HBCU Buzz on Tuesday released its annual HBCU Top 30 Under 30 list that recognizes the achievements of historically black college graduates.
Four former HBCU athletes — Norfolk State’s Kyle O’Quinn, Arkansas Pine-Bluff All-SWAC performer Terron Armstead, South Carolina State’s Rafel Bush and Hampton’s Fracena McCorory — were listed among the 30 selected by the website.
Rafael Bush, 27, currently plays safety for the New Orleans Saints. Bush totaled 42 tackles and five passes defended in 2013. He began his NFL career in 2010 as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons before moving onto the Denver Broncos in 2011.
Francena McCorory, 25, has won an litany of awards throughout her young career spanning from Hampton to the U.S. Olympic Team. At Hampton, McCorory broke the American indoor 400 meter record in 2010 and won her second NCAA title. She won gold at the 2011 World Outdoor Championships and made the 2012 U.S Olympic Team, winning gold as a member of 4×100 meter relay team.
Terron Armstead, 22, is an offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. The 2013 third round NFL Draft pick Saint started Weeks 16 and 17 and the Saints’ two playoff contests – part of an offensive line that gave up only four sacks and averaged 129.7 yards rushing in their last three games.
Everyone who is a fan of the NCAA Tournament probably remembers Kyle O’Quinn leading Norfolk State to an upset win over No. 2 Missouri in 2012.
O’Quinn, 24, was then taken in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic that summer.
In his second year, O’Quinn started 19 games and averaged 6.2 points per game, 5.3 rebounds and shot 50 percent from the field.
