Jackson State defensive back Kam Sallis continues to establish himself as one of the top defensive players in HBCU football.
Sallis was named one of 10 semifinalists for the 2026 Aeneas Williams Award, presented by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The award recognizes the top defensive back in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I football.
Through Jackson State’s first eight games, Sallis ranks third on the team with 31 tackles, including 15 solo stops. The senior safety has also recorded half a tackle for loss, one interception and one pass breakup.
His 2026 performance builds on an impressive 2025 campaign in which Sallis recorded 53 tackles, 27 solo stops, two interceptions, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 11 games.
Sallis earned Second-Team All-SWAC honors following that season and entered 2026 with significant expectations after being named the conference’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Now, he is once again receiving recognition on the national HBCU stage.
The Aeneas Williams Award semifinalists were selected by a screening committee in partnership with DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. Candidates are evaluated based on their on-field performance, athletic ability and character.
The award honors Aeneas Williams, a former Southern University defensive back who went on to enjoy a 14-year NFL career and earn induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Three finalists are scheduled to be announced December 1, with the 2026 winner set to be revealed December 10.
For Sallis and Jackson State, the next goal is turning semifinalist recognition into an award-winning finish.
