OKLAHOMA CITY (December 12, 2023) – The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association uncovered its finalists for the 2023 Aeneas Williams Award, presented by the Chickasaw Nation, where Howard University senior defensive back Kenny Gallop, Jr. was among the three nominees. The announcement came Tuesday.
 
Earlier this week, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Defensive Player of the Year received a pair of All-American honors from BOXTOROW and FCS Football Central.
 
On the season, the Buck Buchanan Award finalist produced 65 total tackles (40 solos) with six tackles for loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two quarterback hurries. In the homecoming victory over Norfolk State (Oct. 21), Gallop recorded a season-high 11 total tackles and the game-clinching interception. For his efforts, he was named FCS National Defensive Player of the Week.
 
The Virginia product led Howard's secondary where they topped the country in pass defense, allowing only 129.1 yards per game in the air.
 
The other two finalists are Morgan State senior Jordan Tole and Alabama State senior Mychal Victor.

This list includes the nation's three best defensive backs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
 
The award recipient is selected from the three finalists by a nationwide selection committee, boasting selective members of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, former Aeneas Williams Award recipients, HBCU sportswriters and HBCU college football journalists throughout the country.
 
The winner will be announced Friday (Dec. 15) at noon (ET) and the official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and Aeneas Williams Award takes place in Oklahoma City. The current winner and all former winners of each award are invited each year to celebrate. Over 600 supporters attend the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet each year, including many celebrities and dignitaries.
 
On Dec. 16, Howard plays its final game of the 2023 campaign at the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta where they will face the Southwestern Athletic Conference Champion No. 5 Florida A&M. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on ABC.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com or the Aeneas Williams Award website at www.oklahomasportshalloffame.org.