From STAFF REPORTS

ATLANTA – The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) recently announced the establishment of the Black College Football Player of the Year Award. This award will be presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University (HBCU). Albany State senior running back, Jarvis Small, is one of 11 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) players who have earned a spot on the list.
“We’re excited about the establishment of this award, which will honor the best football player attending a Historically Black College or University,” Super Bowl MVP quarterback Doug Williams, a BCFHOF co-founder and 2011 inductee, said.
Small, a 5’7”, 206 pound running back from Brunswick, was the 2014 and 2015 SIAC Offensive Player of the Year and led the SIAC in rushing, averaging 103.7 yards per game. Small recorded 1,037 yards in 2015 and scored a conference-high 11 touchdowns. He had six games last year where he rushed for over 100 yards, including a season-best 173 yards against Morehouse. Small was voted as the 2016 SIAC Preseason Player of the Year.
The winner of the inaugural Black College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on February 25, 2017 at the Eighth Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Ceremony in Atlanta, and will be honored with the Deacon Jones Trophy.
“Players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities have had a tremendous impact on the game of football,” BCFHOF co-founder and 2012 inductee, James Harris said. “There are very few players who represent this award better than the legendary Deacon Jones.”
The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list may be made as the 2016 season progresses. The finalists and the winner will be chosen by a Selection Committee.
About the Black College Football Hall of Fame:
The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 by African-American pioneers, quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. There have been 64 Inductees since the organization’s inception, including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell and Doug Williams, who serve as Trustees.
About Deacon Jones:
David “Deacon” Jones played defensive end for South Carolina State University and Mississippi Valley State University from 1958 to 1960. Blessed with speed, agility, and quickness, the “Deacon” became one of the finest pass rushers in the business. He won unanimous All-NFL honors six straight years from 1965 through 1970 and was selected to eight Pro Bowls. Jones is an inaugural Black College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2010) and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.