Former North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard was honored for his stellar play on the field last Fall. In December, Richard was honored as Co-Player of the Year by the Black College Football Hall of Fame before the Legacy Bowl in February. This Saturday, Richard proudly accepted the Deacon Jones Award.

The award, established in 2016, is meant to award the best players in HBCU Football. Doug Williams spoke about Richard and Moussa's award win in a statement, saying, “Jeremy and Davius both had outstanding seasons and capped incredible collegiate careers. They represent the best from Black College Football today,” Doug Williams said. “We look forward to watching them compete in the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl and wish them well in the next chapter of their football journey.”

In a statement obtained by HBCU Pulse, Richard expressed his gratitude in receiving the award.

“It truly was an honor to receive the Black College Football Hall of Fame Player of the Year Award. It truly was a highlight of my career to be in a room full of HBCU legends. It motivated me to know that these legends have went through similar adversities and were able to achieve their dreams. This award is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the incredible support provided by my family, university, sports agency, supporters, and HBCU community. I am deeply grateful for the recognition of the years of hard work that went into becoming the man I am today. Lastly, I would like to thank the Black College Football Hall of Fame Committee for hosting an amazing event and for the recognition.”

Richard with his award. (Photo Credits: Lady Lib Sports and Entertainment)

Richard had a fantastic season playing for the North Carolina Central Eagles, who are the reigning champions of the 2022 Celebration Bowl. The team's presence in the Celebration Bowl appeared almost certain for a considerable period, mainly due to Davius Richard's exceptional performance. He achieved 2,177 passing yards and threw 21 touchdown passes. Additionally, Richard ran for 630 yards on 177 attempts, scoring 18 rushing touchdowns.

Throughout his career, Richard successfully completed 711 out of 1215 passing attempts for a total of 8991 yards, achieving 73 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. Additionally, he rushed 413 times, gaining 2026 yards and scoring 44 touchdowns. Richard's outstanding performance led to his inclusion in the All-MEAC 1st Team and his recognition as the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year in the previous season.

One of the defining moments of his career has to be the 2022 Celebration Bowl against the Deion Sanders-led Jackson State Tigers. Richard completed 15 of 20 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 22 times for 97 yards and two touchdowns. In fact, Richard's second touchdown helped lift the Eagles to a 41-34 victory over Jackson State in overtime.

He also had another legacy-defining moment in 2023 against Campbell in what could be considered one of the games of the year. In the contest, he threw for 256 yards and a touchdown, and he ran for 86 yards and four touchdowns as North Carolina Central secured a 49-48 overtime, come-from-behind victory.