BOZEMAN — Montana State defensive end Caleb Schreibeis has spent his senior season barging into opponent backfields. Wednesday he forced his way onto the Buck Buchanan Award Watch List.

Schreibeis’ inclusion on the last regular season Buchanan List places him on the ballot for the award honoring the best defensive player in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. A 6-3, 252 lb senior from Billings, Schreibies has compiled a school-record seven forced fumbles this season, helping lead Montana State’s defense to rush defense and total defense.

“Caleb has had a fabulous season,” said Bobcat head coach Rob Ash. “He plays extremely hard and he’s a very productive player. As a team captain, his leadership and the tone of quiet intensity he’s helped create has permeated this program and been a huge part of our success.”

Schreibeis has 35 tackles this season, 13 for a loss. His 11 quarterback sacks leads the Big Sky and is fourth in the nation, and he also has seven quarterback hurries and one pass breakup. He has been in on at least one sack in each of his nine 2012 games, and has forced at least one fumble in three straight games.

“What an honor to be put on that list with those players,” Schreibeis said. “And I credit it to the unselfish, hard-working team and coaches I play for. I am humbled by the rich blessings from The Lord to even me. All glory to Him.”

Schreibeis joins teammate DeNarius McGhee, MSU’s junior quarterback, on the final Watch List for a major national individual award. McGhee is a finalist for the Walter Payton Trophy, given to the top offensive player in the FCS. Coordinated by The Sports Network, voting by media, FCS sports information directors, and other dignitaries, begins next Monday, following the regular season’s end, and continues through the end of the week.

— MSU Sports Information