![\"Football](\"https:\/\/nfldraftdiamonds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01m03yqy6mnftngq81ry.jpg.webp\")
Pittman\u2019s Pocket \u2014 Preseason Spotlight<\/em><\/h3>\nThe HBCU-to-NFL conversation is changing.<\/p>\n
This week\u2019s preseason games are providing another reminder that HBCU football isn\u2019t simply developing talent for the next level \u2014 the talent is already there, ready to contribute.<\/strong> The production may not always receive the national attention of major FBS programs, but NFL film is beginning to tell a different story.<\/p>\nSeveral HBCU products quietly delivered meaningful performances this weekend.<\/p>\n
Elijah Williams \u2014 Morgan State \u2192 Minnesota Vikings<\/strong>
Williams recorded a tackle and a sack against the New York Giants<\/strong>, showing the ability to create pressure and finish plays from the defensive front.<\/p>\nJames Houston \u2014 Jackson State \u2192 Dallas Cowboys<\/strong>
Houston continued to display the pass-rush ability that has followed him from Jackson State to the NFL, recording a sack and multiple tackles<\/strong>. His explosiveness off the edge remains a valuable trait.<\/p>\nIsaiah Land \u2014 Florida A&M \u2192 Dallas Cowboys<\/strong>
Land also registered a sack and tackles<\/strong>, including a critical fourth-down sack that stopped a potential scoring opportunity. Situational football matters, and Land made one of the biggest defensive plays of the game.<\/p>\nCarson Vinson \u2014 Alabama A&M \u2192 Baltimore Ravens<\/strong>
Vinson provided another example of how HBCU evaluation must extend beyond the stat sheet. Working at left tackle<\/strong>, he showed good leverage, run-blocking support and encouraging pass-protection technique. His performance demonstrated the importance of evaluating offensive linemen through assignment execution, physicality and consistency.<\/p>\nIan Wheeler \u2014 Howard \u2192 Buffalo Bills<\/strong>
The former Howard running back and UFL MVP made his opportunities count. Wheeler led Buffalo\u2019s rushing production with 7 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown<\/strong>, averaging nearly six yards per carry despite receiving a relatively short workload. His burst and efficiency continue to make his NFL opportunity worth watching.<\/p>\nClaudin Cherelus \u2014 Alcorn State \u2192 Carolina Panthers<\/strong>
Cherelus quietly produced 3 tackles \u2014 2 solo and 1 assisted<\/strong>. His performance represents the type of defensive production that can be overlooked when scouts focus primarily on Power Four statistics.<\/p>\nA NEW BLUEPRINT FOR HBCU SCOUTING<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe message from this preseason isn\u2019t that HBCU players might<\/em> be ready.<\/p>\nThey\u2019re showing that they are ready.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe next generation should not have to wonder whether HBCU football can produce NFL-caliber talent. The evidence is appearing on NFL preseason film \u2014 sacks, tackles, rushing efficiency, blocking assignments, leverage, situational football and the ability to make plays when opportunities arrive.<\/p>\n
For NFL scouts, this should encourage a re-blueprint of HBCU evaluation<\/strong>.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t simply scout the statistics.<\/p>\n
Scout the traits<\/strong>.<\/p>\nScout the competition.
Scout the technique.
Scout the physical development.
Scout production against FBS opponents.
Scout special-teams value.
Scout positional versatility.
Scout how quickly a player adapts to NFL coaching.
And most importantly \u2014 scout the film.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe HBCU pipeline isn\u2019t waiting for permission to produce the next generation of NFL players.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re already producing them.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe question for the next draft cycle isn\u2019t \u201cCan HBCU players play?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nThe better question is:<\/p>\n
\u201cHow many NFL-caliber HBCU players are scouts still overlooking?\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\nPittman\u2019s Pocket<\/strong> believes the answer deserves a new scouting blueprint.<\/p>\nHBCU Football. NFL Impact. No Noise Necessary.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n![\"Football](\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/98b65daa03f538f90a44473b683edc7bdcd1887de9778d3b913e855f2daad333?s=100&r=g\")
<\/p>\n
\nWorked as a Scout and volunteer for the East n West Shriners game in 2016-2017.
