The HBCU Legacy Bowl started in 2021 thanks to to the work of HBCU and NFL Legends Doug Williams and James "Shack" Harris.
This week, more than 30 scouts from most NFL teams -- along with others from the USFL, XFL and CFL -- showed up in New Orleans, Louisiana to look at 100 draft-eligible players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Following Monday's HBCU Combine along with practices throughout the week, the players will participate in the HBCU Legacy Bowl this Saturday at Yulman Stadium on Tulane's campus at 4pm ET. The game will be broadcasted live on NFL Network.
NFL Network's Steve Wyche, who has been reporting from New Orleans this week, released his prospects generating NFL draft buzz ahead of Saturday's HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Here are Wyche's prospects to watch:
Xavier Smith, WR, Florida A&M
"Smith's had scouts buzzing since his showing during Monday's HBCU Combine at the New Orleans Saints' facility in Metairie, Louisiana, where the wideout posted a pair of sub-4.4 40-yard dashes and looked natural running routes and catching passes. He continued to turn heads during Wednesday's padded practice at Yulman Stadium on Tulane's campus, the site of Saturday's HBCU Legacy Bowl."
De'Jahn "Nugget" Warren, CB, Jackson State
"The former Georgia commit who flipped to Jackson State under former coach Deion Sanders has performed to his athletic billing this week, matching up well against FAMU's Smith at times and using his size and speed to disrupt passing lanes. He's interviewed with roughly half of the NFL's 32 teams."
Andrew Farmer, DE, Lane College
"One of the first things scouts assess in small-school players: Does he meet the eye test? Farmer passes with flying colors. He's also been unblockable. A dominant player on the Division II level who operates consistently at a high level, Farmer also volunteered to play on every special teams unit this week. NFL teams have noticed that team-first approach from a highly talented player."
Darius Hagans, RB, Virginia State
"The standout CIAA product got everyone's attention with his 4.4 40 speed at the HBCU Combine. After putting on the pads and showing physicality, burst and good hands catching the ball in the wind, he's only helped his pro football chances."
Tyler King, RB, Edward Waters
"Some teams have high expectations for this small-school, big-time player. Other teams aren't sure about his hands and some of his fundamentals, but those are said to be coachable fixes. His talent and attitude are what's most important at this stage."
Joshua Pryor, DL, Bowie State
"The star of the week thus far. Absolutely unblockable on Day 1 of practice Wednesday. The Bowie State star's ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and get to CIAA quarterbacks has translated to practice here in New Orleans. His burst, tenacity and potential for physical/overall growth have NFL teams eager to find out more about him."
JJ Holloman, WR, Tennessee State
"Just an absolute physical specimen who, at times, overmatches opponents. The former Georgia Bulldog was dismissed from the program after an alleged assault and will have to convince teams he has learned and grown. Talent-wise, he's one of the most gifted players at this showcase."
A few more players NFL teams have shown interest in: Jermaine McDaniel Jr., DE, North Carolina A&T (6-3, 240); Brandon Barnes-Brown, CB, Fayetteville State (5-9, 180); Cameron Peterson, DL, Southern (6-5, 270); Rey Estes, DB, Grambling (6-0, 170); Isiah Cox, WR, Alabama A&M (5-11, 185).
