Named in honor of the former Ole Miss and New York Giant QB Charlie Conerly, the award is presented each year to honor the state’s top college football player. The trophy has been presented to such notable names as RB Deuce McAllister, QB Dak Prescott (2x), QB Eli Manning (2x) and many more.
Tonight at the Hilton in Jackson the award of the 22nd annual Conerly Trophy will be given out. The finalists for the award are:
Alcorn State University – Senior Running Back De’Lance Turner. Turner has totaled 11 TDs on the year and has amassed 1,262 yards rushing.
Belhaven University – Sophomore Quarterback Hunter McEachern. In just eight games, McEachern has thrown for 27 TDs and is completing 62% of his passes.
Delta State University – Senior Running Back Chris Robinson. With 19 total TDs, Robinson has had 7 100-yard games so far this season.
Jackson State University – Senior Linebacker Shawn Bishop. Anchoring the JSU defense, Bishop has 68 tackles on the season with 8.5 tackles for a loss.
Millsaps College – Senior Linebacker Jacob Kendall. Kendall may only have 16 solo tackles, but he has also chipped in with 5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss.
Mississippi College – Defensive Back Chris Manning. Manning has 58 tackles on the season and leads the team with 3 interceptions.
Mississippi State University – Junior Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has scored 29 total TDs with 15 passing and 14 rushing. The QB also has over 1,000 yards rushing.
Mississippi Valley State University – Defensive Back Mark Pegues. Pegues has made 41 tackles and has 2 interceptions on the year.
University of Mississippi – Sophomore Wide Receiver A.J. Brown. Brown is the only SEC receiver with over 1,000 yards and he leads the conference with 10 TDs.
University of Southern Mississippi – Running Back Ito Smith. Smith has scored 12 TDs while rushing for 1,226 yards. Smith is averaging over 100 yards per game.
The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the awards banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. In addition to the Conerly Trophy being presented, the Entergy Hull Trophy will be awarded to the top collegiate lineman. Archie Manning will be a guest speaker at the presentation event. Tickets for the event can be purchased through the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
