LAS VEGAS – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) recently celebrated its standout performers by unveiling its top two yearly awards, making headlines with the recognition of Morgan State University’s senior defensive lineman, Elijah Williams. Hailing from Jersey City, N.J., Williams earned the prestigious title of Defensive Player of the Year. South Carolina State quarterback Eric Phoenix was named Offensive Player of the Year. The announcement, made during the 66th annual National Football Foundation (NFF) Hall of Fame Press Conference in Las Vegas, which aired on ESPN+, celebrated both players’ achievements in front of a national audience and highlighted the remarkable season they had.
Williams became the fifth Bear in program history to garner the award since 1973, joining George Howard (2009), Jarrell Guyton (2008), James Dozier (1990), and Eugene ” Superman” Simms (1973).
The defensive standout helped lead Morgan to a 6-6 overall mark (3-2 MEAC), finishing with the most wins since the Bears 2014 MEAC Championship season.
“Agent Zero” has gained a ton of recognition over the past couple of weeks, and so far he’s been named to the All-MEAC First Team, was an Buck Buchanan Award finalist, BOXTOROW HBCU All-American, and was one of just ten finalists for the Urban Edge Network’s inaugural HBCU+ National Player of the Year Award.
Morgan State head coach Damon Wilson remarked about Elijah’s significant achievement and character as a student-athlete who has excelled both on and off the field.
“This is a great recognition for a great person and player,” said Wilson. “Elijah has earned any and all accolades that may come his way. I’m glad to see the MEAC celebrate one of the best players in the conference with this prestigious award.”
“I’ve watched Elijah work with his position Coach Ramal Faunteroy on the field and in the classroom since our arrival. Elijah has earned his degree from Morgan State University and has been a great ambassador for the University. I look forward to watching Elijah pursue his dreams to play professionally and continue to positively impact everyone on his journey. ”
Williams emerged as a dynamic force on one of the nation’s top defensive units this season (FCS ranked No. 21 in total defense). With his exceptional performance, he ranked No. 7 in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) with an impressive tally of 11.0 sacks. He also recorded 15.0 tackles for loss, placing him second in the MEAC and No. 20 in the nation.
In addition to his impressive sack and tackle for loss numbers, Williams contributed significantly in several other facets of the game, amassing 54 tackles (No. 14 in MEAC), with 32 being solo stops. His versatility was further highlighted by his ability to apply pressure on the quarterback, as evidenced by two QB hurries, and his knack for creating turnovers, including two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. To add to his contributions, he even showcased his athleticism by blocking a field goal against #20 North Carolina Central.
Williams has etched his name into the annals of college football history, concluding his tenure at Morgan State with a remarkable legacy as the institution’s all-time leader in both sacks and tackles for loss. With an impressive tally of 31 sacks and 52 tackles for loss, he not only distinguished himself as a formidable defensive presence but also set a benchmark for future generations of athletes at the university.
His remarkable contributions on the field have propelled him to a spot in the annals of the MEAC, where his career sack total ranks seventh all-time. Notably, he finds himself in close company with fellow Bear James Dozier, who holds the sixth position with his own impressive count of 31.5 sacks from 1987 to 1990.
Presented annually since 1971, the MEAC football players of the year awards are voted on by the MEAC head football coaches and sports information directors. This is the eighth year that the awards have been presented in conjunction with the NFF Awards.
Source: Morgan State Athletics/www.morganstatebears.com
