Virginia Union University's Jada Byers, who finished his career with a school-record 6,080 rushing yards, was given the 2024 Deacon Jones HBCU Player of the Year Trophy on Saturday, June 7, in Atlanta, Ga.

Byers, a senior from Bridgeton, N.J., who finished the 2024 season with 2,061 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns also finished his career with a school-record 77 rushing touchdowns.

The Deacon Jones Trophy as Black College Football Player of the Year, and it marked one of the rare times that an NCAA Division II football player has earned the award.

"After a storied career here at VUU I'm proud to see it culminate with the highest award you can receive as an HBCU player," said VUU Head Football Coach and Associate Athletic Director Dr. Alvin Parker.  "We wish him well in his professional career and he will for sure go down in the history books as one of the greatest Panthers".

Byers has signed to play for the Memphis Showboats of the UFL for the 2026 football season.