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I was reading an article on ESPN.com earlier today about how the NFL Draft largely bypassed historically black colleges and universities. Hampton University had a player, Justin Durant, taken on the first day of the draft, but had expected to have as many as five players taken. The article, written by an NFL writer whose work I respect, pointed out that the talent at HBCUs is overlooked. This is a long way from the days of when Grambling sent the likes of Doug Williams to the NFL. Williams, who was the first black quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory, and Jerry Rice from Mississippi Valley State, are the most recognizable NFL names to come from HBCUs in the past quarter century. But the NFL Hall of Fame is decorated with many players who were forced by segregation to play at HBCUs and went on to NFL glory. The problem is, the days of concentrated talent at HBCUs may be over. There are a few powerhouse programs like Hampton, but not the overall competition that once existed. The best players of color from the south are going to the SEC or the ACC, or even the Big 12.
Some might even argue that the run to Division I diluted talent in historic conferences like the CIAA which plays Division II. I think this is an acceptable argument, having grown up toward the end of the glory days of the CIAA. The basketball tournament is still a huge draw. But the defections of schools like Hampton, Norfolk State, and now Winston-Salem State to Division I has taken some of the passion from the CIAA. Some of the natural rivalries are no more. Hampton has made the transition with poise and great success, but Norfolk State still struggles with an underfunded and mostly directionless athletic program.
But, as they say, everything must change. So let's not pine too much for the "good ole' days." Yet, I hope that we can get more coverage and attention paid to HBCU sports.
That said, is that sort of content useful here? Let me know.
Send me your posts and we will discuss the most popular ideas soon.
I was reading an article on ESPN.com earlier today about how the NFL Draft largely bypassed historically black colleges and universities. Hampton University had a player, Justin Durant, taken on the first day of the draft, but had expected to have as many as five players taken. The article, written by an NFL writer whose work I respect, pointed out that the talent at HBCUs is overlooked. This is a long way from the days of when Grambling sent the likes of Doug Williams to the NFL. Williams, who was the first black quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory, and Jerry Rice from Mississippi Valley State, are the most recognizable NFL names to come from HBCUs in the past quarter century. But the NFL Hall of Fame is decorated with many players who were forced by segregation to play at HBCUs and went on to NFL glory. The problem is, the days of concentrated talent at HBCUs may be over. There are a few powerhouse programs like Hampton, but not the overall competition that once existed. The best players of color from the south are going to the SEC or the ACC, or even the Big 12.
Some might even argue that the run to Division I diluted talent in historic conferences like the CIAA which plays Division II. I think this is an acceptable argument, having grown up toward the end of the glory days of the CIAA. The basketball tournament is still a huge draw. But the defections of schools like Hampton, Norfolk State, and now Winston-Salem State to Division I has taken some of the passion from the CIAA. Some of the natural rivalries are no more. Hampton has made the transition with poise and great success, but Norfolk State still struggles with an underfunded and mostly directionless athletic program.
But, as they say, everything must change. So let's not pine too much for the "good ole' days." Yet, I hope that we can get more coverage and attention paid to HBCU sports.
That said, is that sort of content useful here? Let me know.
posted by battscomm at
6:21 PM
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