Biermann named winner of Buck Buchanan Award
by: Dave Guffey of the UM Sports Information Department
Thursday, 12/13/2007
University of Montana senior defensive end Kroy Biermann was named the recipient of the 2007 Buck Buchanan Award, which is given annually by the Sports Network to the top defensive player in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
A 6-foot-3, 241-pounder from Hardin, Mont., Biermann edged out Appalachian State’s outstanding senior safety Corey Lynch for the award. Biermann was presented the award Thursday night at the Sports Network Awards banquet in Chattanooga, Tenn.
“Obviously it is an amazing feeling to be recognized for such a prestigious award,’’ Biermann said. “To be chosen as the top defensive player in the FCS is truly a great experience. I know that other players who were up for this award all had amazing seasons and were just as deserving of it as I was. To receive the 2007 Buck Buchanan Award is truly a dream come true.’’
Montana is the first program to have a player win both the Buchanan and the Walter Payton Awards. The Walter Payton Award is given annually to the top offensive player in FCS football. Quarterback Dave Dickenson won the 1995 Walter Payton Award, the year he led the Grizzlies to the national championship.
Montana can also claim to be the only school to win all three major individual awards presented by the Sports Network. Joe Glenn, now the coach at Wyoming, won the Eddie Robinson Award in 2000.
The Grizzlies previously had two players finish second in the Buck Buchanan Award race, defensive end Andy Petek in 2000 and safety Vince Huntsberger in 2001.
Biermann, the 2007 Big Sky Defensive MVP, led the Big Sky Conference with 15 sacks, second-most in the nation. He registered 18 tackles for loss and a league-high five forced fumbles. Biermann was credited with 72 total tackles.
In 2007, the Grizzlies finished the regular season 11-0, winning their 10th straight Big Sky Conference title and qualifying for the FCS playoffs for the 15th consecutive season.
Led by Biermann, Montana led the Big Sky and finished second in the nation in scoring defense, surrendering just 14.8 points per game. The Griz led the Big Sky in total defense at 333.8 yards per game, and was first in pass defense efficiency and second in rushing defense.
Biermann finished his standout career with 33 sacks, 45 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in 52 career games. He started 22 games.
“I think some of the credit should go to my coaches, my teammates and to my University,’’ Biermann said. “To get the opportunity to be a part of the Montana Grizzly football program is something I am very thankful for and will cherish the rest of my life.’’
Idaho State defensive end Jared Allen, a starter with the Kansas City Chiefs, was the first (and only) Big Sky player to win the Buchanan award, receiving it in 2003.
The Big Sky has had six Walter Payton award winners, the most by any conference: Idaho quarterback John Freisz, 1989; Weber State quarterback Jaime Martin, 1991; Idaho quarterback Doug Nussmeier, 1993; Dickenson in 1995; Northern Arizona running back Archie Amerson, 1996; and Eastern Washington quarterback Erik Meyer, 2005.
Anyway, here is what I found on him. 
