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OXFORD — The Miami University RedHawks became what is believed to be the first team in college football history to have all three of its starting linebackers named to the Butkus Awards watch list, which was released Wednesday, Aug. 13.

Outside linebackers Clayton Mullins, a senior from Fairborn, and Caleb Bostic, a junior from Galloway, and middle linebacker Joey Hudson, a senior from Piqua, all made the list, Hudson for the second straight year.

The award is in its 24th year and is named in honor of Dick Butkus. It is given to college football's premier linebacker.

Mullins, the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2007, said it's an honor but cautioned that it won't mean much if he and his teammates don't play well.

"We have to live up to the hype and the expectations," Mullins said. "All three of us have got to be completely consistent. We have to make the big plays and do the unselfish things which allows the other guys to make the big plays."

Mullins said the Miami coaches deserve much of the credit.

"(The watch list) says they've done a pretty good job of recruiting and an even better job of development," Mullins pointed out. "None of us are big-time players. They've helped us develop all the small techniques we need to lean how to be a linebacker."

A total of 66 players from across the nation were named to the list.

Ohio State, Notre Dame, Kentucky and Southern Cal were among 10 teams that had two players named.

"Knowing those three guys and how they come to play every day, they'll be ready to back it up," Miami coach Shane Montgomery said.

"All three are smart, athletic players and playmakers," he added. "They bring different things to the table. Joe's been the leader the last two years, and Clayton has become more of a vocal leader. Caleb is more of a guy who plays through his actions on the field."

Miami has 11 more days of practice and will open its season against Vanderbilt at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at Yager Stadium.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.