The Watkins Award, September 13, 2021
The Watkins Award with Tyrone Tate and J Everette Pearsall
Guest, Reggie Butler, linebacker, scholar athlete
UNLV: A former Ivy League player who transferred in and made an immediate impact ... Slated to start once again at one outside linebacker spot ... Named preseason Fourth Team All-MWC by Phil Steele’s preview magazine ... A top student who earned UNLV Football’s Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors at the postseason
2003: A previous transfer from the University of Pennsylvania, the standout junior linebacker started all twelve games in first season for the Rebels and made an instant impact as a defensive weapon … Finished eighth on team with 47 tackles… Fifth on squad with five tackles for loss (for 23 yards)… Tied for second on team with 4 pass breakups… Tied for third with three QB sacks… One of 16 interceptions gained for the season … Academic All American who earned Academic All-MWC honors… Earned first Rebel letter and Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
2002: Joined program in fall and sat out per NCAA transfer rules ... Named to UNLV Dean’s Honor List… Competed in his first UNLV spring practice session.
AT PENN: Lettered during 2000 season at the Ivy League school ... Played in seven games and totaled 12 tackles for the Quakers ... Did not play in 2001 season but attended the school in the fall.
HIGH SCHOOL: A 2000 graduate of Long Beach Polytechnic High School ... A three-year letter winner at the national prep power... A top recruit named to All CIF 1st Team as a senior… Named to All League 1st Team as a junior and senior… Named Defensive MVP and All CIF Defensive Player of the Year as a senior…Named South Coast Linebacker of the Year and Long Beach Press Telegram Dream Team Defensive Player of the Year as a senior… Recorded team high 13 tackles and named Long Beach Press Telegram Athlete of the Week as a senior… Named Linebacker of the Year as a junior… Named to Gridiron Greats Rising Stars and Team Elite as a junior… Named Defensive Rookie of the Year as a sophomore.
PERSONAL: Reggie Butler was born on Jan. 6. 1982, in San Diego ... the son of Robbie Butler and Gregory Butler…has one sister, Grace and niece Kameo… has one brother, Gregory (deceased)… Majoring in psychology.
The Watkins Award
The Watkins Award has established itself as the nation’s premier award for African American male high school seniors who represent the highest achievement in academics and athletics. The Award is emblematic of an extraordinary athlete, a bonafide scholar, and a person who has been recognized by prominent people in his community as a leader, volunteer, and community advocate.
