Latest news with #HBCULegacyBowl
USA Today
10-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Howard standout discusses experience at rookie minicamp with the Kansas City Chiefs
Former Howard standout discusses experience at rookie minicamp with the Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs invited Howard University defensive back Robert Jones III to their rookie minicamp last weekend, one of his stops around the league to secure a roster spot. He is expected to try out at the Minnesota Vikings' rookie minicamp this weekend, but he appreciated the lessons learned in Kansas City. "I got good feedback from the coaching staff," Jones said in an interview with HBCU Legends. "Overall, it was a good experience. I'm looking forward to the Vikings camp later this week." Jones will continue to garner attention as he runs an impressive 4.3 to 4.4 40-time. He played 42 games during his four years at Howard and finished with 120 tackles and four interceptions. He also participated in this year's HBCU Legacy Bowl, which is co-sponsored annually by Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs notably selected cornerback Joshua Williams out of Fayetteville State in the 2022 NFL Draft. He is a consistent contributor at defensive back, further proving the high-level athletes who play for HBCU programs.
Miami Herald
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Denver Broncos find long, speedy WR at HBCU all-star game
Joaquin Davis has officially taken his next step toward the NFL, signing a priority free agent deal with the Denver Broncos after standing out at the HBCU Legacy Bowl. The former North Carolina Central wide receiver is ready to prove himself to the Broncos and the NFL. Davis attracted strong NFL interest after his postseason performance, with the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills, and New Orleans Saints also showing serious interest. Ultimately, it was the Denver Broncos who secured the talented wideout."It started with the HBCU Legacy Bowl, down there. They liked what I bring to the game so throughout the whole process we've been in talks," Davis said about Denver's early interest. Davis trained at the Duke Sports Sciences Institute of Performance in preparation for the HBCU Legacy Bowl and the NFL Draft process. Though he hoped to hear his name called during the later rounds, he found a home quickly after the draft ended. "I was hoping I was going to get selected in the last couple of rounds, but it didn't happen. But it's all good, I found a home with the Denver Broncos so I'm ready to get to work," Davis said. Davis' journey to the NFL started in Durham, North Carolina, where he starred in both football and basketball at Charles E. Jordan High School. After switching from quarterback to wide receiver at North Carolina Central, he became a key piece of the Eagles' success under head coach Trei 42 games at NCCU, Davis tallied 92 receptions for 1,211 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 13.2 yards per catch. His standout 2024 season included 31 catches for 489 yards and four touchdowns. At 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, Davis offers a dangerous blend of size, agility, and versatility - tools that helped him rise from under-the-radar prospect to priority NFL free with the Denver Broncos, Davis is set to carry the work ethic and determination that fueled his journey all the way to professional football. The post Denver Broncos find long, speedy WR at HBCU all-star game appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU prospects eye opportunity in 2025 NFL Draft
Several HBCU football players will seek to begin their NFL journeys this weekend as the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Players from a myriad of colleges and universities hope to potentially hear their names called in the latter rounds of the draft on Saturday, despite the struggles for HBCU football players to secure selections in the league's annual event in recent years. The 2024 NFL draft marked the second time in four years – the 2021 NFL draft – that no players from HBCUs were selected during the event's seven rounds. In 2023, the New England Patriots selected former Jackson State cornerback Isaiah Bolden at No. 245 in the seventh round of the NFL draft. In the 2022 draft, four HBCU players were selected. They include Fayetteville State's Joshua Williams (Kansas City Chiefs, 4th round, No. 135), South Carolina State's Decobie Durant (Los Angeles Rams, 4th round, No. 142), Jackson State's James Houston IV (Detroit Lions, 6th round, No. 217) and Southern University's Ja'Tyre Carter (Chicago Bears, 7th round, No. 226). When adding in Tennessee State's Lachavious Simmons (7th round, No. 227) to the Bears, only eight players from the HBCU ranks have been selected in the last five NFL drafts. However, after this year's postseason bowl games and showcases like the HBCU Combine and the HBCU Legacy Bowl, here are 10 players to keep an eye on for the next three days, according to FCS Football Central draft analyst Gerald