Andrew Ankrah Voted a Top-Three Finalist for 2017 Buck Buchanan Award

CHICAGO – James Madison redshirt senior defensive lineman Andrew Ankrah has been named one of three finalists for the 2017 STATS FCS Buck Buchanan Award, recognizing the nation's top defensive player, the organization announced Tuesday.

Ankrah was voted Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year and earned his third career First Team All-CAA honor after proving to be one of the dominate defenders, leading to JMU's defense ranking No. 1 nationally in scoring defense and total defense during the regular season.

In 12 starts, the Gaithersburg, Md., native has tallied 49 tackles (27 solo), to go with 13.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown. He ranks tied for second in the CAA in tackles for loss, tied for third in forced fumbles, tied for fifth in recoveries and seventh in sacks.

He recorded at least a full sack in six games and a tackle for loss in nine outings. Ankrah produced a career-high two forced fumbles against New Hampshire and returned a fumble 23 yards for his first career touchdown at Delaware.

JMU has now had a Buck Buchanan Award finalist 10 times, as Ankrah is the first finalist since Stephon Robertson accomplished the feat in 2012 and 2013, which included a runner-up finish in 2013. The Dukes have won the Buchanan twice, as linebacker Derrick Lloyd was the program's first winner in 2001 and current Pittsburgh Steeler linebacker Arthur Moats received the prestigious accolade in 2009.

Ankrah is joined in the final three by Jacksonville State defensive end Darius Jackson and Western Illinois linebacker Brett Taylor.

Additionally, STATS announced its top-3 list for the Walter Payton Award on Monday, honoring the top offensive player in the FCS. Senior quarterback Bryan Schor finished eighth in the final voting, as he became JMU's first two-time finalist for the Payton. He was also 12th in the voting in 2016.

The voting panel consists of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries. Voting is based on the regular season.

The winner for both the Payton Award and Buchan Award will be announced on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at the STATS FCS Awards Banquet and Presentation in Frisco, Texas, on the eve of the national championship game.

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