HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Linebackers from Montana and Montana State are two of the three finalists for the defensive player of the year award in the FCS, sponsor Stats Perform announced Wednesday.
Montana State senior Troy Anderson of Dillon, University of Montana junior Patrick O'Connell of Kalispell and Florida A&M junior Isaiah Land of Buffalo, New York, are the top three vote getters for the Buck Buchanan Award.
The winner will be announced at the FCS awards ceremony on Jan. 7 in Frisco, Texas, the night before the national championship game.
Anderson, the Big Sky Conference defensive player of the year, tallied 111 tackles during the regular season, including 57 solo, and returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown. He had two sacks, recovered a fumble and broke up seven passes.
O'Connell totaled 91 tackles, including 40 solo, and had 19.5 tackles for loss. He led the Big Sky with 13 sacks and forced three fumbles. He recovered one fumble, returning it for a touchdown.
Land had 43 tackles, including 32 solo, 19 sacks and forced three fumbles, recovering one. He led the FCS with 25.5 tackles for loss.
Montana has had three previous Buchanan winners while Montana State has had two.
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Sam Houston State
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