The NFL Draft seems to be pretty stocked with talent this year. Some of these outstanding football prospects are from the ranks of the historically Black colleges and universities.
The list of quality HBCU players is quite impressive coming from all four Black college conferences — Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
Some of these prospects could hear their names called during the NFL Draft, which will be held April 25-27 from Nashville, Tenn. If they aren’t selected, these players could likely sign with NFL teams as undrafted free agents.
Tytus Howard
Offensive Tackle
Alabama State
6-foot-5, 322 pounds
Howard could be the first HBCU player chosen in the NFL Draft. He was a quarterback coming out of high school. He was recruited by ASU as a tight end. Howard has developed into one of the top offensive lineman. He has great agility. He’s a good run and pass blocker.
Howard could be the first HBCU player chosen in the FL Draft. He was a quarterback coming out of high school. He was recruited by ASU as a tight end. Howard has developed into one of the top offensive lineman. He has great agility. He’s a good run and pass blocker.
Howard participated in the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. He was a second team FCS All-American and a first team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference selection.
Joshua Miles
Offensive Lineman
Morgan State
6-foot-6, 310 pounds
Miles has good size and power. His height and length allowed him to be a good run blocker and pass protector. He could play guard or tackle in the NFL. He participated in the NFL Combine. Miles, an All-MEAC selection, also played in the East-West Shrine Game.
Darryl Johnson
Defensive End
North Carolina A&T
6-foot-5, 232 pounds
Johnson had an outstanding season at North Carolina A&T. He was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Johnson has great lateral quickness. He plays the run and the pass extremely well. He had 50 total and 31 solo tackles. Johnson also had 10.5 sacks. His efforts helped North Carolina A&T defeat Alcorn State to win the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl and the National Black College Championship.
Sterling Shippy
Defensive Line
Alcorn State
6-foot-1, 300 pounds
Shippy is a great run stopper and pass rusher. He moves well off the ball. He’s good at anticipating where the ball is going. Shippy can get to the quarterback with his strength and quickness. He had 38 total and 17 solo tackles. He also had eight sacks.
Amir Hall
Quarterback
Bowie State
6-foot-4, 195 pounds
Hall is a big-time quarterback. He can run and throw the ball down the field. Hall had a sensational career at Bowie State. He threw for 10,198 yards and 94 touchdowns in his college career. Hall has all the skills to play quarterback in the NFL.
