches in 2006. He made 122 tackles last season, second in the SEC and 18th nationally. He also led the Wildcats with 9.5 tackles for loss. Consistency has been his hallmark, as he has made at least four tackles in 24 consecutive games and could become the first Wildcat in 14 years to reach 300 tackles in his career.

The prize is named in honor of Dick Butkus, who played for the University of Illinois and the Chicago Bears, and known as one of the greatest to ever play the game. The award is presented by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando (Fla.).

Woodyard also has been named to the preseason watch lists for three honors that go to the national defensive player of the year – the Ronnie Lott Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award, and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.