HOUSTON – Quarterback Devante Kincade of Grambling State University, has been named Ben L. Cavil, Sr. "Big Ben" Award winner. This second annual Ben L. Cavil, Sr. "Big Ben" Award was presented by Pure Sports at the Crowne Plaza Hotel-Houston NRG on Wednesday, November 30^th.
 
Kincade had a prolific season for the G-Men accounting for 2,608 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns and just 3 interceptions, he also accounted for 271 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground in his first season with the Tigers. He ranked 3^rd in the FCS in Passing efficiency, 7^th in passing touchdowns and 12^th in total offense. He was named SWAC Offensive Player of the Week three times and Newcomer of the week twice. He was also named Big Ben Award Offensive Player of the Week six times this season.
 
THGSBA recognized seven athletes from five Universities and two Conferences. The players represented Grambling State University, Jackson State University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University. The players also represented the Middle Eastern and the Southwestern Athletic Conferences.
 
The Ben L. Cavil, Sr. "Big Ben" Award Presented by Pure Sports, announced in 2016 by the THGSBA, Inc. recognizes the top player in HBCU football that also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Ben L. Cavil, Sr.: determination, diligence, integrity, performance, familial, teamwork, fraternal, and community engagement. In addition, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: a football player attending an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the State of Texas of Texas or was born and/or played high school football in the state of Texas and/or played at a Texas-based junior college and continued their career playing for an HBCU. The Finalist was selected by broadcasters, commentators, journalists, fans, and the Cavil family Award Selection Committee. The finalists will be brought to Houston for The Ben L. Cavil, Sr. "Big Ben" Award Presented by Pure Sports Banquet.
 
The Heritage Group Sport Business Academy, Inc. (THGSBA) will hold the second annual Ben L. Cavil, Sr. "Big Ben" Award Presented by Pure Sports banquet in conjunction with the HBCU-Athletic Research Consortium (HBCU-ARC) Conference from November 30 - December 4, 2016 in Houston, TX.
 
Ben A. Cavil, Director of THGSBA and grandson of "Big Ben" stated, "As a former Texas high school, OU, and retired NFL football player, it is with great pride and humility that we establish this award. As a family we are grateful. My father, a former Prairie View football player himself and a member of the 1964 championship football team are happy we have an opportunity to share this great legacy." 
 
For more information about this event, contact the Executive Director, Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil, at 281.330.1341; kcavil@thg-agency.com. For more information about the inaugural Ben L. Cavil, Sr. "Big Ben" Award Presented by Pure Sports, visit http://www.thg-agency.com/the-big-ben-award.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Big Ben Award 2016 Finalist
 

1. +Ty Gatson – OL – Parker, Texas – North Carolina Central University – Senior
2. Sean Jones – DB – Dallas, Texas – Texas Southern University – Sophomore
3. *Devante Kincade – QB – Dallas, Texas – Grambling State University  -  Junior (154 of 233, 2608 passing yards, 28 passing tds, 3 interceptions, 271 rushing yards, 4 rush tds)
   1. Lead the SWAC in touchdown passes (28) (7^th in FCS)
   2. Average a league high 269 passing yards a game
   3. Thrown for 2159 yards in eight games
   4. With a passing percentage of 66.1  (10^rd in the FCS)
   5. Ranks 3^rd in the FCS in passing efficiency
   6. Named SWAC Offensive player of the Week(x3) and New Comer of the week (x2)
   7. 6x Big Ben Award Player of the Week
4. Eric Medina – K -  LaPorte, Texas – Texas Southern University – Senior
5. Terrance Singleton – DB – Port Arthur, Texas – Prairie View  A&M University - Senior
6. Cornelius Henderson – DL – Duncanville, Texas – Jackson State University – Senior
7. DeVohn Reed – DL – Houston, Texas – Prairie View A&M University – Senior 
    
    
   *2016 Big Ben Award Winner
   +2016 Big Ben Fan Vote Award Winner
    
   Quotes from Kincade:
    
   "It's an honor"
    
   "It's a blessing, it's amazing this my first award as a collegiate player"
    
   "Everything went as I prayed for"
    
   "I really want to thank Grambling State University for the opportunity, and giving me the HBCU experience"
    
   "It doesn't matter where you play, the SEC or SWAC, you can get recognized anywhere for your achievements"