TUSKEGEE, Ala. __ Tuskegee junior cornerback
Mikael King has been named to the 2024 Black College Football Hall of Fame Player of the Year Award Watchlist announced on Wednesday.
The award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player from a Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).
Four finalists will be unveiled after the season. The winner of the 2024 Black College Football Player of the Year Award, which will be announced during halftime of the 2025 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, will be presented with the Deacon Jones Trophy. The bowl takes place on Saturday, February 22, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game will be broadcast live on NFL Network.
"The Black College Football Player of the Year Award highlights the incredible talent and dedication of today's HBCU football players," said Doug Williams, Super Bowl XXII MVP, BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee. "These student-athletes represent the very best of HBCU football."
The full Watch List is composed of 50 players from 27 different HBCUs. By conference the numbers are as follows: CAA (2), CIAA (5), MEAC (14), OVC (2), SIAC (8), and SWAC (19).
King heads into his junior season for the Golden Tigers after moving into a starting role on the defensive unit last fall. Playing in all in all 11 games, the Tuskegee native led the SIAC and finished sixth all of Division II in interceptions per game, totaling six on the year. He also had eight pass breakups on the year, good for third in the conference and 17th nationally. Along with his strong play in the passing game, King ranked fourth on the Golden Tiger defensive unit in total tackles (45), tied for second in solo tackles (29), and added 2.5 tackles for loss in the secondary.
His stellar year earned him accolades such as First Team All-American by the American Coaches Association (AFCA) and All-SIAC First Team following his 2023 campaign. This offseason, King has also been named the SIAC Preseason Player of the Year, D2Football Squad Elite 100 Watch List, and All-American Honorable Mention by BOXTOROW.
The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list will be made as the 2024 season progresses. The finalists and the winner will be chosen by a Selection Committee.
"The Deacon Jones Trophy is regarded as the most prestigious and recognized award in HBCU football," said BCFHOF co-founder and 2012 inductee James Harris. "Deacon is still considered one of the greatest to play the game and is a legend in every way, shape, and form, and to this day, still represents the very best of Black College Football."
Follow the Golden Tigers on Socials
Stay connected with Tuskegee Football on Twitter and Instagram (@SkegeeFootball). For complete coverage of Tuskegee University athletics, follow on social media at @MyTUAthletics (Twitter/Instagram), @GoldenTigerSports on Facebook, and visit the official home of Tuskegee University athletics at www.goldentigersports.com.
