By Brandon Simmons
Deion Sanders seems to have an issue with what was missing this year’s NFL Draft: no HBCU players. The hall-of-fame cornerback, and current head coach of the Jackson State Tigers football team, voiced his opinion about it on his Instagram on Monday:
The one thing that this statement does is solidifies Sanders’ spot at the front of this current HBCU athletics movement. When Sanders got the job, many people praised the hire based off the fact it was a high-profile name, extensive football legacy, which includes a tremendous reputation of being a leader and mentor. But things soon started to fall in place with other historical institutions making similar hires such as Tennessee St. hiring former Titans running back Eddie George as their head coach. Sanders has always held some form of influence on and off the field, so of course he would use that in something he is passionate about.
This also shows Sanders taking this job may very well be intended to be part of something bigger, which is getting more opportunities for HBCU athletes. HBCU players have contributed to the NFL’s history just as much their PWI counterparts. Players like Steve McNair (Alcorn State), Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State) and Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State) have all had long, impactful careers in the league. However, while there has been past “success” with HBCU’s sending players to the league in the past, in recent years this has not been the case. According to NFL Draft Diamonds, there were only 26 HBCU players that made NFL teams, including practice squad. That’s a tough stat to look at but not surprising. It’s only a handful of predominantly black institutions in this country, and their football players are competing against others in the country, who have better opportunities, particularly in exposure. Former University of Texas Quarterback Sam Ehlinger was taken in the 6th round but has likely been on more TV screens than a QB from Texas Southern or Prairie View University.
There’s nothing wrong with Coach Prime speaking out about this. For years, it has always been argued – and sometimes proven – that HBCU’s held some of the better talent in college sports, if not just as good. Sanders’ message is simply saying that the talent has always been, and still is, but it must be sought. So far, there have been some HBCU football games on the ESPN networks, including one of Jackson State’s matchups. Prime is helping to push this narrative which has always been talked about but never appeared to get off the ground. Now there is a little turning of the wheels to get HBCU’s on the path we want them to be. The stat for this year’s draft is a just a setback, but as more HBCU programs beging building their staffs with high profile coaches, and attract high level talent, you can expect things to change for the better.