ATLANTA – Diquan Richardson has been named to the 2017 Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List, announced Wednesday afternoon from the home office in Atlanta. The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University.
 
Richardson, a 5-11, 167-pound safety is the only Bethune-Cookman representative on this year's preseason watch list. Already named to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason First Team just weeks ago, the Alvin, South Carolina native led the Wildcats' defensive efforts in 2016, registering 60 tackles and four interceptions. The transfer from Paine College also recorded six breakups and a blocked kick on the campaign.
 
"It feels good to be recognized for something special like the Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List," expressed Richardson. "Now I just have to go out there and help my teammates get better; help myself get better; and help the team win for Coach [Terry] Sims. Hopefully that will help us, not just me, get known even more."
 
The winner of the 2017 Black College Football Player of the Year Award will be honored with the Deacon Jones Trophy during the Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which takes place on February 10, 2018, in Atlanta. Four finalists will be unveiled on December 12.
 
"This is a way to recognize the tremendous talent in HBCU football today," said Super Bowl MVP quarterback Doug Williams, a BCFHOF co-founder and 2011 inductee. "Through this Award, the Black College Football Hall of Fame is proud to showcase outstanding student-athletes."
 
"The Deacon Jones Trophy has become the most prestigious football award for HBCUs," said BCFHOF co-founder and 2012 inductee James Harris. "Deacon Jones was a pioneer and an icon, and still to this day represents the very best of Black College Football."
 
The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list may be made as the 2017 season progresses. The finalists and the winner will be chosen by a Selection Committee.
 
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ABOUT THE BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 by African-American pioneers, quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There have been 64 Inductees since inception, including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell and Doug Williams, who serve as Trustees.
 
ABOUT DEACON JONES
David "Deacon" Jones played defensive end for South Carolina State University and Mississippi Valley State University from 1958 to 1960. Blessed with speed, agility, and quickness, the "Deacon" became one of the finest pass rushers in the business. He won unanimous All-NFL honors six straight years from 1965 through 1970 and was selected to eight Pro Bowls. Jones is an inaugural Black College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2010) and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.