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CHICAGO, Ill. (Sports Network) - Manti Te'o picked up two awards on Monday, as the Notre Dame linebacker captured the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker and the Nagurski Award as the top defensive player.
Te'o was also announced as one of three finalists for the Heisman Trophy after recording seven interceptions and 103 tackles for the undefeated Fighting Irish, who led the country in scoring defense.
"You need somebody that can galvanize the team and somebody to get them to believe that they can do it," said Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly of his senior star. "His actions, the way he played and the way he led did incredible things for our football program."
Notre Dame will battle Alabama in the BCS title game on Jan. 7.