Multiple Irish Players, Brian Kelly Join Preseason Award Watch Lists

Sep 13, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) celebrates after Notre Dame defeated the Purdue Boilermakers 30-14 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Butkus Award – Jaylon Smith, Nyles Morgan – Linebacker

Joining Smith on this list, Nyles Morgan is on the list after starting just five games last season. After Joe Schmidt’s injury against Navy, Kelly turned to Morgan to pick up Schmidt’s responsibilities in the middle of the linebacking corp. Despite a slow start, adjusting to life as a starting linebacker, Morgan played exceptionally well collecting 47 total tackles, including three straight games with 10 or more tackles against Northwestern, Louisville and USC. He’ll be competing with Schmidt for playing time this season, however many expect Morgan to have a bigger year this season after a great start in 2014.