A Legendary Game: 2024 HBCU Legacy Bowl

There are so many games that make football worth watching, especially when you get the chance too watch elite black football players showcase their talent and skills in front of the world.
About three years ago, some of the greatest football legends and minds to ever play in the SWAC, also making a name for themselves in the NFL as Hall of Famers, came together to create a great opportunity for SWAC and MEAC athletes to have a chance of playing professional football. This legendary game is known as “The HBCU Legacy Bowl Game.”
Southern’s very own legends, Aeneas Williams and Mel Blount, are two men who have paved the way and advocated for black athletes throughout the SWAC. Two more familiar names that are legends that have also paved the way and advocated for black athletes are Grambling State’s very own Doug Williams and James “Shack” Harris. All these men put together a weeklong of events and allocated their NFL resources down to New Orleans for these young athletes to have a chance of going pro, while also leveling the playing field for black athletes.
Only a select few are chosen from each conference to come down to participate in the combine and game. The game is held at Yulman Stadium each year, which is the home of Tulane football program, “The Green Waves.” Even though there is a selection process for both the combine and the game, the Southern Jaguars had a few of their own that represented their program and showcased their talent. These players are defensive backs Jordan Carter, Demetri Morsell, and Tyler Judson. Only one offensive player was chosen from Southern, but he is well deserving of the opportunity. Graduate student and wide receiver, August Pitre III. has had a journey in the SWAC making a name for himself. He was one out of two players chosen from Southern to participate in the combine alongside defensive back Jordan Carter.
Each team had a name for Saturday’s game, which were Team Robinson and Team Gaither. Team Robinson was home to all Southern’s selectees. Team Gaither came out and scored in the opening drive of the game from a rushing touchdown by quarterback Davius Richard that resulted in an unfortunate injury that took him out for the rest of the game. Team Robinson trailed by ten until halftime.
On the defensive side of the ball, Carter was making his presence known on the field as usual, finding his way to the ball every snap that almost resulted in him having a game-changing interception. Alongside Carter in the backfield were his teammates Judson and Morsell, who also made impacting plays, having numerous pass breakups against their opponent. Wide receiver Pitre was a starter in the game and had plentiful targets from Florida A&M quarterback, Jeremy Moussa.
Trailing in the fourth quarter caused Team Robinson not to have a winning outcome. Wide receiver Pitre talked about his opportunity and being coached by legends, stating, “It felt real good. You know we weren’t able to get the job done, but it’s a blessing to be here, and I’m just happy I got a chance to play on this stage.”
Defensive back Carter also spoke on what this game meant for him:”To be honest I was just out here trying to have fun and show the guys and scouts I have a little of range with me. I’m a versatile DB that I can play all of them; corner, safety, and nickel spot, so I feel good about this past week and combine. All I can do now is prepare for a pro day on March 26th.”
Head coach of the winning team Gaither, Larry Scott, spoke on what it was like to coach alongside and against great coaching: “Aw man, I think it was just the kids. The kids played hard and bought into it. They know what we wanted. We talked about it at the beginning of the week. It’ll be fun to come out and compete and do all those things to give yourself a chance to play on the next level, but it’s about winning the game too. It’s about us coming together.”
Southern athletic personnel was also at the game supporting their players, but Director of Football Ops, Rick Jackson, talked about how it feels to see them succeed. “Well, I think this is what it’s all about. This is the opportunity to see them excel and get to the highest level and showcase their talent—showcase the stuff that we get to see every day at practice, and show that to the world.”
The Digest wishes all HBCU hopefuls luck in their pursuits to play in the NFL and look forward to seeing more talent in next year’s HBCU Bowl Game.