Huggins. Robert McDaniel, Jackson State, SafetyElijah Williams, Morgan State, Defensive LinemanCarson Vinson, Alabama A&M, Offensive LinemanIrv Mulligan, Jackson State, Running BackAaron Smith, South Carolina State, LinebackerKenny Gallop Jr., Howard, SafetyJames Burgess, Alabama State, CornerbackPhillip Webb, Jackson State, Defensive LinemanCarlvainsky Decius, Morgan State, Defensive BackKendall Bohler, Florida A&M, Defensive Back Some other signature names to watch for over the weekend include Virginia Union running back Jada Byers, Florida A&M tight end Jeremiah Pruitte, and Prairie View defensive end Fred Stokes Jr. Round 1 of the NFL draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET with the first 32 selections. Rounds 2 and 3 will take place on Friday, starting at 7 p.m. ET, followed by Rounds 4-7 beginning at noon ET on Saturday. The post HBCU prospects eye opportunity in 2025 NFL Draft appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
USA Today
25-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Alontae Taylor reflects on advising prospects at the HBCU Legacy Bowl
Alontae Taylor spent time with the athletes at the HBCU Legacy Bowl over the course of the week and reflected on his experience with New Orleans Saints team reporter Erin Summers. The Saints defensive back is in the position these prospects are aiming to be in, so he's more than qualified to give them advice. Prior to the practices for the all star game, the players went through the HBCU Combine. Alabama A&M offensive tackle Carson Vinson was the only HBCU player invited to the NFL Scouting Combine this year. This event allowed more HBCU players to go through the process in front of all 32 teams. This is where Taylor was able to give his advice. 'Being able to talk to them earlier in the week with Marcus and pick their brain and just teach them things that I've already been through that can help them in their combine experience.' Taylor understands the value of the game, as well as the combine, for these players. 'It's very important for them because they're getting an opportunity.' Every player in this game is competing for the chance to be drafted. The top players are looking to be drafted in the mid-to-late round rounds at best. Some of those players are fighting to be considered as an undrafted free agent option. That's part of what comes with being a small school prospect. Taylor was correct to point out 'there's a lot of great athletes in HBCUs that don't get the exposure,' and the Legacy Bowl lets them 'broadcast their talents in front of all 32 teams.'
USA Today
22-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Saints need to scout these 2025 draft prospects in the HBCU Legacy Bowl
DT Elijah Williams RB Irv Mulligan The HBCU Legacy Bowl is an all star game for draft eligible players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and it's in the New Orleans Saints backyard for the fourth year in a row. This week started with the HBCU Combine on Monday then continued with practices from Tuesday through Friday. The entire week of activities took place at the Saints indoor facility. All 32 teams sent scouts to the event, but it can be assumed the Saints had the largest presence since they were the hosts of the event. The Legacy Bowl itself is Saturday Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. CT. You can watch it on NFL Network. Here are a pair of players that should be on the Saints' radar and fans should look for during Saturday's all-star is a versatile defensive lineman out of Morgan State, who ended his career with the most sacks in school history. Through his four years, he was one of the most disruptive forces in the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference and won the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year in has experience playing on the edge and the interior at a high level, which would be beneficial in the Saints' transition to an odd front system. At 294 pounds, he would slot perfectly as a 3-4 defensive end. As a late round pick, he could grow into the role without pressure of immediate possesses power, speed and agility to defeat blockers. He showcased all of these abilities during Legacy Bowl practices. The domination he showed over four seasons extended to the past four days. He was easily the MVP of the week, and his ability lines up with a position the Saints could look to target in the later Williams, Irv Mulligan won his conference's player of the year award. The Jackson State running back missed the first three games of the season due to an injury suffered the previous season and still crossed the century mark a short ramp up period, Mulligan's production hit top speed. He ran for over 130 yards and a touchdown in four consecutive games. He also averaged more than five yards per carry in nine of his 12 games this displays strong contact balance with a good blend of power and underrated speed. While he wouldn't be categorized as a burner, Mulligan is capable of hitting the home run in addition to getting tough yardage.
