Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics
Tennessee State senior defensive back Jalen McClendon has been named one of 35 finalists for the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award, presented to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS football. The award, celebrating its 30th anniversary, was announced by Stats Perform.
The honor is named after legendary defensive lineman Junious “Buck” Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State during his Hall of Fame career. Past recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen, and Arthur Moats.
McClendon, playing this season despite an upper-body injury sustained at Lindenwood —where he finished the game — McClendon recorded 53 tackles (45 solo), one tackle for loss (4 yards), one interception, and 12 pass breakups.
Last year, former TSU defensive end Terrell Allenearned the Buck Buchanan Award, marking a significant achievement for the program.
Finalists represent all 13 FCS conferences. The winner, chosen by a national voting panel, will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas.
