A Monday in New Orleans presented Black college football players the opportunity to get closer to their professional dreams.
The HBCU Combine, held at the New Orleans Saints’ Ochsner Sports Performance Center, exposed 45 prospects from dozens of Black colleges across the country to all 32 NFL teams.
Here is a recap of what and who stood out:
Jackson State running back Irv Mulligan was identified by NFL Network reporter Steve Wyche among the top performers of the day.
Jackson State RB Irv Mulligan – one of the featured prospects at the HBCU Combine – did not disappoint. Mulligan ran a 4.58 40 and stood out catching the ball. The SWAC offensive player of the year said he has met with 15 NFL teams and more are planned. Hear from him tonight on… pic.twitter.com/CffNvxgrU3
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) February 17, 2025
Wyche was also impressed by North Carolina Central wide receiver Joaquin Davis, who ran a 4.4, 40-yard dash and “did not drop a pass” thrown his way during drills.
North Carolina Central WR Joaquin Davis was one of the standouts at the HBCU Combine Monday at the Saints facility in New Orleans. The 6-4, 192 pounder ran a 4.44 40, had a 40.5 vertical and didn’t drop a pass thrown his way. Reports from the combine on The Insiders @nflnetwork,… pic.twitter.com/82FxS8ehBD
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) February 17, 2025
Southern defensive back Jamarius Brown said he was appreciative of the chance to showcase his still in front of pro personnel.
“It’s a dream. It’s a surreal moment,” said Brown. “It’s a big moment to be able to show off your talent. Sometimes you know you have the talent but don’t have the platform. I just hope this opens the doors for many of us.”
Florida A&M defensive back Kendall Bohler, Jackson State safety Robert McDaniel and Grambling State quarterback Myles Crawley were among the players who stood out in DraftHBCURecruits writer and scout Gerald J. Huggins’ evaluation.
Bucky Brooks, a former NFL player and current writer for NFL.com, detailed several others who made an impression during Monday’s drills.
Overall, it was a good day for HBCU football players to showcase that they belonged and should have been given this opportunity.