Aeneas Williams Award Finalists Announced | 2023
The finalists for the 2023 Aeneas Williams Award, presented by the Chickasaw Nation, have been revealed by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association. This prestigious list features the top three defensive backs in Division I football from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), selected for their impressive performance, athletic skills, and admirable character.
The finalists for the 2023 Aeneas Williams Award, presented by the Chickasaw Nation, have been revealed by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association
In 2023, Gallop was named the Defensive Player of the Year for MEAC and a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. He has made 61 tackles, 40 of which were solo tackles. Additionally, he has six tackles resulting in a loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two instances of pressuring the quarterback.
Mychal Victor is a finalist for the Aeneas Williams Award and secured a position on the All-SWAC Second Team. He excelled in the SWAC conference by having the highest average of passes defended per game with an impressive 1.7. Furthermore, he made 36 tackles and demonstrated exceptional skills in passes defended, being the leading player in the SWAC with 15 passes defended, 13 deflected, and two interceptions.
Jordan Toles, who was selected for the All-MEAC First Team, proved to be one of the top impact players in the league during the 2023 season. Hailing from Baltimore (St. Frances HS), Toles is known for being aggressive and physical on the field. He ended the season as the Bears' second-leading tackler, recording 66 tackles, three interceptions (tied for 36th in FCS), and a blocked kick. Throughout the season, Toles earned four MEAC Player of the Week awards and was a semifinalist for the Aeneas Williams Award. One of his standout performances occurred in the Bears' final game against Howard, where he achieved a career-high 14 tackles, with 9 of them being solo tackles.
A selection committee chooses the winner of the award made up of distinguished members from the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, previous Aeneas Williams Award winners, sportswriters specializing in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and college football journalists focused on HBCUs nationwide.
The organization will reveal the winner through a press release on Friday, December 15, 2023.
