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OKLAHOMA CITY – Bethune-Cookman defensive back Johnny Harris III has been named to the 2025 Aeneas Williams Award Preseason Watchlist, it was announced Wednesday by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
This list includes 15 of the nation’s best defensive backs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football. The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee in partnership with DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. This list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be added to the semifinalists and finalists lists as the season progresses.
Harris III, entering his senior season with the Wildcats, appeared in all 12 games for B-CU a season ago. He totalled 29 tackles on the year in the secondary, including 19 solo tackles. The Sanford product also contributed half a tackle for loss as well as an interception and seven pass break ups.
Harris III becomes the second Wildcat to take home individual preseason honors after quarterback Cam’Ron Ransom was named to the Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Year Watch List. Five Wildcats were named Preseason All-SWAC performers according to the conference poll, while nine took home Stats Peform Preseason All-SWAC honors. Fellow defensive back Antwone Watts was also named a Preseason HBCU All-American Honorable Mention by BOXTOROW.
Bethune-Cookman begins the season Friday, Aug. 29, when the Wildcats travel to Florida International for a 7 p.m. kickoff in Miami. The first SWAC game for the Cats takes place Saturday, Sept. 27, when the Alabama A&M Bulldogs visit Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach at 3 p.m.
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.
Finalists for the 2025 Aeneas Williams Award will be announced on Dec. 2.
The full Preseason watch list is as follows:
Diego Addison, Safety, South Carolina State, Jr.
Herman Brister III, Safety, Southern, So.
Jadon Carter, Cornerback, Morgan State, Sr.
Blake Davis, Cornerback, Grambling State, Sr.
Wayne Favors III, Cornerback, Delaware State, Jr.
Aaron Harris, Cornerback, North Carolina A&T, Gr. Sr.
Johnny Harris III, Cornerback, Bethune-Cookman, Sr.
Shamar Hawkins, Cornerback, Jackson State, Sr.
Kahleef Jimmison, Safety, Norfolk State, Gr. Sr.
Horacio Johnson, Safety, Southern, Gr. Sr.
Keane Lewis, Safety, Alabama State, Sr.
Twillie Lovette, Cornerback, Alabama State, Sr.
Malcolm Reed, Cornerback, North Carolina Central, Jr.
Jameel Sanders, Cornerback, Florida A&M, Sr.
Jarod Washington, Cornerback, South Carolina State, Sr.
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