Friday marks another day of NFL preseason, and five talented players from HBCUs are bidding early to secure a spot on a 53-man roster.
While all the conversation has been about Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, other former HBCU football players will also be making their NFL debuts.
Here is who to watch for tonight:
- Robert McDaniel, a safety from Jackson State University, is with the Washington Commanders. He is known for his aggressive play style and versatility. In his standout college season, he recorded 55 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and three interceptions. At 6’2″ and 207 pounds, he combines size and speed, making him a threat in both coverage and run support.
- Elijah Williams, a defensive lineman from Morgan State University, is with the Minnesota Vikings. Williams dominated at the FCS level, earning accolades such as MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Despite being undersized at 6’2″ and 285 pounds for his position, his relentless pass rush and impressive sack total have made him an exciting prospect for the Vikings’ defensive line.
- Terrell Jennings, a running back from Florida A&M University, is with the New England Patriots. During his college career, Jennings rushed for 1,860 yards and 24 touchdowns, proving himself capable of making big plays. In his preseason appearances, Jennings has already shown his potential, leading the Patriots in rushing at times.
- Keenan Isaac, a cornerback from Alabama State University, is with the Cleveland Browns. Isaac has been a consistent performer throughout his college career, known for his solid tackling and pass coverage skills. He has shown a notable ability to defend passes and create turnovers.
- Zay Bolden, a cornerback from Jackson State University, is also looking to make an impact with the New England Patriots. Bolden has shown resilience and skill in a young, competitive cornerback room, fighting for playing time and roster inclusion.
These five players represent the growing impact of HBCU talent on the NFL stage, bringing their unique skills and determination to the highly competitive preseason environment.
