HBCU Football: Standout players from the HBCU Legacy Bowl

Here are some players who had great performances in the first annual HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans Saturday afternoon.

Hugh Douglas, Tavaris Jackson, Nate Newton, and Darius Leonard are recent examples of players drafted from HBCUs and played in the NFL. The first annual HBCU Legacy Bowl’s purpose is to showcase players from all HBCU football who might otherwise not have the opportunity to practice and play in front of NFL scouts.

The NFL was not the only professional league on the campus of Tulane University. In preparation for its first draft, the USFL had scouts on hand and the Canadian Football League. This showcase is an excellent opportunity for players to have a professional career, even if not in the NFL.

Sponsored by the Black College Football Hall of Fame, this week was more than just practice for players. Career and continuing education fairs seminars on financial literacy and charity work. Much of the week mirrored the experience some hope to have at the NFL combine.

The players came from all over the landscape of HBCU football. Teams from the SWAC and MEAC had players, and teams from Division II conferences like the SIAC also had representation.

Teams were named to honor the two greatest coaches in the history of HBCU football, legendary Grambling Head Coach Eddie Robinson and longtime Florida A&M head coach Alonzo Smith “Jake” Gaither.

Team Gaither won 22-6, but it was about more than the final score. This weekend shaped the fortunes of nearly 100 players from HBCU football. Here are some who had standout practices and games.