FAMU's Isaiah Land recognized as best defensive player in FSC football
After quiet start to the season, Isaiah Land made his presence known in a big way.
It is one for the history books, in fact.
Florida A&M’s junior linebacker/defensive end was named the 2021 Buck Buchanan Award winner as the best defensive player in FCS football Friday.
Land, the first Rattler and fifth HBCU player to win the award in its 27-year history after leading the nation in sacks (19) and tackles for loss (25.5), was honored at the Frisco Convention Center in Frisco, Texas.
A 50-member, national media panel selected the Buchanan winner from a group of 25 finalists following the regular season.
FAMU coach Willie Simmons credits Land's desire and work ethic for his success.
"His approach to the game, Isaiah's an extremely hard work, shows a relentless effort and desire to be the best he can be," Simmons said. "He loves football and he shows it every time he steps on the field."
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Land – a 6-foot-4, 215-pounder who was born in Buffalo and played high school football at Grayson High, northeast of Atlanta - was first in the voting over linebackers Troy Andersen of Montana State by 22 points and Patrick O'Connell of Montana.
Land is the second consecutive player from the Southwestern Athletic Conference to win the award, following Southern's Jordan Lewis in 2020.
Standout performances
After registering two sacks through his first three games, Land had three sacks and four tackles for loss to lead FAMU past Alabama State, 28-0.
Against South Carolina State the following week, Land had five sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.
Land produced 25.5 tackles for loss, 147 yards in losses, 19 sacks and 121 sack yards in losses, which were all FCS-leading totals during the regular season.
He was also named the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Including the Rattlers' one FCS playoff game, Land finished with 43 total tackles, including 32 solos, six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Land’s contributions helped anchor the Rattlers’ outstanding defense that allowed 17 points per game to rank second in the SWAC behind league champion Jackson State (14.8).
The Rattlers (9-3) earned an at-large bid into the FSC Playoffs, losing 38-14 at Southeastern Louisiana in the opening round.
Despite the early exit, FAMU still finished No. 1 in NCAA.com’s final 2021 power rankings.
Montana State and North Dakota State meet in the FCS title game Saturday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, at noon on ESPN2.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU's Land wins Buck Buchanan Award winner as best defensive player in FCS
