{"id":244107,"date":"2025-07-29T01:13:10","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T01:13:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/244107\/"},"modified":"2025-07-29T01:13:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T01:13:10","slug":"hbcu-talent-fills-2025-nfl-training-camps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/244107\/","title":{"rendered":"HBCU Talent Fills 2025 NFL Training Camps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The 2025 NFL offseason has brought a wave of HBCU talent to 90-man rosters. A mix of drafted stars and undrafted free agents with HBCU roots are now suiting up in camps across the league. From Heisman winner Travis Hunter to Morgan State\u2019s Elijah Williams, these players are continuing the legacy of excellence built at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.<\/p>\n<p>Drafted Players with HBCU Ties<\/p>\n<p>Travis Hunter<\/p>\n<p>Position: WR\/CB<\/p>\n<p>College(s): Jackson State \/ Colorado<\/p>\n<p>Drafted by: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/jacksonville-jaguars\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a> \u2013 1st Round, No. 2 Overall<br \/>Hunter began his college career at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado, winning the Heisman Trophy and becoming one of the most dynamic two-way players the game has seen.<\/p>\n<p>Bhayshul Tuten<\/p>\n<p>Position: RB<\/p>\n<p>College(s): North Carolina A&amp;T \/ Virginia Tech<\/p>\n<p>Drafted by: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/jacksonville-jaguars\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a> \u2013 4th Round, No. 104 Overall<br \/>Tuten made a name for himself at North Carolina A&amp;T before transferring to Virginia Tech, where he continued to showcase his speed and vision.<\/p>\n<p>Carson Vinson<\/p>\n<p>Position: OT<\/p>\n<p>College: Alabama A&amp;M<\/p>\n<p>Drafted by: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/baltimore-ravens\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Baltimore Ravens<\/a> \u2013 5th Round, No. 141 Overall<br \/>Vinson anchored Alabama A&amp;M\u2019s offensive line and earned a shot with the Ravens through his strong technique and physicality.<\/p>\n<p>Shedeur Sanders<\/p>\n<p>Position: QB<\/p>\n<p>College(s): Jackson State \/ Colorado<\/p>\n<p>Drafted by: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/cleveland-browns\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cleveland Browns<\/a> \u2013 5th Round, No. 144 Overall<br \/>Shedeur led Jackson State to back-to-back SWAC titles before transferring to Colorado. His leadership and passing ability earned him a draft selection by the Browns.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"143605\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/04\/24\/hbcu-prospects-eye-opportunity-in-2025-nfl-draft\/2025-nfl-draft-logo\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2025-nfl-draft-logo.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2000,1125\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"2025-nfl-draft-logo\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2025-nfl-draft-logo.jpg?w=300\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1753751590_125_2025-nfl-draft-logo.jpg\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1753751590_125_2025-nfl-draft-logo.jpg\" alt=\"HBCU NFL\" class=\"wp-image-143605\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>Undrafted Free Agents with HBCU Roots<\/p>\n<p>Cam\u2019Ron Silmon-Craig (Jackson State \/ Colorado)<\/p>\n<p>Position: DB<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/jacksonville-jaguars\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a><br \/>A versatile defender, Silmon-Craig brings high IQ and intensity to Jacksonville\u2019s secondary.<\/p>\n<p>Kendall Bohler (Florida A&amp;M)<\/p>\n<p>Position: CB<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/denver-broncos\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Denver Broncos<\/a><br \/>Bohler excelled at Florida A&amp;M with his coverage skills and physical play, earning a chance with Denver.<\/p>\n<p>Shilo Sanders (Jackson State \/ Colorado)<\/p>\n<p>Position: S<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/tampa-bay-buccaneers\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a><br \/>Known for his tackling and range, Sanders joins the Bucs after standout seasons at Jackson State and Colorado.<\/p>\n<p>Devontae Davis (Jackson State \/ Florida Atlantic)<\/p>\n<p>Position: DL<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/indianapolis-colts\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Indianapolis Colts<\/a><br \/>Davis impressed scouts with his power and explosiveness on the defensive line.<\/p>\n<p>Kisean Johnson (Alabama State \/ Western Kentucky)<\/p>\n<p>Position: WR<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/baltimore-ravens\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Baltimore Ravens<\/a><br \/>Johnson\u2019s combination of speed and precise route running caught the attention of the Ravens.<\/p>\n<p>Da\u2019Quan Felton (Norfolk State \/ Virginia Tech)<\/p>\n<p>Position: WR<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/new-york-giants\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New York Giants<\/a><br \/>Felton\u2019s size and playmaking ability earned him a spot in the Giants\u2019 wide receiver room.<\/p>\n<p>Undrafted Free Agents with HBCU Roots<\/p>\n<p>Jason Ivey (North Carolina A&amp;T)<\/p>\n<p>Position: OL<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/cleveland-browns\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cleveland Browns<\/a><br \/>Ivey is a strong, technically sound lineman who helped lead A&amp;T\u2019s offense before signing with Cleveland.