On the same day that UM linebacker Sean Spence was named ACC Linebacker of the week for the third straight time, the senior from Miami was named as one of 12 finalists for the 27th Annual Butkus Award honoring the nation’s top college linebackers.
It marks the second consecutive season that Spence (seen below as a Freshman with 86Cane) has been a Butkus semifinalist. But this year his results have been better than ever and his coaches are heaping tremendous praise on the highly skilled quarterback of their defense.
Spence leads the ACC in tackles for loss per game (1.58), is third among linebackers nationally and 7th overall among all NCAA players. Spence is also second among all active NCAA players in career tackles for loss with 41.5. He only trails Vincent Curry of Marshall (44). He also ranks
His leadership has been so good, that normally guarded UM coaches have been quick to praise his work this season.
More Spence News: Spence Earns Third Straight ACC Weekly Award
UM Butkus Winner: Dan Morgan in 2000
UM Record Books: Every Canes National Award Winner
UM head coach Al Golden said following the Georgia Tech game when the Spence-led defense held the Yellow Jackets to a season low 134 yards rushing, "There are good years, there are great years and there are special years. Right now, he's having a special year."
His position coach, former UM great at LB himself Michael Barrow, who has played with and coached some of the greatest UM defensive players, compared him to a future NFL Hall of Famer saying, "See what Peyton Manning means to the Colts? That's what Sean means to our defense."
Canes Nation is hoping that Spence (seen below with MNWHS and UM teammate Jacory Harris) can follow in the footsteps of UM Hall of Famer Dan Morgan, who won the Butkus Award in 2000.
The 12 collegiate semi-finalists include five returning nominees and two from the University of Alabama. The Award was expanded in 2008 to honor linebackers at three levels while helping spread the word about Butkus’ I Play Clean™ initiative, which encourages teens to eat well, train hard, and play with attitude, instead of resorting to steroids and related drugs.
“This Award is about honoring linebackers at all levels, and reminding them that they have a responsibility to serve as role models and to give back to society,” said Dick Butkus, the legendary Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker.
Collegiate 2011 Butkus Award Semi-Finalists:
Zach Brown -- University of North Carolina
Vontaze Burfict -- Arizona State University
Audie Cole -- North Carolina State University
Lavonte David -- University of Nebraska
Dont’a Hightower* -- University of Alabama
Luke Kuechly -- Boston College
Travis Lewis* -- University of Oklahoma
Keenan Robinson* -- University of Texas
Sean Spence* -- University of Miami (Fla.)
Manti Te’o* -- University of Notre Dame
Courtney Upshaw -- University of Alabama
Jarvis Jones -- University of Georgia
1st!
Posted by: TJL | October 24, 2011 at 10:25 PM
thats 2 in 1 week! lucky meee
Posted by: TJL | October 24, 2011 at 10:26 PM
SKREETZ IZ COMIN AT U...
1. Yo playah, with Heather, G is in a bad spot cause ESPN tells her what to ask. G sure da hell dont know how to deliver dat question. G came over while me and goons were grubin at Olive Garden and when girl is just yappin bout football or normal sh$# shes smooth, but dats here speakin not ESPN for her.
2. Al gets major love cause ballah knew GT sucked on special teams and attacked it full on. Al wanted 14 and he got it jus like I told da Spacers.
3. Yo playah I usually stay in chill mode on dat sideline but couldnt help goin all whack when our boi Finnie stepped up on dat fake punt. RayRay finished dat play hard. We startin laughin seein Al goin all mental with dat stop. RayRay brought some of those hits we been waitin for.
4. Quite a few recruits I saw pumped seein dat game. All but 1 NFLU team had a scout repin and thinkin them Spacers will figure out dat team....no excuses for dat bruh.
Posted by: SOUP | October 24, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Absolutely LOVE the article title! Lmao!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 24, 2011 at 10:51 PM
4. Quite a few recruits I saw pumped seein dat game. All but 1 NFLU team had a scout repin and thinkin them Spacers will figure out dat team....no excuses for dat bruh.
Posted by: SOUP | October 24, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Worthless Phins
Posted by: SinisterCane | October 24, 2011 at 10:52 PM
Want the intro video that is shown at SunLife Stadium when the Canes play? Here it is: ow.ly/77H8a
Courtesy of CanesAllAccess.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 24, 2011 at 10:52 PM
WURD UP!
1. Yo playah, yep the CB spot is that bad bruh. Sorry peeps but gotz to be real about it. Finnie the best CB Miami has and is seeing field alot more. Playah just gotta adjust faster when Sean changin it up.
2. Williams plays safe which aint bad when you gotz toast on da otherside. I mean McGee goes for a knockout hit on playah and instead busted his own azz out.
