Conerly Trophy
The C Spire Conerly Trophy is an annual award presented by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame to the most outstanding college football player in the state of Mississippi.[1] Established in 1996, the trophy honors Charlie Conerly, a Clarksdale native and legendary quarterback who excelled at the University of Mississippi before a distinguished NFL career with the New York Giants.[1] Born on September 19, 1921, Conerly was an All-American and All-SEC selection at Ole Miss in 1947, where he set NCAA records with 133 completions, 1,367 passing yards, and 61 consecutive passes without an interception that season, while leading the Rebels to an SEC championship.[2] In the professional ranks, he earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1948, helped the Giants secure the 1956 NFL Championship, and was named All-NFL in 1948, 1957, and 1959, along with NFL Player of the Year in 1959.[2] Inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1966 and the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 1965, Conerly's legacy as a precise passer and durable leader inspired the naming of the award shortly before his death in 1996.[2] The selection process begins with nominations from each Mississippi college football program's staff and administration, followed by voting from a panel of sports media members who cover the state's teams, with the winner determined by the highest vote total.[1] The trophy is presented at a banquet held the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, recognizing excellence across all positions and institutions, including NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA programs.[1] Sponsored by C Spire (formerly Cellular South) since 1998, the award is part of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame's Most Outstanding Player Awards Series, which also encompasses the Howell Trophy for men's basketball, the Gillom Trophy for women's basketball, and the Ferriss Trophy for baseball.[1] Over its nearly three decades, the Conerly Trophy has spotlighted future NFL talent, with notable winners including Ole Miss quarterbacks Eli Manning (2001, 2003) and Matt Corral (2021), Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott (2014, 2015), Southern Miss linebacker Patrick Willis (2006), and Ole Miss wide receiver A.J. Brown (2017), many of whom have achieved Pro Bowl or All-Pro status.[3][4] Recent recipients, such as Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins (2022) and quarterback Jaxson Dart (2024), underscore the award's ongoing role in celebrating Mississippi's rich college football tradition.[3][5]History and Background
Establishment and Naming
The Conerly Trophy was established in 1996 by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame to annually recognize the top college football player from institutions within the state of Mississippi.[1] This inaugural award coincided with the opening of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Jackson, reflecting the organization's commitment to honoring the state's athletic heritage.[6] The trophy's creation came shortly after the death of its namesake in February 1996, aiming to celebrate outstanding in-state talent across all four-year college programs.[7] Named for Charles "Charlie" Conerly, a legendary quarterback at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), the award pays tribute to his pivotal role in leading the Rebels to the 1947 SEC championship.[2] Conerly, who excelled as a tailback and passer during his college career, later enjoyed a distinguished 14-season tenure with the New York Giants from 1948 to 1961, where he earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1948, multiple All-NFL selections, and the NEA NFL Most Valuable Player award in 1959.[2][8] He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1966 and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1966, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer from Clarksdale, Mississippi.[9][2] The trophy's initial purpose emphasized excellence among Mississippi's collegiate athletes, drawing from the state's rich tradition of sports accolades managed by the Hall of Fame.[1] Early presentation ceremonies were held in Jackson, Mississippi, at the Hall of Fame facility, underscoring the award's deep roots in the capital city's sports community.[4]Sponsorship and Evolution
