EASTON, Pa. – Senior safety Saiku White has been named to the 30-player preseason watch list for the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award, presented annually by Stats Perform to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS football.
 
The award, in its 30th season, is named for legendary defensive lineman Junious "Buck" Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past Buchanan recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen and Arthur Moats.
 
White's most recent preseason recognition follows a selection to the Stats Perform Preseason All-America Third Team announced Monday and the Preseason All-Patriot League Team on July 24. White, who is in his second season as a team captain, was an All-Patriot League performer in 2023 while claiming Associated Press All-America Third-Team laurels.
 
White finished his junior campaign second on the team in tackles (77) and led the Patriot League with four interceptions, including a 42-yard pick-six in a win over Georgetown. White added 5.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups and forced a fumble. The Economics major from Atlanta matched his career high in tackles with 12 stops in the season-opening win at Sacred Heart.
 
Lafayette, which opened training camp on Monday, is coming off a Patriot League title in 2023 when the Leopards advanced to the NCAA FCS Playoffs and were ranked as high as No. 16 in the national polls. The Maroon and White, who welcome back eight starters on each side of the ball, open the season at Buffalo on Aug. 29.