CHICAGO – UNI Defensive Tackle Jared Brinkman was named one of 18 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award by Stats Perform Monday.
Brinkman is the only Missouri Valley Conference player that is included in the list.
Brinkman led the Valley with 9.0 tackles for loss despite facing double and triple teams on nearly every play. He ended the season with 38 total tackles. He tallied 3.5 sacks, three QB hurries, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
He made an impact across the defense. He took on blocks, allowing linebacker Spencer Cuvelier to lead the MVFC in tackles and linebacker Riley Van Wyhe to rank second on the team in tackles.