KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan senior Treshaun Hayward was named to the preseason watch list for the Dick Butkus Award as one of the nation's top linebackers entering the 2020 season. He is the first WMU linebacker on the preseason watch list since Ameer Ismail in 2006.
 
Hayward is a fourth team preseason All-America selection by Phil Steele and a unanimous preseason first team all-Mid-American Conference honoree. The 6-1, 225-pound native of Ypsilanti, Mich., was tabbed the 2019 MAC Defensive Player of the Year, joining John Offerdahl (1985), Mark Garalczyk (1986), Sean Mulhearn (1990), Jason Babin (2002 & 2003), Ismail (2006) and Drew Nowak (2011) as Broncos to receive the league's top defensive honor.
 
A year ago, Hayward booked 142 tackles, 10.5 tackles for lost yardage and 5.0 sacks. Nationally, he ranked third in total tackles, sixth in total tackles per game (10.92) and tied for 16th in solo tackles per game (5.54). He is one of two returning players in 2020 who recorded 130 or more tackles and 10.0 or more TFL in 2019, joining Jahad Woods of Washington State (141 tackles & 10.0 TFL).
 
For his career, Hayward has appeared in 34 games (12 starts) and recorded 179 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 5.0 sacks, one pass breakup, one caused fumble, two fumble recoveries and one quarterback pressure. He enters the 2020 season having recorded five or more tackles in 13 consecutive games.
 

Reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year @_Tre_23 was named to the Butkus Award Watch List for a reason ?? @WMUBroncos | #MACtion pic.twitter.com/PuhfD2Hnd3

— #MACtion (@MACSports) July 20, 2020

Formed in 1985 and expanded in 2008, the Butkus Award honors linebackers at the high school, collegiate and professional levels while supporting causes important to the Butkus family. They include the I Play Clean® initiative promoting training and nutrition instead of performance-enhancing drugs, and the Butkus Takes Heart™ initiative encouraging early cardiovascular screening among adults.
 
Semifinalists for the 2020 collegiate award are expected to be named November 2, finalists November 23 and winners on or before December 8. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.
 
#LetsRide