OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.- Leading a top Hornets defense in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Alabama State University's James Burgess has earned the 2024 Aeneas Williams Award. Burgess received the honor on behalf of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and presenting sponsor the Chickasaw Nation, given to the top defensive back in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
 
Burgess is the third recipient of the Aeneas Williams Award, established in 2022, and the first recipient from Alabama State and the SWAC. He posted an incredible senior season for the Hornets, ultimately being named as a 2024 BOXTOROW First Team All-American and 2024 First Team All-SWAC defensive back.
 
As this season's two-time Aeneas Williams Award HBCU DB of the Week, Burgess rallied a impressive Alabama State defense to two comeback wins in Week 7 over Mississippi Valley State and in Week 10 securing a Port City Classic win over Alcorn State. His four interceptions and ten passes defended led him to tying for first and third in the SWAC in those respective categories.

In addition, his 53 tackles contributed to putting the Hornets defense on top in the SWAC, ranking first or second in nine categories, and in the top 10 teams in the FCS in ten categories.
 
Burgess was targeted 37 times with only 9 catches in man coverage.  He participated in 23 games as a junior and senior season surrendered three TDs and scored two TDs on Special teams. During that period  he tallied six INTs and 18 PBUs, one sack and three fumble recoveries.
 
Burgess will represent Alabama State as a 2025 selection to the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl and was named as a watch list player for the 2024 Deacon Jones Trophy Black College Football Player of the Year.
 
Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the Chickasaw Nation will honor Burgess as the 3^rd Annual Aeneas Williams Award Winner at the 39th Anniversary of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet Honoring Jahdae Barron, The University of Texas at Austin, in Oklahoma City on Feb. 4, 2025.
 
About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
 
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.

Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
 
Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at www.swac.org.