WALTHAM, Mass. – Bentley University junior Grant Buchanan (Holliston/Holliston HS) is one of 34 kickers nationwide named to the watch list for the 2018 Fred Mitchell Award, which is presented annually to the premier kicker among more than 750 FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA and NJCAA football teams.

The Award is named for Fred Mitchell, the record-setting place-kicker, Wittenberg University Athletic Hall of Famer, author, philanthropist and Chicago Tribune sports columnist.

The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be chosen based on excellence on the football field and in the community.

This year's watch list includes 13 from FCS institutions, 11 from Division II, nine from Division III and NAIA. They come from 22 states, including four from Massachusetts.

Buchanan enters this season with 14 of 26 field goals and 66 of 69 PATs for 108 points in 22 career games. Last year, he was second on the team in scoring with 58 points, the second consecutive year he's finished with at least 50 points.  Buchanan made seven of 12 field goals with his two longest (39, 30 yards) coming in a 27-24 win over New Haven Nov. 4.

Buchanan has been involved in a number of community service activities with the list including participating on a Relay for Life team each of the last three years to raise money for cancer research. He registered for "Be the Match" bone marrow drive and helped to get other students to register on campus. participated in a "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" on the Bentley campus the past two years to raise awareness for equality, visited a Cradles to Crayons facility and spent time putting together a week's worth of clothes for over 150 children, and has helped raise funds for the Chromosome 18 registry.

Buchanan and Bentley will kick off the season Thursday night at home against West Chester University.

Official Release