DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University freshman cornerback Amari Sifford has been selected as one of 10 semifinalists for the 2026 Aeneas Williams Award and named the Aeneas Williams Award HBCU Defensive Back of the Week for Week 9.

Sifford earned the weekly honor after helping NCCU record a 34-0 shutout victory over Howard on Saturday at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. The Matthews, North Carolina, native recorded two tackles and an interception as the Eagles limited the Bison to four first downs and 114 yards of total offense.

The interception was Sifford's fourth of the season and his third over the past two games. He recorded two interceptions in NCCU's 31-12 victory at Delaware State on Oct. 23.

Through nine games, Sifford has registered 23 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack, four interceptions, seven pass breakups and a forced fumble. His four interceptions lead the Eagles, who have collected 12 interceptions and forced 20 turnovers this season.

Sifford is the only Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference student-athlete among the 10 semifinalists for the Aeneas Williams Award, which recognizes the top defensive back in NCAA Division I HBCU football. Semifinalists are selected based on their performance on the field, athletic ability and character.

The award was established in 2022 in honor of Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Aeneas Williams, who began his collegiate career as a walk-on at Southern University. Williams tied the NCAA Division I-AA single-season interception record before being selected by the Phoenix Cardinals in the third round of the 1991 NFL Draft.

During his 14-year professional career with the Cardinals and St. Louis Rams, Williams earned eight Pro Bowl selections and four first-team All-Pro honors and appeared in Super Bowl XXXVI. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

The three finalists for the award will be selected later this season, and the winner will be announced Thursday, Dec. 10, at noon ET. The winner will be honored at the Aeneas Williams Award Banquet on Feb. 9, 2027, in Oklahoma City in conjunction with the annual Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet.

NCCU (4-5, 2-0 MEAC) returns to action Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Eagles travel to Norfolk State. Kickoff is scheduled for noon, and the game will air live on ESPN+.

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.