Louisiana natives James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams each starred at quarterback at Grambling earlier than getting drafted to play within the NFL.
However instances have modifications since their faculty taking part in days.
It is why they scratched their heads final yr when no gamers from Traditionally Black Faculty and Universities have been chosen within the NFL draft.
“The very first thing we mentioned is there is no such thing as a method on this planet that out of all of the Black faculties that play soccer, there isn’t a participant adequate to be on anyone’s apply squad or 53-man roster,” Williams mentioned.
It’s been a pattern in recent times.
So Harris and Williams, co-founders of the Black Faculty Soccer Corridor of Fame, determined to do one thing about it.
It is why they’re again of their house state this week making ready for the HBCU Legacy Bowl, which can be performed on Saturday at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium.
Kickoff for the all-star recreation that includes the nation’s finest gamers from HBCUs is about for 3 p.m. The sport can be broadcast on the NFL Community. The NFL, the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame and Tulane College all partnered with the Black Faculty Soccer Corridor of Fame to make the occasion occur.
“This was an concept birthed from James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams over a yr in the past,” mentioned Marques Fitch, govt director of the Black Faculty Soccer Corridor of Fame. “They’ve been closely concerned in growing the alternatives for minorities, whether or not or not it’s within the league, the entrance workplace, the scouting division and the teaching aspect. Once we see the discrepancy of what number of HBCU gamers will not be getting acknowledged, this recreation is one thing they actually wished to see come to life.”
Crew Robinson – named after late Grambling coach Eddie Robinson – can be comprised of gamers from the SWAC and the SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Convention.) Crew Gaither – named after late Florida A&M coach Jake Gaither – can be made up of gamers from the MEAC (Mid-Japanese Athletic Convention) and the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Affiliation).
Presently, there are 34 alumni from HBCUs within the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame, together with the likes of Walter Payton, Jerry Rice and former Southern standouts Mel Blount, Harold Carmichael and Aeneas Williams. Former Tennessee State offensive lineman Lachavius Simmons, drafted by the Chicago Bears within the seventh spherical in 2020, is the latest participant from an HBCU to get drafted.
“We all know there are some gamers that deserve the chance,” Harris mentioned. “This recreation is all about alternative. Scouts typically grade the varsity and never the participant. That is one other alternative for them to grade the participant.”
Saints offensive lineman Terron Armstead, who attended Arkansas-Pine Bluff, says the sport is a superb alternative for guys like him who attended faculties that aren’t within the highlight as a lot.
“Traditionally, HBCUs have produced a few of the best gamers this recreation has seen,” Armstead mentioned final March when plans for the sport have been first introduced. “The Legacy Bowl can be one other likelihood to showcase that potential in entrance of all 32 groups.”
Crew Gaither can be coached by South Carolina State’s Oliver Pough and Bowie State’s Damon Wilson.
“That is one thing that I do know will impression Black faculty soccer for a very long time,” Wilson mentioned. “I believe this yr we could have a number of (get drafted). Occasions like this make it potential.”
Florida A & M’s Willie Simmons and Albany State’s Gabe Giordina will coach Crew Robinson.
“One of many issues we’re enthusiastic about is the prospect to showcase the HBCU product,” Simmons mentioned. “We play an awesome model of soccer. We’ve all the time felt the standard of soccer in our convention has been nice. We simply wanted the publicity to point out it. The truth that we’ve got the sport like this on the NFL Community could have a profound impression on highschool pupil athletes who’re contemplating what you may get type an HBCU. The model of soccer we play can be within the forefront Saturday.”
Along with the sport, there can even be an HBCU Legacy Bowl Profession Honest on Thursday and Friday on the Hyatt Regency. The week culminates with Saturday’s recreation, which can start with Williams, Harris and Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes at midfield for the coin toss. Simmons expects the inaugural recreation to be the beginning of one thing particular.
“We see the shortage of consideration or the promotion of our pupil athletes,” Simmons mentioned. “To have this recreation to present our younger males an opportunity to showcase themselves in entrance of NFL scouts and personnel is one thing we will solely dream of. We’re all about historical past at our HBCUs. And that is historic.”