Sports
Ray Ray Award for Defensive Player of the Year: HBCU Nominees
URA Sports Show Introduces the Ray Ray Award for Defensive Player of the Year: HBCU Nominees
In a groundbreaking move that puts the power in the hands of the fans, URA Sports Show proudly announces the creation of the Ray Ray Award – Defensive Player of the Year. This prestigious honor celebrates exceptional defensive performances in college football, allowing fans—not media insiders or sportswriters—to choose who truly stands out on the defensive side of the ball.
Why the Ray Ray Award?
The Ray Ray Award was inspired by the legendary legacy of one of football’s most iconic defenders. While legal restrictions prevented using the exact name, the award pays homage to a relentless, game-changing spirit reminiscent of Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens.
How It Works
The selection process is refreshingly simple and democratic:
Nominees Announced: Throughout the college football season, standout defensive players will be nominated based on their on-field dominance, leadership, and game-altering plays.
Fan Voting: Fans will vote online to decide who deserves the title of the year’s best defensive player. The power rests entirely in the hands of the people who live and breathe college football.
What the Award Represents
The Ray Ray Award isn’t just about stats—it’s about heart, grit, and the will to dominate. It’s a platform to pay homage to top athletes who are household names and athletes who may not get the traditional media spotlight but prove themselves as forces to be reckoned with.
When and Where
The inaugural Ray Ray Award winner will be announced during the highly anticipated URA Sports Awards Show hosted by NFL Veteran Derrick Tatum and CEO of Elite Talent Football Podcast. The night will be dedicated to recognizing the most electrifying college football performances at the FBS and HBCU levels, with plans to expand to FCS, Div 2, and High School in the future.
Get Involved!
Stay tuned for updates on nominees and voting dates by following the URA Sports Show (@urafootballshow) and Elite Talent Football (@elitetalentfootball) on social media and on our website, www.underrecruitedathlete.com.
HBCU Ray Ray Award Nominees
Kenny Gallop Jr.
Position: Defensive Back (DB)
Class: Graduate Student
Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia
Kenny Gallop Jr., a standout defensive back for Howard University, has had a remarkable collegiate career. Gallop’s achievements include being a three-time HBCU All-American, a rarity for defensive players, and receiving the 2023 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year award. Over his career, he has tallied 325 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, and multiple sacks and forced turnovers.
Gallop has also been named to prestigious watch lists such as the Buck Buchanan Award and was selected to participate in the 2025 HBCU Legacy Bowl, a showcase for top talent. These accolades underscore his impact and leadership on the field, as he consistently excelled in both defense and team dynamics.
Ckelby Givens
Position: Defensive Back (DL)
Class: Junior
Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana
Ckelby Givens, a standout defensive lineman for Southern University, has been a dominant force in the SWAC conference. His exceptional performances throughout the 2024 season earned him the title of SWAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, sharing the honor with Grambling State’s Andrew Jones. Givens has also been a finalist for the prestigious HBCU+ National Player of the Year Award, showcasing his impact within the conference and across HBCU football nationally.
Known for his strength, agility, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Givens has consistently disrupted opposing offenses, solidifying his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the FCS. His leadership on the field and ability to make game-changing plays have made him a cornerstone of Southern’s defensive unit.
Andrew Jones
Position: Linebacker (LB)
Class: Redshirt Junior
Hometown: Marrero, Louisiana
Andrew Jones, a standout linebacker for Grambling State University, had an extraordinary 2024 season that earned him national recognition. A redshirt junior from Marrero, Louisiana, Jones recorded 122 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. His performance placed him first in tackles within the SWAC and sixth nationally, with his tackles for loss ranking second in the conference and fourth in FCS football. He also contributed one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a defensive touchdown, highlighting his versatility and playmaking ability.
Jones was named the SWAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which recognizes the top defensive player in Division I FCS football. Throughout the season, he delivered double-digit tackles in 10 of 12 games, including a season-high 15 against Alabama A&M. Additionally, he was a three-time SWAC Defensive Player of the Week honoree, and a finalist for the HBCU+ Player of the Year Award, solidifying his position as one of the top defensive players in the country.
Jalen McClendon
Position: Defensive Back (DB)
Class: Redshirt Junior
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Jalen McClendon is a standout defensive back for Tennessee State University. This season, he has showcased his talent in the Tigers’ secondary with 53 total tackles, 45 of them solo. He also tallied 12 pass breakups and an interception, demonstrating his ability to disrupt plays and provide substantial coverage. McClendon achieved much of this while playing through a hand injury, underscoring his resilience and commitment.
His performances earned him a spot on the HBCU+ Player of the Year Watchlist and recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which honors the best defensive player in FCS football. These accolades highlight his impact on the field and his potential as a Tennessee State defense leader.