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron Smith (South Carolina State)<\/p>\n<p>Position: LB<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/new-york-jets\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New York Jets<\/a><br \/>Smith was a defensive leader at South Carolina State, known for his sure tackling and sideline-to-sideline range.<\/p>\n<p>Robert McDaniel (Jackson State)<\/p>\n<p>Position: DB<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/washington-commanders\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Washington Commanders<\/a><br \/>McDaniel\u2019s ball skills and toughness give him a chance to carve out a role in Washington\u2019s secondary.<\/p>\n<p>Joaquin Davis (North Carolina Central)<\/p>\n<p>Position: WR<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/denver-broncos\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Denver Broncos<\/a><br \/>Davis brings dependable hands and solid route-running to the Broncos\u2019 training camp.<\/p>\n<p>Torricelli Simpkins III (North Carolina Central \/ South Carolina)<\/p>\n<p>Position: OL<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/new-orleans-saints\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New Orleans Saints<\/a><br \/>Simpkins showed his ability to play multiple positions on the line and now has a chance to prove himself in New Orleans.<\/p>\n<p>Elijah Williams (Morgan State)<\/p>\n<p>Position: DL<\/p>\n<p>Signed with: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/teams\/minnesota-vikings\/roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Minnesota Vikings<\/a><br \/>A disruptive pass-rusher, Williams turned heads during his pro day and earned a camp invite with the Vikings.<\/p>\n<p>Active HBCU-NFL Vets<\/p>\n<p>Markquese Bell (Florida A&amp;M)<br \/>Position: Safety \/ Hybrid LB<br \/>Team: Dallas Cowboys<br \/>A versatile defender, Bell emerged as a key contributor in Dallas with his ability to play in the box and in coverage. After a breakout season, the FAMU standout earned national recognition and a contract extension.<\/p>\n<p>Xavier Smith (Florida A&amp;M)<br \/>Position: WR \/ Kick Returner<br \/>Team: Los Angeles Rams<br \/>Smith made his mark as a dynamic return specialist and sure-handed receiver. The former HBCU Legacy Bowl MVP brought his electric playmaking ability from Tallahassee to the Rams\u2019 special teams unit.<\/p>\n<p>James Houston (Jackson State)<br \/>Position: Defensive Line<br \/>Team: Dallas Cowboys<br \/>A former SWAC standout, Houston quickly proved himself as a pass-rushing force in Detroit. Known for his relentless motor, he became one of the Lions\u2019 top edge defenders. <a href=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/07\/22\/former-jackson-state-star-signs-with-dallas-cowboys\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Now with the Dallas Cowboys<\/a>, he looks to continue his upward trajectory. <\/p>\n<p>Javon Hargrave (South Carolina State)<br \/>Position: Defensive Line<br \/>Team: San Francisco 49ers<br \/>Hargrave is a veteran presence with All-Pro talent and remains a dominant interior lineman. The South Carolina State alum anchors a fearsome 49ers defensive front.<\/p>\n<p>Active HBCU-NFL Vets<\/p>\n<p>Antonio Hamilton (South Carolina State)<br \/>Position: Cornerback<br \/>Team: Atlanta Falcons<br \/>Hamilton brings experience and tenacity to Atlanta\u2019s secondary. The former Bulldog continues to be a dependable cover man and special teams contributor.<\/p>\n<p>Khadarel Hodge (Prairie View A&amp;M)<br \/>Position: Wide Receiver<br \/>Team: Atlanta Falcons<br \/>Hodge has carved out a steady NFL career through toughness and special teams excellence. The Prairie View product remains a reliable target and locker room leader.<\/p>\n<p>Tytus Howard (Alabama State)<br \/>Position: Offensive Tackle<br \/>Team: Houston Texans<br \/>A former first-round pick, Howard has become a cornerstone on Houston\u2019s offensive line. His size and agility make him a key protector for the Texans\u2019 quarterback.<\/p>\n<p>Isaiah Land (Florida A&amp;M)<br \/>Position: Defensive Back<br \/>Team: Indianapolis Colts<br \/>Land transitioned from a standout pass-rusher at FAMU to a versatile defender in Indianapolis. Known for his speed and instincts, he\u2019s finding ways to impact games at the next level.<\/p>\n<p>As NFL training camps heat up, these HBCU products will look to prove they belong on the game\u2019s biggest stage. Whether drafted or signed as undrafted free agents, each of these athletes carries the legacy of their HBCU. Their presence on 90-man rosters is more than symbolic\u2014it\u2019s a testament to the rising talent and continued impact of HBCUs in shaping the future of football.<\/p>\n<p>Disclaimer:<br \/>Roster statuses during NFL training camp are fluid and subject to change. This list reflects the most current information available at the time of publication. Updates will be made as new signings, releases, or roster moves are confirmed.<\/p>\n<p>\n\tRelated<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2025 NFL offseason has brought a wave of HBCU talent to 90-man rosters. A mix of drafted&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":244108,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[198,7,2879,6,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-244107","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nfl-draft","8":"tag-featured","9":"tag-football","10":"tag-hbcu","11":"tag-nfl","12":"tag-nfl-draft"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/114933871647651091","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=244107"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244107\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/244108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=244107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=244107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=244107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}