HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Alabama A&M University running back Donovan Eaglin and wide receiver Jacolby Hewitt were tabbed on Tuesday to the Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University (HBCU).
Eaglin, who earned Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) First Team Preseason, Phil Steele SWAC First Team and BOXTOROW Preseason All-America honors, finished with 845 total yards and seven touchdowns. On the ground, Eaglin, who was second on the team in scoring with 42 points, carried the ball 142 times for 765 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per touch and 76.5 yards per game.
The Houston, Texas native registered a career-high 207 yards on 27 carries, with touchdown runs of 67 and 17 yards in a 30-21 win over Mississippi Valley State. His performance earned him multiple weekly honors, including SWAC Offensive Player of the Week, BOXTOROW HBCU National Player of the Week and FedEx Ground FCS Offensive National Player of the Week Honorable Mention.
Hewitt, an All-SWAC Preseason First Team and Phil Steele SWAC First Team selection, finished with 516 yards on 32 receptions, where he averaged 57.3 yards per game and 16.1 yards per reception. In addition, the Memphis, Tenn. native caught four touchdown passes.
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 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."
Alabama A&M opens the 2024 season on Saturday, Aug. 31 with a trip to Auburn. Kickoff against the Tigers is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. from Jordan-Hare Stadium.