Elijah Williams
Position: Defensive Lineman (DL)
Class: Senior
Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey
Elijah Williams, a senior defensive lineman at Morgan State University, has cemented his legacy as one of the program’s most dominant players. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 270 pounds, the Jersey City, NJ native was named the 2024 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Williams recorded an impressive 11 sacks this season, ranking 8th nationally, along with 15 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 32 total tackles. His contributions helped lead Morgan State to its best season in a decade, finishing 6-6 overall and 3-2 in MEAC play.
Over his career, Williams set Morgan State’s all-time records for both sacks (31.0) and tackles for loss (52.0). His versatility and big-play ability extended beyond traditional defensive stats, including a blocked field goal and creating turnovers. His efforts earned him recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award and the honor of the HBCU+ National Player of the Year.
Rico, Dozier
Position: Linebacker (LB)
Class: Senior
Hometown: Abbeville, Alabama
Rozier Dozier, a linebacker for Alabama State University, is an accomplished player with a proven track record in college football. Originally hailing from Abbeville, Alabama, he transferred from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where he earned multiple accolades, including All-SWAC and Phil Steele All-SWAC honors. In 2023, he led the SWAC with 125 tackles and contributed 2.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to make impactful plays in the backfield and across the field.
At Alabama State, Dozier continues to be a key defensive leader, with his relentless playing style and high football IQ making him a standout in the SWAC and beyond.
Stemarion, Edwards
Position: Linebacker (LB)
Class: Senior
Hometown: Hollandale, Mississippi
Stemarion Edwards is a linebacker for Alcorn State University. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Edwards has been a key contributor to the Braves’ defense. He demonstrates strong tackling ability and field awareness, contributing to stopping the run and defending against passes. Edwards’s leadership and high football IQ have made him a standout on the field, helping anchor the team’s defensive unit in crucial moments. His performance highlights his potential as a reliable playmaker in collegiate football.
AJ, Richardson
Position: Linebacker (LB)
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Kings Mountain, North Carolina
AJ Richardson, a standout linebacker for Norfolk State University, has made waves with his exceptional performances in the 2024 season. A Kings Mountain, North Carolina, Richardson sophomore led the MEAC in total tackles with an impressive 100 stops, including 30 solo tackles. His breakout game came against Towson, where he recorded a career-high 18 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception that set up a Norfolk State touchdown. This dominant display earned him the Stats Perform FCS National Defensive Player of the Week award.
His consistent play throughout the season secured him First-Team All-MEAC honors, highlighting his growing reputation as a Spartan defensive force. With his instinctive playmaking ability and relentless motor, Richardson has become a cornerstone of Norfolk State’s defense and one of the top linebackers in the conference.
By Tamara Brown
With no HBCU players invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, a group of 48 standouts took matters into their own hands—using the league’s newly expanded showcase to make one final push toward the NFL Draft.
Held at the Washington Commanders’ training facility in Ashburn, Virginia, the event marked a historic first as the NFL HBCU Showcase merged with the International Player Pathway Pro Day, creating a unified platform designed to elevate overlooked talent.
For HBCU prospects, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Over the past three years, only two HBCU players have been selected in the NFL Draft, and with no active HBCU invitees to this year’s combine, opportunities to impress scouts are limited. That reality makes showcases like this one critical—offering a direct pipeline to NFL and CFL personnel evaluating talent up close.
This year’s event brought together talent from across the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, and SIAC, featuring names like Noah Miles (Howard), Walker Harris (North Carolina Central), Quincy Ivory (Jackson State), and Erick Hunter (Morgan State). The field also included top Division II talent, including Virginia Union running back Curtis Allen, the reigning DII Player of the Year.
But one name stood above the rest.
Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter delivered a combine-level performance that turned heads across the league. At 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds, Hunter clocked a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, a time that would have ranked among the best at his position in Indianapolis. He also posted a 10-foot-10 broad jump and a 37-inch vertical, showcasing elite explosiveness and athleticism.
Other standouts made their mark as well. Jackson State’s Donerio Davenport and Benedict’s Jamal Sam both posted blazing 1.56-second 10-yard splits, while Florida A&M offensive lineman Ashton Grable powered his way to the top of the bench press leaderboard with 28 reps.
Beyond the numbers, prospects also participated in position drills and interviews with NFL and CFL personnel—critical moments that could determine futures at the next level.
As evaluations continue, all eyes now turn to the 2026 NFL Draft, set for April 23–25 in Pittsburgh. For many of these athletes, Ashburn may have been the moment that changed everything.
In a move that blends athletics, academics, and global opportunity, Lincoln University’s Lourraine De Luna has been selected for a prestigious internship with Team Jamaica Bickle during the upcoming 2026 Penn Relays. The experience will place De Luna at the heart of one of track & field’s most iconic events, where she’ll work directly in event management and sports marketing.
