Ray Buchanan Jr.

2015: Saw action in all 14 games for the Panthers on special teams and as a reserve cornerback … recorded nine tackles including five solo and four assisted … also notched an interception return for a 70-yard touchdown … came away with two tackles and his first interception return to a touchdown in UNI’s first-round FCS playoff win over #24 Eastern Illinois (11/28).

2014: Played in 12 games for the Panthers as a cornerback reserve … finished the season with 11 tackles, four solo and seven assisted … recorded a solo tackles in UNI’s game against Hawai’i (9/13) … finished with two solo stops in UNI’s regular season finale against Missouri State (9/22) … also grabbed two tackles against Stephen F. Austin (11/29) in the first round of the FCS Playoffs … finished with a season-high three tackles, including a fumble return for 10 yards and a pass breakup against Illinois State (12/6).

Prior to UNI: Redshirted at the University of Arkansas during the 2012 season.

High School: He was ranked as the 59th-best cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com … in his senior season, he made 39 tackles, two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, one safety and one forced fumble and was selected to play in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl held at Cowboys Stadium … Peachtree Ridge put together an 8-3 record in 2011 and advanced to the 5A state playoffs … he recorded 30 tackles in five games as a junior before suffering an injury … he was coached at Peachtree Ridge by Bill Ballard and Mark Fleetwood … Buchanan selected Arkansas after receiving interest from multiple schools, including Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Louisville and Illinois.

Personal: Son of Ray and Sheree Buchanan … his father was drafted in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts and spent 12 seasons in the NFL playing for the Colts, Atlanta Falcons and Oakland Raiders … majoring in communications.

Ray Buchanan Jr. Highlights (High School)

Buchanan Jr. received a lot of attention from SEC and Big 10 schools leaving Suwanee, GA out of high school. Originally he committed to Arkansas and had a close bond with the coaching staff and former head coach Bobby Petrino. The family oriented (Married) Buchanan felt his best option after Petrino left Arkansas was to renew his college career at another program.

Buchanan Jr. battled injuries during his time at UNI, but showed his quickness and good skill set when coming in at cornerback for the Panthers. He had 17 tackles with three passes defended, also earning the starting nod against Western Illinois. In his limited role he was able to get the invitation to the Gridiron Showcase which speaks volumes about his underlying upside.

NFL pedigree, his father Ray Sr. was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts (1993) and spent 12 seasons in the NFL playing for the Colts, Atlanta Falcons and Oakland Raiders. Buchanan Jr. plays with a swagger and has shown the knack to make big plays.

An undersized boundary type defensive back with a good short-area burst, Buchanan Jr. brings a very high football IQ to the game. He spent his childhood picking up the habits of his father who spent a large amount of time breaking down film at home. The younger Buchanan found himself taking the time to pick up the tricks-of-the-trade to use film study as an asset.

NFL Scouts will see is a cornerback with decent size and ability. He flashes play-making ability when given the opportunity. Shows agility and vision and looks natural at the position. Likely priority free agent who will need to stay healthy and make his mark in camp.