NFL
By: Bill Carroll
The first two installments were devoted to the top 10. Understandably the next few days I will cover the next 40. 10 here, 10 in the next, and 20 in the last article. I assure you there are a host of very talented prospects left to discuss playing for HBCUs. On TeamNBS’ College Football Forecast we were fortunate enough to have Wil Masisak and Zach McKinnell each discussed their top HBCU prospects, as well as FCS, DII, DIII, and NAIA prospects.
Today I am beginning with HBCU prospects that are in my:
HBCU Prospects 2nd Tier
These are players that will most likely be on the 53-man roster bubble, or may make the practice squad. I think they may contribute, however it may take a few years.
11. OT Carson Vinson, Alabama A&M Is exactly the physical prototype that many NFL teams desire. He was a pinky-nails breadth from making my HBCU prospects top 10. Carson Vinson, a projected fourth-round NFL draft pick, was named to to Senior Bowls as well as the 100th Annual East-West Shrine Bowl 1,000 Watch-lists and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Preseason Second Team. In 2023, Vinson was instrumental in driving the Bulldogs’ offense, which averaged 374.6 yards per game, including 221.1 yards through the air. His performance played a key role in making Alabama A&M the top team in the conference for red zone offense. His strengths are movement skills and his over 6’5″ 303-pound frame. He can improve his consistency in his knee and his power to shock pass-rushers in tight spaces.
12. CB/Nickel Robert McDaniel, Jackson State Though he was named to the Senior Bowl watch list, frankly I need to see more. Early in the season, there seemed to be indecision in both his role on the team as well as his on-field play. He closed the season in resounding fashion, however.
In 2023: McDaniel, who played the 2023 season at Alcorn State, made a significant impact on the field. He appeared in 10 games, recording 31 total tackles, including 20 solo stops, two tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, three interceptions, and five pass breakups. Before his time at Alcorn State, McDaniel played at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, following his 2019 season at Jackson State, where he played in six games and registered 20 tackles.
His athletic potential and size 6’1 ½” 207 is, understandably cause for excitement. I am intrigued as well, but he misses my top 10.
13. LB Aaron Smith, South Carolina State is a standout linebacker. Smith, was second on the team with 60 total tackles and third in tackles for loss with nine while his four sacks lead the team. He reminds me of Khary K. Campbell. In 2023 he gathered 47 solo tackles, 16 assists with 11 TFLs, five sacks, and a pair of hurries.
14. RB Jada Byers, Virginia State, Byers is a standout junior running back for Virginia Union University (VUU), where he has made a significant impact both on the football field and as a student-athlete. Listed at 5’7″ and weighing 185 pounds, Byers is a social work major from Bridgeton, New Jersey. His combination of power, shiftiness, and speed, has made him one of the most formidable players in college football.
Football Career:
- Rushing Records: In the 2022 season, Byers led the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) in rushing with an impressive 1,920 yards, setting both conference and VUU records. His outstanding performance earned him several prestigious awards, including the Don Hansen Division II College Football Player of the Year, the CIAA Player of the Year, and the Willie Lanier Award, which is given to the top football player at the Division II, Division III, or NAIA level in the state of Virginia.
- Total Offense: Byers’ versatility was further highlighted by his total offense statistics, amassing 2,482 yards from scrimmage and scoring 21 total touchdowns during the 2022-2023 season. His efforts not only led to his First Team All-CIAA selection but also solidified his status as the CIAA Player of the Year.
Byers’ agility, balance, and burst helped make him one of the top running backs in Division II football. In 2023: 1186 yards on 205 carries for 1186 yards and 16 TDs, with 12 catches for 76 yards, 2 scores, two kick returns for 27 yards, and 3 punt returns for 22 yards.
15. OG/OT Mehdi Torrence, Texas Southern is coming off of an exceptional 2023 campaign. He has the physical presence that is coveted by NFL offensive line coaches and is nimble enough to be a very effective puller in the run game. He is also very skilled as a pass protector with sufficient length to play tackle and enough power for guard. He excels at mirroring pass rushers from his guard or tackle position. With his strength, he overpowers defenders and delivers a punch that jolts opponents. Once engaged, he dominates with relentless leg drive and sheer determination. While his mobility when pulling and getting upfield is average, his power and tenacity make him a formidable force.
16. WR Kasey Hawthorne, Howard, Hawthorne of University displayed rare versatility in 2023. In 11 games, he recorded 38 catches for 535 yards, scored 5 touchdowns, and had a long reception of 65 yards. On the ground, he rushed 23 times for 185 yards and added 5 more touchdowns, including a 53-yard run. As a passer, he was flawless, completing both of his attempts for 12 yards and a touchdown. Inspired by Reggie Bush, his quicksilver running style is evident on the field. If utilized more extensively in all aspects of the passing game, Hawthorne has an excellent chance to earn All-HBCU honors and secure a spot in an NFL camp.
17. RB Jarett Hunter, Howard At 5’9 ¼” 205 He is built very much like Daniel Richardson, but he reminds me most of Ryan Moats as a runner. In the last Bison game versus a stout Rutgers Scarlet Knights’ defense, he had 12 carries for 40 yards, two snags for 16 yards. In 2023 he was a key piece of a balanced offense. On the season he compiled 626 yards on 142 attempts,
18. C Arelious Dunn, Alabama State, At 6’2 3/4 297 Dunn is practically ideal for a zone blocking scheme. Entering the 2024 season, he has earned Preseason All-SWAC First-Team honors and has been named to the 2024 Phil Steele Preseason All-SWAC Second-Team, following his 2023 All-SWAC Second-Team selection.
In 2023, Dunn was recognized as an All-SWAC Second-Team honoree after starting all 11 games on the offensive line for the Hornets. In 2022, while playing for SWAC rival Bethune-Cookman, Dunn anchored an offense that amassed nearly 2,000 rushing yards, averaging 144.4 yards per game. The team also averaged 221.5 yards passing, contributing to a total offense of 4,025 yards.
In high school, Dunn made the All-Region Team for 4-6A in Georgia following a strong season at Hughes High School.
19. TE Jeremiah Pruitte, Florida A&M The last of the HBCU players that the Senior Bowl selected to recognize preseason. He has in his career accounted for 300 yards on 32, four TDs, that’s 11.1 yards per catch. In 2023: 202 yards, with a TD At around 6’4 3/4″ 229 the Colorado State transfer has the look of a move TE at the next level.
20. C Deshawn Ingram, Howard-Ingram is both a football and academic standout. The fifth-year Electrical Engineering major has been an academic, as well as a football all-MEAC player. Ingram, primarily a guard throughout most of his career, transitioned to center last season and delivered the best performance of his college career. At 302 pounds and a fraction over 6’4″ and 302 pounds, he has the frame to carry 12-20 more pounds.
Twenty through 50 are still coming
