Jones placed on Buchanan list for top I-AA defensive players

Southeast Missouri State defensive end Edgar Jones was named this week to the watch list for the Buck Buchanan Award, presented annually to the top defensive player in NCAA Division I-AA football.

The Buchanan Battle List, a group of 16 players under consideration for the award, was released by the Sports Network, which specializes in covering Division I-AA football.

The award will be presented on Dec. 14 in Chattanooga, Tenn., at the 20th annual I-AA College Football Awards. The ceremony takes place on the night before the I-AA national championship game.

Jones leads the nation with 11 sacks and is second in the nation in tackles for losses with 14 1/2. Jones, a preseason all-Ohio Valley Conference selection, has 43 tackles, one forced fumble and two pass breakups for the Redhawks, who are 4-4.

"I certainly think Edgar is deserving of consideration as the top defensive lineman in the nation," Southeast coach Tony Samuel said in a news release. "He plays hard and is a good student of the game who prepares thoroughly for every game. He has a few games left and he can still continue to improve."

Jones and another Buchanan nominee, linebacker Markeseo Jackson of co-OVC leader Tennessee-Martin, will be in action 6 p.m. Saturday in an OVC game at Houck Stadium.

-- Southeast Missourian