Latest news with #LegacyBowl
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
NFL Draft 2025: Top 10 HBCU players — From Robert McDaniel to Elijah Williams
The National Football League (NFL) pre-draft process is done and all the candidates with all their might have proved to the teams why they should be drafted in the upcoming draft. From last year's season to all-star showcases, pro days, and individual workouts, here are 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) prospects who have built the strongest cases to be drafted for the 2025 NFL Draft: Being the top HBCU prospect since last year, McDaniel is a three-level defender who can fit perfectly in multiple alignments on the field. Having an 8.84 Relative Athletic Score, he has become one of the most athletic defensive backs in this year's class. He is the most ready to help a team on defense and special teams as a rookie. Williams has played outside linebacker, defensive end, defensive tackle, and nose guard in several alignments. With a Relative Athletic Score of 8.27, standing tall at 6'2, and weighing 290+ lbs, He can be shifted on the defensive line. Standing tall at 6'7" and weighing 314 lbs, Vinson has been a High-End starter on the FCS level for multiple years. He had a solid performance at the Senior Bowl and capped it off with good testing at the NFL Combine and his pro day. Having an 8.07 Relative Athletic Score solidifies his stock as a Day Three prospect. Mulligan's pro day solidified him as a prospect that a team should sign as soon as the draft is complete. His relative athletic score of 6.46 is solid, which further complements his 4.53 forty-yard dash, along with a 36-inch vertical jump and a 10'9" broad jump. At 6'0 and weighing 235 lbs, Smith projects as a weakside linebacker in a linebacker class that is not very deep. He ran a 4.69 forty-yard dash, 35 on his vertical jump, 10'3" on the broad jump, and 25 reps on the bench press – all that led to a 6.17 Relative Athletic Score for him. For a player who may not have the ideal body type to be a true safety, and there were some questions about his athletic ability, Gallop's film and Pro Day testing certainly helped him after not testing at the HBCU Combine. He ended up with a 6.02 Relative Athletic Score at his pro day, which is average for a strong safety. He will be asked to play closer to the line of scrimmage due to his 5'11" and 212 lbs frame. After not performing in the HBCU Combine, Burgess performed well in the HBCU Legacy, and evaluators were highly anticipating his testing numbers. Luckily for Burgess, his film will keep him in the conversation to be a priority-free agent. Decius has the size, quickness, and overall agility to be a solid nickel and a core special-teams player on the next level. After the Legacy Bowl, he performed at his pro day and tested better, resulting in a 6.81 Relative Athletic Score that will translate to him playing in the nickel defense. Bohler had a 4.99 Relative Athletic Score after posting a 4.59 forty-yard dash, 1.55 10-yard split, a 10'11" broad jump, a 35" vertical jump, at a height of 5'11', weighing 194 lbs. A bit underwhelming, but his skill set can still translate to him playing in the nickel and being a special teamer on the next level.
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.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jewish group protests against nitrogen hypoxia as method of execution
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The group Jews Against Gassing gathered on the steps of the Touro Synagogue to protest against the state's plan to execute death row inmates using nitrogen hypoxia. 'We cannot stand silent while prisoners are executed in our names, using a method that echoes those horrors,' Aaron Bloch with the Jewish Federation of New Orleans said. 'We stand here today to ask Governor Landry and the state of Louisiana to say no to gassing.' NOPD releases officer-involved shooting footage of Feb. 6 incident Gov. Jeff Landry says the state has finalized its protocol for using nitrogen gas as an alternative method of execution alongside lethal injection. Members of the Jewish community are now gathering to voice their opposition, drawing parallels to the atrocities of the holocaust. 'For us, the use of gassing for execution is not just another form of capital punishment, it is a painful echo of genocide,' Rabbi David Cohen–Henriquez said. 'Nitrogen hypoxia involves forcing an inmate to suffocate by inhaling nitrogen gas through a face mask.' The method was first used in January of last year when the state of Alabama executed 58-year-old Kenneth Smith. Despite claims it would be painless, witnesses reported Smith shook, convulsed and gasped for air for nearly 22 minutes until he was pronounced dead. 