After spending nearly a month in the NCAA transfer portal, Andrew Body — the most dynamic quarterback in HBCU football — decided to stay at Alabama State.
It was a decision that obviously strengthened the Hornets and also made ASU a contender in the SWAC East despite the team’s roster losses.
Body, who will enter his third season as ASU quarterback, explained why he chose to remain at Alabama State.
But how close was he to really leaving? What offers did he get?
Body detailed his transfer portal journey in a recent interview with the Montgomery Advertiser. “I love Montgomery, I love Alabama State, and they haven’t done nothing but good by me,” Andrew Body said.
“Throughout the process Eddie (Robinson) was staying in contact with me and reassured him where I stand with the university because at the end of the day Alabama State is like a second home for me.”
Andrew Body wanted to do more for HBCUs
According to Body, he received interest from 50 schools, including Penn State and Vanderbilt from the Power 4 level and even MEAC runner-up Delaware State coached by former NFL star wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
Body was an attractive commodity for any school after he completed 113 of 160 passes for 1,770 yards and 20 touchdowns against just one interception over eight games. Body unfortunately was injured again and missed Bama State’s final four regular season games.
Ultimately, he indicated that a desire to elevate Alabama State football was one of the determining factors in remaining a Hornet.
I always told myself I’m going to be the one that ends up bringing back notoriety to HBCU football and get the NFL looks back at the HBCU. When Deion (Sanders) went to Jackson (State), it was like the Deion effect,” Body told the newspaper.
“I feel with coach Robinson and his status and resume it could be the same type of situation, and I thought it would vital for him to have somebody that in a sense is a protégé. I’m excited to be back here.”
