The 2022 NFL Draft has officially wrapped, and a total of four athletes from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were called.

As Blavity previously reported, no HBCU athletes were recruited in the first round this past Thursday. Unfortunately, this trend continued throughout rounds 2 and 3, which were held Friday.

However, when rounds 4-7 commenced on Saturday, the tides changed, and four HBCU-based athletes made it into the NFL.

Here’s the rundown on these 4 talented football stars.

Joshua Williams (Fayetteville State University)

First up, we have Joshua Williams, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round (No. 135 overall).

Williams being called notably comes about a year after no HBCU athletes were recruited in the 2021 draft, as Blavity previously reported.

“Thank you to everyone who congratulated me and helped me get to this point,” the Fayetteville State student said of his accomplishment. “I give 100% of the glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ.”

Decobie Durant (South Carolina State University)

South Carolina State defensive back Decobie Durant was called shortly thereafter, going to the Los Angeles Rams as the No. 142 pick.

“Been a dream since a kid,” Durant wrote on Instagram. “Earned Not Given…Let’s Work.”

James Houston IV (Jackson State University)

James Houston IV, a Jackson State-educated linebacker, was then drafted to the Detroit Lions as the No. 217 pick.

“Feels crazy. Just relief and pride. So happy to be a part of the Lion’s organization,” Houston said.

Ja'Tyre Carter (Southern University)

Finally, we have Ja’Tyre Carter — an offensive lineman with Southern University.

He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 7th round, becoming the No. 226 overall draft pick.

“Bear Down,” he succinctly said of his new team.

In response to these 4 top-notch HBCU stars getting drafted, Deion Sanders — Jackson State’s head football coach and an outspoken advocate for HBCU athletes — expressed his excitement on Instagram.

“NFL, I ain’t mad at ‘cha!” Sanders said. “I ain’t mad at ‘cha, baby! We got about two more in us, though! We got about two more in us to get drafted today, and that does not count all the free agents. Don’t forget about the free agents.”

“Everybody that has anything to do with an HBCU, you should be shouting right now and dancing,” he added.

 

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Speaking of free agents, it’s worth noting that — while Alabama A&M star Aqueel Glass wasn’t called during the draft — he ultimately received an invitation from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to attend a rookie minicamp. Other stars like Markquese Bell of Florida A&M University also received rookie minicamp invitations.

Shoutout to these top-tier HBCU stars-turned-NFL rookies!

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