OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Alabama State University defensive back Mikey Victor was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) Aeneas Williams Award on Tuesday.
 
Victor is having a stellar 2023 campaign for the Hornets, leading the SWAC and FCS with 13 pass breakups and one interception. The Pamona, Calif., native had 29 tackles and one TFL through seven games.
 
The list includes 10 of the nation's best defensive backs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football. 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 10 players based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. This list is not final, and unlisted players who have continually outstanding performances as the season progresses may be recognized as one of the three finalists. 
 
AENEAS WILLIAMS AWARD 2023 SEMIFINALISTS
Mikey Victor, Alabama State 
Khalil Baker, North Carolina Central
Kendall Bohler, Florida A&M
Jordan Carter, Southern
Jason Chambers, North Carolina Central
Kriston Davis, Southern
Kenny Gallop Jr., Howard 
Terron Mallory, Norfolk State
Emari Pait, Alabama A&M
Jordan Toles, Morgan State

The Aeneas Williams Award Committee reconvenes at the end of November to select three award finalists. The award finalists will be released on Tuesday, Dec. 5, following the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Finalists announcement on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
 
The Aeneas Williams Award serves as the first award of its kind in HBCU history. Established in 2022 in honor of its namesake, Southern University walk-on and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Aeneas Williams, it is 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. 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. 5
Finalists Announced

Fri., Dec. 15
Aeneas Williams Award Winner Announced 

Tue., Feb. 6, 2024
Aeneas Williams Award Banquet
Honoring the 2023 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.

For more information about the Aeneas Williams Award, past award recipients and to check-in on upcoming award key dates, visit oklahomasportshalloffame.org and follow up with in-season news on our Paycom Jim Thorpe Award socials: Instagram | @jimthorpeaward X | @jimthorpeaward Facebook | Paycom Jim Thorpe Award