Su’a Cravens, Anthony Sarao named to Butkus Award watch list

USC’s Su’a Cravens and Anthony Sarao were named to the watch list for the Butkus Award, presented annually to college football’s top linebacker.

Cravens, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior, moved to linebacker last season after earning Freshman All-American honors as a safety.

Cravens made 17 tackles for losses, including five sacks, in 2014. He also intercepted three passes.

Sarao, a 6-foot, 220-pound senior, last season made 74 tackles, including a sack. He intercepted two passes.

USC’s Chris Claiborne won the Butkus Award in 1998.

Cravens and Sarao will help fill the leadership void left by the departure of Hayes Pullard, a four-year starter who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.