WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Wake Forest senior Aaron Curry has won the Butkus Award honoring the nation's top college linebacker.

Curry received 63 points in voting, finishing seven ahead of USC's Rey Maualuga. James Laurinaitis from Ohio State, USC's Brian Cushing and Boston College's Mark Herzlich rounded out the top five.

Curry finished the regular season with 101 tackles, three fumble recoveries and an interception to help the Demon Deacons reach their third straight bowl game.

The award is named after Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who made a surprise visit to the school Tuesday to present the award to Curry.