Nov. 2, 2005
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -
For the first time in Illinois State history, the Redbird football program has two players on The Sports Network Buck Buchanan Award Watch List, as junior outside linebacker Cameron Siskowic was chosen Wednesday as one of the 16 leading candidates for the annual award, which is presented to the nation's top defensive player in I-AA.
Siskowic joins current teammate Brent Hawkins on this season's watch list and both follow Redbird tackling legend Boomer Grigsby, who was runner-up for the honor in 2003 and placed third in 2002 and 2004.
"Having Brent and I on the list says a lot about our position coaches, our defensive coordinator and our entire program," Siskowic said. "The scheme we run sets things up for Brent, and it sets things up for me. We compliment each other really well, because if they aren't going to run to Brent's side, they're going to have to run to mine."
Siskowic leads Illinois State and the Gateway Football Conference in tackles with 107 this season. He also ranks No. 6 nationally with 11.89 tackles per game. The San Diego, Calif., native has 42 solo stops, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
"It is a huge accomplishment and I never thought going into the year that I would be nominated for this prestigious award," Siskowic said. "The Buchanan Award has meant a lot to this program and university with Boomer going after it the last three years and now Brent and I this season."
Siskowic has led the Redbirds in tackles in every game this season, and has been an integral part of head coach Denver Johnson's defense.
"I think this is great recognition for Cameron," Johnson said. "I thought last year he had an outstanding season some what in the shadow of Boomer, but his career continues to build and I think he is outstanding football player that is certainly deserving of this recognition. I think he should receive serious consideration for the award.
"Obviously having both Cameron and Brent on the watch list is great recognition for our program. That speaks well for the kind of young men that we are bringing in and the kind of football players that we are trying to develop."
Siskowic and Hawkins join Western Kentucky's Antonio Thomas to give the Gateway Football Conference three players represented on the watch list.
The official "Buchanan Battle" list will undergo one more revision prior to the distribution of ballots on November 21st. The winner of the Buchanan Award will be invited to attend the presentation in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Dec. 15.
