ATLANTA, Ga. – The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced today the 2023 Watch List for the Black College Football Player of the Year Award, and Benedict College senior defensive lineman Loobert Denelus was incluced.
 
The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University. Former North Carolina A&T and NFL running back Tarik Cohen was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2016; Bowie State quarterback Amir Hall was the 2017 and 2018 recipient; former Tennessee State and NFL WR Chris Rowland was the 2019 recipient; former Alabama A&M QB Aqeel Glass was the recipient in the Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 seasons; and former Jackson State QB Shedeur Sanders was the 2022 winner of the Award.
 
Denelus reaped numerous post-season honors last year, anchoring a defensive unit that was ranked as one of the best in Division II. He was named the SIAC Defensive Player of the Year and to numerous All-American teams, including becoming the first player in Benedict College history to be named a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association. He was recently named the 2023 SIAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and a preseason All-American by BoxToRow.
 
Four finalists will be unveiled after the season. The winner of the Black College Football Player of the Year Award, which will be announced during halftime of the 2024 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, will be presented with the Deacon Jones Trophy. The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl takes place on Saturday, February 24, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game will be broadcast live on NFL Network.
 
"The Black College Football Player of the Year Award showcases the immense talent of our HBCU players today," said Doug Williams, BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee. "These student-athletes represent the very best of HBCU football."
 
The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list will be made as the 2023 season progresses. The finalists and the winner will be chosen by a Selection Committee.
 
"The Deacon Jones Trophy is the most prestigious football award for HBCUs," said BCFHOF co-founder and 2012 inductee James Harris. "Deacon Jones was a pioneer and an icon, and still to this day represents the very best of Black College Football."
 
2023 Black College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List