Mocs Jay Person Racks Up Defensive Honors

(gomocs.com) Senior edge Jay Person got word late in the morning that he’s a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award which goes to the FCS’ top defender. It’s his second straight season as a finalist finishing eighth in 2022.

That’s not his only repeat. He found out in the afternoon he once again earned Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors. Person is the 9th since 2009 for the program and first back-to-back since Davis Tull in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The three have come to the Scenic City with Person in 2022 and 2023 following all-time SoCon sack leader Devonnsha Maxwell in 2021.

“Really, it’s just a blessing to be able to get that award,” Person smiled. “But there’s a lot that comes with it. Just work hard not only in season but all year. All I can really do is thank everybody around me.

“My coaches, my teammates and everybody sticking with me throughout the whole process.”

The Mocs in the All-SoCon Squads:

1st Team: DE Ben Brewton, DB Kam Brown, WR Jamoi Mayes, Edge Jay Person

2nd Team: P Clayton Crile, OL Griffin McDowell, DT Marlon Taylor, C Reid Williams