CHICAGO — Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley was one of 51 players named to the 2022 Butkus Award watch list on Monday, annually presented to the best linebacker in the nation.

The Los Angeles native transferred to WSU after spending the previous five seasons with Nevada, where he played receiver to begin his career. In the 2021 season, Henley recorded a team-high 103 tackles, four interceptions - one going for a touchdown - and three fumble recoveries.

Henley is the first Cougar to be named to the list since Jahad Woods was named prior to the 2020 season.

The award is named after former Chicago Bear linebacker and NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, with the 51 players selected to the watch list commemorating his No. 51 he wore on his jersey, according to a release.

More specifically, players who are honored are those who play off the ball and in a two-point stance - not pass rushers who line up at the line of scrimmage.

The semifinalists for the 2022 Butkus award are expected to be announced on October 31, with finalists announced on November 21. The award winner will be named on or before December 7.