With the NFL and the Senior Bowl partnering up to introduce an HBCU Combine this year, what are the differences between it and the NFL Combine? The NFL Draft is just three months away, but understanding the events leading up is crucial.
When, where, and what is the HBCU Combine?
The Senior Bowl will host the HBCU Combine from January 28-30 in Mobile, Alabama. All on-field drills will take place at the University of South Alabama Jaguar Training Center. Day 1 is for player arrivals, administration (registration, measurables, medicals, and drug testing), and team interviews. Day 2 encompasses on-field workouts, further team interviews, and the start of player departures. Finally, all remaining athletes will fly out on January 30.
The goal is in the event’s mission statement: “Provide exposure, mentorship, and development opportunities for HBCU prospects. Simplify talent identification and prospect evaluation.”
Why are HBCUs receiving more attention in 2022?
In the 2021 NFL Draft, not a single prospect hailing from a historically black college or university was selected. Furthermore, only 10 signed as undrafted free agents. Hall of Fame cornerback and current Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders expressed his emotion with the lack of HBCU representation in the draft process stating, “Our kids are being neglected.”
Since taking over the program in 2020, Sanders has been a prominent voice for HBCUs, with Eddie George and Hue Jackson taking head coaching jobs within the landscape. Additionally, Sanders hit a string with recruits as the No. 1 overall player (No. 2 by some outlets) in the 2022 class, CB Travis Hunter, signing with the Tigers. Recently, the program also secured the commitment of the No. 6 wide receiver in the nation, Kevin Coleman.
Exposure in bowl games and the pre-draft process
With coaches and recruits taking the stage seriously, the attention turned toward the All-Star games and the NFL Combine. The Senior Bowl, Shrine Bowl, and NFLPA Bowl all invited HBCU players to participate in their event this year. Moreover, the Black College Football Hall of Fame created the HBCU Legacy Bowl — alongside founding partners that include the NFL, Riddell, Adidas, and more — to offer HBCU players their own showcase contest.
Sanders wanted to create an HBCU Combine in Miami last cycle due to the lack of players invited to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. However, he has since changed his view, explaining, “Why should we be separate? Why should we be placed on another field where all the scouts aren’t coming, all the personnel’s not going to be there like they would normally be in Indy?” He continued to say he wants less separatism and for the NFL Combine to create more slots for HBCU players.
Differences between the HBCU and NFL Combines
The NFL Scouting Combine is a weeklong showcase occurring from February 28 to March 7 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. In terms of measurements, on-field drills, and interviews, there will be no difference between the two. Yet, the level of exposure will be drastically different, with most franchises, analysts, and fans paying far more attention to the NFL Draft’s top prospects in Indy.
The NFL creating an HBCU Combine is a step in the right direction, offering 40 players an opportunity they likely would not have received elsewhere. Nevertheless, those players are separated from the rest of the draft prospects and will receive less fanfare. Sure, NFL teams will send representatives to the HBCU Combine. But will they send general managers, head coaches, and high-level decision-makers? Or will they instead opt to ship their lower-level scouts and assistants to do the job?
Equality is not equity. Equality is when each individual or group receives the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that everyone has different circumstances, thus allocating the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. That is what HBCU fans, families, players, coaches, alumni, and staff are pushing for.
Growing opportunities
There is a long way to go, but we should not make light of how far HBCUs have come in the college football landscape.
Southern OT Ja’Tyre Carter and Florida A&M S Markquese Bell will attend the NFL Combine. Bell, South Carolina State CB Decobie Durant, and Jackson State OLB James Houston will play in the Shrine Bowl. Carter and Fayetteville State DB Joshua Williams will prove their ability at the Senior Bowl. And a whole host of seniors will participate in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Previous years didn’t offer these options. And that is not to mention ESPN broadcasting a record number of HBCU games this season. Change takes time and powerful leaders to pave the way. It is safe to say HBCUs have that in 2022 and beyond.