From UCLA:

UCLA junior outside linebacker has been named to several pre-season Watch Lists, such as those for the Lott Trophy, Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Award and the Rotary Lombardi Award.
On Tuesday, he added another when he was named to the Watch List for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker.
Last season as a sophomore, Ayers scored three defensive touchdowns – two on interceptions and one on a fumble recovery – to establish himself as one of the top big-play defenders in the nation.