BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (April 12, 2021) -- On April 9th and 10th, the HBCU National Combine brought together players in Birmingham, AL identified by NFL teams and scouting services but did not receive an invitation to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis or a pro day with pro scouts in attendance.

The combine was managed by Phillip Blackwell, Regional Director for NFL Regional Combines and Charles “Yogi” Jones, Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Bethune-Cookman University. Other staff included John Aaron, Director for NFL Regional Combines, Eric Lougas, Director of NFL Regional Combines, David Turner, former Assistant Director of Pro Personnel for the Oakland Raiders, and former Director for Player Personnel for the Edmonton Football Team of the CFL. 

After initial measurables of players took place on Friday night along with an HBCU Combine Recognition Dinner at the Hilton Birmingham where the keynote speaker was Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Award-winning Atlanta Falcons Beat Writer D. Orlando Ledbetter, Saturday was a full day of position drills where hopefuls had visions of the next level of football. 

Players did exceptionally well during the workouts as they continued to show the sheer excellence of HBCU Football programs but there were some standouts that created excitement amongst scouts and media. 

Solomon Muhammad, former Linebacker from Alcorn State ran a 4.67 in the 40-yard dash and was fluid throughout the short shuttle and three cone drill. However, the most significant part was it was found that Muhammad did this with an injured back.

Another defender that turned heads was Linebacker Calvin Lunkins from Southern who clearly came in prepared to work out well, during drills showed what kind of sideline-to-sideline tackler he could be on the next level. 

A pair of Morgan State Linebackers, Rico Kennedy and Ian McBorrough impressed scouts with their athletic ability but equally impressive were their interviews where they both similarly talked about their passion for the game and leaning on their IQs to become better defenders.

Rounding out the defenders who turned heads was South Carolina State’s Tyrell Goodwin who benched 34 reps of 225 pounds and could possibly play multiple positions on the defensive line. 

On the offensive side Tristen Wallace of Prairie View lit the combine up with his size, strength, and fluidity in the position drills from the Wide Receiver spot. He was another player that certainly took advantage of the moment. Michael Johnson, Offensive Lineman from Savannah State impressed scouts with his interior quickness and intelligence. 

De’Shawn Waller from Alcorn State also impressed with his quickness from the running back position but also his ability to catch the ball. During interviews it was clear that he is a man on a mission and determined to make a professional football roster.

Jimmie Robinson from Bethune-Cookman wowed the scouts by running a 4.28 in the 40. The buzz was immediate and could hardly be contained.

Finally, Hunter Register from Southern was the most intriguing NFL prospect. Playing Wide Receiver, he stood at 6’4, 210 pounds, but then he ran a 4.44 and it became apparent that scouts may have found their diamond in the rough. 

Overall, the prospects said that the HBCU Combine was a good experience and gave them another glimmer of hope to achieve the dream of making it to a professional football league. They were grateful for another chance to show their skills after the devastation of the original HBCU Combine being cancelled due to Covid-19. Hopefully these opportunities will continue for players to showcase their talent for years to come.