HBCU Legacy Bowl Top Performers

2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl top performers of the game.

Team Robinson prevailed over Team Gaither 10-3 in front of 25,900 cheering fans at the 2nd HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans, LA, on Saturday, Feb. 25. The week-long all-star game is evolving into a classic event, much like the Reese's Senior Bowl, for the NFL scouts and decision-makers to visit and evaluate draft-eligible players ahead of the NFL Draft in April.

Several performances in the game may have NFL teams reassessing their draft boards and including a few participating players for further analysis. The game may not have included offensive explosions by both squads, but the defensive play was noteworthy.

HBCU Legacy Bowl co-founders James 'Shack' Harris and Doug Williams present the Offensive and Defensive MVP Awards to Xavier Smith (FAMU) and Jason Dumas (Southern), respectively.  Credit: HBCU Legacy Bowl

TOP OFFENSIVE PERFORMERS

1. Xavier Smith, WR (Florida A&M) - The FAMU Rattler stole the show, scored the game's only touchdown, and was named the HBCU Legacy Bowl Offensive MVP with six receptions, 100 yards (85 yards receiving, 15 yards punt returns) of total offense. He used a brilliant mix of route-running and elusiveness to catch highly-contested balls on the day. Smith reminds you of a smaller version of former NFL player Steve Smith Sr. His 4.3 in the 40 at the HBCU Combine and winning the MVP trophy will have teams giving Smith a second look going into the 2023 NFL Draft.
2. Jalen Fowler, QB (NC A&T) - The Aggie was an efficient and effective signal-caller who passed 12/13 for 111 yards in the afternoon.
3. Tyler Barnes, TE (NCCU) - Barnes is a 6-4 and 235-pound converted tight end who understood his assignment. He caught two passes for 37 yards but also blocked very well on running plays.
4. Jayden Thomas, WR (Benedict) - Thomas first played at Notre Dame before finishing his collegiate career with Team Robinson head coach Chennis Berry at Benedict. He completed the day with four receptions and 67 receiving yards (33 longest). At 6-2 and 205 pounds, Thomas could become a rookie camp invitee and make a team's practice squad. Another option would be CFL, XFL, or USFL. He has promise.
5. Larry Harrington, QB (Langston) - Head coach Quinton Morgan trained the senior quarterback well. He connected on 9-of-15 passes for 103 passing yards and one touchdown. With his legs, Harrington displayed his dual-threat capabilities but was sacked a few times by Team Gaither's ferocious defensive line.

TOP DEFENSIVE PERFORMERS

1. Joshua Pryor, DE/Edge (Bowie State) - Pryor's draft stock went through the roof on Saturday. The 6-5 and 240-pound pass rusher for Team Gaither may have several NFL teams attending his Pro Day and inviting him for a visit before Draft Day. The 2022 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year recorded 2 sacks, 3 TFL, and 7 tackles.
2. Jason Dumas, DL (Southern/Prairie View A&M) - Nicknamed "Little Man," the 5-11 and 270-pound defensive lineman won his one-on-one battles with speed and power to record 3 sacks and 3 TFLs of Team Gaither's quarterbacks en route to earning the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl Defensive MVP Award. Should he convert to a fullback in the pros, many defenders will be making business decisions before taking on Mr. Dumas!
3. Nelson Jordan II, DL (Alabama State) - He was disruptive and harassed the QBs most of the afternoon with his Team Robinson defensive teammates. The Bama State Hornet stands at 6-3 and 250 pounds. He notched 2.5 sacks and 5 tackles on the afternoon. Many forget that Mr. Jordan II led the SWAC with ten sacks in 2022. His size and nose for the quarterback will have teams like the New Orleans Saints studying him for the NFL Draft.
4. Cam Peterson, DL (Southern) - At one point, I thought Peterson was about to get the hand-off from the Team Gaither quarterback. That's how fast he was in the backfield creating 1.5 sacks and 6 tackles, and a forced fumble. The Southern Jaguar shined!
5. Jermaine McDaniel, DL (NC A&T) - He caught many's attention with an outstanding performance for Team Gaither. McDaniel and Pryor met with the Team Robinson QBs on several occasions. He officially accounted for 1 sack but also pressured and hit the quarterbacks several times.

Other Notable Performances

1. Kevin Victorian, DL (Prairie View) - 1 Sack, 2 Tackles
2. Jai Nunn-Liddell, CB (Kentucky State) - 1 Pass Break Up, 5 Tackles
3. Kai Gray, S (Lincoln) - 5 Tackles
4. Raymond Boone, S (Bowie State) - 1 Interception
5. Reyondous Estes, CB (Grambling State) - 1 Pass Break Up, 5 Tackles
6. Keyron Kinsler Jr., S (Alcorn State) - 1 Pass Break Up, 2 Tackles
7. Claudin Cherelus, LB (Alcorn State) - 2 Tackles
8. Devin Dourisseau, LB (Langston) - 1 Pass Break Up, 2 Tackles

HBCU Legends will track and monitor the upcoming players' Pro Days and visits with NFL teams before the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station in Kansas City on Apr. 27.