Kentucky State University Athletics

Eric York was one of KSU defensive leaders.  He was a hard-hitting Strong Safety with what was considered one of the best defensive backs in the nation among HBCU schools.  A 1992 transfer student from Alabama State University, he immediately earned the starting defensive position under Head Coach Maurice Hunt.  

Eric was a two-year starter and a KSU letterman. His impact on the defensive line was the reason Coach Hunt appointed him as the leader of the defensive backfield. Eric called the shots, propel-ling the defensive backfield to be recognized nationally as one of the best.  

KSU was not in a conference during the years Eric’s played with the university, and he was not granted an opportunity to receive All-American status among his peers. Eric’s statistics would certainly have placed him among the best in the nation among other HBCU and NCAA Division 2 defensive backfield players. In 1992, Eric had 114 solo tackles and 26 assisted tackles. In 1993, he obtained 91 solo tackles and 39 assisted tackles and one interception. In 1992, York was featured in a National Football Magazine.  

The 1992 defensive backfield team was deemed the best in the country, leading the nation in interceptions. As a free agent in 1997, Eric had a tryout with the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League.  

Throughout his span at KSU, Eric was a resident assistant for five years, security officer for four years, and a director of the KSU housing department for three years. In addition, he was an Alcohol and Drug Peer Counselor for three years. He was also a tutor, counselor, and mentor at both Frankfort County High School and the Frankfort YMCA.  

Eric was honored as a Gadsden Author for his book “Having Early Visions That Move Mountains, My Winning Purpose”. This honor came by the Gadsden County Democratic Women’s Club at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Conference in Havana, Florida. The book dedication was held in June, 2019 at the William A. McGill Library in Quincy, Florida.  

Eric is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Xi Lambda Chapter. He received several academic honors. He was recognized by Who’s Who AMONG STUDENTS IN American Universities & Colleges, and named to the “United States Achievement Academy”. He was also recognized as a “National Collegiate Education Winner”.  

Eric currently resides in Tallahassee, Florida and works as a Physical Education Teacher at Gads-den County High School in Havana, Florida.