\nAlso attended the Hula bowl and Tropical Bowl games. 2022
\nAlso was a independent Agent and Scout at the CGS bowl game in 2021.
\nWorked All star games like the EPS All-Americans game in 2017.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Several HBCU products quietly delivered meaningful performances this weekend.<\/p>\n
Elijah Williams \u2014 Morgan State \u2192 Minnesota Vikings<\/strong> James Houston \u2014 Jackson State \u2192 Dallas Cowboys<\/strong> Isaiah Land \u2014 Florida A&M \u2192 Dallas Cowboys<\/strong> Carson Vinson \u2014 Alabama A&M \u2192 Baltimore Ravens<\/strong> Ian Wheeler \u2014 Howard \u2192 Buffalo Bills<\/strong> Claudin Cherelus \u2014 Alcorn State \u2192 Carolina Panthers<\/strong> The message from this preseason isn\u2019t that HBCU players might<\/em> be ready.<\/p>\n They\u2019re showing that they are ready.<\/strong><\/p>\n The next generation should not have to wonder whether HBCU football can produce NFL-caliber talent. The evidence is appearing on NFL preseason film \u2014 sacks, tackles, rushing efficiency, blocking assignments, leverage, situational football and the ability to make plays when opportunities arrive.<\/p>\n For NFL scouts, this should encourage a re-blueprint of HBCU evaluation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t simply scout the statistics.<\/p>\n Scout the traits<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Scout the competition. The HBCU pipeline isn\u2019t waiting for permission to produce the next generation of NFL players.<\/p>\n They\u2019re already producing them.<\/strong><\/p>\n The question for the next draft cycle isn\u2019t \u201cCan HBCU players play?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The better question is:<\/p>\n Pittman\u2019s Pocket<\/strong> believes the answer deserves a new scouting blueprint.<\/p>\n HBCU Football. NFL Impact. No Noise Necessary.<\/strong><\/p>\n Worked as a Scout and volunteer for the East n West Shriners game in 2016-2017.
Williams recorded a tackle and a sack against the New York Giants<\/strong>, showing the ability to create pressure and finish plays from the defensive front.<\/p>\n
Houston continued to display the pass-rush ability that has followed him from Jackson State to the NFL, recording a sack and multiple tackles<\/strong>. His explosiveness off the edge remains a valuable trait.<\/p>\n
Land also registered a sack and tackles<\/strong>, including a critical fourth-down sack that stopped a potential scoring opportunity. Situational football matters, and Land made one of the biggest defensive plays of the game.<\/p>\n
Vinson provided another example of how HBCU evaluation must extend beyond the stat sheet. Working at left tackle<\/strong>, he showed good leverage, run-blocking support and encouraging pass-protection technique. His performance demonstrated the importance of evaluating offensive linemen through assignment execution, physicality and consistency.<\/p>\n
The former Howard running back and UFL MVP made his opportunities count. Wheeler led Buffalo\u2019s rushing production with 7 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown<\/strong>, averaging nearly six yards per carry despite receiving a relatively short workload. His burst and efficiency continue to make his NFL opportunity worth watching.<\/p>\n
Cherelus quietly produced 3 tackles \u2014 2 solo and 1 assisted<\/strong>. His performance represents the type of defensive production that can be overlooked when scouts focus primarily on Power Four statistics.<\/p>\nA NEW BLUEPRINT FOR HBCU SCOUTING<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Scout the technique.
Scout the physical development.
Scout production against FBS opponents.
Scout special-teams value.
Scout positional versatility.
Scout how quickly a player adapts to NFL coaching.
And most importantly \u2014 scout the film.<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cHow many NFL-caliber HBCU players are scouts still overlooking?\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nAlso attended the Hula bowl and Tropical Bowl games. 2022
\nAlso was a independent Agent and Scout at the CGS bowl game in 2021.
\nWorked All star games like the EPS All-Americans game in 2017.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n