BOSTON (AP) -The Butkus Award for the top linebacker in college football could go to a player who isn't expected to make it onto the field this season.

Boston College's Mark Herzlich was among the 16 semifinalists announced on Friday. Herzlich is out for the season while recovering from a rare form of cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma. He has helped raise more than $80,000 for research and education about the disease.

Award namesake Dick Butkus noted that the honor is also designed to remind the players ``that they have a responsibility to serve as role models and to give back to society.''

Herzlich says his recovery is nearly complete. He hopes to begin full workouts in December and plans to play next season.