OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association released the finalists for the 2023 Aeneas Williams Award presented by the Chickasaw Nation. This list includes the nation's three best defensive backs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. 
 
Kenny Gallop Jr. (Howard, Sr., Safety), Jordan Toles (Morgan State, Sr., Safety) and Mychal Victor (Alabama State, Sr., Cornerback) are the three defensive backs chosen as the 2023 finalists representing HBCU Division I college football.

Victor adds to his list of honors that includes an Aeneas Williams Award finalist and a All-SWAC Second-Team honors.  Victor led the SWAC and ranked second in the FCS with 1.7 passes defended per game. He totaled 36 tackles and led the SWAC with 15 passes defended 13 passes defection, and two interceptions.

The award recipient is selected from the three finalists by a nationwide selection committee, boasting selective members of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, former Aeneas Williams Award recipients, HBCU sportswriters and HBCU college football journalists throughout the country.

The winner will be announced via press release on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 by organization.