HBCU Football: Players Whose Stock Soared At 2025 HBCU Combine And HBCU Legacy Bowl

Saturday afternoon's thrilling finish in the final minutes of the 2025 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl had Team Robinson prevailing 17-14 against Team Gaither at the all-star event.

Over 100 student-athletes descended on New Orleans to participate in the HBCU Combine and Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl activities. As Doug Williams and James "Shack" Harris intended, several had a highly impactful week of meetings with NFL scouts, executives, coaches, and the national media.  

12-year NFL veteran and HBCU legend Terron Armstead (UAPB alum) told HBCU Legends the following about our talented student-athletes:

"We have tremendous athletes. We have tremendous students in these in these college and you historical colleges and universities. So it's just about getting more exposure, getting more eyes on them, getting them more opportunities to walk into certain doors that other schools are presented with on a normal basis."

HBCU Legends learned that at least two attendees had over 20 interviews with teams present when they arrived on Sunday and at the HBCU Combine last Monday.

CATCHING THE SCOUTS EYES

Here are several HBCU stars who are on the radar of National Football League teams during the week:

• Rob McDaniel - DB, Jackson State
• Irv Mulligan - RB, Jackson State
• Elijah Williams - DL, Morgan State
• Kendall Bohler - DB, Florida A&M
• Jalal Dean, WR - Tennessee State
• Treqwan Thomas - DL, Alabama State (2025 HBCU Legacy Bowl Defensive MVP)
• Draylen Ellis - QB, Tennessee State
• Jeremiah Pruitte, TE, Florida A&M
• Jada Byers - RB, Virginia Union (2024 Deacon Jones Trophy Winner)
• Joaquin Davis - WR, North Carolina Central
• Eric Phoenix - QB, South Carolina State
• Myles Crawley - QB, Grambling State
• Shemar Savage - WR, Prairie View A&M
• DeMarkus Cunningham - LB, Alabama State
• Antwann Davis - DB, Florida Memorial
• Rico Dozier - LB, Alabama State
• Kenny Gallop Jr. - DB, Howard

During the week, the names Mulligan and McDaniel dominated discussions among national media and scouts. However, Kendall Bohler and Elijah Williams produced impressive footage during the practice sessions. Keep an eye on the Tennessee State duo of Draylen Ellis and Jalal Dean moving forward. Ellis is expected to make a significant announcement this week.