Olajubutu Named CFN First-Team Midseason All-American

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Senior Arkansas linebacker Sam Olajubutu has been named to the first-team College Football News.com (CFN) Midseason All-America team it was announced by the national website on Friday.

Olajubutu was one of three first-team linebackers named to the defensive unit joining Pitt’s H.B. Blades and Ole Miss’ Patrick Willis. Olajubutu leads the Razorbacks with 66 tackles, earning double-digit tackle performances in each of his first five outings this season and 10 of his last 16 games overall. He has tallied five tackles for loss (-14) and one sack (-5) in 2006. He leads the team with 10 quarterback hurries.

“I’m pleased that Sam has been recognized nationally for his outstanding play at linebacker,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “He is the heart and soul of our defense and is one of the leaders of our football team. He never takes a snap off and is always giving full effort. We are looking forward to watching him in the remainder of his senior season.”

Earlier this season, Olajubutu became only the 14th player in Arkansas history to earn more than 300 career tackles. Entering the Southeast Missouri State game, Olajubutu owns 323 tackles, just 86 stops short of Tony Bua’s school record (409) in that category. The LaGrange, Ga., product has been named Hogwired.com Defensive Player of the Week twice after wins over Utah State and Vanderbilt.

Olajubutu becomes the first Razorback to earn CFN Midseason All-America honors since offensive tackle Shawn Andrews and running back Cedric Cobbs garnered the award in 2003.

2006 First Team Midseason All-American Offense QB – Troy Smith, Sr. Ohio StateRB – Adrian Peterson, Jr. OklahomaRB – Garrett Wolfe, Sr. Northern IllinoisWR – Calvin Johnson, Jr. Georgia TechWR – Mario Manningham, Soph. MichiganWR – Robert Meachem, Jr. TennesseeOL – T.J. Downing, Sr. Ohio StateOL – Dan Mozes, Sr. West VirginiaOL – Arron Sears, Sr. TennesseeOL – Joe Thomas, Sr. Wisconsin