University of Memphis Athletics
Martin Named Semifinalist for 40th-Annual Butkus Award
Nov 04, 2024 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis redshirt-junior linebacker Chandler Martin was named one of 15 semifinalists for the 40th annual Butkus Award honoring the nation's best linebacker, the Butkus Foundation announced Monday.
The captain of the Tiger defense, Martin has been the anchor of a much-improved unit this season. The Lithonia, Georgia, native ranks second nationally with three fumble recoveries and leads The American with 14.0 tackles for loss (No. 5 in FBS) and 6.0 sacks (No. 31 in FBS). His 73 total tackles rank top 50 in the country.
As a unit, the Tiger defense ranks fourth in FBS and leads the AAC with nine fumble recoveries, No. 11 nationally in turnover margin (+9), No. 17 in turnovers gained (16), No. 18 with 62.0 tackles for loss and No. 31 in rushing defense (115.7).
Martin is the first Butkus Award semifinalist in program history and adds the honor to a trio of AAC Defensive Player of the Week nods and a TSWA Defensive Player of the Week honor this season.
The 15 collegiate semifinalists represent 14 programs and six conferences. Martin is one of three semifinalists from outside of the Power-4 ranks and the lone semifinalist from The American.
Finalists will be named November 25 and winner named by December 10. A Butkus Award celebration featuring the winner is planned Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois, where the Award's namesake, the late Dick Butkus, established his legendary career. The celebration will be featured in the Butkus Award special airing on the Big Ten Network in February 2025.
Memphis fans can see the Tigers in action this Friday night (Nov. 8) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium when they take on Rice (3-6, 2-3 AAC) with kick scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.
Single-game tickets for the 2024 season can be found at THIS LINK.
To catch all of the action during the 2024 Memphis Football season, fans can also purchase season tickets at GoTigersGo.com, in person at the Memphis Ticket Office or by calling the office at (901) 678-2331.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The captain of the Tiger defense, Martin has been the anchor of a much-improved unit this season. The Lithonia, Georgia, native ranks second nationally with three fumble recoveries and leads The American with 14.0 tackles for loss (No. 5 in FBS) and 6.0 sacks (No. 31 in FBS). His 73 total tackles rank top 50 in the country.
As a unit, the Tiger defense ranks fourth in FBS and leads the AAC with nine fumble recoveries, No. 11 nationally in turnover margin (+9), No. 17 in turnovers gained (16), No. 18 with 62.0 tackles for loss and No. 31 in rushing defense (115.7).
Martin is the first Butkus Award semifinalist in program history and adds the honor to a trio of AAC Defensive Player of the Week nods and a TSWA Defensive Player of the Week honor this season.
The 15 collegiate semifinalists represent 14 programs and six conferences. Martin is one of three semifinalists from outside of the Power-4 ranks and the lone semifinalist from The American.
Finalists will be named November 25 and winner named by December 10. A Butkus Award celebration featuring the winner is planned Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois, where the Award's namesake, the late Dick Butkus, established his legendary career. The celebration will be featured in the Butkus Award special airing on the Big Ten Network in February 2025.
Memphis fans can see the Tigers in action this Friday night (Nov. 8) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium when they take on Rice (3-6, 2-3 AAC) with kick scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.
Single-game tickets for the 2024 season can be found at THIS LINK.
To catch all of the action during the 2024 Memphis Football season, fans can also purchase season tickets at GoTigersGo.com, in person at the Memphis Ticket Office or by calling the office at (901) 678-2331.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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