LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas linebacker Joe Mortensen has been named to the 2008 Butkus Award Watch List.

Mortensen, a senior from Concord, Calif. is one of 66 players tabbed to the preseason list. The award is given to the top linebacker in college football in honor of legendary Dick Butkus. The award will be presented at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago on Jan. 13.

Mortensen, who recorded a team-best 106 tackles as the Jayhawks’ middle linebacker last season, is also on preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Award and Lombardi Award. The Nagurski award is for the nation’s top defensive player while the Lombardi is for the top player within five yards of the ball.

Last season Mortensen was an All-Big 12 First Team selection. He has been listed on several preseason All-America Second and Third teams this year.

Fans can vote for their favorite linebacker at www.thebutkusaward.com.