Huzzie named finalist for Buck Buchanan Award

Published 1:47 pm Wednesday, November 23, 2022

JOHNSON CITY – ETSU redshirt sophomore defensive back Alijah Huzzie (Franklin, Ga.) was named a finalist for the 2022 Buck Buchanan Award, which was announced by Stats Perform on Tuesday.

Huzzie is one of 30 finalists for the award given to the top FCS defensive player.

The Buccaneer defensive back started all 11 games for the Blue and Gold this season. Huzzie had 59 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, 16 pass break-ups and 22 passes defended.

Huzzie led all FCS players in passes defended and was third in interceptions per game. His six interceptions were tied for the second-most in the FCS.

Huzzie posted a career-high 12 tackles and had a season-high five pass break-ups against Furman, while he registered an interception in three straight games against Robert Morris, Chattanooga and VMI. Huzzie, who had five or more tackles in six games this year, had a pick-six in the season-opening win over Mars Hill. The Franklin, Ga. native also ended the season with an interception at Mississippi State, marking just the sixth time all season the Bulldogs threw a pick.

Huzzie is one of three Southern Conference players to be a finalist for the award as Chattanooga defensive lineman Jay Person and VMI linebacker Stone Snyder were also on 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. Past recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen and Arthur Moats.

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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