Stats Perform has announced the finalists for the four national FCS awards: Walter Payton (best offensive player), Buck Buchanan (best defensive player), Jerry Rice (best freshman), and Eddie Robinson (coach of the year).
I am thankful to get a vote on these awards along with the Top 25 media poll. As I did with my Top 25 ballots, I will publish my award votes for full transparency.
Voters are asked to rank their top five among the list of finalists with No. 1 being their top choice.
Here are my Top 5 for the Buck Buchanan Award. The winner will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas.
5. South Dakota State LB Caleb Francl
Francl has had a standout season and is perhaps the best player on the best defense in the FCS. The numbers won’t pop on a defense like SDSU’s, but he has totaled 64 tackles, seven TFLs, four QB hurries, and four pass breakups.
4. Samford LB Noah Martin
Martin has had an elite career and enjoyed a fabulous senior season. He racked up 114 tackles, 10 TFLs, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. He is the No. 1-graded PFF linebacker (93.8) in all of Division 1 football.
3. South Dakota DE Mi’Quise Grace
Grace is a physically-gifted pass-rusher who has had a breakout sophomore season for a top FCS defense. He has totaled 51 tackles, 17 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles.
2. Morgan State DE Elijah Williams
Williams is a beast on the edge and has been terrorizing offensive lines for multiple seasons. This year, the senior tallied 54 tackles, 15 TFLs, 11 sacks, and two quarterback hurries.
1. Central Arkansas DE David Walker
Walker may be the best overall football player in the FCS and is an NFL Draft prospect. This fall, Walker has racked up 68 tackles, 23 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, eight QB hurries, four forced fumbles, and six pass breakups. His 94.5 overall PFF grade is No. 1 out of all D1 edge defenders.
