The 2020 NFL Draft is projected to be one of the most talented classes top to bottom in recent history. For many, the idea of the draft class stops at FBS programs. But at the FCS level, HBCU players, in particular, have plenty to say about that. Here are five HBCU players on the defensive side of the ball (SWAC/MEAC) to watch in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Marques Ford, DE Bethune Cookman
There hasn’t been a Bethune Cookman player drafted by the NFL since 2005. That will surely change if defensive end Marques Ford continues on the warpath. The former four-star athlete was a recruit at Rutgers, transferring to Jones County Junior College after a sexual assault charge that was later dropped. Ford starred at JCJC, and transferred to BCU in 2017. In 2018, he finished the season with 8.5 sacks, second-best in the MEAC. In addition, he racked up 33 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6 quarterback hurries. Ford was named First Team All-MEAC. Ford kicks off the season against the University of Miami, in a significant game that can increase his draft stock.
Franklin “Mac” McCain, CB North Carolina A&T
Aggies cornerback Mac McCain is the top-ranked HBCU player in the 2020 class and for good reason. His shutdown play as a corner has garnered plenty of praise in-and-out of HBCU football and the MEAC conference. McCain was a 2017 Third Team AP All-American. Phil Steele selected McCain as an FCS Freshman All-American that year as well. In 2018, McCain’s season was ended prematurely by an ACL tear. He was still named a MEAC First Team All-American. In June, he was named a Hero Sports Preseason All-American for the 2019 season. McCain has dominated against top talent, playing well against teams like Charlotte and East Carolina in the past. This year, he starts off the season against Elon and Duke University. McCain has already landed on the radar of many in the know, and now he needs to prove that he can stay healthy. If he has another solid season, he’s destined to play on Sundays.
Armoni Holloway, LB Alabama A&M
Alabama A&M’s Armoni Holloway is an excellent testament to the saying size doesn’t matter. Despite weighing less than 200 pounds, Holloway led the entire SWAC with 108 tackles in 2018. Holloway also had 7 tackles for loss, 5 pass breakups, 2 sacks and a forced fumble. Holloway’s efforts also landed him on the 2018 BOXTOROW All-America Team Honorable Mention list. Holloway is a fearless tackler, with great instincts and a knack for creating plays. He has progressed in coverage, using his speed and instincts to make plays in the flats or to cover tight ends.
Soloman Muhammad, LB Alcorn State
Alcorn State linebacker Solomon Muhammad joined NC A&T’s Mac McCain as the only HBCU players nominated for the FCS Buck Buchanan Award. Muhammad was a 2018 HBCU All-American and First-Team All-SWAC. Despite missing two games, he recorded 64 tackles, 4 sacks and 9 tackles for loss. For his efforts, he has been named to the STATS FCS Preseason All-American team. Similar to former HBCU football star and 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year Darius Leonard (South Carolina State), Muhammad is a hard-hitting outside linebacker who has a knack for getting to the ball. Alcorn is projected as the favorite to win the SWAC, having loads of talent on both sides of the ball. The increased attention could fare well for Muhammad’s draft stock if he can keep up the great play.
Qwynnterrio Cole, CB Alcorn State
As aforementioned, Alcorn State has loaded up on defensive talent, and Cole can hear his name called next April should he decide to declare for the NFL Draft. Cole was First-Team All-SWAC and an HBCU All-American in 2018. He played inside and outside as a cornerback and played some safety. He led the Braves with 71 tackles, along with 4.5 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions.
Maliik Obee is a writer for PFN covering HBCU Football in the NFL Draft. You can follow him on Twitter @Obee1ne