Nov. 1, 2006

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Senior defensive end Edgar Jones of Southeast Missouri State University has been named to the Buchanan Battle List by the Sports Network, I-AA college football's most widely recognized information service.

The Buchanan Battle List considers the top candidates for the 12th Buck Buchanan Award which goes to the top defensive player in I-AA. There are currently 16 players under consideration for the prestigious Buchanan Award which will be presented at the 20th annual I-AA College Football Awards on Thursday, December 14th in Chattanooga, TN, on the eve of the 2006 I-AA National Championship.

Jones, who leads the nation in sacks with 11 and ranks second nationally in tackles for losses with 14.5, was a preseason all-OVC choice. He currently has 43 total tackles with one forced fumble and two pass break ups.

"I certainly think Edgar is deserving of consideration as the top defensive lineman in the nation," said Southeast coach Tony Samuel. "He plays hard and is a good student of the game who prepares thoroughly for every game. He has a few games left and he can still continue to improve."

For the Buchanan, defensive ends Kroy Biermann (Montana) and Jones (SE Missouri State), linebacker Akeem Jordan (James Madison) and safety Jeremy Wiggins (Appalachian State) have all been selected as potential candidates. The other candidates are defensive end Kroy Biermann (Montana), linebacker Zak DeOssie (Brown), linebacker Justin Durant (Hampton), linebacker Adam Hayward (Portland State), safety James Ihedigbo (Massachusetts), linebacker Markeseo Jackson (Tennessee-Martin), linebacker Tyler Knight (Mississippi Valley State), linebacker John Mohring (Georgia Southern), defensive end Marques Murrell (Appalachian State), linebacker Chad Nkang (Elon), linebacker Kyle Shotwell (Cal Poly), linebacker Cameron Siskowic (Illinois State), and defensive end Bryan Smith (McNeese State).

Two of the 16 candidates will do battle at Houck Stadium on Saturday, 6 p.m., when Southeast hosts league leading Tennessee-Martin. Jones will anchor the Southeast defense while linebacker Markeseo Jackson leads the Skyhawks defense.