July 15, 2009

Southern Illinois linebacker Brandin Jordan has been named as a 2009 candidate for the Buck Buchanan Award, presented to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Sports Network announced four candidates this week, to bring the pool up to eight players.

A total of 20 candidates will be announced in alphabetical order prior to the start of the season, with four candidates being released each week. The watch list will be revised in October and again in November before the final ballot is announced.

2009 Buchanan Award Watch List
Christian Anthony, Grambling, DE
Danny Batten, South Dakota State, DE
Tommy Connors, Southeastern Louisiana, SS
Dane Fletcher, Montana State, DE
Charles Graves, Delaware, FS
Larry Hart, Central Arkansas, DE
Brandin Jordan, Southern Illinois, LB
Austin Lane, Murray State, DE

Jordan, who is spending the summer as an intern with his hometown New Orleans Saints, is a four-year starter at SIU and currently ranks 13th in career tackles with 285. He is also ninth in tackles for loss with 28. He earned first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors last season, registering 82 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions.

"He's very deserving of this honor and has been an impact player in our league for several years now," said head coach Dale Lennon. "Although stats are going to be an important factor in who wins the award, the success of the team and the further you advance increases your chances for recognition, also."

The Sports Network has awarded the Buchanan Award annually since 1999. Saluki safety Alexis Moreland was considered for the award in 2004, although he did not make the final ballot.