Jackson State’s Kam Sallis named Aeneas Williams Award semifinalist

Jackson State defensive back Kam Sallis was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Aeneas Williams Award on Tuesday, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced.

Sallis ranks third on Jackson State with 31 tackles, including 15 solo stops, through the Tigers’ first eight games. He also has recorded a half-tackle for loss, an interception and a pass breakup. Jackson State is 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

The semifinalist list recognizes defensive backs from Historically Black Colleges and Universities competing in Division I. A screening committee selected the players in partnership with DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, considering on-field performance, athletic ability and character, according to the announcement.

The other semifinalists are Justin Bostic of Florida A&M, Herman Brister III of Southern, Keon Handley Jr. of Alabama A&M, Michael Henderson of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Jalen LaBranche of Tennessee State, Naim Lassiter of Bethune-Cookman, Amari Sifford of North Carolina Central, Ta’Shaun Sims of Alabama State and Eric Zachery of Prairie View A&M.

The semifinalist list is not final, and the announcement said other players could be recognized as the season continues. Three finalists will be selected. The award, presented by the Chickasaw Nation, was established in 2022 and honors Aeneas Williams, a Southern University walk-on who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Source: Original Article