Knott, Klein Run the Table on Awards

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State linebackers A.J. Klein and Jake Knott have run the table on preseason watch lists. The Cyclone duo was named to the Butkus Award watch list this morning and then the Rotary Lombardi Trophy early this afternoon.  The Butkus Award is given annually to the nation's top collegiate linebacker.  The Rotary Lombardi Award goes to the best collegiate lineman or linebacker who exemplifies the values of NFL legendary coach Vince Lombardi. Klein and Knott were already on the Bednarik (best collegiate defensive player) and the Nagurski (best collegiate defensive player) award watch lists.

Klein and Knott blossomed into greatness at Iowa State. It was difficult for the league's coaches and writers to choose between the two Cyclones for Big 12 postseason honors in 2011. Klein earned Big 12 Conference Co-Defender-of-the-Year honors from the league's coaches. Knott was a first-team All-Big 12 honoree.  Neither honor was a surprise. Klein ranked second in the conference with 116 tackles. Knott was third with 115 stops.