LAS VEGAS (December 5, 2023) – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) unveiled its top two yearly awards where Howard University senior defensive back Kenny Gallop, Jr. (Portsmouth, Va.) took home the league's Defensive Player of the Year award. The announcement came during the 65^th annual National Football Foundation (NFF) Hall of Fame Press Conference in Las Vegas, which aired on ESPN+.
 
Gallop became the fourth Bison in program history to garner the award since 1971, joining Keith Pough (2012), Tracy White (2000 & 2001) and Jose' White (1994).
 
The Virginia native guided HU to a 6-5 mark (4-1 MEAC) while winning its second straight MEAC title, first outright championship since 1993.
 
On the season, the Buck Buchanan Award finalist produced 61 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.
 
North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard was selected 2023 MEAC Offensive Player of the Year.
 
"Congratulations to both Davius and Kenny on being named the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year," MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills said. "These talented student-athletes have earned every accolade they receive and are fine representatives of North Carolina Central University, Howard University, and the MEAC Nation. I'm proud to bestow the Player of the Year honors to Davius and Kenny for their on-field success."

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, the MEAC website at www.MEACSports.com or the NFF website at www.footballfoundation.org.