Ten Nominees Announced in Consideration for the 2022 C Spire Conerly Trophy

UPDATE NOVEMBER 29th at 1:30 p.m.: Due to expected inclement weather in the metro-Jackson area, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and its partners have made the difficult decision to transition tonight’s C Spire Conerly Presentation to a virtual event only. Out of concern for the honored players, coaches, family, and friends expected to travel from across the state, there will be no longer be in-person activities on November 29^th at the Country Club of Jackson. 

The event including the introduction of all ten nominees, the announcement of the finalists, and the presentation of the 2022 C Spire Conerly Trophy will be available for streaming tonight at 6:30 p.m. through the MS Sports Hall of Fame website at the link provided: 

Live Stream the program HERE!

Two quarterbacks, three running backs, two wide receivers, and three defensive players make up the list of nominees for the 2022 C Spire Conerly Trophy. Each college and university in the state with a football program selects one player who they feel best represents their team as the Most Outstanding Player to be nominated for the prestigious award. This year’s winner will become the 27^th recipient since the program started in 1996. Named in honor of Ole Miss and NFL star Charlie Conerly, the award is voted on by a panel of media and NFL scouts who cover college football in the state.

This year’s nominees are:

• Alcorn State University – Jarveon Howard (Running Back)
• Belhaven University – Connor Fordham (Linebacker)
• Delta State University – Patrick Shegog (Quarterback)
• Jackson State University – Shedeur Sanders (Quarterback)
• Millsaps College – Moïse Tezzo (Wide Receiver/Kick Returner)
• Mississippi College – Marcus Williams (Running Back)
• Mississippi State University – Emmanuel Forbes, Jr. (Defensive Back)
• Mississippi Valley State University – Ronnie Thomas (Defensive Lineman)
• University of Mississippi – Quinshon Judkins (Running Back)
• University of Southern Mississippi – Jason Brownlee (Wide Receiver)

Overall it has been a very good year for football in the Magnolia state with seven of these schools with records above .500 including undefeated Jackson State and 10-win Delta State. Several of these schools and players this season have received national attention such as Jackson State University hosting ESPN’s College Gameday and clinching a spot in the SWAC Championship, Emmanuel Forbes, Jr. announced as a Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist, and Quinshon Judkins in the running as a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.

The 2022 C Spire Conerly winner will be announced during a presentation at the Country Club of Jackson on November 29^th featuring special guest host and CBS football analyst, Charles Davis. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with the program starting at 6:30 p.m. The evening will also include the announcement of the Kent Hull Trophy presented by Entergy which goes to the top Offensive Lineman of the Year. Last year’s recipient was Matt Corral of Ole Miss and other winners include Elijah Moore, Jeffrey Simmons, A.J. Brown, Evan Engram, Dak Prescott, Patrick Willis, Eli Manning, and Deuce McAllister.