JACKSON, Miss. – Senior linebacker William Carter IV received the inaugural Division II/III Excellence Award at the 2025 C Spire Conerly Trophy presentation held at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday night.

The 30^th anniversary of the Conerly Trophy, presented to the best college football player in Mississippi, brought past winners back. Previous Delta State winners in attendance included Tregnel Thomas, who won the first-ever Conerly Trophy in 1996, and Delta State's most recent winner Patrick Shegog who won in 2023. Josh Bright (2000) made an appearance in an introductory video that also included Eli Manning and Jaxon Dart.

As part of the expanded 30^th anniversary celebration, two additional awards were presented to showcase the depth of talent across all levels of Mississippi football. Carter earned the Division II/III Excellence Award following a standout senior campaign. Carter recorded 59 total tackles, including 5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and five pass breakups, serving as the cornerstone of the Statesmen defense and earning First Team All-Gulf South Conference honors.

Head Coach Todd Cooley stated, "We are very proud of Will. He had a great career here and is very deserving of this award."

A mainstay for Delta State's front seven, Carter was a four-year starter for the Statesmen, playing in 42 career games. He totaled 190 tackles, including 97 solo, 14 tackles-for-loss for 51 yards, three sacks, three interceptions, nine pass deflections, one forced fumble, and six fumble recoveries. The Birmingham, Ala., native is a two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection, earning first-team honors this season and second-team honors in 2024.

Carter said he was surprised and excited about winning the first ever Division II/III Excellence Award. "I was very excited to be at the ceremony with all the great players and former players and winners in attendance. All I could think about was how good God is for putting me in this position. He is my anchor and all my hard work and dedication to the sport I love comes from Him."