The Conerly Trophy's sponsorship began with Cellular South in 1998, marking the company's role as the title sponsor for the award recognizing Mississippi's top college football player.[10] This partnership continued as Cellular South rebranded to C Spire in 2011, reflecting the company's evolution into a broader telecommunications provider, and the award was subsequently renamed the C Spire Conerly Trophy.[11] Under C Spire's sponsorship, the trophy has maintained its focus on honoring outstanding collegiate athletes while expanding its visibility through corporate support.[3] The presentation ceremony for the award has evolved in its locations over the years, initially held in Jackson at venues like the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.[12] In 2008, the event shifted to Clarksdale at the Clarksdale Country Club, a change attributed to honoring the hometown of the award's namesake, Charlie Conerly, and it remained there through at least 2016.[13] Subsequent ceremonies moved to other sites, including Biloxi in 2003 and Tunica in prior years, before returning to Jackson-area locations like Flowood in recent presentations, adapting to logistical and commemorative needs.[14][15] In 2011, the selection process expanded to ensure broader representation by allowing each eligible four-year college and university in Mississippi to nominate one finalist, resulting in a typical field of around 10 candidates from the state's football programs.[1] This adjustment aimed to include talent from a wider array of institutions beyond the major universities. Two years later, in 2013, fan voting was introduced for the first time, with public input accounting for 10 percent of the total vote while a panel of sports media handled the remaining 90 percent, enhancing community engagement in the award process.[16][17]Award Process
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The eligibility for the Conerly Trophy extends to all football players enrolled at Mississippi's nine four-year institutions that sponsor intercollegiate football programs, including those competing at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and other eligible levels.[18][19] Each school nominates one player as its most outstanding performer for the season, a selection typically made through consultation between the football coaching staff and athletic administration.[1] These nominees, one per institution, are announced mid-season, usually in mid-November, to recognize standout contributions across the state's diverse college football landscape.[20] Since 2011, this structure has ensured one finalist per school, providing balanced representation from programs like the University of Mississippi (FBS), Delta State University (Division II), and Belhaven University (NCAA Division III).[21] The selection process relies primarily on a statewide panel of media representatives, consisting of sportswriters and broadcasters who cover Mississippi college football, whose votes account for 90 percent of the total weighting.[22][23] This panel evaluates the finalists based on their on-field performance, leadership, and overall impact during the season. Fan participation was incorporated in 2013 through an online poll conducted by C Spire, contributing the remaining 10 percent of the vote to incorporate public sentiment while maintaining media-driven integrity.[16][24] The voting period for both media and fans opens following the finalists' announcement and closes shortly before the winner is determined. The final vote tally, combining media and fan inputs, selects the recipient as Mississippi's top college football player, with the winner announced in early December during the annual presentation ceremony.[25] This process emphasizes merit across competitive divisions, ensuring the award honors excellence from both high-profile FBS programs and smaller institutions.[26]Ceremony and Trophy Design
The C Spire Conerly Trophy is presented annually in early December during a banquet-style ceremony held in the Jackson metropolitan area, most recently at venues such as the Sheraton Flowood The Refuge Hotel.[27][28] The event typically begins with a reception around 5:30 p.m., followed by a formal program starting at 6:30 p.m., featuring a dinner and various speeches that highlight the achievements of the nominees and past recipients.[27][29] The winner is announced live during the program, with coaches and finalists from participating schools in attendance to celebrate Mississippi's top collegiate football talent.[30] The trophy itself is a bronze casting derived from an original clay sculpture, measuring 19 inches in height, 11 inches in length, and 7.5 inches in width, with a weight of 18.5 pounds.[31][4] It was sculpted by Brookhaven, Mississippi artist Bruce Holmes Brady, who specialized in bronze works depicting wildlife and historical figures, and features a figure representing a football player.[32] The original sculpture is displayed at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson, while duplicate versions are awarded to winners each year.[32][33]Conerly Trophy Recipients
Complete List of Winners
The C Spire Conerly Trophy has been presented annually since its inception in 1996 to the most outstanding college football player at a Mississippi institution, as determined by a vote of the state's sports media. The award honors players across all positions and divisions, with recipients hailing from NCAA Division I FBS, FCS, and lower divisions. Below is the complete chronological list of winners, including their position and school.| Year | Winner | Position | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Tregnel Thomas | QB | Delta State |
