With less than two weeks until the start of the 2024 HBCU football season, the Black College Football Hall of Fame has produced a watch list for its coveted Deacon Jones trophy.
The watch List consists of 50 returning HBCU football players, including each conference’s preseason offensive and defensive player of the year selections.
The SWAC leads all conferences with 19 selections, followed by the MEAC with 14 and the CAA/OVC combined with four. The SIAC leads the Division II conferences with eight, while the CIAA fielded just five.
Alabama State led all teams with five selections, followed by South Carolina State and Howard with four.
Here are some of the notable names that were left off the list.
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BREAKING NEWS <br><br>Announcing the 2024 Black College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeaconJonesTrophy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#DeaconJonesTrophy</a> 
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Benari Black LB, Johnson C. Smith
If there were an award for the Most Improved team last season, Johnson C. Smith would have been a top candidate. They improved their win total by five games over the 2022 season and were selected to the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl.
Linebacker Benari Black was a big part of that transformation, recording 82 total tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and three pass breakups.
He was named to the CIAA All-Preseason First Team on a Johnson C. Smith team that was picked to finish fourth in the conference’s predicted order of finish.
Jayden Broughton DL, South Carolina State
Though South Carolina State had the second-most selections of all teams on this list, they could have tied for the most if Benedict transfer Jayden Broughton was added.
Broughton posted 56 total tackles, 24.0 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles, leading Benedict to its second straight SIAC title.
Broughton is one of many former Benedict players who followed Chennis Berry to South Carolina State in the offseason.
Cameron Davis DL, Virginia State
As a redshirt freshman, Cameron Davis was one of the unsung heroes of a Virginia State team that finished one win shy of a division title last year.
Davis recorded 38 total tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery, being named to the All-CIAA Rookie Team.
With an increased role on a Virginia State defensive line that moved on from All-CIAA selection Miqueal Pillow-Smiley, Davis should be penciled in for a breakout year in 2024.
Kelvin Dean RB, Florida A&M
The reigning Celebration Bowl Offensive MVP Kelvin Dean is another player expected to have a breakout season in 2024 as Florida A&M’s top running back option.
In his first year with the Rattlers, Dean rushed for 376 yards and scored three touchdowns while also catching 11 passes for 136 yards and three touchdowns.
He helped lead FAMU to a win in the Celebration Bowl, catching three passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
Keith Jenkins Jr. DB, Morgan State
On a team dominated by its defensive talent, Keith Jenkins Jr. is an underrated talent on the Bears’ special teams unit.
Jenkins averaged 23.2 yards on 23 kick return attempts, including a 90-yard kick return touchdown against Norfolk State.
He was one of only two Morgan State non-defensive players to be named to the All-MEAC team last season.
Robert McDaniel DB, Jackson State
Transferring to Jackson State from Alcorn State, Robert McDaniel is looking to have a profound impact on the top secondary in the SWAC from last season.
McDaniel posted three interceptions, five pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. He also recorded 30 total tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss.
Irv Mulligan RB, Jackson State
Irv Mulligan made an immediate impact in his first season at Jackson State last season leading the team in rushing yards.
He compiled 674 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns while also adding 41 receiving yards on five receptions.
Devin Williams DB, Bowie State
Rounding out the list is Bowie State defensive back Devin Williams, who followed up a tremendous sophomore season with an even better junior year.
Williams hauled in three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He also posted 36 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
