Football | 8/6/2025 12:10:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) released the 4th Annual Aeneas Williams Award Preseason Watch List. This list includes 15 of the nation's best defensive backs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football. The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee in partnership with DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. This list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be added to the semifinalists and finalists lists as the season progresses.
2025 Aeneas Williams Award Preseason Watch List
Diego Addison, Safety, South Carolina State, Jr.
Herman Brister III, Safety, Southern, So.
Jadon Carter, Cornerback, Morgan State, Sr.
Blake Davis, Cornerback, Grambling State, Sr.
Wayne Favors III, Cornerback, Delaware State, Jr.
Aaron Harris, Cornerback, North Carolina A&T, Gr. Sr.
Johnny Harris III, Cornerback, Bethune-Cookman, Sr.
Shamar Hawkins, Cornerback, Jackson State, Sr.
Kahleef Jimmison, Safety, Norfolk State, Gr. Sr.
Horacio Johnson, Safety, Southern, Gr. Sr.
Keane Lewis, Safety, Alabama State, Sr.
Twillie Lovette, Cornerback, Alabama State, Sr.
Malcolm Reed, Cornerback, North Carolina Central, Jr.
Jameel Sanders, Cornerback, Florida A&M, Sr.
Jarod Washington, Cornerback, South Carolina State, Sr.
The Aeneas Williams Award is presented by the Chickasaw Nation and awarded to the best defensive back in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
This award was established in 2022 and serves as the first of its kind in HBCU history in honor of its namesake, Southern University walk-on and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Aeneas Williams. The contribution of HBCUs to the landscape of college football and the NFL has forever left an impact on the game. HBCUs hold an incredibly rich athletic tradition, tied to the game of football, that continues to exemplify the culture of these schools for over the past century