| 1997 | Stewart Patridge | QB | Ole Miss |
| 1998 | J. J. Johnson | RB | Mississippi State |
| 1999 | Deuce McAllister | RB | Ole Miss |
| 2000 | Josh Bright | QB | Delta State |
| 2001 | Eli Manning | QB | Ole Miss |
| 2002 | Rod Davis | LB | Southern Miss |
| 2003 | Eli Manning | QB | Ole Miss |
| 2004 | Michael Boley | LB | Southern Miss |
| 2005 | Jerious Norwood | RB | Mississippi State |
| 2006 | Patrick Willis | LB | Ole Miss |
| 2007 | Damion Fletcher | RB | Southern Miss |
| 2008 | Juan Joseph | LB | Millsaps |
| 2009 | Anthony Dixon | RB | Mississippi State |
| 2010 | Chris White | LB | Mississippi State |
| 2011 | Austin Davis | QB | Southern Miss |
| 2012 | Bo Wallace | QB | Ole Miss |
| 2013 | Gabe Jackson | OL | Mississippi State |
| 2014 | Dak Prescott | QB | Mississippi State |
| 2015 | Dak Prescott | QB | Mississippi State |
| 2016 | Evan Engram | TE | Ole Miss |
| 2017 | A. J. Brown | WR | Ole Miss |
| 2018 | Jeffery Simmons | DL | Mississippi State |
| 2019 | Kylin Hill | RB | Mississippi State |
| 2020 | Elijah Moore | WR | Ole Miss |
| 2021 | Matt Corral | QB | Ole Miss |
| 2022 | Quinshon Judkins | RB | Ole Miss |
| 2023 | Patrick Shegog | QB | Delta State |
| 2024 | Jaxson Dart | QB | Ole Miss |
Notable Achievements and Impact
The Conerly Trophy has recognized several standout recipients whose collegiate performances propelled them to prominent NFL careers, underscoring the award's prestige within Mississippi football. Eli Manning, quarterback for the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), won the trophy in 2001 as a sophomore and again in 2003 as a senior, leading the Rebels to notable seasons including a 10-win campaign in 2003 that culminated in a Cotton Bowl appearance. Manning's dual-threat ability, with over 8,000 passing yards and 58 touchdowns during his trophy-winning years, translated seamlessly to the professional level, where he was selected first overall by the New York Giants in the 2004 NFL Draft and went on to win two Super Bowls, earning MVP honors in Super Bowl XLII. Similarly, Dak Prescott of Mississippi State University claimed the award in 2014 and 2015, becoming only the second two-time winner after Manning; in 2014, he guided the Bulldogs to a 10-2 record and a No. 1 national ranking at one point, amassing 4,435 total yards and 39 total touchdowns. Drafted in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016, Prescott has since become a four-time Pro Bowler and the franchise's all-time leading passer, highlighting the trophy's role in identifying elite quarterbacks. Other high-profile winners have further elevated the award's legacy through NFL success. Patrick Willis, a linebacker for Ole Miss, received the Conerly Trophy in 2006 after a dominant senior season with 70 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and four interceptions, helping the Rebels to a 4-8 record. Selected 11th overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2007, Willis earned five first-team All-Pro selections and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024, exemplifying the defensive prowess often honored by the award. Wide receiver A.J. Brown won in 2017 at Ole Miss, where he recorded 1,252 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his sophomore season; drafted in the second round by the Tennessee Titans in 2019 and traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, Brown has emerged as one of the league's top receivers with three Pro Bowl nods and a key role in the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX victory. These achievements demonstrate how Conerly recipients frequently transition to professional stardom, with over 20 winners advancing to the NFL since the award's inception in 1996. The Conerly Trophy serves as a reliable indicator of future NFL potential, with its winners collectively contributing to more than 25 professional draft selections and numerous accolades, enhancing its reputation as Mississippi's equivalent to the Heisman Trophy. This predictive power stems from the rigorous selection process involving media, coaches, and fans, which spotlights players who excel in high-stakes Southeastern Conference (SEC) competition. Beyond individual success, the award significantly boosts recruiting for Mississippi institutions like Ole Miss and Mississippi State by increasing national visibility for in-state talent; for instance, high-profile wins have helped these programs secure top recruits from within the state, reducing the outflow of prospects to out-of-state powerhouses and strengthening local pipelines to the pros. Culturally, the trophy fosters intense rivalry between Ole Miss and Mississippi State, as both schools have claimed multiple honors—Ole Miss with 12 wins and Mississippi State with 9 as of 2024—celebrating Mississippi-born athletes and reinforcing the state's rich football heritage while encouraging community pride in collegiate achievements.Related Awards
