CLEVELAND – The Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) has selected the association's 22nd Annual Scholar-Athletes of the Year.

Truman Jones, defensive lineman from Harvard University, and Davius Richard, quarterback from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), were selected out of a field of six finalists and 53 FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team honorees to receive a $5,000 postgraduate scholarship. 

"Annually, the FCS ADA is fortunate to have the opportunity to select individuals within the FCS football community that represent our division by excelling in the classroom, on the field and within their communities," said FCS ADA President Tom Michael, director of athletics at Eastern Illinois University. "Our committee is pleased to be able to provide opportunities for both Truman and Davius to continue their education and success beyond the football field as they pursue their postgraduate work and future careers. On behalf of our organization, I want to congratulate both men, their coaches, teammates, administrators, faculty, and families for their efforts in continuing to move the needle." 

A biomedical engineering major, Jones served the Crimson as the team's traditional sole team captain in 2022. He is looking to attend medical school in the future after pursuing a career in the NFL. In the community, he volunteers at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter and serves on a variety of organizations coordinating a multitude of programs for the groups. Jones also earned the following accolades for his efforts on the field and in the classroom: 

• National Honors
  • William V. Campbell Trophy semifinalist 
  • Bulger Lowe Award (top defensive play in New England) 
  • NEFW All-New England Team 
  • College Sports Communicators Academic All-America and All-District honors 
  • Ranked fourth in the NCAA for blocked kicks (3.0) 
  • FCS ADA All-Star Team 
  • FCS AFCA Second Team All-America and Phil Steele Third Team 
  • FCS Associate Press Third Team All-America  
• Ivy League Honors 
  • First Team All-Ivy 
  • Academic All-Ivy 
  • Led league in tackles for loss (13.0) and third in sacks (6.0) 
  • Bushnell Cup Finalist (Ivy League Defensive POY) 

"Winning this prestigious award is meaningful to my school, my coaches, and my family. This award is a testament to all the hard work and energy that was poured into me that has allowed me to be successful. I want to give special thanks to my mother, as she was my first teacher and always challenged me to push myself academically. I want to thank my father for instilling in me a strong work ethic, which I apply to everything I do," said Jones. "Thank you to Harvard football for bringing me into a team of individuals that pushed me to be the best version of myself. I am forever grateful for the opportunity and the lessons I learned along the way. For many years I have wanted to serve as a doctor to deliver better healthcare to communities of color. I have seen firsthand where improvements can be made, and with my diverse background I believe I am able to do so."

Richard, a Belle Glade, Florida native, graduated Magna Cum Laude in December 2022 and is pursuing his MBA. He graduated with a 3.6 GPA as a business administration major. He is active in the community and hosts summer youth football clinics. Richard earned the following awards for his efforts during the 2022 season: 

• National/Institutional Honors
  • College Sports Communicators Academic All-District 
  • FCS ADA All-Star Team  
  • NCCU Football Leadership Council 
  • The 1910 NCCU Male Scholars (awarded to fewer than 10% of minority students) 
  • Ranked fifth in the nation in points responsible for (20.4) and 12th in total offense (288.8) 
• MEAC Honors 
  • Offensive Player of the Year 
  • 7x Offensive Player of the Week 
  • Led in passing yards (2,486), passing TDs (24), and rushing TDs (13) 

"I just want to say that I am blessed to have the opportunity to receive the FCS ADA Postgraduate Scholarship. It wouldn't have been possible without my athletic-academic advisors, coaches, family, teammates, and most importantly, God," stated Richard. "I want to thank the illustrious North Carolina Central University for allowing me to showcase my academic and athletic talents. This just serves as a checkpoint and steppingstone in my academic career. This shows me validation that I am heading in the right direction and setting a great example for children who look like me and look up to me. It is truly an honor to be recognized for all the hard work I have put into the classroom, the community, and on the field. I want to give a special thanks to the FCS ADA committee for the selection of such an amazing award."

CLICK HERE for more information about the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team and its nominating criteria.

A special Review Committee of FCS athletics directors were responsible for selecting the 2022-23 Academic All-Star Team and FCS ADA Postgraduate Scholarship finalists and recipients. This year's Review Committee consisted of: Tom Michael, Eastern Illinois University (Chair); Mark Benson, University at Albany; Ryan Ivey, Stephen F. Austin State University; Nicki Moore, Cornell University; and Milton Overton, Kennesaw State University.

About the FCS ADA: Now in its 29th year, the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association's mission is to enhance Football Championship Subdivision football. For more information on the FCS ADA, please visit www.fcsada.com. The FCS ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 58th year. For more information on NACDA and the 18 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.