Courtesy of Howard Athletics
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Sports activities Corridor of Fame named Howard College senior defensive again Kenny Gallop, Jr. (Portsmouth, Va.) its recipient for the 2023 Aeneas Williams Award. The announcement got here Friday afternoon.
The award is given to the highest defensive again in HBCU (Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities) Division I faculty soccer based mostly on efficiency on the sector, athletic capacity, and character.
Earlier this week, Gallop was named a finalist for the celebrated award, together with incomes All-American honors from BOXTOROW and FCS Soccer Central.
In 11 contests, the Buck Buchanan Award finalist produced 65 complete tackles (42 solos) with six tackles for loss, three interceptions, two compelled fumbles, and two quarterback hurries. Within the homecoming victory over Norfolk State (Oct. 21), Gallop recorded a season-high 11 complete tackles and the game-clinching interception. For his efforts, he was named FCS Nationwide Defensive Participant of the Week.
The Virginia product led Howard’s secondary the place they topped the nation in cross protection, permitting solely 129.1 yards per sport within the air.
Kenny Gallop took residence the award over Morgan State senior Jordan Tole and Alabama State senior Mychal Victor.
The award recipient was chosen from the three finalists by a nationwide choice committee, boasting selective members of the Oklahoma Sports activities Corridor of Fame, former Aeneas Williams Award recipients, HBCU sportswriters and HBCU faculty soccer journalists all through the nation.
The official presentation of the Aeneas Williams Award takes place in Oklahoma Metropolis on Feb. 6, 2024, along side this yr’s Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Winner, Trey Taylor of Air Power. The present winner and all former winners of every award are invited every year to rejoice. Over 600 supporters attend the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet every year, together with many celebrities and dignitaries.
On Dec. 16, Howard College performed its remaining sport of the 2023 marketing campaign on the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta the place they may face the Southwestern Athletic Convention Champion No. 5 Florida A&M. Kickoff is scheduled for midday on ABC.
For extra data, go to the Bison Athletics web site at www.HUBison.com or the Aeneas Williams Award web site at www.oklahomasportshalloffame.org.
