3 explanation why LSU soccer linebacker Whit Weeks can win Butkus Award

[ad_1] Whit Weeks returns to LSU soccer for a extremely anticipated third season.

The linebacker turned in a breakout sophomore 12 months in 2024. His 25 pressures and 56 stops each ranked second amongst SEC linebackers, and he led the Tigers with 125 tackles. Weeks additionally added 10 tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries, 3.5 sacks, three go breakups, two compelled fumbles, and an interception.

In his second season beneath defensive coordinator Blake Baker, Weeks is poised for an additional standout 12 months. He is actually a preseason contender for the Butkus Award and has an important probability to take it dwelling with a repeat efficiency of final 12 months.

Weeks' play is contingent upon his restoration from a lower-body harm sustained in the course of the second quarter of LSU's bowl sport in January. Head coach Brian Kelly pointed to a full return for Weeks by fall camp, so it seems he'll be prepared to steer the Tigers' entrance seven.

Listed here are three explanation why Weeks will win the 2025 Butkus Award.

LSU DC Blake Baker has a powerful historical past of growing linebackers Baker constructed a popularity for growing gifted linebackers relationship again to his first stint at LSU and time at Missouri. Weeks took a big step ahead from his first to his second season in Baton Rouge, thanks largely to Baker's tutelage.

A second season in Baker's system ought to yield related development from final offseason for Weeks. Now a junior, he'll not solely be enjoying for championships at LSU but in addition to extend his draft inventory forward of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Weeks' returning manufacturing is healthier than any SEC linebacker Weeks is coming off a season by which he was among the many SEC's prime 5 in a number of classes. Inside arguably the hardest convention in school soccer, he already separated himself from the competitors.

With dwelling contests in opposition to convention juggernauts Florida and South Carolina, in addition to street video games at Alabama and Texas A&M, Weeks may have loads of alternatives to show he is the very best at his place.

Weeks has the expertise to make splashy performs Weeks places himself in nice positions to make standout performs. Spotlight reel-worthy performs make a distinction in consideration for postseason awards just like the Butkus Award, and Weeks has the potential to just do that.

A former blue-chip recruit, Weeks was a four-star prospect per On3's Business Rankings. He was No. 15 at his place and No. 149 general within the 2023 cycle.