The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl is presented by the Black College Football Hall of Fame. This game is relatively similar to the popular Senior Bowl where the top seniors in FBS perform in a game before preparing for the NFL draft.
The HBCU Legacy Bowl is a post-season all-star game showcasing the best NFL-eligible players from HBCUs. It is broadcast live on the NFL Network and it is more than just a game — it’s a week-long celebration of Black culture, history and a career fair that provides invaluable exposure and opportunity for HBCU student-athletes.
After the Rattlers 9-2 season last year, five players were selected to the HBCU Legacy Bowl game. The players were cornerback BJ Bohler, running back Aj Davis, kicker Jose Romo-Martinez, punter Chris Faddoul and wide receiver Xavier Smith. Smith went on to win MVP and was the only person from FAMU who made It to the NFL and is currently on an active roster. Smith’s MVP award gave him a lot of spotlight and helped his draft stock. This game has been around for about three years and has helped a lot of former Rattlers.
This year four players were selected from FAMU, and the season isn’t over yet. Star quarterback Jeremy Mousa was the very first selection into the HBCU Legacy Bowl this year.
“It is a great honor, something that I was excited to get invited to and be a part of but I thank my teammates the most for helping me get to where I am today,” Mousa told The Famuan.
Standout offensive lineman and Florida State transfer Jalen Goss, who is from Valdosta Georgia, was selected shortly after Mousa.
“All my hard work is finally starting to pay off, I missed five games this year but now I’m 100% and I get a week to show scouts what I can do so hopefully I gain a lot from it,” Goss said.
Next it was Isaiah Major, who is potentially the top NFL prospect on the team this season.
“It’s a blessing to be able to extend my career and to be given an opportunity to be able to showcase my talents In front of NFL scouts. I’m beyond grateful,” Major said.
Lastly, Jah’Marae Sheread, the wide receiver who leads his team in catches was invited to the HBCU Legacy Bowl. He is excited for the opportunity and has high expectations for himself.
“It’s a blessing to get selected out of all the athletes in SWAC, I get to showcase my talent against the best, put the world on notice and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
Sheread also has plans on following in the footsteps of Xavier Smith, who now plays for the Los Angeles Rams. Sheread would like nothing more than to bring home a second MVP for the Rattlers.
“Xavier set the tone, so the goal is to make a big impact, show the world what I can do and bring another MVP home,” Sheread said.
Although the star seniors are grateful and excited about the Legacy Bowl game, they aren’t letting it distract them too much from the team’s ultimate goal, which is to make the Celebration Bowl. The Rattlers are set to host Lincoln University on Saturday.