'For us, the use of gassing for execution is not just another form of capital punishment. It is a painful echo of genocide,' Rabbi Katie Bauman said. Lawsuit seeks to block Louisiana tax amendment from March ballot The state of Louisiana has not carried out an execution since 2010. In recent years, states have had trouble obtaining drugs used for lethal injections, which is largely the reason for the introduction of nitrogen hypoxia. 'The historical association with this execution method is chilling and undeniable, eliciting a visceral response that evokes not justice but genocide,' Naomi Yavneh Klos with the Jews Against Gassing coalition said. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, there are currently 63 people on death row in Louisiana. Attorney General Liz Murrill says she expects at least four people on death row to be executed this Legacy Bowl provides opportunities for players on and off the field, including career fair with proven success Jewish group protests against nitrogen hypoxia as method of execution Javohn Garcia, Joe Charles lead McNeese to 88-82 victory over Southeastern Chihuahua police free 49 kidnapped migrants WSJ asks Kennedy to cast aside 'antivax hooey' amid Texas measles outbreak Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAMU football to have a handful of players in New Orleans' HBCU NFL Combine, Legacy Bowl
This week, New Orleans will be the home of five Florida A&M football players looking to help their chances to go pro. On Monday, four Rattlers, Daniel Richardson (quarterback), Jamari Gassett (wide receiver), Jeremiah Pruitte (tight end), and Kendall Bohler (cornerback), will perform at the HBCU NFL Combine at the New Orleans Saints' Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Offensive prospects will work out from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern Time, and defensive prospects will work out from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. To end the week, FAMU offensive lineman Jalen Goss, Richardson, Gassett, and Bohler will play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl at Tulane's Yulman Stadium at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the NFL Network. The FAMU football players will be a part of Team Robinson, which comprises Southwestern Athletic Conference and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference players. Their opponents, Team Gaither, features Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association players. 'It's always exciting when guys that have been great players and great people in the program get an opportunity to show their skill for the opportunity to play at the next level,' FAMU head coach James Colzie III told the Tallahassee Democrat. 'They have now graduated and done what they needed to do academically. Now, it's their opportunity to shine. 'I would also like to add that some really, really good players did not make the roster.' The HBCU NFL Combine and the Legacy Bowl were started in 2021 by the Black College Football Hall of Fame and co-founders, former Grambling State quarterbacks James 'Shack' Harris and Doug Williams. From shining on the field to inspiring the next generation, Xavier Smith embodies the spirit of the #AllstateHBCULegacyBowl. Don't miss the nation's top HBCU stars in action Feb 22 at 3PM CT on NFL Network. — HBCU LEGACY BOWL (@HBCULegacyBowl) February 13, 2025 Since then, the events have provided a gateway to get the best draft-eligible HBCU players noticed and offered contracts by NFL teams. For example, former FAMU All-American wide receiver Xavier Smith starred at the 2023 HBCU NFL Combine and then won the Legacy Bowl's Offensive Most Valuable Player Award. Smith just completed his second NFL season with the Los Angeles Rams. Career Stats: 874 for 1,385 passing completions, 10,054 passing yards, 79 passing touchdowns, 31 interceptions Accolades: 2021 Sun Bowl Champion, 2024 SWAC Newcomer of the Year, 2024 All-SWAC First Team, 2024 Walter Payton Award Finalist, HBCU All-American Honorable Mention Career Stats: 119 receptions, 1,649 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns Accolades: 2023 SWAC Champion, 2023 Celebration Bowl Champion, 2023 Black College National Champion, 2024 All-SWAC Second Team Career Stats: 37 receptions, 415 receiving yards, five touchdowns Accolades: 2023 SWAC Champion, 2023 Celebration Bowl Champion, 2023 Black College National Champion, 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl Watchlist Accolades: 2022 HBCU All-American, 2022 All-SWAC First Team, 2023 SWAC Champion, 2023 Celebration Bowl Champion, 2023 Black College National Champion Career Stats: 106 tackles, 33 pass breakups, five interceptions, Accolades: 2023 HBCU All-American, 2023 All-SWAC First Team, 2023 SWAC Champion, 2023 Celebration Bowl Champion, 2023 Black College National Champion, 2024 All-SWAC Second Team, 2024 Hula Bowl Invitee, 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl Watchlist, 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl Watchlist, 2024 Aeneas Williams Award Finalist This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU QB Daniel Richardson, others in HBCU NFL Combine, Legacy Bowl
