OKLAHOMA CITY | The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) released the third Annual Aeneas Williams Award Preseason Watch List. This list includes 19 of the nation's best defensive backs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football featuring a pair of Jackson State student-athletes. The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee and in partnership with the organization DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. This list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be added to the semifinalists and finalists lists as the season progresses.

Robert McDaniel, a transfer from Alcorn State, totaled 30 tackles for the Braves as a defensive back in 2023 with 21 solo stops. He also recorded a pair of tackles for loss. McDaniel accounted for six turnovers last season causing three fumbles and was among the league leaders with three interceptions. He also recorded five pass breakups.

Meanwhile, B.J. Washington recorded 25 total tackles including 19 solo stops. He also recorded four tackles for loss and a pair of pass breakups, while he also forced a fumble and recorded three interceptions. He recorded multiple tackles in six games.

The Aeneas Williams Award is presented by the Chickasaw Nation and awarded to the best defensive back in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.

This award was established in 2022 and serves as the first of its kind in HBCU history in honor of its namesake, Southern University walk-on and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Aeneas Williams. The contribution of HBCUs to the landscape of college football and the NFL has forever left an impact on the game. HBCUs hold an incredibly rich athletic tradition, tied to the game of football, that continues to exemplify the culture of these schools for over the past century.

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