After South Carolina State opened the season with a 1-2 record, few may have predicted new starting quarterback Eric Phoenix would lead the Bulldogs to a MEAC championship and a Celebration Bowl bid.
But it’s difficult to see perseverance on a stat sheet.
The perseverance to work hard and block out any noise that doubted the Bulldogs — coming off back-to-back losing seasons — would achieve their goals. The perseverance of a transfer who was determined to build on his relationships, abilities and lessons learned.
It’s all paid off for Eric Phoenix, recipient of the Urban Edge Network’s inaugural HBCU+ National Player of the Year Award.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound graduate student was selected by an eight-voter panel from 10 finalists within the 21 HBCU programs in FCS college football. Jackson State running back Irv Mulligan finished second and North Carolina Central running back J’Mari Taylor third in the voting.
Phoenix will be honored at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas.
The Savannah, Georgia, native ranks first in passing efficiency (164.2), fourth in passing yards (2,460) and third in touchdown passes (20) among HBCU FCS quarterbacks, while also rushing for 225 yards and two touchdowns. The first-team All-MEAC signal caller helped lift South Carolina State from 5-6 last year to a 9-2 record this season — the Bulldogs’ highest win total since 2013. They carry an eight-game winning streak into the Celebration Bowl against SWAC champion Jackson State on Saturday in Atlanta.
Phoenix stood out on the Division II level at another HBCU, Benedict College, earning second-team All-SIAC honors in 2021 and 2022 under coach Chennis Berry. But wanting to play on the Division I level, Phoenix transferred to Murray State in 2023, only to find himself battling for playing time.
After the season, Berry was hired at South Carolina…
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