When tight end Jake Butt announced he would return to the University of Michigan for his senior year, it was obvious he would be one of the nation’s top tight ends in 2016.
After winning the Mackey Award (best tight end) and the Kwalick—Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year, as well as being a First-Team All-American two years in a row, Butt has now won the Senior CLASS Award, which is given to “the most outstanding senior student-athlete who displays notable achievements in the areas of community, classroom and competition.”
CLASS is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School. Butt is the first Michigan Wolverine to win the award in any sport.
“This award means a lot to me — just to be nominated with these other nine finalists has been an honor,” Butt told MGoBlue.com. “I really don’t think there is one winner of this award. Everyone wins by giving back to their communities and making a difference and an impact off the field, in the classroom and on the field, too. The real winners are the people whose lives we can make an impact on off the field.”
Heading into the Orange Bowl, Butt has 43 catches for 508 yards and four touchdowns. Throughout his Michigan career, he has hauled in 135 receptions for 1,618 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is Michigan’s all-time receptions and reception yards leader by a tight end.
The award is voted on by Division I FBS coaches, national media and fans.