Malik Davis ran his way to the record books this past football season.
On Thursday, he ran away with the oldest high school football award in the country.
The Jesuit High senior was honored as the 78th winner of the Guy Toph Award.
“It’s the equivalent to the Heisman Trophy of Hillsborough County," Jesuit coach Matt Thompson said. "I didn't know it was 78 years old. so that's just incredible. I think when he realizes and starts seeing some of the names that are on that trophy, it will sink into him."
Davis set a new career Hillsborough County rushing record with 7,029 yards and 84 touchdowns. He joins a distinguished list of past winners that includes Clemson’s Ray Ray McCloud and the Philadelphia Eagles Nelson Agholor.
"My coach told me Tuesday to just bring a coat and tie for Thursday and I was like, why, and he wouldn't tell me," Davis said. "He still didn't tell me until I got here and he was like, what do you think you're here for and I was like, an award ceremony maybe.
"It's an honor for my name to be on the trophy because I know all the other players on there were great players and they're now doing great things."
Davis one of many fall sports athletes celebrated at the Hillsborough County School Board Building. Recipients were honored for not only their athletic endeavors but their academic success as well. It was an impressive collection of student athletes.
"It made me feel real proud and like all the work I've done has paid off," said Jefferson lineman Jean Marcellus, winner of the Jimbo Kynes Outstanding Lineman Award. "And I know I have more work to do now going into my college years now."
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FALL SPORTS AWARDS WINNERS
Guy Toph Award - Malik Davis, Jesuit
Jimbo Kyne Outstanding Lineman Award - Jean Marcellus, Jefferson
Henry Hicks Memorial Award for Outstanding Girls Swimmer - Morgan Tankersley, Plant
Henry Hick Memorial Award for Outstanding Boys Swimmer - Paxton Rhoads, Plant
Casey Most Valuable Golfer Award (Girls) - Anna Gilhool, Robinson
Casey Most Valuable Golfer Award (Boys) - Jame Ro, King
Dr. Ben Walker Cross Country Award (Girls) - Micaela Torres, King
Dr. Ben Walker Cross Country Award (Boys) - Colin Boutin, Bloomingdale
Kirkwood Volleyball Award - Sofia Florin, Berkeley Prep
ACADEMIC AWARDS (highest cumulative GPA)
Football - Steinbrenner
Volleyball - Plant
Boy Cross Country - Plant
Girls Cross Country - Plant
Boys Swimming - King
Girls Swimming - Plant
Boys Golf - King
Girls Golf - Riverview