MONTGOMERY, Ala. |  Alabama State University's James Burgess was named a Second-Team FCS All-American by the American Football Coaches Association on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.

Center Point, Alabama, native became the third recipient of the Aeneas Williams Award, established in 2022, and the first recipient from Alabama State and the SWAC. Burgess posted an incredible senior season for the Hornets, ultimately being named a 2024 BOXTOROW First Team All-American, Stats Perform and AFCA FCS Second-Team All-American and 2024 First Team All-SWAC defensive back.
 
As this season's two-time Aeneas Williams Award HBCU DB of the Week, Burgess rallied a powerhouse Alabama State defense to two dominating comeback wins in Week 7 over Mississippi Valley State and in Week 10 securing a Port City Classic win over Alcorn State. Burgess' four interceptions and 10 passes defended tied him for first and third in the SWAC in those respective categories. In addition, his 53 tackles put the Hornets' defense on top in the SWAC, ranking first or second in nine categories, and in the top 10 in the FCS in ten categories.
 
Burgess was targeted 37 times with only 9 catches in man coverage.  He participated in 23 games as a junior and senior season surrendered three TDs and scored two TDs on Special teams. During that period, he tallied six interception and 18 pass breakups, one sack, and three fumble recoveries.
 
Burgess will represent Alabama State as a 2025 selection to the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl and was named as a watch list player for the 2024 Deacon Jones Trophy Black College Football Player of the Year.