HBCU Rookies Making NFL Rosters

The HBCU rookies who made the initial 2022 NFL 53-man rosters.

Kyle T. Mosley | Aug 30, 2022

The National Football League teams have decided on the initial 53-man rosters. When preseason began, 17 NFL squads at 33 players with HBCU pedigree battling for a roster spot.

The four draftees from HBCU programs, Joshua Williams (Fayetteville State), Decobie Durant (South Carolina State), James Houston (Jackson State), and Ja'Tyre Carter(Southern), remained in an excellent position to join the NFL.

Here's an update on the HBCU Rookies who made the rosters and the two notables that fell short.

MAKING THE SQUAD

The Kansas City Chiefs' fourth-round selection, Joshua Williams, earned a roster spot.

Los Angeles Rams' fourth-rounder, Decobie Durant, has played exceptionally high level during camp and preseason. Sean McVay released the roster, and Durant is now a member of the Super Bowl Champions.

Finally, offensive lineman Ja'Tyre Carter made the Chicago roster. His consistency and growth had the Bears taking notice of their 7th-round pick's upside.

Since signing his undrafted free-agent contract, Florida A&M's Markquese Bell climbed the depth chart for the Dallas Cowboys. The All-SWAC Rattler has impressive cover skills, tackling, and play-making ability. He caught an interception in the Cowboys' preseason finale against the Seahawks.

Jacksonville gave De'Shaan Dixon his shot, and the young Norfolk Spartan won a spot at outside linebacker. He had two tackles and one sack this in preseason action. It's not a mistake that the 6-5 defender is a Jaguar.

THERE'S STILL HOPE ON THE PRACTICE SQUAD

Detroit waived LB James Houston after a productive training camp but a quiet preseason. The 6th-round draft pick (217th overall) recorded 1.5 defensive tackles and one special team tackle in 3 games. His highest activity rate was against the Colts when Houston played 23 defensive snaps at a 41% rate. The 31 NFL teams have 24 hours to claim Houston off of waivers. If no club places a waiver claim, he will become a free agent and free to sign with the Lions or another team's practice squad.

Fort Valley State's wideout Shemar Bridges' bid to catch on with the Baltimore Ravens fell short. The Ravens decided to waive the rookie with an injury designation.

Keep your eyes on these young HBCU rookies. I have a sneaky suspicion we haven't heard the last of James Houston and Shemar Bridges.

Published Aug 30, 2022

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: