JACKSON, Miss. | A pair of Jackson State football players were named to the Stats Perform Preseason HBCU National Player of the Year Award Watchlist on Wednesday, joining 18 others with the honor.

Kam Sallis, a first-team All-SWAC defensive back selection, was named the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year after he played in 11 games, starting all 11 at defensive back in 2025. He was also named a Preseason All-American after recording 53 tackles, including 27 solo stops, finishing with two interceptions and two pass breakups while also forcing a pair of fumbles. He recorded a career-high 12 tackles against Prairie View A&M, including a career-high eight solo tackles in the same game. He also recorded seven tackles against Southern Miss and recorded a tackle in all 11 games played. Sallis was named an Aeneas Williams Award Semifinalist and was named Second-Team All-Conference at the conclusion of last season. 

He was joined by offensive lineman Quaveon Davis, a first-team All-SWAC selection, who played on an offensive line that helped pave the way for three running backs to go over 500 yards rushing including a 1,000-yard rusher. He helped lead an offense that finished the regular season ranked second in rushing offense, second in fourth down conversion percentage, fourth in total offense, fifth in third down conversion percentage, 11th in first down offense, 13th in sacks allowed, and 18th in scoring offense nationally. The senior averaged a grade of 88 percent, while recording 27 pancakes/knockdowns and allowed just 1.5 sacks. He has also been named a Preseason All-American entering 2026.

Jackson State opens the season on Aug. 29 on the road at Tennessee State.

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