ATLANTA, Nov. 29, 2018 – The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) uncovered its four finalists for the Black College Football Player of the Year Award, where Howard University quarterback Caylin Newton and North Carolina A&T State defensive end Darryl Johnson were among the honorees.
 
The award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) that embodies the rich tradition of athletic excellence and integrity associated with HBCUs. Former North Carolina A&T State University, and current Chicago Bears Running Back Tarik Cohen was the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2016, and Bowie State quarterback Amir Hall was selected as the recipient in 2017.
 
Newton was named to the 2018 All-MEAC First Team after ranking among the nation's leaders in several categories, including passing yards per completion (1^st) and total offense (7^th). The 2017 MEAC Rookie of the Year had his best outing against FBS foe Ohio (Sept. 1) where he posted 532 total yards, which was the third highest output in program history.

Johnson leads the MEAC in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (18.5). He is a two-time First Team All-MEAC performer and he is also a candidate for the Buck Buchanan Award for the best FCS defensive player in the nation. The Aggies have had a finalist each year since the inception of the Deacon Jones Trophy, with quarterback Lamar Raynard serving as a finalist in 2017.
 
The other 2018 finalists include quarterback Amir Hall (Bowie State) and quarterback Noah Johnson (Alcorn State).
 
To view the 2018 finalists, please click here.
 
The finalists were chosen by a five-member Selection Committee, which is composed of Black College Football Hall of Fame founders James "Shack" Harris and Doug Williams, longtime SBN Broadcaster and Director of News and Sports for the Power News Radio Network Ty Miller, former USA Today sports writer Roscoe Nance, and ESPN College Football Analyst Jay Walker.
 
"The Black College Football Player of the Year Award showcases the immense talent of our HBCU student-athletes today," said Doug Williams, BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee. "Each finalist has had an incredible season and we are excited to celebrate their success."
 
The winner of the 2018 Black College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on February 16, 2019 at the 10^th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta, Ga. He will be presented with the Deacon Jones Trophy, named in honor of the football legend and inaugural BCFHOF inductee.
 
The finalists will also be recognized at the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta on Dec. 15, along with the BCFHOF Class of 2019, which will be televised on ABC.