Two Braves Selected to Player of Year Watch List

ATLANTA – Cameran Rogers and Eric Thomas Jr. of Alcorn Football have each been named to the 2026 Deacon Jones Player of the Year Watch List, announced this week by the Black College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.
 
The award is annually presented to the most outstanding player from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), featuring notable past winners such as Tarik Cohen (N.C. A&T – 2016) and Chris Rowland (Tennessee State – 2019). Last season, the award went to Virginia Union running back Curtis Allen.
 
Already having been selected to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Preseason Team, junior linebacker Eric Thomas Jr. from Columbus, Mississippi, finished the 2025 campaign with 26 total tackles (14 solo) in 12 games for the Braves. The defensive lineman added a team fourth-highest 6.5 tackles for loss, as well as finishing second on the team in quarterback sacks (4.0). He also had four quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery. Earlier this month, Thomas was also tabbed to the BOXTOROW Preseason All-America Team for Division I as well.
 
As for Cameran Rogers, he was also named to the All-SWAC Preseason Team last month in Birmingham, Alabama, during thew league's annual media day event. The junior offensive lineman from Theodore, Alabama, saw action in 11 games across the 2025 campaign. He helped block for an offense that accumulated 24.25 points per game in 2025. The Braves rushed for 178.3 yards per game, while Rogers was also a key contributor blocking for quarterback Jaylon Tolbert, who passed for 2,2128 yards and 15 touchdowns across the campaign. That was in addition to running backs Reggie Davis (839 yds) and Jacorian Sewell (766 yds) combining for 16 touchdowns via the ground.
 
Four finalists will be unveiled after the season. The winner of the Black College Football Player of the Year Award, which will be announced during halftime of the 2027 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, will be presented with the Deacon Jones Trophy. The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2027, in Atlanta.
 
"The Black College Football Player of the Year Award represents the excellence, dedication, and competitive spirit of HBCU football," said Doug Williams, BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee. "These young men are building their own legacies, as they set the standard for themselves and others who will follow. In order to keep this tradition alive, we have to continue to exemplify the impact of HBCU football."
 
The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list will be made as the 2026 season progresses. The finalists and the winner will be chosen by a Selection Committee.
 
"The Deacon Jones Trophy represents one of the highest honors in HBCU football," said BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2012 Inductee James Harris. "Deacon Jones was the most feared pass rusher of his generation, and even coined the term "sack." His legacy extends far beyond the game, continuing to inspire the next generation of players who carry the tradition of Black College Football forward."
 
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About Deacon Jones
David "Deacon" Jones played defensive end for South Carolina State University and Mississippi Valley State University from 1958 to 1960. Blessed with speed, agility, and quickness, the "Deacon" became one of the finest pass rushers in the business. He won unanimous All-NFL honors six straight years from 1965 through 1970 and was selected to eight Pro Bowls. Jones is an inaugural Black College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2010) and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
 
About The Black College Football Hall of Fame
The Black College Football Hall of Fame, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, located at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio was founded in 2009 by African American pioneers, quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. There are 130 Inductees including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell and Doug Williams, who serve as Trustees. The Black College Football Hall of Fame has awarded over $450,000 in direct support to HBCUs and HBCU scholarships since inception. Other major initiatives include the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, the Ozzie Newsome GM & Quarterback Summit (in partnership with the NFL), as well as the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic (in partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame).