Atlanta — North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard was selected as the recipient of the Black College Football Co-Player of the Year Award during the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl Week and was presented with the Deacon Jones Trophy on Saturday evening alongside Florida A&M's Jeremy Moussa.
 
The award was presented during the 15^th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta, Georgia, at the College Football Hall of Fame. The Award recognizes the most outstanding football player with a rich tradition of athletic excellence and integrity associated with HBCUs.
 
Richard (QB, Sr., 6-3, 215, Belle Glade, Fla.), the back-to-back MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, adds the HBCU Player of the Year Award to a stellar collegiate career. His leadership and skill led the Eagles to their first FCS playoff game in program history, a milestone that will forever be etched in NCCU Athletics history. He helped NC Central win nine games in 2023 and saw the Eagles reach new heights in the FCS rankings, climbing as high as No. 7 nationally, a testament to the team's collective effort and Richard's individual brilliance.
 
Richard finished the 2023 season with a conference-best 2,177 passing yards and 21 touchdown passes. He connected on 166 of 273 passes in 11 games and finished with a school-record completion percentage of 60.8 percent. He also led the Eagles in rushing touchdowns with 18, breaking the school's single-season record. Richard is only the second player in school history to amass more than 10,000 yards of total offense. Has accounted for 117 career touchdowns (73 passing, 44 rushing), breaking the school record. He was selected to the 2024 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl for his outstanding performance.
 
"Jeremy and Davius both had outstanding seasons and capped incredible collegiate careers. They represent the best from Black College Football today," said Doug Williams. "We look forward to watching them compete in the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl and wish them well in the next chapter of their football journey."
 
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