In a growing effort to bring light to athletes competing at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the NFL, alongside the Senior Bowl, will conduct the inaugural HBCU Combine this year. Now, draft-eligible HBCU players will be able to put their athletic ability on display for all 32 NFL teams. When is the 2022 HBCU Combine, where will it be held, and how will it affect the NFL Draft?
When is the 2022 HBCU Combine?
The HBCU Combine will begin on January 28, with players flying out on January 30. The first day begins with player arrivals, administration (registration, measurables, medicals, and drug testing), and finishes with a welcome meeting, mentoring, and club interviews. On Day 2, scheduled actions consist of on-field workouts, further club interviews, and the start of player departures. Lastly, final player departures will ensue on January 30.
The event’s mission statement reads, “Provide exposure, mentorship, and development opportunities for HBCU prospects. Simplify talent identification and prospect evaluation.”
In the 2021 NFL Draft, zero teams drafted an HBCU player, and fewer than 10 signed as UDFAs. The Combine’s goal is to increase both of those numbers in 2022 and elevate the perception of HBCU athletes.
Where is the HBCU Combine in 2022?
The Senior Bowl will host the HBCU Combine in Mobile, Alabama. All on-field testing and drills will occur at the University of South Alabama Jaguar Training Center. NFL Football Operations stated that the event is presented by Microsoft Surface, proving that large companies are taking notice of its significance.
This year’s Combine will also have members of the HBCU Development and Women’s Pipeline Initiative. Athletic trainers Lauren Askevold (Jackson State), Regyn Davis-Young (Winston-Salem State University), Brianna Robinson (Florida Memorial University), Annie Wilkerson (Alabama A&M University), Vikaya Powell (North Carolina A&T), equipment managers George Stubbs (Grambling State University), Jamel Askew (Virginia State University), and video operations associate Mia Stephens (Minnesota Vikings) will all take part in the event.
Players officially attending the HBCU Combine
Below you find a list of all 40 players officially attending the HBCU Combine in 2022.
QB
- Aqeel Glass, Alabama A&M
- Felix Harper, Alcorn State
- Jett Duffey, Hampton
- Juwan Carter, Norfolk State
- Jawon Pass, Prairie View A&M
- Ladarius Skelton, Southern
RB
- Ezra Gray, Alabama State
- KeShawn Williams, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
- Kingston Davis, Miles
- Jah-Maine Martin, North Carolina A&T
- Jeff Proctor, Texas Southern
WR
- Dee Anderson, Alabama A&M (TE)
- Trey Gross, Delaware State
- Kwannah Kollie, Delaware State
- Josh Wilkes, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
- Shemar Bridges, Fort Valley State
- Keith Corbin, Jackson State
- Rob Hunt, North Carolina A&T
- Korey Banks, North Carolina A&T
- Jonathan Giles, Texas Southern
- Marquis McClain, Southern
- Will Vereen, South Carolina State
OL
- Cam Durley, Tennessee State
- Zachary Wilcox, Virginia State
- Keenan Forbes, Florida A&M
- Jamal Savage, Bethune-Cookman
DL
- Keshawn James, Fayetteville State
- James Fagan, Hampton
- Javon Frazier, Virginia State
- Chris Meyers, Norfolk State
LB
- Solomon Wise, Alcorn State
- Untareo Johnson, Bethune-Cookman
- Jerry Garner, Mississippi Valley State
- Chad Gilchrist, South Carolina State
DB
- Will Adams, Virginia State
- Cory Rahman, Tennessee State
- Zafir Kelly, South Carolina State
- Antwan Collier, Florida A&M
- Elvin De La Rosa, Fayetteville State
- Juwan Taylor, Alcorn State