HELENA — Montana linebacker Jordan Trip is among 20 athletes on the initial Buck Buchanan Award watch list.
The Sports Network announced the watch list Thursday for the award that honors the top defensive player in the FCS.
Tripp, who finished 10th in the Buchanan voting last season, is a Missoula native. As a junior, he had 95 tackles, led team with 13.5 tackles for a loss and was named to three All-America teams.
Two-time defending national champion North Dakota State has two players on the initial watch list — cornerback Marcus Williams and linebacker Grant Olson.
The watch list can be revised during the season. The award will be given on Dec. 16.
Past Buchanan award winners include Jared Allen of the Minnesota Vikings, former Griz and current Atlanta Falcons player Kroy Biermann and last year’s winner, Caleb Schreibeis of Montana State.
2013 Buck Buchanan Award Watch List
Dorian Bell, Duquesne, LB, Sr.
Clarence Bumpas, Northern Colorado, LB, Sr.
Qua Cox, Jackson State, CB, Sr.
Wes Dothard, Chattanooga, LB, Sr.
Steven Godbolt III, Tennessee State, CB, Jr.
Ronnie Hamlin, Eastern Washington, LB, Jr.
Antoine Lewis, Villanova, DT, Sr.
Jestin Love, Central Arkansas, S, Sr.
Grant Olson, North Dakota State, LB, Sr.
Caraun Reid, Princeton, DT, Sr.
Stephon Robertson, James Madison, LB, Sr.
Caleb Schaffitzel, Missouri State, S, Jr.
Alvin Scioneaux, Wofford, LB, Sr.
Robert Simpson, Mississippi Valley State, DT, Sr.
Tyler Starr, South Dakota, LB, Sr.
Jaquiski Tartt, Samford, S, Jr.
Jordan Tripp, Montana, LB, Sr.
Davis Tull, Chattanooga, DE, Jr.
Colton Underwood, Illinois State, DE, Jr.
Marcus Williams, North Dakota State, CB, Sr.