DURHAM, N.C. -- Stats Perform has announced North Carolina Central University junior defensive back Khalil Baker as one of 30 FCS finalists for the 2022 Buck Buchanan Award, which is annually presented to the national defensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision.

Baker (6-0, 185, Winston-Salem, N.C.) is tied as the conference leader with four interceptions, including a touchdown return in a road win over nationally-ranked New Hampshire. He ranks third on the team with 51 tackles (38 solo), including 2.0 stops for a loss, while also recording five pass break-ups and recovering a fumble during his junior campaign.

The Buchanan Award, first presented in 1995 and in its 28th season, 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.