Story Links
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Four standout players from Florida A&M University have been named to the 2025 Black College Football Player of the Year Award watch list, representing some of the top emerging talent among HBCU football programs.
Players honored
Davion Westmoreland, defensive lineman — In the 2024 season, Westmoreland, a graduate senior, recorded 33 tackles, including 8 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 3 quarterback hurries, with a standout performance in the season finale featuring 5 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2 sacks.
T.J. Huggins, defensive back — A redshirt junior, Huggins led the Rattlers in 2024 with 3 interceptions and 7 pass breakups. His season stats include 12 solo tackles, 3 interceptions, and 7 passes defended.
Nay’Ron Jenkins, linebacker — As a junior linebacker, Jenkins logged 38 solo tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 interception during the 2024 season.
Thad Franklin Jr., running back — The senior running back carried the ball 120 times for 653 yards, scoring 5 touchdowns, and averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2024.
Background on the award
The Black College Football Player of the Year Award, commonly associated with the Deacon Jones Trophy, honors the most outstanding HBCU football player, based on both past performance and projected impact for the upcoming season. This year’s watch list highlights top contenders across HBCU programs.
Finalists will be named after the regular season concludes, and the award winner is typically unveiled during the halftime of the subsequent HBCU Legacy Bowl, which will air live on the NFL Network.
FAMU’s representation—spanning the defensive line, secondary, linebacker unit, and offense—reflects the depth and versatility of talent across the roster.