Skip To Main Content

Upcoming Events and Recent Results

Western Illinois University Athletics

Buck Buchanan Award

Swenson, Saunders Named to Buck Buchanan Watchlist

Pete Swenson and Khalen Saunders were named to the award's watchlist.

Could Western Illinois University lay claim to the best defensive player in the FCS? Last season, former Leatherneck Brett Taylor finished a vote shy of taking home the esteemed Buck Buchanan Award, and on Thursday (Nov. 8), STATS FCS announced its award watchlist where Khalen Saunders and Pete Swenson are named as contenders.
 
Swenson currently co-leads the FCS with 20 tackles (TFLs) that combined for 83 yards loss. He has sacked the opposing quarterback in all but one game this season to tie for third in the nation (11.0) in the category.
 
As defensive stalwarts at the linebacker and lineman positions, Swenson sits fourth all-time in WIU history with 24.5 career sacks, and Saunders is just a few slots behind, ranking ninth with 16.
 
Saunders posted a career-best 11 tackles versus North Dakota State earlier this year to mark his first career game in double figures. He's currently the team's third-leading tackler with 59 (32 solo/27 assisted) while Swenson maintains 48 total tackles (35 solo/13 assisted).
 
The two combine for 11 quarterback hurries and four forced fumbles, and Saunders also adds a touchdown after lining up on offense against Youngstown State for his first career reception.

The Buchanan Award, presented to the national defensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision, has sent past winners such as Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen, Arthur Moats and Kyle Emanuel on to NFL careers.
Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Now Playing:

Related Stories