Texas A&M LB Makes Butkus Watch List Cut

Texas A&M sophomore linebacker Taurean York has made the 2025 Butkus Award preseason roster. The Butkus Award celebrates the country's best college linebacker. This early-season acknowledgment further expands York's expanding collection of honors. He finished last season with an outstanding performance as the captain of the Aggies' defensive unit.

Early Season Accolades for an Emerging Linebacker

York is among 51 linebackers across the country selected for the Butkus Award watch list, with 18 coming from the SEC. A native of Temple, Texas, he has earned several preseason All-American recognitions. Walter Camp, Athlon Sports, and Pro Football Focus (PFF) have each included York on their first-team All-America squads. These distinctions highlight the significant hopes surrounding his junior campaign following two seasons as a starting player. Should he secure the Butkus Award, York would become just the second Aggie in history to do so. The iconic Von Miller was the previous winner in 2010.

Defensive Anchor in 2024

As a second-year student last season, York Led Texas A&M with 82 total tackles and 9.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. The 6-foot-235-pound linebacker played every single one of the 13 games. He had three performances where he recorded double-figure tackles, including a personal best of 12 tackles in a victory over Mississippi State. Additionally, he accumulated 2.5 sacks and secured his first ever interception during the season. Significantly, York stood out as one of the most consistent tacklers within the SEC. He received an 85.7 tackle rating from Pro Football Focus. In almost 700 defensive plays, he failed to make just six tackles, resulting in a 7.4% error percentage. His consistency and performance helped establish the standard for the Aggies' defense all season long.

Leadership and Football IQ

York moves quickly, yet even more crucially, he acts early. His capacity to recognize offensive intentions prior to the play enables him to remain one step ahead. He consistently organizes the defensive line, modifies coverage schemes, and places his team members with the immediacy and precision of an experienced leader.

On video, York demonstrates solid ability to recognize patterns in both running and passing scenarios. When facing zone-read and counter schemes, he identifies blockers and responds without making unnecessary movements. He moves effectively along the edge, stays direct, and doesn’t get distracted by flashy plays. In defensive backfield assignments, he maintains proper distance when dropping back and approaches opponents with precision. Although he isn't shaped like a traditional all-around defender, his cognitive skills make up for this limitation.

Texas A&M's head coach, Mike Elko, highlighted York's intuitive nature in his role. "He understands the game of football very well," Elko stated (si.com). "He has numerous innate instincts, which are essential for playing the linebacker position."

His approach to playing showcases thorough readiness and confidence. York moves downward quickly once he identifies a running play, and his positioning relative to the ball is effective. He minimizes unnecessary motion and always keeps proper position.

York Addresses SEC Media Days York Participates in SEC Media Days York Appears at SEC Media Days York Engages with SEC Media During Events York Takes Part in SEC Media Days Activities York Is Present at SEC Media Days York Shares Thoughts at SEC Media Days York Meets With Media at SEC Media Days York Attends SEC Media Days Session York Interacts with Journalists at SEC Media Days

York participated in the 2025 SEC Media Days as Texas A&M's defense liaison and expressed his acceptance of the responsibilities that come with being a leader. The sophomore linebacker highlighted the honor he feels when safeguarding Kyle Field. "Number one rule: you must defend Kyle Field," York stated. "The strength of the 12th Man is genuine." (si.com)

York showed faith in how the Aggies' defense is progressing ahead of fall training. He highlighted the strong teamwork within the group as a key factor behind his positive outlook. "I'm really looking forward to it," he mentioned. "The players are very open to following my guidance, and I appreciate that." Leadership feels natural for York, who already acts as the defensive squad's spokesperson and has been named team captain twice. However, he emphasized that his main inspiration stems from within. "My primary driving force is simply proving to myself that all the effort I've invested pays off," York stated.

York's recording, leadership, and production have already made an impact. The preseason honors and inclusion on the Butkus watch list are only the start for this emerging talent at the heart of the Aggie defense.

Would you like additional articles similar to this one? Subscribe to Last Word On Sports on MSN to access more of our special coverage on college football.

More must-reads:

Top five lesser-known teams vying for a national championship in college football
Shohei Ohtani was removed from the game following an apparent injury Shohei Ohtani exited the match due to a possible injury Shohei Ohtani left the starting lineup after suffering what appears to be an injury Shohei Ohtani withdrew from the game after an apparent physical setback Shohei Ohtani was taken out of action following an apparent injury occurrence
The 'Most Valuable Player of the National League' quiz

Popular slide show: The 20 most challenging college football squads for the 2025 campaign (Provided by Yardbarker)