Zeroing in on Greatness - Morgan State University Athletics (2025)

Elijah Williams Earns Buck Buchanan Award Finalist Honors

BALTIMORE, Md. (Nov. 26, 2024) — Morgan State football defensive end Elijah Williams was named a finalist for the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award, announced today by Stats Perform. The Award is annually presented to the national defensive player of the year incollege football's Division I subdivision.

Stats Perform has announced a list of 35 finalists for the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award, celebrating its 30th anniversary season and presented to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football. Full List here.

Williams being named a finalist for the prestigious award represents a significant milestone for Morgan and underscores the program's commitment to excellence on the field. This recognition marks the second consecutive year that a Morgan player has earned finalist honors, following standout linebacker Erick Hunter's commendable selection in the 2023 edition. Williams' achievement not only highlights his exceptional skills and contributions to the team but also reflects the overall growth and development of the Morgan football program.

The award is named for legendary defensive lineman Junious "Buck" Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen and Arthur Moats.

All 13 FCS conferences are represented by a finalist. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas.

"Agent Zero"has truly emerged as a dynamic force on one of the nation's top defensive units this season (FCS ranked No. 21 in total defense). With his exceptional performance, he ranked No. 7 in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) with an impressive tally of 11.0 sacks. He also recorded 15.0 tackles for loss, placing him second in the MEAC and No. 20 in the nation.

In addition to his impressive sack and tackle for loss numbers, Williams contributed significantly in several other facets of the game, amassing 54 tackles (No. 14 in MEAC), with 32 being solo stops. His versatility was further highlighted by his ability to apply pressure on the quarterback, as evidenced by two QB hurries, and his knack for creating turnovers, including two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. To add to his contributions, he even showcased his athleticism by blocking a field goal against #20 North Carolina Central.

The Washington, D.C. product has etched his name into the annals of college football history, concluding his tenure at Morgan State with a remarkable legacy as the institution's all-time leader in both sacks and tackles for loss. With an impressive tally of 31 sacks and 52 tackles for loss, he not only distinguished himself as a formidable defensive presence but also set a benchmark for future generations of athletes at the university.

His remarkable contributions on the field have propelled him to a spot in the annals of the MEAC, where his career sack total ranks seventh all-time. Notably, he finds himself in close company with fellow Bear James Dozier, who holds the sixth position with his own impressive count of 31.5 sacks from 1987 to 1990.