PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Prairie View A&M University defensive back Eric Zachery continues to make his mark on the national stage. The junior from Dallas, Texas, has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the 2026 Aeneas Williams Award, which recognizes the top defensive back in Division I Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football.
The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced the semifinalists Tuesday, placing Zachery among some of the best defensive talent in HBCU football. The award, presented by the Chickasaw Nation, recognizes student-athletes for their on-field performance, athletic ability, and character.
For Zachery, the recognition is another milestone in a collegiate career built on steady improvement and making the most of his opportunities. A product of Dr. L.G. Pinkston High School in Dallas, Zachery has developed into a reliable presence in the Panthers' secondary. Through nine games this season, the 6-foot-1 defensive back has recorded 39 tackles, including 25 solo stops, 2.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, and half a sack.
While the numbers tell part of the story, Zachery's value goes beyond the stat sheet. His ability to contribute in pass coverage and step up against the run has made him an important piece of Prairie View A&M's defense.
His growth has been evident over the past two seasons. During the Panthers' 2025 SWAC championship campaign, Zachery appeared in all 14 games, finishing with 50 tackles, two interceptions, and 13 pass breakups. He also recorded 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack, establishing himself as a consistent contributor on a defense that helped Prairie View A&M capture the conference title and advance to the Cricket Celebration Bowl.
That championship experience gave Zachery valuable opportunities to compete in meaningful games and build his confidence heading into the 2026 season.
Now in his junior year, Zachery has continued to take on a significant role in the Panthers' defensive backfield.
His selection also brings national attention to a Prairie View A&M football program that continues to build under head coach Tremaine Jackson. Coming off the 2025 SWAC championship, the Panthers have emphasized developing players who understand the importance of preparation, accountability, and high-level competition.
Those principles align with the program's foundation of Discipline, Obedience, and Grit, values that extend beyond football and remain central to the team's identity.
For Zachery, a kinesiology major who came to Prairie View A&M with aspirations of playing professional football, the semifinalist recognition represents another step toward the goals he set when he first arrived on The Hill.
An Award With HBCU Roots
The Aeneas Williams Award carries special significance throughout HBCU football.
Established in 2022, the award honors Pro Football Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams, who began his collegiate career as a walk-on at Southern University before becoming one of the NFL's most respected defensive backs.
Williams played 14 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors. His career reminds us of the opportunities HBCU football has provided generations of student-athletes.
The award recognizes more than athletic performance. Character and the way student-athletes represent their institutions are also important parts of the selection process.
A screening committee, working alongside DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, selected this year's semifinalists.
Zachery is one of eight Southwestern Athletic Conference players among the 10 semifinalists.
2026 Aeneas Williams Award Semifinalists
- Justin Bostic – Florida A&M
- Herman Brister III – Southern
- Keon Handley Jr. – Alabama A&M
- Michael Henderson – Arkansas-Pine Bluff
- Jalen LaBranche – Tennessee State
- Naim Lassiter – Bethune-Cookman
- Kam Sallis – Jackson State
- Amari Sifford – North Carolina Central
- Ta'Shaun Sims – Alabama State
- Eric Zachery – Prairie View A&M
Three finalists will be announced December 1, and the award winner will be revealed December 10. The recipient will be honored February 9, 2027, in Oklahoma City during the annual ceremony held alongside the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet.
As Prairie View A&M moves through the final stretch of the season, Zachery remains focused on helping the Panthers finish strong.
Regardless of the final award results, being named among the nation's top HBCU defensive backs is a significant accomplishment for the Dallas native and another point of pride for Prairie View A&M football.
For a young man who began his collegiate career looking for an opportunity to prove himself, the recognition shows just how far he has come, with more football still ahead of him.
For more information on Prairie View A&M Football, visit PVPanthers.com and follow the Panthers on Instagram @pvamufb and X @pvamufb_.
