HBCU Combine Showcases Future NFL Stars at New Orleans Event

METAIRIE, La. — Representatives from all 32 NFL teams gathered at the New Orleans Saints‘ practice facility on February 18, 2025, to scout 50 athletes from historically Black colleges and universities during the HBCU Combine. This event kicks off a weeklong showcase dedicated to celebrating the talent of HBCU football players, culminating in the Legacy Bowl on Saturday.

Doug Williams, co-founder of the Legacy Bowl, expressed enthusiasm about the talent showcased at this year’s combine. ‘I don’t care how you cut it up, it’s what you can do from a talent standpoint,’ he stated in an interview with Andscape at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. ‘This is probably one of the biggest interviews they’re gonna have in their life. … You can show what their abilities are. It’s four or five of these guys to me that can be in this league.’

Among the standout performers was North Carolina Central University‘s wide receiver Joaquin Davis, who made a lasting impression on scouts. Measuring 6-foot-4 and weighing 192 pounds, Davis demonstrated his athleticism by running an unofficial 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash without dropping a single pass during position drills. An NFC South scout remarked that Davis ‘made the most money today,’ highlighting his exceptional performance.

Jackson State University running back Irv Mulligan also garnered attention, showcasing his ability to catch and run. Mulligan, who measured 5-foot-9 and 198 pounds, led the running back group and ran an unofficial 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He previously rushed for over 1,000 yards in the season, and at the combine, he solidified his status as a top NFL prospect.

While Alabama A&M University’s offensive lineman Carson Vinson did not attend the combine, he remained a focal point of discussion among scouts. Notably, he was the only HBCU player invited to the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this month, prompting discussions about his potential draft prospects. Following Jackson State’s Isaiah Bolden, who was drafted last year, many scouts believe Vinson could soon join NFL ranks.

Florida A&M University cornerback Kendall Bohler stood out during the interview segment of the combine, winning over scouts with his personality and confidence. He recorded a time of 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash, adding to his appeal as a viable prospect.

Overall, running backs shined as the top-performing group. Mulligan led the charge, while Howard University’s running back registered the highest vertical jump in the group at 35 inches. Virginia Union University’s and Alabama A&M’s players both recorded unofficial 40-yard dash times of 4.8 seconds, while Delaware State’s running back impressed by clocking an unofficial 4.5 seconds and completing 17 bench press reps, tying with Hampton University for the highest total.

Jackson State safety Robert McDaniel turned heads with his impressive speed and physique, measuring 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds. He posted an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.5 seconds and achieved a vertical jump of 38.5 inches, solidifying his status among the combine’s top defensive prospects.

The SWAC conference, represented strongly at the combine, showcased the prowess of athletes like Mulligan and McDaniel, both of whom contributed to Jackson State’s recent Black college football national championship.

As the week progresses, the HBCU Combine continues to serve as a pivotal platform for talented individuals, emphasizing the potential of HBCU athletes to thrive in the professional football landscape.