RICHMOND, Ky. – Stats Perform announced Thursday that EKU redshirt senior linebacker Matthew Jackson has been named to the 2022 Buck Buchanan Award preseason watch list. Jackson is one of 35 players on the initial list and the lone representative from the ASUN Conference.

The Buck Buchanan Award is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). A national panel of more than 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers, and other dignitaries vote on the award's winner, based on players' regular-season performances. Voting is conducted before the start of FCS playoffs.

The ASUN and Phil Steele ASUN Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson led the conference in tackles last season (102) and led the Colonels in tackles for loss (11.0). The Nashville, Tenn., native also registered 3.5 sacks, eight pass breakups, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles during the 2021 campaign.  

Jackson totaled double-digit tackles in five different games last season and ended the year as a Buck Buchanan Award finalist, the Phil Steele ASUN Defensive Player of the Year, a Phil Steele First-Team All-ASUN selection, and an ASUN All-Conference honoree.

The redshirt senior was named the ASUN Defensive Player of the Week after setting season highs with 14 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and two pass breakups against Central Arkansas. He also tallied 12 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, one interception, and one forced fumble against Austin Peay. 

More players can join the watch list during the regular season, and afterwards a national media panel will select the winner. First awarded in 1995, the Buck Buchanan Award includes past recipients such as Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen, and Arthur Moats.