The HBCU Legacy Bowl concluded with Team Gaither coming away with a 10-6 win over Team Robinson on Saturday in New Orleans. Here are five takeaways from the game.
1. Zareon Hayes is the star of stars
Although his team ended up on the losing side, Alabama A&M defensive lineman Zareon Hayes showed himself to be the undisputed star of the game.
Hayes lived in the opposing backfield all game, a performance worthy of HBCU Legacy Bowl Defensive MVP.
Alabama A&M University (DE) Zareon Hayes wins Defensive MVP at 2024 HBCU Legacy Bowl pic.twitter.com/R8bCGMrsF9
— HBCU Premier Sports & More (@HBCUSports1) February 25, 2024
This was exactly the showing that the Alabama A&M star needed, leaving no doubt as to how good he is and demanding the attention of pro teams.
It would not be surprising to see Hayes on an NFL training camp roster after such a dominant display.
2. Other HBCU defensive players stood out, too
Hayes was not alone in making an impact on the defensive end, with several other players presenting a case to be named the game’s Defensive MVP.
Reigning SIAC Defensive Player of the Year, Loobert Denelus forced the game’s only turnover on a strip sack and was constantly blowing up plays in the backfield.
Loobert Denelus strip sack fumble recovery for Team Robinson. @denelusloobert pic.twitter.com/XKqjuP1Fhm
— HBCU LEGACY BOWL (@HBCULegacyBowl) February 24, 2024
Meanwhile, SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Isaiah Major represented Florida A&M’s Dark Cloud defense, stopping Team Gaither’s run game in its tracks on multiple occasions.
Jeblonski Green showed why he should be the next great South Carolina State defender playing on Sundays wrecking shop with his pass-rushing ability.
Morgan State’s Jordan Toles put forth a versatile display, disrupting plays in the passing game downfield at strong safety and making a great play snuffing out a run at free safety.
3. Davius Richard leaves a lasting impression (despite injury)
Although his day was unfortunately cut short due to injury, North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard did enough to leave a lasting impression.
In his lone drive of the game, Richard drove the Team Gaither offensive drive, culminating with a QB keeper for the team’s only touchdown.
The Eagles’ quarterback showed why he deserves the Deacon Jones trophy and, Lord willing, his injury is not as serious as believed, why he should be on an NFL roster.
4. Running backs showed some spunk
In a game that was marred by less-than-spectacular offensive play, the running backs shined above all, providing a much-needed spark.
Howard’s Ian Wheeler was a wrecking ball for Team Gaither, using his combination of speed and strength to mow through defenders for some big plays out of the backfield.
Texas Southern’s Ladarius Owens’ impressive punt return in the fourth quarter gave Team Robinson the breathing room they needed to score their only touchdown of the game.
5. About those HBCU Legacy Bowl helmets
One of the more frustrating takeaways from this game was players not getting proper recognition for the plays they made because announcers could not tell who they were.
As stylish as the HBCU Legacy Bowl uniforms were, there was not much to distinguish individual players or schools. The announcers frequently misidentified the wrong player numerous times throughout the game.
My heart-felt please to the @HBCULegacyBowl to #LetEmWearTheirLids before learning from @wyche89 that they do have the school sticker on the back of the helmet… but I still want more!@BCFHOF @scottpioli51 @nflnetwork https://t.co/GBZpyWHwWm
— The Yard HBCU Sports (@TheYardHBCU) February 24, 2024
Allowing players to wear their school’s helmet — though each player wore a small sticker representing their school — will allow players to be recognized properly and minimize confusion among casual viewers.
