Ray Ray Award for Defensive Player of the Year: HBCU Nominees

URA Sports Show Introduces the Ray Ray Award for Defensive Player of the Year: HBCU Nominees

In a groundbreaking move that puts the power in the hands of the fans, URA Sports Show proudly announces the creation of the Ray Ray Award – Defensive Player of the Year. This prestigious honor celebrates exceptional defensive performances in college football, allowing fans—not media insiders or sportswriters—to choose who truly stands out on the defensive side of the ball.

Why the Ray Ray Award?

The Ray Ray Award was inspired by the legendary legacy of one of football’s most iconic defenders. While legal restrictions prevented using the exact name, the award pays homage to a relentless, game-changing spirit reminiscent of Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens.

How It Works

The selection process is refreshingly simple and democratic:

Nominees Announced: Throughout the college football season, standout defensive players will be nominated based on their on-field dominance, leadership, and game-altering plays.

Fan Voting: Fans will vote online to decide who deserves the title of the year’s best defensive player. The power rests entirely in the hands of the people who live and breathe college football.

What the Award Represents

The Ray Ray Award isn’t just about stats—it’s about heart, grit, and the will to dominate. It’s a platform to pay homage to top athletes who are household names and athletes who may not get the traditional media spotlight but prove themselves as forces to be reckoned with.

When and Where

The inaugural Ray Ray Award winner will be announced during the highly anticipated URA Sports Awards Show hosted by NFL Veteran Derrick Tatum and CEO of Elite Talent Football Podcast. The night will be dedicated to recognizing the most electrifying college football performances at the FBS and HBCU levels, with plans to expand to FCS, Div 2, and High School in the future.

Get Involved!

Stay tuned for updates on nominees and voting dates by following the URA Sports Show (@urafootballshow) and Elite Talent Football (@elitetalentfootball) on social media and on our website, www.underrecruitedathlete.com.

HBCU Ray Ray Award Nominees

Kenny Gallop Jr.
Position: Defensive Back (DB)
Class: Graduate Student
Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia

Kenny Gallop Jr., a standout defensive back for Howard University, has had a remarkable collegiate career. Gallop’s achievements include being a three-time HBCU All-American, a rarity for defensive players, and receiving the 2023 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year award. Over his career, he has tallied 325 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, and multiple sacks and forced turnovers.

Gallop has also been named to prestigious watch lists such as the Buck Buchanan Award and was selected to participate in the 2025 HBCU Legacy Bowl, a showcase for top talent. These accolades underscore his impact and leadership on the field, as he consistently excelled in both defense and team dynamics.

Ckelby Givens
Position: Defensive Back (DL)
Class: Junior
Hometown:  Shreveport, Louisiana

Ckelby Givens, a standout defensive lineman for Southern University, has been a dominant force in the SWAC conference. His exceptional performances throughout the 2024 season earned him the title of SWAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, sharing the honor with Grambling State’s Andrew Jones. Givens has also been a finalist for the prestigious HBCU+ National Player of the Year Award, showcasing his impact within the conference and across HBCU football nationally.

Known for his strength, agility, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Givens has consistently disrupted opposing offenses, solidifying his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the FCS. His leadership on the field and ability to make game-changing plays have made him a cornerstone of Southern’s defensive unit.

Andrew Jones
Position: Linebacker (LB)
Class: Redshirt Junior
Hometown:  Marrero, Louisiana

Andrew Jones, a standout linebacker for Grambling State University, had an extraordinary 2024 season that earned him national recognition. A redshirt junior from Marrero, Louisiana, Jones recorded 122 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. His performance placed him first in tackles within the SWAC and sixth nationally, with his tackles for loss ranking second in the conference and fourth in FCS football. He also contributed one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a defensive touchdown, highlighting his versatility and playmaking ability.

Jones was named the SWAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which recognizes the top defensive player in Division I FCS football. Throughout the season, he delivered double-digit tackles in 10 of 12 games, including a season-high 15 against Alabama A&M. Additionally, he was a three-time SWAC Defensive Player of the Week honoree, and a finalist for the HBCU+ Player of the Year Award, solidifying his position as one of the top defensive players in the country.

Jalen McClendon
Position: Defensive Back (DB)
Class: Redshirt Junior
Hometown:  Tampa, Florida

Jalen McClendon is a standout defensive back for Tennessee State University. This season, he has showcased his talent in the Tigers’ secondary with 53 total tackles, 45 of them solo. He also tallied 12 pass breakups and an interception, demonstrating his ability to disrupt plays and provide substantial coverage. McClendon achieved much of this while playing through a hand injury, underscoring his resilience and commitment.

His performances earned him a spot on the HBCU+ Player of the Year Watchlist and recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which honors the best defensive player in FCS football. These accolades highlight his impact on the field and his potential as a Tennessee State defense leader.

Elijah Williams
Position: Defensive Lineman (DL)
Class: Senior
Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey

Elijah Williams, a senior defensive lineman at Morgan State University, has cemented his legacy as one of the program’s most dominant players. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 270 pounds, the Jersey City, NJ native was named the 2024 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Williams recorded an impressive 11 sacks this season, ranking 8th nationally, along with 15 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 32 total tackles. His contributions helped lead Morgan State to its best season in a decade, finishing 6-6 overall and 3-2 in MEAC play.

Over his career, Williams set Morgan State’s all-time records for both sacks (31.0) and tackles for loss (52.0). His versatility and big-play ability extended beyond traditional defensive stats, including a blocked field goal and creating turnovers. His efforts earned him recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award and the honor of the HBCU+ National Player of the Year.

Rico, Dozier
Position: Linebacker (LB)
Class: Senior
Hometown: Abbeville, Alabama

Rozier Dozier, a linebacker for Alabama State University, is an accomplished player with a proven track record in college football. Originally hailing from Abbeville, Alabama, he transferred from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where he earned multiple accolades, including All-SWAC and Phil Steele All-SWAC honors. In 2023, he led the SWAC with 125 tackles and contributed 2.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to make impactful plays in the backfield and across the field.

At Alabama State, Dozier continues to be a key defensive leader, with his relentless playing style and high football IQ making him a standout in the SWAC and beyond.

Stemarion, Edwards
Position: Linebacker (LB)
Class: Senior
Hometown: Hollandale, Mississippi

Stemarion Edwards is a linebacker for Alcorn State University. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Edwards has been a key contributor to the Braves’ defense. He demonstrates strong tackling ability and field awareness, contributing to stopping the run and defending against passes. Edwards’s leadership and high football IQ have made him a standout on the field, helping anchor the team’s defensive unit in crucial moments. His performance highlights his potential as a reliable playmaker in collegiate football.

AJ, Richardson
Position: Linebacker (LB)
Class: Sophomore
Hometown:  Kings Mountain, North Carolina

AJ Richardson, a standout linebacker for Norfolk State University, has made waves with his exceptional performances in the 2024 season. A Kings Mountain, North Carolina, Richardson sophomore led the MEAC in total tackles with an impressive 100 stops, including 30 solo tackles. His breakout game came against Towson, where he recorded a career-high 18 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception that set up a Norfolk State touchdown. This dominant display earned him the Stats Perform FCS National Defensive Player of the Week award.

His consistent play throughout the season secured him First-Team All-MEAC honors, highlighting his growing reputation as a Spartan defensive force. With his instinctive playmaking ability and relentless motor, Richardson has become a cornerstone of Norfolk State’s defense and one of the top linebackers in the conference.