Calling Manti Te'o "a slam-dunk, runaway winner," NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus yesterday announced that the Punahou senior would be the first recipient of the Butkus Award given to the nation's best high school linebacker.

Te'o, a 6-foot-2, 233-pounder from La'ie who is regarded as one of the country's top college prospects, was selected by a 51-member committee over 11 other finalists from around the country and will officially be presented with the award at Punahou's football banquet tomorrow. The announcement was made at Punahou before a small gathering of family and friends in Hemmeter Fieldhouse, about eight hours before Te'o played in last night's 38-7 victory over Leilehua for the Division I state championship. Butkus attended the game.

"It's definitely a humbling experience," Te'o said. "I have to thank my family, my coaches and my Punahou family for making this place feel like home."

The Butkus Award has been given to the nation's top college linebacker the past 23 years, but this is the first time a high school player will share in the honor. Butkus flew into Honolulu earlier this week because he said he wanted to make the announcement in person.

"With this being the first year (for a high school award), we wanted to do something big by going to the winners," said Butkus, a former All-American linebacker at the University of Illinois and a legendary All-Pro for the Chicago Bears in the 1960s.

"I remember when I was named Chicago Player of the Year in high school, they came to my house and took a picture of me with my mom, and I still have that picture. I thought it was cool to come out (and make the announcement in person)."

Butkus acknowledged he had doubts when Te'o was recommended by the committee, but was impressed once he saw Te'o on film.

"We have NFL general managers, college coaches, high school scouting services on the committee," Butkus said. "They said he was a runaway choice, but for me, I thought, 'Hawai'i?' Coming from the Mainland, you usually think of high school football in Texas, in Florida. ... But when I watched him, I was amazed. I said, 'He can't weigh that much, the way he moves so fast.'

"I see things I wish I had — his speed from side-to-side. I was very impressed at his size and speed and everything. I don't think there's a better choice."

Butkus said the committee also weighs character and academic standing among the criteria, especially since part of the award's mission is to raise awareness about steroid use in high schools.

Te'o has a 3.0 grade-point average at Punahou, is a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and received his Eagle Scout badge last month.

"The inscription on the award will say how important it is to keep up the American tradition of 'Don't flinch when it comes to giving back,' " Butkus said. "Manti is a leader, and that's why so many (college) coaches want him on their campus. The committee knew about him as a football player, but when you continue to look on and meet his family and see what kind of person he is ... he's one heck of a kid, and that's why he was such a slam-dunk choice.

"This is the first time we're doing this (for high schools), but I know we didn't make a mistake with this kid. I couldn't be more proud to have him represent all of the high school linebackers in the country this year."

Punahou coach Kale Ane, a former NFL player, said Butkus' stature makes the honor one of rare prestige.

"For someone from such a small state like ours to receive this ... we should be really, really proud," he said.