FAMU redshirt sophomore wide receiver Xavier Smith has bas named to the 2019 Black College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List.
Smith played in all 11 games last season for the Orange and Green. He led the team in receiving with 52 receptions for 727 yards, along with four scores. He averaged 66.1 yards per game and 14.0 yards per catch. In addition, he registered 59 rush yards on 13 attempts for 5.4 yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry.
The Haines City, Fla. native also recorded eight kickoffs for 171 yards, averaging 21.4 yards per kick return.
The Black College Football Player of the Year is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player from a Historically Black College & University. The 2019 watch list is composed of 48 players from 27 different HBCUs. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) led the way with 16 players represented, followed by the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) with 13. The CIAA placed 10, while the SIAC had eight and an independent member registered one player.
The winner of the 2019 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 Feb. 15, 2020 in Atlanta. The top four finalists will be unveiled on Dec. 3, 2019.
“There are many gifted football players competing at Historically Black Colleges and Universities right now,” said Super Bowl XXII MVP and BCFHOF co-founder Doug Williams. “This Award is a way for the Black College Football Hall of Fame to recognize these talented student-athletes
The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list may be made as the 2019 season progresses. The finalists and the winner will be chosen by a Selection Committee.