:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/1105046/Magee2.jpg)
Brandon Magee has been named to the 2012 Butkus Award watch list. The Butkus Award is given annually to the nation's top linebacker, and Magee's inclusion on the watch list is an honor for the senior linebacker.
After sitting out the 2011 season with a torn Achilles, Magee looks to lead a young Sun Devils team by example.
It has been a busy week for Magee, who signed a minor league baseball contract with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday.
Ever wonder how these watch lists get created? ASU breaks it down for us.
The watch list contains 51 candidates, honoring the now-retired professional jersey number of Dick Butkus for whom the award is named after. The selection panel is comprised of 51 coaches, evaluators and journalists, coordinated by Pro Football Weekly. Candidates in addition to those appearing on the watch list may be considered for the Award.
Semi-finalists will be named October 22, finalists November 20, and winners will be notified on or before December 4. The Professional Butkus Award winner will be announced in January 2013. Winners will be featured in a television special a week before the Super Bowl.
Magee will look to capitalize on this momentum - with a strong senior season, he will be targeted in the NFL Draft next April.