3. The CB spot is what it is this year. A reason Coach D cant put in dat total D package bruh. Cant put JoJo at that spot cause Maq aint playin enough.
Posted by: SOUP | October 24, 2011 at 11:44 PM
WALKIN DA SKREETZ...
1. It really does come down to Jacory bruh. They are now allowed to break off routes. Mc is having the WRs go catch the ball instead of waitin for da ball.
2. U also got Streets, Hurns, BabyFace, RaShawn, Blur and even Byrd stayin after or hookin up to toss it around with Jacory. He made sure this was a tight unit that were willin to do what it takes to be great.
3. All Gator boi did was collect flip. Guys that werent playin boi took no time with em. Al makes sure each position coach spends time with everyone in their group.
Posted by: SOUP | October 24, 2011 at 11:48 PM
Soup,
question for da skreetz?
What in the world happened with Ben Jones and Jermaine Johnson? They were getting good playing time prior to this season right?
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | October 25, 2011 at 12:03 AM
Benji got to go up for that ball on the fly pattern instead of waiting for the ball to fall in his hands... it was the reason he got it slapped away.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | October 25, 2011 at 07:44 AM
Denzel Perryman with national freshman of the week
Posted by: Q | October 25, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Hey CaneSpacers! i will be attending my first Canes Game this thursday before I go back to Afghanistan :)..anyway I can get a shirt this thursday??
Posted by: DeeCane | October 25, 2011 at 10:54 AM
DeeCane, first of all, THANK U for your service protecting all of us.
2nd of all, have a BLAST at the game! I'm sure Soup will hook U up.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 25, 2011 at 11:27 AM
WATCHED THE REPLAY LAST NIGHT DAMN STREETER WAS WIDE OPEN IN THE MIDDLE ALL GAME.NEW WEAPON,OPEN IT UP FOR MILLER
Posted by: canezilla | October 25, 2011 at 11:28 AM
I SAY MILLER HITS 1,000 YARDS NEXT WEEKEND
Posted by: canezilla | October 25, 2011 at 11:29 AM
I SAY MILLER HITS 1,000 YARDS NEXT WEEKEND
Posted by: canezilla | October 25, 2011 at 11:29 AM
-----------------------------------------
That would be a VERY big day. I say it's possible, but not likely.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 25, 2011 at 12:01 PM
CGNC - U see Michalek is out 4-6 weeks for Pens? =(
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 25, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Someone tell Tim Reynolds that since Miami actually puts starters in the NFL we have to take that into account when scheduling a championship celebration. Swamp Lizard practice squaders have a lot of free time on weekends...
Posted by: 3G Cane | October 25, 2011 at 12:09 PM
I SAY MILLER HITS 1,000 YARDS NEXT WEEKEND
Posted by: canezilla | October 25, 2011 at 11:29 AM
-----------------------------------------
That would be a VERY big day. I say it's possible, but not likely.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 25, 2011 at 12:01 PM
If we can put more points on the board with passing... then Lamar will really shine.
Posted by: calGary Cane | October 25, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Ohio - yes I did see that. The Pens healthy would be a very scary team - sigh
Posted by: CGNC | October 25, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Was there anything more boring than that Ravens game last night? Fell asleep in the third quarter - LOL
Posted by: CGNC | October 25, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Golden presser starting. Will post most all at once to condense my post count. =P
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 25, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Thanks Ohio, I hope so too...I would love to go back to Afghanistan flaunting my U shirt...lol..there are alot of Longhorn and Bama fans down range...lol
Posted by: DeeCane | October 25, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Sign the petition!
http://www.change.org/petitions/the-university-of-miami-build-a-stadium-for-our-university-of-miami-hurricanes-football-team?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=share_petition
Posted by: 3G Cane | October 25, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Golden, "Bunche will start the game and Seantrell will play significantly."
Darius Smith held off Micanor Regis, will start at DT
Al Golden jokes he will wear a bow tie to Virginia game, likes fans wearing ties to games "think it's fun."
Al Golden expects CB Brandon McGee, DE Marcus Robinson, LB Denzel Perryman (banged up vs. GT) will play Thurs.
Al Golden said DE Shayon Green, RT Jonathan Feliciano will be out for #Virginia game
Al Golden expects CB Brandon McGee, DE Marcus Robinson, LB Denzel Perryman (banged up vs. GT) will play Thurs.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 25, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Thanks skreetz & Soup. Dee, THANK YOU!
