Tristan Wheeler Named Buck Buchanan Award Finalist

Richmond, Va.— Stats Perform has announced 30 FCS finalists for the 2022 Buck Buchanan Award, which is annually presented to the national defensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision with redshirt junior linebacker Tristan Wheeler making the list. The Buchanan Award, first presented in 1995 and in its 28th season, is named for legendary defensive lineman Junious "Buck" Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State as part of his Hall of Fame career.

One of FCS football's top defensive threats, Wheeler is on pace for his third-straight 100+ tackles season in full football seasons (2019 and fall 2021).

So far this season he has 97 tackles (47 solos), nine tackles for loss (-24 yards), two sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups and three quarterback hurries. He recorded a career-high 19 tackles to open the season at Virginia.

Named to the award's preseason watch list, Wheeler has started 35-straight games since his freshman season— the most of any Spider.

A national media panel will select the Buchanan Award winner, with voting based on the regular season. The recipient will be announced at the FCS National Awards banquet on Jan. 7 in Frisco, Texas on the eve of the national championship game.

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