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A16 sports
Tuesday 26 april 2022

Deion Sanders highlights HBCU prospects ahead of NFL draft

By ROB MAADDI man Keenan Forbes; Ala-
AP Pro Football Writer bama A&M quarterback
Deion Sanders did his part Aqeel Glass and wide re-
to make sure NFL teams ceivers Dee Anderson and
don't overlook players from Zabrian Moore; Jackson
historically Black colleges in State defensive end/line-
this week's draft. backer James Houston and
The Jackson State coach wide receiver Keith Corbin;
and Pro Football Hall of Norfolk State defensive line-
Famer released his "Prime man De'Shaan Dixon; Ala-
Prospects" on Monday, bama State running back
featuring 16 players from 12 Ezra Gray; NC A&T run-
HBCUs. Last year, not one ning back Jah-Maine Mar-
HBCU player was drafted. tin; Mississippi Valley State
"My prediction is five to linebacker Jerry Garner;
seven, maybe 10 guys that Fayetteville State defen-
should be drafted," Sanders sive back Joshua Williams;
told The Associated Press. Southern University wide
"We have at least 15, 16 tru- receiver Marquis McClain;
ly draftable guys, more that Fort Valley State wide re-
I feel like probably are go- ceiver Shemar Bridges;
ing to get drafted. Exposure Bowie State defensive back
helps. What's going on and Tevin Singleton; Virginia
what's translating today in State safety Will Adams.
HBCU football is helping tre- "I'm happy in the role that
mendously. We're getting a Jackson State football coach Deion Sanders speaks to the fans prior to the Jackson State's Blue God has chosen for me,"
lot of shine." and White Spring football game, an NCAA college football contest, Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Sanders said. "I'm happy
Neon Deion has helped Jackson, Miss. to be where I am, and I tell
provide a spotlight on HBCU Associated Press people all the time I know
players since leaving his an- I'm employed at Jackson
alyst duties at NFL Network can really coach the game and under exposed, which the number that they're cir- State, but I'm working for
and taking over at Jackson and they're able to take is something that we're try- culating into the NFL would the whole HBCU."
State in 2020. Sanders was this thing to another level. ing to tackle right now. ... cease a bit. You never see The inaugural Legacy Bowl
the Southwestern Athletic I'm thankful and pleased We're trying our best to these kids and you don't held in February in New
Conference Coach of the that I have Aflac partner- bring light to all those. It's understand what they're Orleans gave top football
Year in 2021 after leading ing with me to bring shine, just absurd to me. I know capable of, and I'm tell- players from HBCU schools
the Tigers to an 11-2 record. so to speak, and shed light pro football. I worked at ing you they can play this a new level of exposure to
"I'm not thinking about lega- on what we're doing, espe- the NFL Network for almost game." pro scouts and executives.
cy. I don't care about that. I cially with this Prime Pros- two decades and played In 2021, Aflac donated But Sanders has anther
care about winning games pects. It's unbelievable." for 14 years. I know what a $75,000 to the Jackson idea for a Bowl game.
and changing lives and Aflac's new advertisement, professional looks like, and State University athletic de- "I would love to namesake
provoking change in what- named "Believe," features there are a multitude of partment for professional an All-Star Game that HB-
ever I touch," Sanders said. Sanders and will air during these young men that can development, as well as CUs play against all the
"Eddie George has done a the draft. The campaign play the game at the next $25,000 as a supporting other schools," Sanders
wonderful job at Tennessee reflects Aflac's "Close the level, if given the opportu- partner of Sanders' football said. "I don't like when you
State. Hue Jackson coming Gap" initiative, which cen- nity. When you don't see camp. Aflac will donate an just have an HBCU game
into Grambling, raising the ters on educating, sup- a player visually, it's hard additional $100,000 in 2022 we play against each oth-
bar there is going to be tre- porting and advocating to understand that he's to help Sanders continue er. Let's play against all the
mendous. Willie Simmons at for those underserved and equipped and he could his mission of mentoring other talent. I would like for
(Florida A&M) and some of overlooked. participate. If you didn't young athletes. us to put together our All-
the other notable persons, "We're doing a better job of see the players from Ala- His "Prime Prospects" are: Star team and we play one
Coach (Fred) McNair at the exposure," Sanders said. bama on television every Florida A&M safety Antwan of the Bowl games that they
Alcorn, are some guys that "We're often overlooked darn week, I'm pretty sure Collier and offensive line- play after the season."q