Alabama linebacker commit Sterling Dixon and Auburn linebacker commit Demarcus Riddick have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2023 High School Butkus Award.

The list features 51 linebackers – mirroring the No. 51 jersey associated with NFL legend Dick Butkus — from 19 states. Three are from Alabama – Dixon (Spanish Fort), Riddick (Chilton County) and Bradley Shaw (Hoover).

Semifinalists are expected to be named Oct. 31 with finalists to follow Nov. 21. The winner will be named Dec. 7, though appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.

Dixon, the reigning Alabama 3A Lineman of the Year, transferred from Mobile Christian to Spanish Fort this summer. He had his best game as a Toro last week, recording seven solo tackles, five assists and two sacks in a 44-0 win over Blount. Dixon committed to Alabama in December.

Riddick, a longtime Georgia commit, flipped to Auburn in July. He had nine tackles, a tackle for a loss and a forced fumble in Chilton County’s 41-21 win over Jemison last week.

Shaw, the only uncommitted senior in the 247 composite rankings of the top seniors in the state, will try to lead Hoover to its first win of the year Friday night against rival Spain Park.

In the 247 rankings, Riddick is No. 3 overall, Shaw is No 9 and Dixon is No. 11. The Butkus Watch list did not include No. 8 Joseph Phillips of Booker T. Washington. He is also committed to Auburn.

Previous high school Butkus winners include Manti Te’o, Raekwon McMillan, Dylan Moses and Nakobe Dean.