Alabama State University’s Defensive End Edward Mosley III, a William V Campbell finalist, recently talked with the Buzz in an interview about his leadership skills, playing football at ASU and whether or not Black college athletes can transition into the NFL..
Robert: How does it feel to be in a conversation with Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning?
Edward: Not many people can say they have been mentioned in the same breath as Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning. Their leadership ability and competitiveness is unparalleled. Their work ethic speaks to why they are champions and why they have won this award. To be up for an honor shared by these two is mind-blowing.
Robert: Why did you choose to play football at an HBCU?
Originally, I had been recruited by schools like South Carolina, Mississippi State, UCF, and etc. When my head coach left after my junior season most of the film seemed to disappear, so I had nothing to show these schools, nobody to take me to camps, or keep me in touch with these schools. I didn’t finish my senior season due to injury but I was still able to spark the interest of schools like Cornell, Lee High, Georgia State, and Murray State at the last minute and they all were going to offer partial aid for that first year. All along, one of my academic scholarships happened to be a full ride to Alabama State University (ASU).
Robert: So football is a key reason for your HBCU pride.
Edward: The recruiter from ASU invited me to a reception in downtown Atlanta for other recipients where he encouraged me to give ASU a chance and at least send my film and info to Coach Barlow. From there I was invited to meet coach at the spring game and fell in love with the family feel the university had over other universities. I’m glad I made the decision to come to an HBCU.
Robert: Should more Black athletes play at HBCUs?
Edward: At one point HBCU’s were the only place Black people could go to school, so I feel it is important to keep HBCU’s extremely relevant! It would be nice to build up HBCU’s to that of a University of Georgia or University of Alabama in all aspects (not just sports). However, African Americans are not obligated to play for any school because of their skin color. Civil rights leaders fought for freedom of choice and to break down the color lines in society. Each athlete must choose the school that will give him/her the best opportunity to be successful post-graduation and that best suits them financially. If that is an HBCU then hopefully the athlete will choose that institution.
Robert: You deflated the myth that NFL recruiters don’t visit HBCUs. What motivates you?
Edward: There have been plenty of successful players from HBCU’s to defy the odds and make it to the NFL. My first Defensive Line coach (Tyrone Rogers) was an alumni of ASU and had a successful NFL career along with Coach Barlow and many others. Robert Mathis was the NFL season leader in sacks and he went to a HBCU. They all are an inspiration and I am trying to carry the legacy on for other future HBCU athletes with NFL dreams. Often talented players can fall through the cracks in high school and slip by the bigger universities, and other players get in trouble and are in need of a second chance to achieve their dreams. HBCU’s often step in and give these players (like me) a chance to showcase their talents. A good football player is a good football player regardless of who he plays for, and scouts know that.