The internship—slated for April 22–26 in Philadelphia—offers De Luna a rare chance to gain real-world experience beyond the classroom. She’ll assist with key aspects of the meet’s operations, working alongside Team Jamaica Bickle staff to help deliver a world-class competition experience for athletes and fans alike.
De Luna’s selection reflects both her academic strengths and her commitment to excellence off the field. A standout student-athlete, she was chosen for her ability to connect her health science background with strategic thinking and communication skills—attributes that made her application stand out in a competitive field.
For Lincoln University, the placement underscores the growing emphasis on preparing student-athletes for careers that intersect sport, business, and global engagement. As the Penn Relays approach, De Luna will bring the Pride of Lincoln to an international stage—showcasing that HBCU athletes excel not just in competition, but in leadership and professional development too.
The dominance continues for South Carolina State University, and right now, the Bulldogs look like the team to beat in the MEAC.
With a commanding 6-1 victory over Norfolk State, SC State kept its conference record spotless, improving to 4-0 in MEAC play while building momentum at the perfect time in the season.
From the opening serve, the Bulldogs set the tone.
SC State swept all three doubles matches to grab early control, showcasing chemistry and depth across the lineup. The pairs of Mikalai Bankou and Novak Novakovic, along with Iliyas Muratuly and Andrii Borodatiuk, delivered decisive wins, while the third doubles team closed things out in a tight finish.
That early momentum carried straight into singles—and that’s where the Bulldogs slammed the door.
SC State captured five of six singles matches, with standout performances across the board. Bankou and Novakovic handled business in straight sets at the top of the lineup, while Borodatiuk, Gabriel Johnson, and Hoang Anh Pham each added dominant wins to secure the team victory.
The result? A team that isn’t just winning—but controlling matches from start to finish.
Now sitting at 9-6 overall, SC State has turned conference play into a statement run, blending experienced leadership with lineup depth that few teams in the MEAC can match.
With the regular season winding down and postseason play on the horizon, the message is clear:
The Bulldogs aren’t chasing the top spot—they’re defending it.
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference spotlighted excellence on the court this week, and Tuskegee University made one thing clear—its tennis programs are rolling at full strength.
Leading the charge on the men’s side, Kevin Wright delivered a complete performance during the SIAC Roundup, proving to be one of the most versatile players in the conference. Competing across both singles and doubles, Wright helped power Tuskegee to a 4-2 week and a second-place conference finish (9-3).
Whether it was clutch doubles wins or dominant straight-set victories in singles, Wright consistently showed up in key moments—helping secure critical team points and closing out matches with confidence. His ability to impact the game from multiple positions continues to elevate Tuskegee’s lineup heading into the final stretch.
On the women’s side, Taylor Ford was simply untouchable.
The senior standout led Tuskegee to a perfect 6-0 week, finishing the SIAC regular season with an undefeated 12-0 conference record—a milestone not achieved by the program in over two decades.
Ford dominated singles play with a flawless record, controlling matches from start to finish and rarely giving opponents an opportunity to respond. Her consistent straight-set victories and steady presence helped set the tone for a team that never let up throughout the week.
Beyond singles, her contributions in doubles play helped Tuskegee secure early momentum in matches, reinforcing the depth and discipline that define this squad.
As postseason play approaches, Tuskegee’s sweep of the weekly honors sends a clear message—the Golden Tigers aren’t just competing, they’re setting the standard across the SIAC.
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference delivered another week of standout performances on the diamond, highlighted by explosive offense and dominant pitching as the SIAC Baseball Players of the Week were announced.
Leading the headlines is Kentucky State’s Ryan Campbell, who turned in one of the most jaw-dropping performances of the season. In a single game, Campbell erupted for four home runs, eight RBIs, and five runs scored, finishing just one homer shy of an NCAA all-time record.
The historic outing came during a high-scoring matchup that also ranked among the top games in NCAA Division II history for combined hits, underscoring just how electric the moment was. Campbell didn’t stop there—he stayed locked in throughout the series, batting .500 (7-for-14) and continuing to anchor Kentucky State’s offense.
On the mound, Edward Waters’ Tyler Pfirrmann delivered a performance just as impressive—only quieter. The junior right-hander controlled the game with precision, tossing seven shutout innings while allowing just five hits and striking out eight in a win over Miles College.
Pfirrmann’s outing wasn’t just dominant—it was consistent with a season that has positioned him as one of the conference’s most reliable arms. With the victory, he improved to 7-1 on the year, continuing to build a résumé that demands attention across the SIAC.
As conference play intensifies, performances like these are setting the tone. Campbell’s power surge and Pfirrmann’s command on the mound reflect the depth of talent across HBCU baseball—and signal that the race for postseason positioning is only heating up.
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