WASHINGTON (November 26, 2024) – Stats Perform revealed its 35 finalists for the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award where Howard University graduate defensive back Kenny Gallop Jr. (Portsmouth, Va.) was among the recipients. The announcement came Tuesday morning.
 
The prestigious award is given to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.
 
Gallop, reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Defensive Player of the Year, wrapped up his final season with 77 total tackles (52 solos), seven tackles for loss, four pass breakups, three sacks, three QB hurries, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
 
Last season, the 2023 Aeneas Williams Award winner was finalist for the Buchanan Award after producing 65 total tackles (42 solos) with six tackles for loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two quarterback hurries a year ago.
 
All 13 FCS conferences are represented by a finalist.
 
The Buchanan award is celebrating its 30^th anniversary season, 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.
 
The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com or the STATS FCS website at www.fcs.football.