Legacy Bowl: HBCUs Have Arrived

As the HBCU Legacy Bowl is over, it is easy to see how far HBCUs have come. This event is a monumental figure in HBCU sports and the HBCU community. The game featured 100 players representing 38 HBCUs across the nation. As a student and a fan, I was excited to see Southern have the most players with 7 student-athletes. More importantly, every Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC); and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) school was represented. Finally, to add more emphasis, every HBCU conference that has a football program was present. The real question is, “What does this all mean, and what is the Impact?”
At one point in time, HBCUs were the only schools that NFL teams were targeting. However, as time passed, PWIs started getting more HBCU-potential recruits. In addition, HBCU TV exposure decreased dramatically. On the other hand, in the most recent years, HBCUs have been gaining more exposure than in previous years. The Legacy Bowl enhanced it more. As these incredible athletes leave it all out on the field and at the combine, NFL scouts start to pay attention more because they can get a close-up evaluation of the player. As Southern led with seven players, it was a proud moment to see those athletes who have great character; get a chance to make their dream happen. To dive in, players like Graduate Quarterback Glendon “Bubba” McDaniel, Senior Defensive Lineman Jason Dumas, Senior Safety Corione Harris, Senior Linebacker Jordan Lewis, Redshirt Senior Offensive Lineman Brian Williams, Redshirt Senior Offensive Lineman Jermiah Stafford, Redshirt Senior Defensive Lineman Camron Peterson, and players from other HBCUs get a shot. These players have the opportunity to make it into a league where only over 200 players get drafted out of thousands who enter. At a minimum, they can make the practice squad and make a future for themselves.
As I covered the game, I was in awe of the chemistry these players built within a few days. Furthermore, these players didn’t enjoy a Mardi Gras break, they were getting ready for one game that may have potentially changed their lives forever. This year’s class featured a ton of talent. So many of these players’ coaches showed up to support and send their boys off right. It was heartwarming just to see so much black excellence around and for seniors to get the chance to play one last game together. In addition, the coaches for the game had their prestige grow by getting an opportunity to be seen on national TV and advocate for their athletes. Finally, SU did leave their mark by having Jason Dumas be named Defensive MVP with 3+ sacks. Also, Glendon “Bubba” McDaniel led an impressive drive with sensational throws during the game, going 7-for-7 for 41 yards.
The Legacy Bowl is vital for the culture of HBCU Football to be represented the way it should be. Furthermore, I’m looking forward to seeing the bowl enhanced year after year. Until the fall, we will have to wait to see the next potential class on the field.