Jada Byers was named Male Athlete of the Year at the RVA Sports Awards on Saturday, February 4. The Virginia Union University football player was a Harlon Hill Award Finalist for the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year.

Byers won the award over Armando Bacot of the University of North Carolina, Emiliano Terzaghi of the Richmond Kickers, and Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros.

"When you've got something to prove, there's nothing greater than a challenge," said Byers.  "Also, I just want to thank RVA Sports for having me and thank you to SouthState and all the Sponsors."

"Winning the RVA male athlete of the year is a huge achievement," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker.   "Jada's performance during the 2022 season was nothing short of spectacular. He deserves every award coming his way. I want to thank Richmond Regional Tourism for spotlighting Jada with this award. He has set larger goals for himself and the team for the 2023 season."

Byers led the nation as he rushed for a CIAA and VUU record 1,920 yards in 2022.  

In addition to being the RVA Sports Male Athlete of the Year, Byers was also the winner of the Willie Lanier Award.  The Lanier Award is given to the top football player at the Division II, III or NAIA level in Virginia and is named after the Richmond native who is in the National Football League Hall of Fame.

Byers was also Virginia Union's first Harlon Hill Award Finalist, which is awarded to the top football player in Division II of the NCAA.  

Byers was also named the Don Hansen Division II College Football Player of the Year, First Team All-American by Don Hansen, First Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association, First Team All-CIAA and the CIAA Player of the Year.