These are the Black College football players whose stock rose at HBCU Combine

Ahead of the third annual HBCU Legacy Bowl, some of the top players set to play in that game participated in the HBCU Combine.

Over 40 of the top talent set to play in the big game got to give numerous pro scouts a taste of what they will see come this Saturday.

Here are some of the players that stood out.

Davius Richard QB, North Carolina Central

Two-time MEAC Offensive Player of the Year Davius Richard showcased why he is deserving of attention from pro scouts with an impressive Combine performance.

While many expected Richard to put a good time in the 40-yard dash, running a 4.5, it was his performance in the throwing drills that put him over the top.

The Eagles quarterback showed great footwork from under center and showed off great arm talent, throwing to receivers in stride.

Having already received attention from scouts before the HBCU Combine, Richard’s stock could go through the roof with a good performance in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

Jarveon Howard RB, Alcorn State

Measuring in at 5’10 and 215 pounds, Jarveon Howard not only has the size to be a pro running back, but he showed he has the skills to do so as well.

Howard’s 4.46 40-yard dash was just one of many reasons why he was a highlight among all running backs at the HBCU combine.

Ladarius Owens RB, Texas Southern

Speaking of running backs that should be on pro teams’ radar, Texas Southern’s Ladarius Owens followed up on what was a record-breaking 2023 season with a good Combine performance.

He ran an impressive 4.44 in the 40-yard dash, which was only compounded by some great work in the on-field drills.

Owens showed the great agility that led to his first-team All-SWAC selection last season and what could lead to him being in an NFL training camp this spring.

R.J. Mobley WR, Winston-Salem State

While guys such as Taymon Cooke and Terrell Gardner made a splash at wide receiver, R.J. Mobley is a lesser-known name who put his name on the map.

Measuring 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Mobley has the size to be a pro-level wide receiver, and he backs that up with his skills on the field.

Not only does he have the speed, running a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash, but he performed well in the hands drill maneuvering through the field with great efficiency.

Don’t be surprised to see him have a breakout performance on Saturday.

Loobert Denelus DL, Benedict

Don’t let his 5- foot-11, 280-plus pound frame fool you. There is a reason why Loobert Denelus was a two-time SWAC Defensive Player of the Year.

For a man his size, Denelus moves like a man 30 pounds lighter, performing well in the on-field drills with great nimbleness and fluidity.

The Benedict product is, without a doubt, a player fans should have their eyes on in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

Brandon Codrington DB, North Carolina Central

Being able to play multiple positions is a surefire way to put yourself on the NFL’s radar, and Brandon Codrington is living proof of that.

While Codrington was not among the fastest 40 times at the combine, still a solid 4.57, his on-field drills more than made up for that.

The former All-MEAC defensive back showed great instincts, executing drills with fluency and finishing the play with his great hands.

So much so that he had former NFL return specialist and NFL Network contributor Bucky Brooks imploring him to explore wide receiver drills.

John Huggins DB, Jackson State

According to reports from NFL Network, many of the NFL scouts in attendance at the HBCU Combine were there to see John Huggins specifically.

Huggins did not disappoint, running a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash and showcasing his explosive coverage skills on the field.

The Jackson State defender is another guy with pro-friendly size who will garner the attention of pro scouts and could hear his name called in the NFL Draft.