Kent Hull Trophy Overview
The Kent Hull Trophy, established in 2013, recognizes the top offensive lineman in Mississippi college football each year, filling a gap in honors for players in trench positions who are essential to team success but often overlooked in favor of skill-position athletes.[43] Administered by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and presented by Entergy, the award highlights excellence in blocking, protection, and run support, with selections made by a panel of former coaches, NFL players, and scouts evaluating nominees from Mississippi's NCAA Division I programs based on performance, leadership, and potential.[44] Named for Kent Hull, a native Mississippian who starred as center for Mississippi State University from 1979 to 1982, the trophy honors his legacy as a foundational player in both college and professional football.[45] Hull transitioned to the NFL with the Buffalo Bills from 1986 to 1996, starting 159 of 170 games and earning three Pro Bowl selections (1988, 1990, 1991) while anchoring the line during four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.[46] His career exemplified the grit and reliability the award seeks to celebrate in Mississippi's collegiate linemen.[47] This approach complements the Conerly Trophy, the state's premier overall player award, by spotlighting linemen's critical but less visible impact on the game.[48] The trophy is presented annually at the same banquet as the Conerly Trophy, underscoring their shared commitment to Mississippi football excellence.[44]Kent Hull Trophy Recipients
The Kent Hull Trophy, established in 2013 and named after former Mississippi State and Buffalo Bills center Kent Hull, recognizes the top offensive lineman from Mississippi's NCAA Division I programs each year. Recipients are selected by a panel of NFL scouts based on performance, leadership, and potential. The following table lists all winners chronologically, including their school, position, and brief notes on notable contributions or post-college paths.| Year | Winner | School | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Gabe Jackson | Mississippi State | Guard | Anchored the Bulldogs' offensive line during a 7-6 season; drafted in the third round (81st overall) by the Oakland Raiders in 2014, playing 10 NFL seasons across multiple teams including over 140 games with the Raiders.[49] |
| 2014 | Laremy Tunsil | Ole Miss | Offensive Tackle | Key protector for quarterback Bo Wallace in an 8-5 campaign; selected first overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2016 NFL Draft, earning multiple Pro Bowl nods and now starting for the Houston Texans. |
| 2015 | Fahn Cooper | Ole Miss | Offensive Tackle | Started all 12 games for the 10-3 Rebels; signed as an undrafted free agent with the Buffalo Bills in 2016 but did not make the final roster. |
| 2016 | Justin Senior | Mississippi State | Offensive Tackle | Contributed to a 6-7 team with strong run blocking; drafted in the sixth round (211th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, appearing in four NFL games. |
| 2017 | Martinas Rankin | Mississippi State | Offensive Tackle | Versatile lineman in a 5-7 season; signed as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans in 2018, playing 17 games over three NFL seasons. |
| 2018 | Elgton Jenkins | Mississippi State | Center | All-SEC selection for the 8-5 Bulldogs; drafted in the second round (75th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in 2019, earning three Pro Bowl selections as a versatile interior lineman. |
| 2019 | Drake Dorbeck | Southern Miss | Offensive Tackle | First Golden Eagle winner, starting all 12 games in a 7-5 season; attended rookie minicamp with the Dallas Cowboys but did not sign an NFL contract. |
| 2020 | Royce Newman | Ole Miss | Guard | Started 10 games for the 5-7 Rebels amid COVID disruptions; drafted in the fourth round (142nd overall) by the Green Bay Packers in 2021, playing in 38 NFL games. |
| 2021 | Charles Cross | Mississippi State | Offensive Tackle | All-SEC performer in a 7-6 season; selected 9th overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2022 NFL Draft, starting 17 games as a rookie. |
| 2022 | Nick Broeker | Ole Miss | Guard | Started all 13 games for the 8-5 Rebels; drafted in the third round (91st overall) by the Buffalo Bills in 2023, appearing in 17 games as a rookie.[50] |
| 2023 | Cole Smith | Mississippi State | Center | Anchored the line for a 5-7 team, earning All-SEC honors; signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024.[51] |
| 2024 | Albert Reese IV | Mississippi State | Offensive Tackle | Started 11 games for the 2-10 Bulldogs as a junior; eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft with strong pass-blocking metrics.[48] |