The Big South-OVC released the 2024 Defensive Players to Watch List and six Tennessee State players were named to the list.
Eriq George | Defensive Lineman| Spohomore
George put together a freshman campaign in which he recorded 25 total tackles ( 13 solos, 12 assisted) 6.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. The Nashville native’s play garnered him Freshman All-America and he was also named Big South-OVC Freshman of the Year.
Ahmad Nelson | Linebacker | Senior
The fifth-year linebacker has appeared in 37 career games for the Tigers, appearing in all 11 games for the past two seasons. Last season, Nelson was the team’s sixth-leading tackler, recording 35 stops (24 solo, 11 assists ) and also tallying 3.5 tackles for loss.
Jalen McClendon | Defensive Back | Redshirt Junior
The redshirt junior has appeared in 20 games for the Tigers, compiling career numbers of 32 tackles and 1 pass breakup. Last season McCledon appeared in four games before redshirting.
Jackson Foster| Punter | Senior
Foster led the Big South-OVC with 28 punts inside the 20-yard-line. The All-Conference Second Team performer averaged 39.0 yards per kick, including a conference-leading 28 fair catches. Foster boomed 5 kicks over 50 yards, including a 66-yard blast that was the second longest in the conference.
Carson Buchanan | Long Snapper | Senior
Buchanan has appeared in 37 games for the Tigers. Last season, the Antioch, TN native took part in all 11 contests, serving as both the one snapper and short snapper on field goals. He was an All-Big-South-OVC Second Team performer last season, going a perfect 117-117 on combined punt, field goal, and extra point attempts and a holder on the other two.
Dayron Johnson | Punt and Kick Return Specialist | Senior
The senior racked up 898 all-purpose, averaging 21.4 yards per kick return , which ranked second in the conference. Johnson also added 349 games and a touchdown on 39 catches, with a season’s best 11 receptions for 91 yards against Charleston Southern.
