Kenny Gallop Jr. Headlines The Top HBCU Defensive Backs On The Aeneas Williams Award Watch List

Aeneas Williams Award Presented by the Chickasaw Nation.

Kyle T. Mosley | Aug 7, 2024

Kenny Gallop Jr / Howard Athletics

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Last season, Kenny Gallop Jr. was named the nation's best defensive back among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football players. This season, Gallop is competing against 17 other student-athletes named to the 3rd Annual Aeneas Williams Award Preseason Watch List. sd

DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will form the national screening committee to evaluate the players throughout the 2024 HBCU football season. Additional athletes will be placed on the list and considered for their weekly performance on the field, athletic ability, and character.

2024 AENEAS WILLIAMS AWARD PRESEASON WATCH LIST

1. Devon Allen, Norfolk State, Sr.

2. Kendall Bohler, Florida A&M, Sr.

3. James Burgess, Alabama State, Sr.

4. Darren Burton II, Hampton, Soph.

5. Carlvainsky Decius, Morgan State, Sr.

6. Kenny Gallop Jr., Howard, Gr. Sr.

7. Calvin Henderson, Grambling State, Sr.

8. Carson Hinton, Howard, Gr. Sr.

9. Horacio Johnson, Southern, Sr.

10. Terron Mallory, Norfolk State, Gr. Sr.

11. Robert McDaniel, Jackson State, Gr. Sr.

12. Emari Pait, Alabama A&M, Soph.

13. Ja'son Prevard, Morgan State, Soph.

14. Karon Prunty, North Carolina A&T State, Sr.

15. Canary Simmons, Texas Southern, Sr.

16. Andrew Smith, Alcorn State, Sr.

17. BJ Washington, Jackson State, Soph.

18. Deco Wilson, Florida A&M, Gr. Sr.

SWAC - 10, MEAC - 6, CAA -2

TOP CONTENDERS

1. Kenny Gallop Jr.

Kenny Gallop Jr. / Credit: HU Athletics

Howard University Bison - 2023 Aeneas Williams Award Winner

2. Kendall Bohler

Florida A&M Rattlers defensive back Kendall Bohler (3) pregame of playing the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 / Gerald Thomas / USA TODAY NETWORK

Florida A&M University; 2023 HBCU National Championship Team Member

3. Karon Prunty

Karon Prunty / NATU Athletics

North Carolina A&T University

AENEAS WILLIAMS AWARD IMPORTANT DATES

Wed., Aug. 7: Preseason Watch List Announced
Tue., Nov. 5: Semifinalists Announced
Tue., Dec. 3: Finalists Announced
Fri, Dec. 13: Winner Announced
Tue., Feb. 4, 2025: Aeneas Williams Award Banquet Honoring the 2024 Winner in Oklahoma City

The official presentation of the Aeneas Williams Award takes place in Oklahoma City, in conjunction with the annual Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet. Each year, the reigning winner and former winners are invited to celebrate. Over 600 supporters, including many celebrities and dignitaries, attend this joint award banquet.

HBCU Legends Podcast

Published Aug 7, 2024|Modified Aug 7, 2024

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: