CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois junior linebacker Jake Hansen has been named one of 12 semifinalists for the prestigious Butkus Award, the award committee announced Monday. The Butkus Award, named after former Illinois linebacker Dick Butkus honors the top linebackers in the nation. 

Hansen leads the nation with seven forced fumbles and ranks second in the country with three fumble recoveries. He is the No. 11 graded linebacker in the nation by PFF (81.1) and No. 6 in Power-5 entering the Michigan State game.

Hansen had one of his best games in Orange & Blue during the Illini's 24-23 upset over No. 6 Wisconsin that sparked Illinois' current three-game winning streak. He was named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after two forced fumbles against the Badgers led Illinois to one of the biggest upsets in Big Ten history.

The Tarpon Springs, Florida, native's season stat line includes 72 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one interception. 

The Butkus Award committee will narrow the candidates to a group of finalists on Nov. 25. Winners will be announced on or before Dec. 10.

Butkus Award 2019 Collegiate Semifinalists
Joe Bachie, Michigan State
Zack Baun, Wisconsin
Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech
Tae Crowder, Georgia
Jordan Glasgow, Michigan
Jake Hansen, Illinois
Anfernee Jennings, Alabama
Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Micah Parsons, Penn State
Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Evan Weaver, California
Logan Wilson, Wyoming