Chance. The word has been mentioned over and over since the days of Eddie Robinson, referring to Doug Williams who deserves a chance in the NFL. The four HBCU players drafted into the 2022 NFL Draft make a case for themselves during their training camps.
Every athlete struggles to earn a place on the 53-player rosters, and after the first week of training camp, they come close to making it a reality.
Decoby Durant demonstrated his athletic ability and intelligence in the game. James Houston was in various defensive groups for the Detroit Lions. Joshua Williams proves that his speed and height can handle NFL receivers, and Gatter Carter keeps him on the Bears streak with his strength and versatility to protect quarterback Justin Fields.
Finally, they’re not drafted, but FAMU’s Markquese Bell is rough to make it in Big D with the Cowboys, and De’Saan Dixon performs at Camp Jaguars.
HBCU ROOKIES MAKE A STATEMENT AT NFL TRAINING CAMPS
Joshua Williams: Fayetteville State – DB (No. 23, Kansas City Chiefs), 4th Route, 135 overall
“Yeah, I’ve got some guys out there again. I’ll tell you what to be honest with you, that’s really exciting for me personally. I love working with these guys. I’m not sure I want so much at once that we basically depend on it, but I think Joshua ( (Williams) He did a really great job. The only thing Joshua does is that when we tell him to do something a certain way technically, he goes out there and tries to do it and he does it all the time. There’s a learning curve there and there’s going to be mistakes. I love the way which he competes with though. Steve Spagnolo – Chiefs Defensive Coordinator
Decoby Durant: South Carolina – CB (No. 14, Los Angeles Rams) – 4th Avenue, 142 overall
“He just got a little over-played. He’s getting more and more comfortable. He’s playing outside and inside, but he’s getting a lot of work inside. And you can see that there are a lot of nuances that we’re asking of this star position, and he feels comfortable.” I’m bigger every day and doing a lot of plays.” Shawn McVeigh – Ramez coach
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James Houston: Jackson State – LB/Edge Rusher ($41, Detroit Lions) – 6th Route, 217 overall
Lions midfielder James Houston, center, trains during a mini camp in Allen Park on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
“I spoke to a couple of people today who told me that the best player on the field today is James Houston. Sixth-round pick from Jackson State. They put them on the edge a little bit, put them inside a little bit at center back, made some plays. And it’s good to hear that. Round six you want to take a little flyer on. Athlete, … Maybe James Houston can be arrogant. Sam linebacker can help this team. But I heard good things about James Houston today and that’s a good sign.” Matt Derry – LockedOn Lions Podcast
Ja’Tyre Carter: Southern – OL (#69, Chicago Bears) – 7th Rd, 226 overall
28 July 2022; Lake Forest, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jeter Carter (69) during training camp at PNC Center in Halas Hall. Mandatory credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
“I mean you can definitely tell if a kid has raw talent, you can tell when a guy comes in and has enough talent to play in this league. I’m really happy where they are and excited to see them continue to grow.” Cody Whitehair – Chicago Bears – OL
Marquis Bell: Florida A&M – DB (#31, Dallas Cowboys) – Uncut
Mike McCarthy on the safety of rookie Cowboys Markquese Bell: “He was very impressive. From the junior class, he is clearly one of the best players to have jumped into an off-season programme. We immediately felt that this young man had an excellent opportunity to do some excellent things.” John Machuta – the athlete
De’Shaan Dixon: Norfolk State – DE (No. 47, Jacksonville Jaguars) – Uncut
Jacksonville Jaguars outside quarterback De’Shaan Dixon (47) participates in an off-season training activity Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Jki Otanumberfour 18; Credit: © Corey Perrine / Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
“He’s done a great job over the last few weeks at balancing, understanding his role and understanding that he’s going to have to take those mental reps, and when he gets on the field, he plays all the time,” Shuey said. “His corners of pursuit and everything was really good with him.” Bill Shuey – Jaguars Outside Linebackers coach
HBCU Legends will have more updates during training camps through to the final cuts for the 53-man rosters.
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