PINE BLUFF, AR - Southern University Baton Rouge committed Ladarius Skelton, the quarterback from Pine Bluff High School in Arkansas wins the 2015 KATV Landers Award. He is the first Landers Award winner from Pine Bluff. 

Skelton, who is a three-year starter at Pine Bluff High, won back-to-back state titles with the Zebras. He earned MVP honors in both championship games.

According to KATV, the Landers Award is presented annually to the top high school football player in the state. Considered the most prestigious honor in Arkansas prep football, past winners include Peyton Hills, Darren McFadden, Tyler Wilson, Brandon Allen, and Fredi Knighten. The winner is determined by an esteemed panel of local media and votes from viewers.

KATV Sports Director Steve Sullivan revealed the winner on a live award show. Skelton receives a trophy, Jostens ring and $3,000 scholarship to the winning school.

"It's just outstanding," Skelton said. "I'm very honored to hold this trophy in my hand. I'm going to give it to my mom!"

"That's big news for the Zebra program," said Pine Bluff Head Coach Bobby Bolding. "There's been some great players in Pine Bluff. We finally got us a Landers Award winner and he's very deserving of it."

As the starting quarterback, Skelton has led Pine Bluff high to the 6A State Championship 3 straight years. Skelton will be attending Southern University (a historically black college and university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) in the fall of 2016, playing for the Jaguar football team.

HBCU Campaign Fund congratulates Skelton on his many successes, welcome him to the HBCU nation and wishes him the best of luck at Southern University. The HBCU Campaign Fund organization is open to Skelton for any guidance needed during his college journey and will be rooting him on during football season 2016!