Stats Perform is bringing a greater spotlight to athletes, students and stories at Historically Black Colleges and Universities through a partnership with Urban Edge Network. Included in the 2024 college football season are both HBCU FCS Player and Team of the Week honors and a season-ending HBCU FCS National Player of the Year Award, each presented by HBCU+.
Prairie View A&M’s James Burns and the Norfolk State Spartans have been selected as the HBCU+ National Player and Team of the Week, respectively, for FCS college football games in Week 9 this past weekend.
HBCU+ is the popular streaming platform of Urban Edge Network, offering 24/7 access to live and on-demand HBCU sports events, original sports shows, curated films, podcasts and more.
HBCU+ FCS National Awards (Week 9)
National Player of the Week
James Burns, Prairie View A&M, WR, Grad, 5-9, 157, Charlotte
The grad transfer, who entered the game with 79 yards from scrimmage, produced long touchdowns on each of his three touches in a 34-27, Homecoming Day victory over Texas A&M-Commerce. He scored on a 59-yard reception and a 76-yard run (his first carry of the season) in the first quarter, then on an 80-yard catch in the third quarter. He averaged 71.7 yards per touch (and touchdown).
Honorable Mention: Jayden Broughton, DE, South Carolina State; Mekhi Hagens, QB, Arkansas-Pine Bluff; Keenan Hambrick, WR, Alabama A&M; Irv Mulligan, RB, Jackson State; Eric Phoenix, QB, South Carolina State; Amon Scarbrough, DB, Alabama State; J’Mari Taylor, RB, North Carolina Central
National Team of the Week
Norfolk State (21-20 win over Howard)
The Spartans had a 2-6 record before they impressed a Homecoming Day crowd of 31,876 by defeating Howard, the defending MEAC champion. Jaylen White ignited the upset from a 10-0 deficit, returning a second-quarter kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. Xzavion Evans and Kevon King later scored on carries, while linebacker AJ Richardson was in on a game-high 14 tackles.
Honorable Mention: Florida A&M (24-6 win over Southern); Hampton (41-21 win over Elon)
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