Latest news with #MEACDefensivePlayeroftheYear
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
HBCU star earns Baltimore Ravens Pro Day invite
Elijah Williams isn't just chasing an NFL dream—he's chasing history. The Morgan State defensive lineman, fresh off a record-breaking college career, has been invited to participate in the Baltimore Ravens' NFL Local Pro Day, setting the stage for one of the most important workouts of his life. Williams leaves Morgan State as the program's all-time leader in sacks (31) and tackles for loss (52)—numbers that underscore his relentless presence on the defensive front. In 2024, he was named MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and became a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the best defensive player in FCS football. His accolades also include being named a Stats Perform and AFCA All-American, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated defenders in HBCU football. Advertisement The NFL Local Pro Day offers regional players the chance to showcase their skills in front of NFL coaches and scouts. For Williams, that means competing in the very city where he built his college legacy. Unlike the national combine, these workouts are more intimate—allowing overlooked talent a closer shot at making a roster. Williams' invite from the Ravens is part of a growing tradition; the franchise has long shown respect for HBCU programs, hosting events like the HBCU career combine and actively scouting talent from schools like Bowie State and Morgan State. Related: Charlie Ward emerges as top candidate for FAMU basketball head coach opening Williams' journey reflects more than personal ambition—it represents a broader movement. As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, he's one of the top HBCU prospects in the class. His presence at the Ravens' facility is a reminder that elite talent exists across all levels of college football. And for every young athlete at an HBCU dreaming of the NFL, Williams' grind is proof that the path is real. Related: Stephen A. Smith: 'I have no choice' but to consider presidential bid As fans of HBCU football, it's time to rally around Elijah Williams. His story deserves attention, and his shot at the league deserves support. Follow his journey, spread the word, and let NFL teams know: the next great defensive disruptor may be coming straight out of Morgan State. Related: Morgan Price makes history as a repeat champion Related: Reality star sparks buzz by dating Morgan State hooper

Miami Herald
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Baltimore Ravens invite HBCU star to local pro day
The standout defensive end Elijah Williams of Morgan State has received an invite to the Baltimore Ravens' NFL Local Pro Day, giving him the chance to showcase his talents in front of scouts and coaches in the town he played in college. Williams finished his Morgan State career with 31 sacks and 52 tackles for loss, both school records. His dominance on the defensive line earned him MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024 and recognition as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, which goes to the top defensive player in FCS football. He was also named a Stats Perform and AFCA All-American, capping off one of the most decorated careers in recent Morgan state football history. The NFL Local Pro Day is an opportunity for regional prospects to work out at NFL facilities, often opening doors for players who didn't receive an invite to the NFL Combine. For Williams, it's a platform to prove he belongs in the league and to represent Morgan State and HBCUs on a bigger stage. This isn't the first time the Baltimore Ravens have extended opportunities to players from HBCUs. The franchise has a history of scouting talent from schools like Morgan State and Bowie State and recently hosted an HBCU career combine that brought students and athletes from across the region to their facility. As the NFL Draft approaches, Elijah Williams is positioning himself as one of the top HBCU prospects in the 2025 class. His invite to the Baltimore Ravens' local pro day is more than a workout-it's a chance to continue the legacy of HBCU greatness in the NFL. The post Baltimore Ravens invite HBCU star to local pro day appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025


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.