Stats Perform has announced 30 finalists for the 2023 Buck Buchanan Award, given annually to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.
The Buchanan Award, first presented in 1995 and in its 29th season, is named for legendary defensive lineman Junious “Buck” Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen and Arthur Moats.
All 13 FCS leagues, comprised from 15 conferences overall, are represented by a Buck Buchanan Award finalist. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas — the eve of the FCS championship game.
BUCHANAN AWARD: Complete history of the top FCS defensive honor
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
- Terrell Allen, Tennessee State, Sr., 6-0, 275 (Big South-OVC Football Association)
- 65 tackles (44 solos), 28 TFL (149 yards), 14.5 sacks, 10 QBH, 5 FF, 1 FR, 10 QBH (11 games)
- Finn Claypool, Drake, R-So., 6-1, 232 (Pioneer Football League)
- 55 tackles (33 solos), 19 TFL (79 yards), 12.5 sacks, 5 FF, 8 QBH, 2 PBU (11 games)
- Daylan Dotson, UT Martin, Jr., 6-3, 255 (Big South-OVC Football Association)
- 51 tackles (27 solos), 19.5 TFL (82 yards), 7 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR, 17 QBH, 7 PBU (11 games)
- Ty French, Gardner-Webb, Sr., 6-3, 230 (Big South-OVC Football Association)
- 105 tackles (56 solos), 24 TFL (103 yards), 7 sacks, 3 FF, 2 FR, 20 QBH, 7 PBU (11 games)
- Brody Grebe, Montana State, Jr., 6-2, 248 (Big Sky Conference)
- 43 tackles (18 solos), 12 TFL (64 yards), 8.5 sacks, 3 FF, 5 QBH, 2 PBU (11 games)
- Thor Griffith, Harvard, Sr., 6-2, 320…
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