By Jarrett Hoffman
(Source: HBCU Sports)
The fourth annual HBCU Legacy Bowl is among us, with 90 of the top draft-eligible HBCU football players putting their talents on display for the final time with their respective schools on their helmets.
Several players could have a big impact in this game, forcing NFL teams to take notice and put themselves in line for a possible shot at making a 53-man roster.
Jada Byers RD, Virginia Union
Beginning the list is two-time CIAA Offensive Player of the Year Jada Byers, who took HBCU football by storm in the Virginia Union backfield.
Byers set Virginia Union school records with 6,080 career rushing yards, 2,061 rushing yards in a season (breaking his previous record of 1,920 yards), 324 rushing yards in a game.
He helped lead the Panthers to back-to-back CIAA championships, being named the Offensive MVP of both contests.
Despite running an unspectacular 40-yard dash time of 4.84 during the HBCU combine, Byers did well with the on-field drills, showing his great footwork and ability to change direction on a dime.
In addition to his abilities as a running back, the Panthers’ back also has an opportunity to showcase his skills on special teams that could put him on some NFL teams’ radar.
Joaquin Davis WR, North Carolina Central
North Carolina Central wide receiver Joaquin Davis put NFL scouts on notice with a spectacular day at the HBCU combine.
He ran a blistering 4.44 in the 40-yard dash (the fastest time among all players) while recording a 40.5″ vertical and a 9.5″ broad jump.
In his four seasons at North Carolina Central, Davis caught 92 passes for 1,211 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.
With a big performance in the HBCU Legacy Bowl, Davis will prove his worth to NFL teams looking to add a receiver to their training camp roster.
Robert McDaniel DB, Jackson State
Another player who had a great showing at the HBCU Combine that could have a great impact in the HBCU Legacy Bowl is Jackson State safety Robert McDaniel.
According to ESPN NFL analyst Jordan Reid, McDaniel was the highest-rated prospect from the HBCU Combine and is a “Draftable player.”
McDaniel put his supreme athletic ability on display at the Combine, running a 4.55 40, a 38.5″ vertical, and a 10.8″ broad jump.
The Jackson State safety played a pivotal role in the team’s SWAC championship win, recording two interceptions in the game (three overall in the 2024 season).
The HBCU Legacy Bowl will provide McDaniel a stage to further prove he is capable of being a big-time playmaker in an NFL secondary.
Irv Mulligan RB, Jackson State
SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Irv Mulligan was arguably the most impressive offensive player in the HBCU combine.
He ran a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash, posted a 35.5″ vertical, and a 10.1″ broad jump. His momentum continued in the HBCU Legacy Bowl practices, showcasing his ability to run out of the backfield and block in pass protection.
Mulligan recorded 1,245 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in the 2024 season, setting a new Jackson State single-season record for rushing yards.
He helped lead the Tigers to the Celebration Bowl, scoring two touchdowns in the game.
With all eyes on him in the HBCU Legacy Bowl, Mulligan’s star will force many teams to make tough decisions if he plays to the standard he has set on Saturday.
Elijah Williams DL, Morgan State
Elijah Williams has been the biggest performer at the HBCU Legacy Bowl practices, building on his NFL Draft stock with each rep.
The reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year finished his career with 31.0 sacks, setting a new program record. This includes 10.0 sacks this past season, making him the first Morgan State player to record at least 10.0 since 2014.
Whether it be on the interior or on the edge, Williams has shown he can make an impact no matter where he is on the defensive line.
Based on his performance this week, he enters the HBCU Legacy Bowl as the favorite to win the game’s Defensive MVP award.
