Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
- HBCU National Player of the Year award was recently added to FCS annual honors, recognizing top players from historically Black colleges.
- South Carolina State's Eric Phoenix became the inaugural winner, leading his team to a MEAC title with impressive stats.
- 19 players from the MEAC and SWAC are featured on the award watch list, emphasizing emerging talent in HBCU sports.
- Jackson State received the most nominations, showcasing its strength in football and contributing significantly to the HBCU community.
Last season, the FCS announced the addition of the HBCU National Player of the Year to its yearly list of awards along with the Walter Payton Award, Buck Buchanan Award, and Jerry Rice Award.
South Carolina State quarterback Eric Phoenix was named the inaugural winner after leading South Carolina State to a MEAC title, posting a MEAC-leading 2,603 passing yards and 20 touchdowns.
Featured on this year’s award watch list are 19 players from the MEAC and SWAC, including each conference’s respective Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.
Hampton running back Ja’Quan Snipes is the only selection that did not come from either of the conferences.
Jackson State leads all schools with four nominations while North Carolina Central has the most from the MEAC with three.
Here is the complete list of players selected for the HBCU National Player of the Year Watch List:
- Ckelby Givens DL, Southern
- Kevon King RB, Norfolk State
- Bryce Cage DL, Grambling State
- Noah Miles DL, Howard
- Jason Collins Jr. RB, Morgan State
- Jacobian Morgan QB, Jackson State
- Desmond Daniels OL, Alabama State
- Cam Ransom QB, Bethune-Cookman
- Stemarion Edwards LB, Alcorn State
- Malcolm Reed DB, North Carolina Central
- Ashton Grable OL, Florida A&M
- Nathan Rembert WR, Jackson State
- Walker Harris QB, North Carolina Central
- Jacorian Sewell RB, Alcorn State
- TJ Huggins DB, Florida A&M
- Ja’Quan Snipes RB, Hampton
- Trevon Humphrey OL, North Carolina Central
- Travis Terrell Jr. RB, Jackson State
- Erick Hunter LB, Morgan State
- Jeremiah Williams DL, Jackson State
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