The last couple years few names in HBCU football have sparked as much excitement as North Carolina Central University’s quarterback Davius Richard. A formidable dual-threat quarterback, Richard has not only dominated the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) but has also turned heads at the 2024 HBCU Combine. His recent showcase adds another chapter to his unwavering commitment to proving he’s not just a college-level talent, but a bona fide NFL prospect.
Accolades
Richard’s tenure at NCCU was nothing short of spectacular. As a four-year starter, he amassed jaw-dropping numbers, 8,991 passing yards and 73 touchdowns, coupled with an additional 2,026 yards and 44 TDs coming on the ground. These numbers don’t just tell the story of a talented athlete; they narrate a saga of a leader who carried his team to its first MEAC title since 2016 upsetting the heavily favorited Jackson State in the Celebration Bowl. His accolades include a HBCU national championship, back-to-back MEAC Player of the Year awards and three All-MEAC selections, with the last two as a first-team pick.
HBCU Combine Performance
At the 2024 HBCU Combine, Richard’s athletic prowess was on full display. He clocked in the 4.5-4.6 range in the 40-yard dash, completed a 9′ 10″ broad jump, and more importantly, showcased a refined throwing motion that caught the eyes of scouts and analysts alike. As Richard himself put it, “I think the most important thing the scouts want to see is fluency in my throwing motion and things of that nature. Ball placement. Touch.” Richard’s intention was clear: he’s out to show he’s not just a runner who can throw; he’s a quarterback ready for the NFL stage.
NFL Prospect and Analyst Perspective
The buzz around Davius Richard in the predraft process is not just a fleeting hype. NFL/CFB Analyst Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network encapsulates this sentiment, stating, “NC Central QB Davius Richard has been a popular name so far in the predraft process.” His remarkable total of 117 touchdowns in his career is not just a number; it’s a testament to his capability and readiness for the professional stage. Richard’s potential goes beyond just being a standout player from an HBCU; he’s on the cusp of becoming the first HBCU quarterback drafted since Tarvaris Jackson in 2006.
The interest from multiple NFL teams, including the Eagles, Falcons, Bears, Cardinals, Bengals, Bucs, Jets, and Lions, is indicative of how Richard’s skill set is perceived in the current NFL landscape. His dual-threat capability, combined with his demonstrated leadership and calm under pressure, aligns seamlessly with the evolving dynamics of NFL quarterbacks, where mobility and passing accuracy are equally prized.
Conclusion
As the NFL Draft approaches, Davius Richard stands not just as a beacon of hope for HBCU quarterbacks but as a compelling prospect for any team looking to bolster its qb room. The anticipation of his next step is not just exciting for him and his supporters, but for the culture of HBCU football, eagerly awaiting for the next black college qb to be hear his name called on draft night.
You may also like
Jarveon Howard Shines at the 2024 HBCU Combine
Myles Crawley: Grambling State’s Key to a Winning Football Season
Return of a Giant: EA Sports Drops New NCAA College Football 25 Trailer
+ There are no comments
Add yours