Abilene Christian linebacker
Rashon Myles, Jr., has been named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the FCS defensive player of the year by Stats Perform.
Myles has recorded a team-high 104 tackles through 12 games with 8.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. The junior also has five fumble recoveries which is the most at all levels of NCAA football -- FBS, FCS, Division II and Division III -- this season.
It is the second year in-a-row ACU has had a player among the Buchanan Award finalists.
Will Shaffer was named a finalist in 2024, and was on the 2025 preseason watch list.
Myles is one of four players from the United Athletic Conference in the field of 30 finalists. Southern Utah defensive end Lando Brown, West Georgia defensive lineman David Hoage and Tarleton State defensive back Kasyus Kurns are also representing the conference.
Myles has twice been named the UAC Defensive Player of the Week this season. He had 13 tackles, 3 TFL and 2.0 sacks in the Wildcats' win over then-No. 2 Tarleton State on Nov. 1. He also recovered three fumbles in the first half against Austin Peay on Sept. 20, winning the conference award and the FCS Stats Perform National Defensive Player of the Week honor.
The award, in its 31st season, is named for legendary defensive lineman Junious "Buck" Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past Buchanan recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis and Jared Allen. Central Arkansas' David Walker was last season's winner.
All 13 FCS conferences are represented by a finalist. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on Jan. 3 in Nashville, Tenn.
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