Huzzie leads all FCS players in passes defended

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Oct. 20, 2022) – The FCS national leader in passes defended has been added to the Buck Buchanan Award watch list.

On Thursday, ETSU redshirt sophomore defensive back Alijah Huzzie (Franklin, Ga.) was one of 21 players added to the Buck Buchanan Award watch list, which is given to the national defensive player of the year in college football’s Division I subdivision.

Huzzie has been giving quarterbacks nightmares all season as he has totaled four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 15 passes defended, along with adding 45 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Of his tackles, 35 have been solo hits.

Huzzie has recorded interceptions in four of the Bucs’ seven games, including a stretch of three straight games from Sept. 24-Oct. 8. The Franklin, Ga. native began the season with a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown in the 44-7 win over Mars Hill, while he also picked off passes at Robert Morris, against Chattanooga and at VMI.

To go with his interceptions, Huzzie has had multiple pass breakups in three games, including a season-high five against Furman.

Overall, Huzzie leads all FCS players in passes defended per game (2.0), while being tied for second in total interceptions (4), ranking 10th in interceptions per game (0.6) and 30th in solo tackles per game (5.1).

Huzzie was one of three SoCon players added to the watch list on Thursday. Joining Huzzie was Chattanooga defensive lineman Jay Person and Mercer linebacker Isaac Dowling.

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 Buchanan includes recipients such as Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen and Arthur Moats.

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