Witt’s senior season was indicative of that, throwing for 2,864 yards, 31 touchdowns and leading the Hawks to a 7-3 record, the most regular-season wins in school history.
It was no surprise that Witt was named CIAA Offensive Player of the Year and All-CIAA first-team quarterback.
Also read: Black College Football Hall of Fame announces HBCU all-star game
Witt most recently was honored with an invite to participate in the HBCU Legacy Bowl, a postseason Black college all-star game showcasing NFL Draft-eligible players representing HBCUs that will be held the Saturday after the Super Bowl next February at Tulane University.
We’re proud to announce that @chowanfootball QB BRYCE WITT (@Wittness_19) has been selected for the @HBCULegacyBowl! ✊🏿https://t.co/dsHhTfbQ95@nflnetwork @NFL @BCFHOF pic.twitter.com/t6X1sIiOnJ
— HBCU Legacy Bowl (@HBCULegacyBowl) December 2, 2021
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Witt, who is white, is among 26 players so far selected to play in the game along with notable quarterbacks Aqeel Glass (Alabama A&M), Felix Harper (Alcorn State) and Juwan Carter (Norfolk State).
But the social media reaction to Witt’s latest achievement was relatively mixed, with many suggesting that he shouldn’t have a place on the team as Chowan — despite playing in the CIAA — is not an affiliated HBCU.
Can someone explain to me how a player from a “ NON” HBCU is invited to play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl?
What’s going on here? @HBCUGameday @stevenjgaither @HBCUSports @HBCUSports1 @HBCULegacyBowl https://t.co/8x8sBKAdap pic.twitter.com/QCUij74Uuf
— HBCU HIVE (@hbcuhive) December 2, 2021
“we’re proud to announce that a non-hbcu football player has been invited to play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl”
… did that really make sense to yall?
— trinity (@_trinitysb) December 2, 2021
On Facebook, a similar sentiment about Witt’s place on the team was expressed.
“This makes no sense,” one commenter wrote. “Chowan University is NOT A HBCU….”
There were also those who defended the HBCU Legacy Bowl recognizing Witt despite his school’s unique circumstance.
By some of y’all logic, the Senior Bowl , Pro Bowl, shit the NFL, and any all star game that is not black run or specifically for black people/organizations should stop inviting black people then ? I get the sentiment, but not the logic behind it https://t.co/JMrrKWUTDg
— YAPumPum (@BeezySoSmoove) December 3, 2021
Very well deserved @Wittness_19 ! Congratulations 💪🏿💯💪🏿 https://t.co/0ADIRrtuxU
— Coach Stan Riley aka Coach Pops (@rexxx50) December 2, 2021
Chowan, located in Murfreesboro, North Carolina and home to 1,200 students, became the first non-historically Black institution to join the CIAA as a football-only member institution in 2008. The entire athletic program later became a full member in 2018.
According to collegedata.com, about 71% of its student body is Black while 18 percent is white.
HBCU Legacy Bowl in a statement provided to HBCU Sports responded to the public response of Witt’s selection to the team.
“Our Board of Directors felt it was appropriate to invite a high performing player that is in the CIAA, a Historically Black College & University Football Conference. Bryce made the All-CIAA first team as a QB,” the statement said.
“The HBCU Legacy Bowl is about providing opportunity. We proudly welcome Bryce Witt to participate.”
