Calmus Named Butkus Semifinalist

Friday, October 20th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) â€” Florida State teammates Brian Allen and Tommy Polley were among 11 semifinalists named Thursday for the Butkus Award, honoring the best linebacker in college football.

Other semifinalists were Keith Adams of Clemson, Adam Archuleta of Arizona State, Rocky Calmus of Oklahoma, Dan Morgan of Miami, Carlos Polk of Nebraska, Matt Smith of Oregon, Ben Taylor of Virginia Tech, Robert Thomas of UCLA and Eric Westmoreland of Tennessee.

Polley, a senior outside linebacker, had reconstructive surgery on his left knee after hurting it in Florida State's victory over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl to win the national title.

Allen is also a senior outside linebacker.

Morgan, the Hurricanes' middle linebacker, has played best games in Miami's biggest games. He had two interceptions in a 27-24 victory over then-No. 1 FSU on Oct. 7.

The field will be pared to three finalists Nov. 9, and the Butkus Award winner will be announced Dec. 8 in Orlando.