Ole Miss defensive back Mike Hilton has been named the winner of this year’s Chucky Mullins Award, according to a report by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger published early Saturday morning before kickoff at the Grove Bowl.

Hilton, a rising senior and returning starter from last year’s Landshark defense, will wear Mullins’ No. 38 this season upon receiving the honor.

The Chucky Mullins Award is handed down by the Ole Miss coaching staff at the conclusion of spring practice each year to one player who embodied Mullins’ spirit, courage and determination. Last year, sixth-year senior linebacker Deterrian Shackelford wore No. 38 upon recovering from two knee reconstructions and earning three degrees during his time in Oxford.

Mullins was paralyzed from the neck down following a collision with Vanderbilt’s Brad Gaines during a game in 1989. He never wavered in his recovery efforts, eventually returning to Ole Miss to complete his degree before passing away in 1991 due to complications from the injury.

Ole Miss began handing down the Chucky Mullins Award in 1990, and Hilton is the 26th recipient of the award in its history.

The Grove Bowl is slated to begin at 1 p.m. ET inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to conclude the Rebels’ spring season.