Courtesy of Delaware State Athletic Media Relations
DOVER, Del., Aug. 21, 2021 -- Delaware State defensive back Jawain Granger and linebacker Brooks Parker have been named to the 2021 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).
A 2021 Preseason All-MEAC First Team selection, Granger recorded five solo tackles, four pass break-ups and an interception in four games for the Hornets last spring. He was tied for first in MEAC with 12 pass break-ups and tied for fifth in the league MEAC in passes defended at 1.00 per game during the 2019 campaign. In addition, he was eighth on the Hornets with 35 tackles, including 30 unassisted stops in the '19 season.
Also a 2021 Preseason All-MEAC First Team pick, Granger was tops on the Hornets and 24th in the MEAC in tackles at 4.8 per game (58 total) and 10th in the league with 10.5 tackles for loss (0.88 pg) in the 2019 season. He recorded 15 tackles (10 solo), including a sack and 3.5 backfield stops, in five spring games for the Hornets.
Four finalists will be unveiled on November 30, 2021. The winner of the Black College Football Player of the Year Award, which will be announced during halftime of the Inaugural HBCU Legacy Bowl, will be honored with the Deacon Jones Trophy. The HBCU Legacy Bowl takes place on Saturday, February 19, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game will be broadcast live on NFL Network.
Former North Carolina A&T State, and current Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen was selected as the inaugural recipient of the award in 2016; Bowie State quarterback Amir Hall was the 2017 and 2018 recipient; Tennessee State and current Atlanta Falcons WR Chris Rowland was the 2019 recipient; and current Alabama A&M QB Aqeel Glass was the recipient of the Spring 2021 award.
"There are many gifted football players competing at Historically Black Colleges and Universities right now," Super Bowl XXII MVP and BCFHOF co-founder Doug Williams said. "This Award is a way for the Black College Football Hall of Fame to recognize these talented student-athletes."
"The Deacon Jones Trophy is the most prestigious football award for HBCUs," said BCFHOF co-founder and 2012 inductee James Harris. "Deacon Jones was a pioneer and an icon, and still to this day represents the very best of Black College Football."
The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list may be made as the 2021 season progresses. The finalists and the winner will be chosen by a Selection Committee.
Delaware State kicks off its 2021 schedule at home against Bowie State on Sept. 4 in the Hornets' annual Hall of Fame weekend contest. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.