Frankfort, Ky.—The Black College Football Hall of Fame formerly announced Kentucky State University senior defensive end Rodriquez Jones to its 2017 Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List on Wednesday morning.

The winner of the 2017 Black College Football Player of the Year Award will be honored with the Deacon Jones Trophy during the Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which takes place on February 10, 2018 in Atlanta. Four finalists will be unveiled on December 12.

"This is a way to recognize the tremendous talent in HBCU football today," said Super Bowl MVP quarterback Doug Williams, a BCFHOF co-founder and 2011 inductee. "Through this Award, the Black College Football Hall of Fame is proud to showcase outstanding student-athletes."

Since arriving at the Capitol City as a transfer from Hampton University a year ago, Jones made his presence known as a real pass rushing threat for the KSU defense. During his junior season, he picked up 75 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, and 4.5 sacks causing havoc during the Thorobreds memorable run to an SIAC West Division Championship.

The most notable impacted by Jones came against Tuskegee University on Oct. 22, when he broke through the line to block the game-winning field goal attempt by the No. 5 ranked Golden Tigers in the closing moments for a 10-9 victory.

Jones and his fellow Thorobreds will take the field for the first game of the season at Alumni Stadium on Sept. 2 against Slippery Rock University at 1:30 pm. Season tickets and single game tickets are on sale now.