HBCU Football Stars Have Solid NFL Debuts

Several NFL rookies from HBCUs has solid debuts in Week 1 of the league's preseason schedule.

HBCU players debuted in Week 1 of the 2023 National Football League preseason. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) athletes have gained recognition for their impressive performance on the gridiron in the last couple of seasons. HBCU Legends is reporting a couple of solid performances.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

I covered the Saints-Chiefs game with the Saints News Network reporters to deliver a detailed report on New Orleans players G Mark Evans II and WR Shaquan Davis.

Shaquan Davis, WR (South Carolina State)

Last week, head coach Dennis Allen told our partner site, Saints News Network's Ross Jackson, about Davis: "What has he seen from Shaq Davis throughout training camp?" Allen replied, "Long, rangy, athletic receiver. I think he's still learning the playbook. So, I think he's a little behind in that area. But I like his skill set. I like his athleticism. He's got to come along through the playbook and make sure he's in the right spots when he's supposed to be there."

On Sunday, Davis played in 11 offensive snaps during the second half of the Saints' 26-24 victory over the Chiefs. Rookie quarterback Jake Haener targeted him three times, resulting in two receptions for 20 yards, and the other pass drew a penalty against Kansas City in the end zone, leading to a touchdown. On one catch, Davis had to skywalk Caesars Superdome's turf to snag Haener's pass in for an 18-yard catch.

GRADE: B

What a catch by SC State alum/Saints rookie WR Shaq Davis! 🔥🔥

https://t.co/LPZeD57mpN

— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) August 13, 2023

MARK EVANS II, G (UAPB)

The Arkansas-Pine Bluff star offensive lineman played 31 offensive snaps and one specials teams play at right guard in the second half of the Saints-Chiefs contest. Evans rotated possessions with his main competition at right guard, Calvin Throckmorton. Evans had several good plays by pancaking defenders, blocking up to the second level on run plays, and protecting the quarterback on crucial passing downs. He accounted for two quarterback pressures and a holding penalty on a bullrush but did not give up a sack.

GRADE: B-

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DALLAS COWBOYS

Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Snoop Conner (24) runs with the ball as Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (41) defends during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Markquese Bell, S (FAMU)

Bell participated in 47 defensive and 6 special teams plays. The former Rattler led the Cowboys with 10 tackles (6 assisted, 4 solo) and one pass defended.

Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Isaiah Land (53) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Isaiah Land, LB (FAMU)

Land was in for 31 defensive snaps and 3 special teams plays. The Buck Buchanan Award winner recorded one tackle near the goal line and a quarterback hit against the Jacksonville Jaguars.   According to John Owning, Land had "four total pressures and a 26.7% pass-rush win rate versus the Jags.

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (31) carries the ball on a touchdown run in the third quarter during a Week 1 NFL preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and the Cincinnati Bengals,Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Emanuel Wilson, RB (Fort Valley State)

Former Fort Valley State running back Emanuel Wilson stole the show rushing six times for 111 yards and two touchdowns as the Green Bay Packers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 36-19 in their preseason opener at Paycor Stadium.

Fort Valley State alum Emanuel Wilson with his 2nd Touchdown of the night in his Packers preseason debut! 🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/2U34oVstOi

— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) August 12, 2023

Aug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) scrambles to break away from Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Andrew Farmer (92) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Andrew Farmer, DE (Lane)

Farmer made his defensive presence felt by registering his first sack for 11 yards. He added three tackles, a TFL, and a quarterback hit to his game performance.

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (13) makes a catch for a touchdown against New England Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden (7) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Isaiah Bolden, DB/KR

Bolden was known for being a dangerous kickoff returner in college. He had one return for 26 yards as the Patriots took on the Texans. Bill Belichick put Bolden in for 31 defensive snaps and nine special teams plays. Defensively, the former JSU Tiger recorded two tackles.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Joshua Pryor, DE (Bowie State)

Pryor had one tackle against the Browns.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Aubrey Miller, Jr., LB (Jackson State)

Miller had two tackles while playing 35 defensive and 12 special teams snaps versus the Falcons.

Aug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith (19) fumbles the ball as cornerback Cameron McCutcheon (41) and safety Jason Taylor II (25) watch against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Xavier Smith, WR (FAMU)

Smith received two punt returns for no yards while participating in 8 special teams plays for the Rams.

Other Notes:

Claudin Cherelus, LB (Alcorn State)

• New York Jets rookie linebacker Claudin Cherelus from Alcorn State was sidelined with a minor injury this week.

James Houston IV, LB (Jackson State)

• Houston didn't debut and notch an official statistic against the Giants, but the quarterbacks felt his presence. He hurried the G-Men's signal callers on several plays. You have that feeling that James Houston will have a monster year in Detroit.