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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Armegis Spearman Nominated for the Butkus Award
6/21/1999 | Football
August 12, 1998
ORLANDO, Fla. - Ole Miss junior linebacker Armegis Spearman is one of 68 nominees for the 1998 Butkus Award, given annually to the nation's top linebacker.
Spearman, 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, is projected to be the Rebels' starting middle linebacker this season. Rated as one of the top young linebackers in the Southeastern Conference, Spearman was selected to the second team 1998 Birmingham News pre-season All-SEC team.
"Armegis is most deserving of being considered for the Butkus Award," said Ole Miss head coach Tommy Tuberville. "He has great respect around the SEC and I expect him to have a great season."
In his first two years playing in a part-time role and on special teams, Spearman recorded 102 tackles, including 63 solo. Last season he appeared in all 12 of the Rebels' games, including the Ford Motor City Bowl. For the season, Spearman tallied 43 tackles, with one tackle for loss and one quarterback sack. He also forced one fumble, broke up three passes and had three quarterback pressures. In the bowl game against Marshall, Spearman had five tackles, including one for a three- yard loss.
As a freshman in 1996, Spearman played in all 11 games and recorded 59 tackles, including 39 solo tackles.
Spearman is one of 12 SEC linebackers to be nominated for the Butkus Award. The preliminary list will be trimmed down to 10 semi-finalists on October 15. The three finalists will be announced on November 12 and the award will be presented December 11 at the Butkus Award Gala, sponsored by Joyner SportsMedicine Institute, Inc., at Universal Studios Florida.
Meanwhile, the Rebels worked out twice during the day. The team practiced outside during the morning, but heavy rains forced the afternoon session inside the Turner Center. The Rebels continued to work on position drills and the passing game.
Saturday will be "Meet the Rebels Day" as Ole Miss fans have the opportunity to meet this year's squad at 11:00 a.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
