University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mark Campbell
Buchanan Drafted by St. Louis Battlehawks in 2023 XFL Rookie Draft
6/16/2023 4:00:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – Former University of Delaware linebacker Johnny Buchanan was drafted by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the 2023 XFL Rookie Draft on Friday.
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Buchanan had a prestigious 2022 season that saw him earn seven All-American nods and lead all of FCS in tackles with 150. In 13 games this past season, he had eight games with at least 10 tackles and five games with at least 15 takedowns and was named First-Team All-CAA. During Delaware's season-opening victory over Navy, he tied a program record with 23 tackles and earned National Defensive Player of the Week honors. He was also a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is given to the best defensive player in the FCS.
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Buchanan finished three tackles shy of tying Delaware's single-season record and ended his career ranked 11th all-time in tackles in program history. He also earned Second-Team All-CAA honors in 2021 and First-Team honors during the 2021 spring season.
Players who were drafted in the XFL Rookie Draft will be placed on XFL rosters with players who finished the 2023 season on active and reserve lists. XFL teams will hold exclusive rights with the players they select in the draft.
The Blue Hens finished the 2022 season, the first of the Ryan Carty era, with an 8-5 overall record and a 4-4 mark in the CAA, and ended the season with its 18th appearance in the FCS Championship. UD defeated Saint Francis (Pa.) in the first round, 56-17, before falling to No. 1 seed South Dakota State in the second round.
The Blue & Gold will open the 2023 season on Thursday, August 31 at Stony Brook. Tickets for the 2023 football season are on sale now and can be purchased HERE. Fans can buy single-game tickets, season tickets, or partial plan packages. Season ticket members receive price savings over singles games, early access to purchase tickets to Penn State, invitations to member events, and more!
For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @Delaware_FB and Instagram @delaware_fb, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook. Follow Ryan Carty on Twitter @RyanCarty10.
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Buchanan had a prestigious 2022 season that saw him earn seven All-American nods and lead all of FCS in tackles with 150. In 13 games this past season, he had eight games with at least 10 tackles and five games with at least 15 takedowns and was named First-Team All-CAA. During Delaware's season-opening victory over Navy, he tied a program record with 23 tackles and earned National Defensive Player of the Week honors. He was also a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is given to the best defensive player in the FCS.
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Buchanan finished three tackles shy of tying Delaware's single-season record and ended his career ranked 11th all-time in tackles in program history. He also earned Second-Team All-CAA honors in 2021 and First-Team honors during the 2021 spring season.
Players who were drafted in the XFL Rookie Draft will be placed on XFL rosters with players who finished the 2023 season on active and reserve lists. XFL teams will hold exclusive rights with the players they select in the draft.
The Blue Hens finished the 2022 season, the first of the Ryan Carty era, with an 8-5 overall record and a 4-4 mark in the CAA, and ended the season with its 18th appearance in the FCS Championship. UD defeated Saint Francis (Pa.) in the first round, 56-17, before falling to No. 1 seed South Dakota State in the second round.
The Blue & Gold will open the 2023 season on Thursday, August 31 at Stony Brook. Tickets for the 2023 football season are on sale now and can be purchased HERE. Fans can buy single-game tickets, season tickets, or partial plan packages. Season ticket members receive price savings over singles games, early access to purchase tickets to Penn State, invitations to member events, and more!
For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @Delaware_FB and Instagram @delaware_fb, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook. Follow Ryan Carty on Twitter @RyanCarty10.
Players Mentioned
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