For the first time in his career, Maryland linebacker Ruben Hyppolite has been named to the Butkus Award preseason watch list, it was announced on Tuesday, an award presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker in college football.
Ruben Hyppolite anchors an experienced linebacker room heading into the 2024 season alongside Kellan Wyatt, Donnell Brown, Neeo Avery and Caleb Wheatland. Hyppolite returns as the veteran along the defense after opting to use his additional COVID season for a fifth season in College Park, giving himself a chance to lead what could be the best defense since Mike Locksley arrived in College Park.
“It’s 90% mental, this game. And he definitely fulfills that 90%. And the 10% is easy. You go lift, you go run, you go get faster, you get stronger. That fulfills the 10%, but Brian Williams definitely helps with the 90% of the game. He makes it easy for us to go play,” Hyppolite said about his defensive coordinator at Big Ten Media Days.
While the defense prepares for its third season under Brian Williams while decreasing its points allowed per game each year, Hyppolite is coming off a 2023 season where the team captain was named a third-team All-Big Ten selection, finishing second on the team in tackles with 66 (47) solo along with 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one pass breakup. In 34 starts across 39 games, Hyppolite has amassed 170 total tackles (105 solo).
After becoming a cornerstone piece in Maryland’s 2020 recruiting class, the Florida native has seamlessly stepped into a leadership role within the program.
“Like I’ve been saying all day, how are my habits going to help us win football games? And that’s what I’ve been checking myself on,” Hyppolite added. “That’s what I’ve been checking my teammates on. Consistency. How our habits are is how it’s going to equate to how successful we are. So, just working on my habits, being consistent, staying disciplined, just gaining one percent each and every day. That’s what a successful season looks like for myself and our team.”
Award semifinalists are expected to be named November 4, with finalists named November 25 and the winner named by December 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The 2024 Butkus Award winners at the high school, college and pro level will be honored at an event planned for early 2025 at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois as part of the Big Ten Network television special.
The 51-person Butkus Award selection committee comprised of coaches, scouts and journalists guides the selection process emphasizing qualities that defined Dick Butkus’ career: toughness, on-field leadership, competitiveness, football character and linebacking skills. The Award is increasingly focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.
The 51 linebackers named to the watch list is a nod to the storied “51” pro jersey won by the award’s namesake, the late Dick Butkus. His tenacious leadership from the middle linebacker position earned him acclaim by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history.
Full list of Terps included in preseason watch lists:
LB Ruben Hyppolite: Butkus Award
RB Roman Hemby: Doak Walker Award
SAF Dante Trader Jr.: Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
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