We’re nearing the time of year when Mississippi’s most prolific college football player will be presented with the Conerly Trophy.
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame revealed finalists for the award on Tuesday. The winner will be announced as part of a ceremony at the Sheraton Refuge in Flowood on December 3.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart
One of college football’s most efficient signal callers, Dart is leading the Southeastern Conference in passing with 3,409 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just four interceptions thus far in the Rebels’ pursuit of a playoff appearance. The Kaysville, Utah native also became the winningest quarterback in Ole Miss history this year.
Mississippi State safety Isaac Smith
A young tackling machine, the sophomore has been a bright spot on what has otherwise been a struggling Bulldog defense in year one of the Jeff Lebby era. So far, Smith has logged a conference-best 101 tackles (42 solo). He has also deflected two passes and forced a fumble this season.
Southern Miss punter Bryce Lofton
In what has been a daunting 2024 campaign for the Golden Eagles, Lofton has stepped up as one of the team’s most reliable assets. The senior from Sand Hill has punted the ball 51 times for 2,293 yards — an average of 45 yards per boot. He currently sits as the top punter in the Sun Belt Conference.
Jackson State running back Irv Mulligan
The Tigers have rolled this season and are poised to compete for a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship, largely due to Mulligan’s superb production on the ground. The senior from Beaufort, South Carolina has recorded a conference-best 947 yards, eight touchdowns, and an average of 6.7 yards per carry.
Alcorn State quarterback Xzavier Vaughn
The two-way quarterback from Beaumont, Texas has used his arm talent and legs all year, making the Braves a tough team to defend. So far, Vaughn has amassed 1,358 yards in the air with five touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also logged 707 yards and 11 scores on the ground.
Mississippi Valley State wide receiver Nathan Rembert
Though the Delta Devils have struggled as a team this year, Rembert has displayed individual excellence on the field. The sophomore from Kissimmee, Florida has mounted 65 receptions, 931 yards, an average of 14.3 yards per catch, and three touchdowns. His stat sheet currently ranks No. 2 in the SWAC.
Delta State running back Kelvin Smith
Todd Cooley’s Statesmen had a tough task ahead in filling the shoes of last year’s Conerly Trophy winner, Patrick Shegog. Smith, a senior from Columbus, rose to the occasion, recording 736 yards and six touchdowns this season.
Mississippi College defensive lineman Brennan Blake
Blake, a defensive lineman who transferred to Mississippi College after beginning his college career at UAB, is the Choctaws’ final Conerly Trophy nominee as the university announced the disbandment of the football program on Monday. The redshirt freshman was responsible for 38 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass deflected in his team’s final campaign.
Belhaven University linebacker Wyatt Beck
With CJ Nightingale making his debut as the Blazers’ frontman this year, the team needed veteran leadership to step up. Beck, a junior linebacker, did just that. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native logged 89 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, and one deflected pass.
Millsaps College linebacker Nehemiah Coalson
In what was an impressive first year under Brandon Lechtenberg’s leadership, the Majors found a shining star in Coalson. The junior from Belzoni led a hard-nosed defense with 74 tackles, 8.5 of which were for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and five quarterback hurries.
Tickets to this year’s Conerly Trophy presentation can be found here.
