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HELENA, Mont. (AP) Montana State defensive end Dane Fletcher is one of 20 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Fletcher, a senior from Bozeman, has 67 total tackles, 41 solo stops, 17.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, four quarterback hurries a pass breakup and two blocked kicks.

Fletcher, who missed a couple games after being diagnosed with mononucleosis, led the Bobcats in tackles for loss and sacks this season.

Fletcher had a season high 11 tackles against both South Dakota and Montana and a season-high four tackles for a loss, three quarterback hurries and 2.5 sacks against Sacramento State. He had a career-high three sacks against Western Illinois.

Other finalists include Eastern Washington linebacker J.C.

Sherritt and Weber State cornerback Josh Morris.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 17 in Chattanooga, Tenn., the night before the FCS national championship game.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-25-09 1608CST | save this article / add to your favorites list