Posted by: j.w. | October 25, 2011 at 01:12 PM
Sign the petition!
http://www.change.org/petitions/the-university-of-miami-build-a-stadium-for-our-university-of-miami-hurricanes-football-team?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=share_petition
Posted by: 3G Cane | October 25, 2011 at 12:45 PM
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DONE.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
I went to bed last night at 8pm missed the whole darn thing. Ray Lewis and Joe Flacco need to have a talk and the offensive line....it was just horrible. Professionals, these guys are supposed to be Professionals. Well I guess they can chalk it up to Monday!!!
Where in the heck is Miami going to find land in the Gables to build a stadium?
Maybe they will move to the Marlins new stadium....but wait there is that darn 20 year lease that was signed by the school with Sunlife....gonna take lots of money to get out of that one.
sigh, sigh, ugh, ugh
Posted by: canechic | October 25, 2011 at 01:19 PM
CC their wideouts could not get ANY separation so since there was no threat they brought everyone up to stop Ray Rice. Sound familiar?
You mean the New Marlins\Old Orange Bowl Stadium? LOL!
Posted by: CGNC | October 25, 2011 at 02:06 PM
Going with the superhero theme to this post, here's Staples on SI.com's power rankings for #23 this week:
Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes (4-3)
Iron Man: Tony Stark has problems. He's a bit of a cad. He drinks too much. He has a piece of embedded shrapnel moving dangerously close to his heart. Stark also has a suit that gives him super strength, allows him to fly and puts an array of high-tech weapons at his fingertips. The Hurricanes have problems. They are the target of an NCAA investigation. The lost a game they should have won (at Maryland) because they had eight starters suspended. They lost another game (Kansas State) when they were stuffed at the goal line. But Miami has weapons, too. Quarterback Jacory Harris is having his best season, tailback Lamar Miller averages 5.8 yards per carry and linebacker Sean Spence is 10th in the nation in tackles (65) despite being suspended for the season opener. Yes, Miami has lost three games, and for that, you might think the Hurricanes don't deserve to be ranked. But ask yourself this: After watching Miami the past two weeks against North Carolina and Georgia Tech, would you feel good about your team's chances against the Hurricanes? Didn't think so.
Last game: Beat Georgia Tech, 24-7
Next game: Thursday vs. Virginia
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/10/25/super-hero-power-rankings/index.html#ixzz1boliKf53
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | October 25, 2011 at 02:11 PM
Sign the petition!
http://www.change.org/petitions/the-university-of-miami-build-a-stadium-for-our-university-of-miami-hurricanes-football-team?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=share_petition
Posted by: 3G Cane | October 25, 2011 at 12:45 PM
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DONE.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
DONE SON!!!!! lol
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | October 25, 2011 at 02:57 PM
_______________tumble weed_________________________________________________________tumble weed___________________________
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | October 25, 2011 at 04:40 PM
Scott Pianow of Yahoo. Came across it in looking for fantasy stuff:
• The players are mostly to blame for Miami's 1-12 run at home, but the organization isn't helping. The Dolphins front office did everything but declare it "Tim Tebow Day" on Sunday — the exact opposite of the objective. You're supposed to make the opponent uncomfortable in your stadium, for crying out loud. I feel sorry for anyone who pulls for this franchise.
Posted by: Felipe | October 25, 2011 at 05:29 PM
Hey CaneSpacers! i will be attending my first Canes Game this thursday before I go back to Afghanistan :)..anyway I can get a shirt this thursday??
Posted by: DeeCane | October 25, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Funny, I knew there was a good reason that I brought the entire box of Canespace shirts with me this time for the first time all season.
Email me at: [email protected] so we can exchange phone #s and hook up at the Hampton Inn, the tailgate at E23 or inside the stadium.
Posted by: SOUP | October 25, 2011 at 05:45 PM
Just arrived in the 954 for a week of work but mostly FOOTBALL! Is it Thursday yet?
Posted by: SOUP | October 25, 2011 at 05:48 PM
If we can put more points on the board with passing... then Lamar will really shine.
Posted by: calGary Cane | October 25, 2011 at 12:10 PM
There IT is right there.
Miami MUST make opposing defenses pay for putting 8 in the box to stop Miller. The Blur and Streets MUST be able to get deep and Hurns and Dorsett must work over the middle and J12 MUST be a bit more accurate at getting them the ball in stride and the days of 35-45 points a game will be back sooner than U know it.
Posted by: SOUP | October 25, 2011 at 05:52 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/25/kimlon-dillon-touchdown-leap-video_n_1030602.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk3%7C107485
Check this out... its in central Fla.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | October 25, 2011 at 06:01 PM
Go Darters ^
BUT LBHS IS BETTER = GO PATRIOTS!!!!
Posted by: canechic | October 25, 2011 at 06:57 PM
NEW BLOG IS UP!
Posted by: SOUP | October 25, 2011 at 07:06 PM