The most talented defender on arguably the nation’s best defense has won the 2018 C Spire Conerly Trophy as Mississippi State’s junior defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons becomes only the 23rd player to ever win the award.

For those outside of the state of Mississippi that may be unfamiliar with the award, it’s an annual honor handed out by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame that recognizes the most outstanding player from the Magnolia State. The latest award ceremony was held Tuesday evening.

Ole Miss receiver AJ Brown won the award last season. The last Mississippi State player to win the award was Dak Prescott, who won it back to back in 2014 and 2015.

In a release sent out by Mississippi State, here are the accolades Simmons achieved which led to him winning the 2018 Conerly Trophy:

Simmons earned the honor after totaling 59 tackles, including 14.5 for loss and one sack, four pass breakups and one forced fumble during the regular season. Earlier this season, he was named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year by the Maxwell Football Club for the second straight year. His 59 total tackles are the second-most in the SEC among defensive linemen, while his 14.5 tackles for loss lead MSU and are tied for fourth in the conference among all defenders.

According to Pro Football Focus, Simmons racked up 27 total pressures and ended the regular season with the No. 4 overall grade (91.4) and the No. 4 run-defense grade (93.1) among FBS interior defenders.

Mississippi State finished the season with an 8-4 record and await their bowl destination.