CHICAGO, Ill. - As the 2021 fall football season starts to wind down, postseason awards are beginning to generate. Western Illinois defensive back Darius Joiner is in the mix of potentially landing a big-time honor to his name. The Roanoke, Alabama native was named as one of eleven standouts to the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Buck Buchanan Award Watch List.

Having entered its 27th year, the award is presented annually to the national defensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision.

"I am very blessed and grateful to be added to the Buck Buchanan Watch List, as well as being put in position to succeed here at Western," said Joiner. "Only one defensive back has ever won the award, but maybe I can change that trend this year; making it two defensive backs to take home the Buck."

In his first year wearing the Purple and Gold, Joiner has made an immediate impact as one of the nation's best defenders. He currently leads the FCS in total tackles (133) and solo tackles (71). For his efforts in a 23-tackle performance, which ranks sixth-best in program history for a single game, Joiner was subsequently tabbed the Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 26) and FCS Stats Perform National Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 27).

Joiner has registered double-figures in tackles in all but one of the Leathernecks' ten games this season. Seven different showings have seen him make 12 or more tackles.

Throughout program history, WIU football has had two of its own earn the Buck Buchanan Award -- James Milton in 1998 and Edgerton Hartwell in 2000. Additionally, five players finished in the top seven for award voting.

"Darius has played an integral part in our defense all year long," said WIU head football coach Jared Elliott. "We are extremely proud of all he has done in his first year with the program."
 

Nominated to the Watch List:
 

Defensive Line

Brevin Allen, Campbell

Nate Lynn, William & Mary

Devonnsha Maxwell, Chattanooga

Clay Patterson, Yale

Vaughn Taylor Jr., Morehead State
 

Linebacker

Jacob Dobbs, Holy Cross

Matthew Jackson, Eastern Kentucky

Isaiah Land, Florida A&M

Jalen Mackie, Dartmouth

Patrick O'Connell, Montana
 

Defensive Back

Darius Joiner, Western Illinois