On the evening of April 11, former Virginia State University Offensive Lineman, Frank Ball,  received Dr. Pappy Rose Leadership Award at the Inaugural 2021 HBCU Combine banquet dinner. The Dr. Pappy Rose Leadership Award highlights a student - athlete with a combination of athletic achievement, academic success, and community service work. 

Athletic: Ball led one of the best Offensive Line units the CIAA had to offer ranking second in the conference in the least amount of sacks allowed (15) and eclipsed 200 yards rushing in 8 of 10 games 2019. The Hampton, Virginia native, was a First team All - CIAA selection in 2018 and a 2019 Preseason All - CIAA selection. He was also a part of the Offensive Line that cleared the way for legendary Running Back, Trenton Cannon's in his record-breaking season. 

Community Service: Ball volunteered often at Etterick Elementary where he greeted the kids as they arrived in the morning and read to them as well. He was also a part of the shoe drive at VSU prior to the pandemic. 

Academic: Graduated with a 3.2 GPA as a Biology major. 


Nominees

Monte Seabrook, DB, Livingstone (2021) 
 
Daryus Skinner, DB, Winston-Salem State (2020) 
 
Durrell Nash, LB, St. Augustine's (2020) 
 
*Frank Ball, OL, Virginia State (2020) 
 
Keanu Gonzales, OL, Shaw (2020) 
 
Kion Smith, OL, Fayetteville State (2021) 
 
DuShon David, TE, Bowie State (2020) –
 
Kevonta Moses, TE, Shaw (2020) –