OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. | Alabama A&M University redshirt sophomore defensive back Emari Pait was among 10 selected on Tuesday by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame as a 2023 Aeneas Williams Award Semifinalist. 
 
This list includes 10 of the nation's best defensive backs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football. The semifinalists are selected by a screening committee, in partnership with DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, whose members compile a list of up to 10 players based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. 
 
Pait was one of five Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) players selected for the honor. Joining Pait from the SWAC were Kendall Bohler (Florida A&M), Jordan Carter (Southern), Kriston Davis (Southern) and Mikey Victor (Alabama State). Khalil Baker (North Carolina Central), Jason Chambers (North Carolina Central), Kenny Gallop Jr. (Howard), Terron Mallory (Norfolk State) and Jordan Toles (Morgan State) are representing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). 

Pait, a native of Culver City, Calif., has played in all nine games this season for the Bulldogs. He has registered 39 total tackles, including 25 solo stops. In addition, he has 1.5 tackles for loss and is tied for the team lead in interceptions with three. Pait also recorded two pass breakups and one fumble recovery. 

This list is not final, and unlisted players who have continually outstanding performances as the season progresses may be recognized as one of the three finalists. 
 
The Aeneas Williams Award Committee will reconvene at the end of November to select three award finalists. The award finalists will be released on Tuesday, Dec. 5, following the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Finalists announcement on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
 
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The Aeneas Williams Award serves as the first award of its kind in HBCU history. Established in 2022 in honor of its namesake, Southern University walk-on and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Aeneas Williams, it is awarded to the best defensive back in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The contribution of HBCUs to the landscape of college football and the NFL has forever left an impact on the game. HBCUs hold an incredibly rich athletic tradition, tied to the game of football, that continues to exemplify the culture of these schools for over the past century.
New Orleans-raised Aeneas Williams was a junior walk-on defensive back at Southern University. The next year, Aeneas tied the NCAA Division I-AA single-season interception record. He was drafted in the third round of the 1991 draft by the Arizona Cardinals and became a St. Louis Ram in 2001.
During a remarkable 14-year NFL career - that led to his induction into the NFL Hall of Fame, a Super Bowl appearance, eight Pro Bowls and four All-Pro selections - Aeneas had chances to help some of his teammates through some of life's rougher patches. These opportunities led Aeneas to the realization that unhappiness doesn't come from the things in our lives. It comes from things missing from our lives.
Aeneas made his personal commitment to Jesus Christ during his junior year at Southern University and has devoted his off-field life to sharing the wisdom and understanding of the Word of God. Pastor Aeneas has a love for people and a passion for helping each of us fulfill our full potential. In 2007, Aeneas and his wife of 23 years, Tracy, founded The Spirit Church in St. Louis, Missouri, where he serves as Senior Pastor. Aeneas, Tracy, their three daughters Saenea, Tirzah and Cheyenne and son Lazarus live in Creve Coeur, Missouri.