When the dust of last season’s training camp settled, 22 players from 15 different HBCU schools were rostered in the NFL. Yet, for those hopefuls, the call from the 2024 NFL Draft went silent. Could they change their fortunes with the 2025 HBCU draft class?
This week’s HBCU annual NFL Draft combine unfolded in New Orleans, bringing the best of HBCU talent into the spotlight for the fourth year running. With the event wrapping up at Saturday’s HBCU Legacy Bowl (4 p.m. ET, NFL Network), let’s dive into the standout performances.
Joaquin Davis, WR, North Carolina Central
Joaquin Davis, standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 192 pounds, leaves quite the impression. Over the past two seasons, he’s amassed 67 catches for 921 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, asserting himself as possibly the premier athlete at this year’s combine. Blazing through a 4.44-second 40-yard dash with an impressive 1.49-second 10-yard split, Davis added a striking 40 1/2-inch vertical leap to his credentials. This explosive, dynamic athlete has spent his time at NC Central stacking over 25 pounds of muscle to his frame.
Reflecting on his strong combine showing, Davis shone in practice for the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, where he’ll represent Team Gaither. Catch him in action on NFL Network this Saturday at 4 ET.
Irv Mulligan, RB, Jackson State
Irv Mulligan has been a force to reckon with. Last season, in just eight games, he rushed close to 700 yards, ending his senior year at Jackson State with 1,245 yards and 13 touchdowns. At the combine, his standout moment was a 1.51 10-yard split during his 4.58-second 40-yard dash. Priding himself on explosive speed, Mulligan turns the field into his playground, evidenced by forcing 58 missed tackles last year and 140 throughout his college tenure. Before transferring to Jackson State, he had already made a name for himself with 1,318 rushing yards over 19 games at Wofford.
Kendall Bohler, CB, Florida A&M
Kendall Bohler might not tower over opponents at 5-foot-11, but his performance speaks volumes. Clocking in a 4.53-second 40-yard dash with a 1.54 10-yard split, and a 38-inch vertical, Bohler is more than just speed; he’s agility incarnate, combined with a solid 75-inch wingspan. A gritty competitor, Bohler forced 13 incomplete passes in 2023 and earned two consecutive All-SWAC honors. His dedication and prowess also landed him on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List.”
Fred Stokes Jr., Edge, Prairie View A&M
Fred Stokes Jr., originally from Central Michigan, boasts a formidable presence at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds. His combine numbers impressively include a 4.76-second 40-yard dash with a 1.60 10-yard split, edging on elite territories for an edge rusher. Equipped with a 33 1/2-inch vertical and a broad jump of 10 feet, 4 inches, this athlete is one to watch. Stokes notched 3 1/2 sacks and chalked up 13 tackles for loss this past season at Prairie View A&M.
Jason Ivey, OL, North Carolina A&T
Jason Ivey stands out for his incredible measurements: 6-foot-4, with a remarkable arm length of 35 5/8 inches, an almost 86-inch wingspan, and 10 1/2-inch hands. Though he might be on the lighter side at 287 pounds, his speed and ability can’t be ignored, recording a 5.16-second 40 with a 1.70 10-split, and managing 19 reps of 225 pounds on the bench.
Quantez Mansfield, DL, North Carolina Central
Quantez Mansfield makes up for his 6-foot-1 frame with energy and drive, sprinting to a 4.94-second 40-yard dash with a 1.70 10-yard split, and achieving a 32 1/2-inch vertical leap with 25 bench reps. His consistent pressure from the interior marked 18 disruptions last year.
Xavier Robiou, DB, Howard
Xavier Robiou is hard to miss with his 43-inch vertical jump and a broad jump reaching 10 feet, 5 inches. This versatile player made a significant impact as a safety at Howard while also excelling in the slot. Robiou’s explosive athleticism is undeniable.
Additional Noteworthy Performers: Tru Thompson (DT, Jackson State), Elijah Williams (DT, Morgan State), Jaden Sutton (RB, Delaware State), Jeremiah Pruitte (TE, Florida A&M), Terrance Hollon (LB, Howard), Robert McDaniel (DB, Jackson State).
These rising stars are not just numbers on a stat sheet; they’re athletes ready to make their mark on the field. Keep an eye on these HBCU talents as they make waves heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
