Gibbs, Alcorn football team takes home HBCU awards
John Gibbs Jr. and the Alcorn State University Braves football team were awarded for their athletic accomplishments.
Braves football quarterback Gibbs and the Alcorn Braves football team won awards for Male Athlete of the Year and Men’s Team of the Year at the fifth annual HBCU Awards presented by AARP at Hampton University Friday, July 10 in Hampton, Virginia.
Gibbs, who was named Offensive Most Valuable Player, completed 20-of-30 passes for 245 yards and threw three touchdowns in the Braves Southwestern Conference championship win over Southern University. He also rushed for 132 yards on 16 carries, becoming the first quarterback in Alcorn's history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Gibbs was also named the SWAC’s Co-Offensive Player of the Year.
“This is special,” said Gibbs as he acknowledged his parents, coaches and fellow players. “I have enjoyed every minute of being a Brave and I share this award with all the students, alumni and fans.”
Alcorn quarterback coach Fred McNair credited Gibbs’ athleticism and leadership abilities for his latest accomplishment.
“I believe John has proven himself to be that prolific athlete that everyone expected him to be,” said McNair. “He deserves this recognition because he has been a great leader on and off the field. He does everything we’ve asked of him.”
Alcorn’s head football coach Jay Hopson was excited about the Braves being chosen as this year’s best team.
“It is certainly a huge honor to be recognized,” said Hopson. “The coaching staff and student athletes gave it their all and I am proud of our team. We are truly humbled and honored and we would like to thank those who voted for us.”
The HBCU Awards, established by Jarrett L. Carter Sr., founding editor of HBCU Digest, celebrates the achievements of historically black colleges and universities throughout the United States in the fields of leadership, arts, athletics, research and community engagement.
