Linebackers coach Craig Aukerman and his Butkus Watch List trio of Caleb Bostic, Joey Hudson and Clayton Mullins

Aug. 13, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - Long known for its title as the "Cradle of Coaches", Miami University may be on the verge of adding another designation--the "Cradle of Linebackers". The Butkus Award, a prize given annually to college football's premier linebacker, announced its 66-man Watch List for 2008, and three RedHawks are among the candidates named today.

Seniors Clayton Mullins (Fairborn) and Joey Hudson (Piqua), and junior Caleb Bostic (Galloway) are all included on the Watch List. It is believed to be the first time in the 24-year history of the Butkus Award that one school has had all three of its linebackers named. Ten other schools--Southern California, Ohio State, Notre Dame, California, South Carolina, Texas Christian, Boston College, Utah State, Kentucky and Stanford--had two of their athletes named to the 2008 Watch List.

"It's a great compliment to our program and to our defense and to our three guys in general," said Montgomery. "Especially since this award is named after one of the greatest players of all time in Dick Butkus. I told Clayton, Joey and Caleb that they need to be excited about this great honor, but to realize that people's expectations outside of our program are just like ours. They expect them to have great seasons. It's good to get that notoriety, but now you need to back it up. Knowing those three guys and how they come to play every day, they'll be ready to back it up. All three are smart, athletic players and play makers. They bring different things to the table. Joe's been the leader for the last two years and Clayton has become more of a vocal leader. Caleb is more of a guy who plays through his actions on the field."

Mullins, Miami's Will (weak-side) Linebacker, was named the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year in the Mid-American Conference. He was named RedHawk Most Valuable Player last season, ranking as the MAC's top tackler with 143 stops and earning first-team all-league honors. Mullins also led Miami in tackles for loss with 13.5.

Bostic, MU's Sam (strong-side) Linebacker, is labeled by RedHawk coaches as one the team's most athletic players. His break-out season in 2007 included 103 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, second-best on the squad in both categories.

Miami opens its 2008 season at Yager Stadium on Thursday, August 28, vs. Vanderbilt. The contest, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m., will be nationally televised by ESPNU.

--www.MURedHawks.com--