SIU football defensive back PJ Jules has been named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given annually to the FCS national Defensive Player of the Year.
The senior ranks among the nation's leaders in tackles, pass breakups and tackles for loss. Jules also ranks second in school history in pass breakups and 20th in tackles.
Jules was a Stats Perform Preseason All-American, Preseason 1st-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference and was named to the Senior Bowl Watch List.
He is the leader of a Saluki defensive unit that ranks 7th in the nation in scoring defense and 4th in yards allowed.
Thirty players, comprising all 15 FCS conferences, make up the Buck Buchanan Award finalist list. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the FCS National Awards Banquet on January 6 in Frisco, Texas - the day before the FCS championship game.
