HBCU Combine: These are the players who drew the most attention from NFL scouts

METAIRIE, La. – Representatives from all 32 NFL teams filled out the sidelines of the New Orleans Saints’ practice facility on Monday to scout 50 players from historically Black colleges and universities at the HBCU Combine.

The prospects included many players from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The combine is the first event of a weeklong showcase of HBCU athletes that will culminate in the HBCU Legacy Bowl on Saturday in New Orleans.

Black College Football Hall of Famer Doug Williams, a co-founder of the Legacy Bowl, was pleased with the caliber of players at this year’s combine and with the scouts’ evaluations of several prospects. He believes the talent level at HBCUs increases each year.

“I don’t care how you cut it up, it’s what you can do from a talent standpoint,” Williams told Andscape at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. “But at least it’s an interview. I always say this is probably one of the biggest interviews that they’re gonna have in their life. … We can’t make [NFL teams] grab [HBCU players] or pick them, but you can show what their abilities are. It’s four or five of these guys to me that can be in this league.”

Here are scout superlatives from the HBCU Combine.

Best impression: North Carolina Central University’s Joaquin Davis

North Carolina Central wide receiver Joaquin Davis was arguably the top player for all the scouts at the combine. Davis measured in at 6-foot-4 and 192 pounds. During the combine, he showed off his athleticism and body control during position drills; he didn’t drop a single pass during drills and earned praise for his route-running abilities.

He also finished with one of the top 40-yard dash times for a wide receiver, running an unofficial 4.43. An NFC South scout admitted that while he wasn’t familiar with Davis coming into the event, Davis “made the most money today.”

Offensive standout: Jackson State University’s Irv Mulligan

Jackson State running back Irv Mulligan showed scouts in attendance why he eclipsed over 1,000 rushing yards during his senior season. In position drills, Mulligan showcased his ability to catch passes and his fluidity in changing directions as a runner. He measured in at 5-foot-9 and 198 pounds and led the way for the running back group, running an unofficial 4.5 in the 40-yard dash.

Most likely to be drafted: Alabama A&M University’s Carson Vinson

Alabama A&M offensive lineman Carson Vinson wasn’t at the HBCU Combine, but he was a name scouts couldn’t stop talking about. Vinson was the lone HBCU player invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl earlier this month and showcased his athleticism and power. Jackson State’s Isaiah Bolden was the last HBCU player drafted in 2023, and many scouts believe Vinson will be the next to hear his name called.

Best interview: Florida A&M University’s Kendall Bohler

Florida A&M cornerback Kendall Bohler won over many scouts during the interview portion of the HBCU Combine with his infectious personality and humor. An NFC East scout described Bohler as a player who is very confident in his athletic abilities. He ran an unofficial 4.6 in the 40-yard dash.

Best overall performance: running backs

Running backs were the best-performing position group at the HBCU Combine. Mulligan stood out the most, but Howard University’s Jarett Hunter registered the highest vertical jump amongst the group at 35 inches. Virginia Union University’s Jada Byers and Alabama A&M’s Donovan Eaglin both unofficially ran the 40 in 4.8 seconds. Delaware State University’s Jaden Sutton impressed scouts by running an unofficial 4.5 and completing 17 reps on the bench press, tying Hampton University’s Elijah Burris for the highest total in the group.

Best defensive player: Jackson State’s Robert McDaniel

Jackson State safety Robert McDaniel turned heads during the defensive position drills with his speed and athleticism. Scouts raved that he passed the eye test, measuring in at 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds. In the 40-yard dash, McDaniel clocked an unofficial time of 4.5 seconds and had a vertical jump of 38.5 inches.

Best conference performance: SWAC

During the combine, Jackson State’s Mulligan and McDaniel showed why the Tigers won the Black college football national championship but were only a few of the conference’s athletes to stand out. Florida A&M’s Bohler, along with tight end Jeremiah Pruitte and wide receiver Jamari Gassett, also made strong impressions.