Virginia Union University's Jada Byers has been named First Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), it was announced on Monday, December 12.

Byers led the nation by rushing for a CIAA- and VUU-record 1,928 yards in 2022, breaking the school held by VUU Hall of Famer Andre Braxton, while also leading the nation with an average of 175.3 yards per game.  Byers also led the nation with 2,256 all-purpose yards.

"The awards keep rolling in for Jada, the AFCA All-American team is a huge honor," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker.  "Only the best in the nation are afforded the opportunity to be named to this team. I am proud of Jada and look forward to seeing his name called for more prestigious awards like this one."

Byers has already been named the winner of the Willie Lanier Award, Super Region 2 Offensive Player of the Year, HBCU College Football All-America Team, First Team All-CIAA, the CIAA Offensive Player of the Year, and is VUU's first finalist for the Harlon Hill Award.