NORMAL, Ill. – Transfer linebacker Amir Abdullah made an immediate impact for the Illinois State defense in his first season with the team, and for his efforts Stats Perform named him as one of 30 finalists for the 2023 Buck Buchanan Award, given annually to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football and presented by FedEx Ground.
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, Arthur Moats and last year's winner was Illinois State's own Zeke Vandenburgh.
Abdullah started in all 11 games at outside linebacker for the Redbirds, tying for the league lead with 9.5 sacks and leading the MVFC with 14.0 tackles for loss. The Nebraska-Kearney transfer ranked fourth on the team with 64 total tackles (34 solo) and was also credited with two forced fumbles, a pass breakup and one interception on the year. He had three games with two sacks or more, including a 2.5 sack and 3.5 tackles for loss effort at Eastern Illinois and tallied a season-high 11 tackles at Youngstown State. The Chicago, Illinois, native was named MVFC Newcomer of the Week after racking up nine tackles, a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception against Murray State.
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.
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