NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State University football players J.J. Davis and Marquis Hall were both named on Tuesday to the watch list for the 2022 Black College Football Player of the Year Award.

Davis, a sophomore running back, and Hall, a senior linebacker, were among the 49 players from 26 different HBCUs who were named to the watch list. Alabama A&M quarterback Aqeel Glass won the award the last two seasons.

The honor is yet another in a growing list for Davis, who was already named the preseason MEAC Offensive Player of the Year and a member of the BOXTOROW preseason HBCU All-America Team. Davis, the 2021 MEAC Rookie of the Year, led the MEAC in rushing with 887 yards last year, most by a Spartan back since 2013. Davis was a five-time MEAC Rookie of the Week winner who was second in the conference with 11 total touchdowns, 10 rushing and one receiving. Davis' 1,288 all-purpose yards also led the conference and his 7.2 yards per carry average led the country (FCS). He topped the 100-yard rushing mark four times, with a high of 217 at N.C. Central.

Like Davis, Hall was named to the preseason All-MEAC first team. NSU's starter at middle linebacker last year, Hall was a second-team All-MEAC pick last season. He finished the season with 49 tackles, 4.0 for loss, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. He also forced two fumbles, tied for the most among conference players.

The winner of the Black College Football Player of the Year Award will be presented with the Deacon Jones Trophy. Four finalists will be unveiled after the season. The winner will be announced during halftime of the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 25 in New Orleans. The game will be broadcast live on the NFL Network.