At Jackson State University’s media day, QB Shedeur Sanders put out a PSA, and his eyes are set on the first round. If drafted, Sanders would become only the 14th HBCU quarterback to be drafted in the NFL. While only three have been first round picks.
Last season he was arguably the best quarterback in the SWAC. He threw for 3200 passing yards and tossed 30 touchdowns with only eight interceptions. He led Jackson Stat to an 8-1 record, first SWAC East Title since 2013 and first SWAC Championship since 2007.
HBCU Quarterback History
Last time a HBCU quarterback was a first round pick was when the Houston Oilers made Steve McNair the third pick of the 1995 NFL Draft, which at the time was the highest spot a black quarterback was selected in the draft, at that one from an HBCU.
Steve McNair third Pick of 1995 Draft
If selected, that will make Sanders the fourth HBCU quarterback in history to be taken in round one. His name will be enriched in HBCU football history, alongside legends like Eldridge Dickey(Tennessee State), Doug Williams(Grambling State) and Steve McNair(Alcorn State), who were all taken in the first round.
Sanders has the skill set to be a great draft prospect, but there is one problem and that’s opportunity.
HBCU quarterbacks are completely nonexistent in the NFL. As mentioned earlier, only 13 HBCU quarterbacks have been selected in the NFL Draft history. Tavaris Jackson from Alabama State University, was the last HBCU quarterback to be drafted, and that was 16 years ago. And this past draft quarterback Aqeel Glass from Alabama A&M University, nearly broke the lengthy curse but went undrafted.
Another big year is underway for Jackson State, as their trying to win another SWAC Championship. Lets see if Sanders can take his team back to glory, and build up his draft stock.