Atlanta (August 31, 2016) – The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced today the establishment of the Black College Football Player of the Year Award. It will be presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University (HBCU).
 
"We're excited about the establishment of this Award, which will honor the best football player attending a Historically Black Colleges and University," said Super Bowl MVP quarterbackDoug Williams, a BCFHOF co-founder and 2011 inductee.
 
The winner of the inaugural Black College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on February 25, 2017 at the Eighth Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be honored with the Deacon Jones Trophy.
 
"Players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities have had a tremendous impact on the game of football," said BCFHOF co-founder and 2012 inductee James Harris. "There are very few players who represent this Award better than the legendary Deacon Jones."
 
The Watch List candidates, listed below, have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list may be made as the 2016 season progresses. The finalists and the winner will be chosen by a Selection Committee.

Tuskegee (Leeward Brown, Jonah McCutcheon, Julian Morgan, and Osband Thompson) led the SIAC with four selections followed by Miles (Jamarcus Nance, Chris Ruffin, and David Whipple) with three picks. Central State (Nehemiah Coward and Clim Robbins), Lane (Javonte Kelly), and Albany State (Jarvis Small)rounded out the selections for the SIAC.

ABOUT DEACON JONES
David "Deacon" Jones played defensive end for South Carolina State University and Mississippi Valley State University from 1958 to 1960. Blessed with speed, agility, and quickness, the "Deacon" became one of the finest pass rushers in the business. He won unanimous All-NFL honors six straight years from 1965 through 1970 and was selected to eight Pro Bowls. Jones is an inaugural Black College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2010) and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 


ABOUT THE BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 by African-American pioneers, quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There have been 64 Inductees since inception, including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell and Doug Williams, who serve as Trustees. ?