Football | 11/6/2025 9:05:00 AM

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. –  Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) released the 4^th Annual Aeneas Williams Award semifinalists. North Carolina A&T graduate cornerback Aaron Harris, who was on the preseason watch list, remains on the list as a semifinalist.
Harris is among 11 of the nation's best defensive backs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football. Heading into A&T's game at Stony Brook on Saturday, Harris leads the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in passes defended per game at 1.50. He ranks fourth nationally. Harris also leads the team in pass breakups with 12.
The semifinalists are selected by a screening committee, in partnership with DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, whose members compile a list of up to 15 players based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. This list is not final, and unlisted players who continually have outstanding performances as the season progresses may be recognized as one of the three finalists.

2025 Aeneas Williams Award Semifinalists
 Tomondrey Braxton, Cornerback, North Carolina Central, So.
Aaron Harris, Cornerback, North Carolina A&T, Gr. Sr.
Johnny Harris III, Cornerback, Bethune-Cookman, R-Sr.
Markel Linzer, Cornerback, Grambling State, So.
Jadarrius Perkins, Cornerback, Delaware State, Sr.
Tyrell Raby, Cornerback, Grambling State, Gr. Sr.
Kam Sallis, Safety, Jackson State, R-So.
Jarod Washington, Cornerback, South Carolina State, Sr.
Zuri Watson, Cornerback, Howard, R-Fr.
Gabe White, Cornerback, Bethune-Cookman, R-So.
Edric Whitley, Cornerback, Texas Southern, Sr.

The Aeneas Williams Award is presented by the Chickasaw Nation and awarded to the best defensive back in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. This award was established in 2022 and serves as the first of its kind in HBCU history in honor of its namesake, Southern University walk-on and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Aeneas Williams. The contribution of HBCUs to the landscape of college football and the NFL has forever left an impact on the game. HBCUs hold an incredibly rich athletic tradition, tied to the game of football, that continues to exemplify the culture of these schools for over the past century.

New Orleans-raised Aeneas Williams was a junior walk-on defensive back at Southern University. The next year, Aeneas tied the NCAA Division I-AA single-season interception record. He was drafted in the third round of the 1991 draft by the Arizona Cardinals and became a St. Louis Ram in 2001. During a remarkable 14-year NFL career - that led to his induction into the NFL Hall of Fame, a Super Bowl appearance, eight Pro Bowls and four All-Pro selections - Aeneas had chances to help some of his teammates through some of life's rougher patches. These opportunities led Aeneas to the realization that unhappiness doesn't come from the things in our lives. It comes from things missing from our lives. Aeneas made his personal commitment to Jesus Christ during his junior year at Southern University and has devoted his off-field life to sharing the wisdom and understanding of the Word of God. Pastor Aeneas has a love for people and a passion for helping each of us fulfill our full potential. In 2007, Aeneas and his wife of 23 years, Tracy, founded The Spirit Church in St. Louis, Missouri, where he serves as Senior Pastor. Aeneas, Tracy, their three daughters Saenea, Tirzah and Cheyenne and son Lazarus live in Creve Coeur, Missouri.

Aeneas Williams Award Important Dates

Tue., Dec. 2: Finalists Announced at 11 a.m. CT/noon ET – The Aeneas Williams Award Committee will reconvene following Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The award recipient is ultimately selected from the three finalists based on a nationwide voting panel.

Thurs., Dec. 11: Winner Announced at 11 a.m. CT/noon ET – The winner will be announced by press release and also featured on our website and all Paycom Jim Thorpe Award social media outlets.

Tue., Feb. 10, 2026: Aeneas Williams Award Banquet Honoring the 2025 Winner in Oklahoma City – The official presentation of the Aeneas Williams Award takes place in Oklahoma City, in conjunction with the annual Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet. The current winner and former winners are invited each year to celebrate. Over 600 supporters attend this joint award banquet each year, including many celebrities and dignitaries.

The Chickasaw Nation is dedicated to meeting our mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people, ensuring that they stay united, thriving and dedicated to the preservation of family, community and heritage in the State of Oklahoma. A diverse economic portfolio generates funds to support a variety of quality programs and services in the State of Oklahoma in the areas of education, health care, youth and more, which directly benefit Chickasaws and their Oklahoma communities.

DraftHBCUPlayers is a platform and movement dedicated to evaluating black college talent for professional sports. Pairing scouting with history while motivating our student-athletes is our top priority. DraftHBCUPlayers consists of scouts, producers, photographers, coaches, and writers striving towards one goal: promoting HBCU athletes throughout every conference, division, and sport.