(it's a free one)Each year, the Butkus Award is given to the nation's top high school linebacker and Notre Dame has a few top targets up for the award from the class of 2014.
The award is named after Dick Butkus, arguably the most feared an intimidating linebacker in the history of the NFL. He played his entire career with the Chicago Bears and was inducted into the NFL Hall Of Fame in 1979.
Merrillville (Ind.) Andrean four-star linebacker and Notre Dame commit Josh Barajas made the annual list. The 6-3, 215-pound recruit pledged to the Irish on May 30 after flipping from an early commit to Penn State. As a junior, Barajas racked up 92 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions.
Indianapolis Ben Davis four-star linebacker Asmar Bilal also made an appearance on the Butkus Award watch list. The 6-3, 205-pounder is arguably the top player in the state of Indiana and a decision on his commitment is expected before the end of summer. Notre Dame and Michigan are the two favorites to land him. Per the 247Sports Crystal Ball, 10 of 11 predictions have Bilal headed to South Bend.
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., four-star linebacker Tevon Coney has become a hot name over the past few months and is now considered one of the more talented linebackers in the nation. The 6-1, 222-pound prospect has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Miami and others, but Notre Dame and Florida make up his top two. Like Bilal, a decision is expected prior to the end of summer. Per the 247Sports Crystal Ball, 19 of 23 prediction believe Coney will end up a Gator, but the last few predictions have him choosing the Irish.
Salem (Utah) Salem Hills four-star linebacker Porter Gustin made his way on to the list and there are very few more physically impressive players at his position nationally. The 6-5, 240-pound recruit has offers from Notre Dame, USC, UCLA, Ohio State, Florida State and many others, but the Trojans holds 100 percent of the predictions on the 247Sports Crystal Ball. Gustin is expected to visit South Bend for an official visit for the game against Michigan on Sept. 6 and the staff is hoping to make their pitch at that time. Those close to his recruitment believe Gustin will end up at either USC or Notre Dame in the end.
Notre Dame Targets In The Mix For Butkus Award