Eleven players were added on Wednesday to the watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Buck Buchanan Award, presented annually to the national defensive player of the year in college football’s Division I subdivision.
The Buchanan Award, now in its 27th season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame defensive lineman. Past recipients include two-time winner Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis and Jared Allen.
Nominated to the watch list:
Defensive Line
Brevin Allen, Campbell
Nate Lynn, William & Mary
Devonnsha Maxwell, Chattanooga
Clay Patterson, Yale
Vaughn Taylor Jr., Morehead State
Linebacker
Jacob Dobbs, Holy Cross
Matthew Jackson, Eastern Kentucky
Isaiah Land, Florida A&M
Jalen Mackie, Dartmouth
Patrick O’Connell, Montana
Defensive Back
Darius Joiner, Western Illinois
The original watch list in the preseason included 35 players. A 50-member, national media panel will select the winner following the regular season.
Also this season, Stats Perform will present the Walter Payton Award (FCS offensive player of the year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS freshman player of the year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS coach of the year) and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year.