CHICAGO – ETSU defensive end Nasir Player was one of seven student-athletes added to the watch list for the STATS FCS Buck Buchanan Award, given annually to the top defensive player in the subdivision, STATS announced Thursday.

Player joins preseason nominees Samford defensive lineman Ahmad Gooden, Western Carolina defensive back Marvin Tillman and Wofford defensive lineman Miles Brown on the list.

Player has accumulated 28 tackles so far this season, including 9.0 for 48 yards lost. He has 5.0 sacks for 39 yards and has a team-best 10 quarterback hurries. The redshirt junior has also forced a pair of fumbles on the season.

He was the SoCon Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 1 after helping the Bucs to a win over No. 20 Chattanooga.

Player has helped ETSU to a 6-1 start to season and first place in the SoCon standings at 4-0 in league play. Off to their best start since the 1996 campaign, the Bucs are ranked No. 21 in both the STATS FCS Top 25 and the AFCA FCS Coaches’ Top 25 heading into this weekend’s tilt at No. 12 Wofford.

The Buchanan Award, presented since 1995, has watch list updates during the season. A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will select the winner following the regular season.

Also this season, STATS will present the Walter Payton Award (FCS offensive player of the year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS freshman player of the year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS coach of the year) and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year.