UM's Denzel Perryman finishes behind UCLA's Eric Kendricks for Butkus Award

Published Dec. 9, 2014 9:03 p.m. ET

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University of Miami senior Denzel Perryman finished as the runner-up for the 2014 Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker, on Tuesday.

According to the Palm Beach Post's Matt Porter, Perryman fell two points shy of UCLA's Eric Kendricks for the honor. Washington's Hau'oli Kikaha, Michigan's Jake Ryan and Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith were the other finalists.

The 6-foot, 242-pounder, who was a semifinalist last year, led the Hurricanes with 102 tackles (73 solo), while also collecting 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, five pass defended, four breakups and three forced fumbles in 12 games.

Perryman has started the past 25 contests dating back to the start of the 2013 season. He has 343 tackles in his career -- tied for ninth with James Burgess in program history -- over 46 games (36 starts). Last week, Perryman was voted a member of the All-ACC First Team. In 2013, SI.com named him an All-American honorable mention.

Dan Morgan remains the lone Miami player to win the Butkus Award, doing so in 2000.

You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.