PURE FCS Post Draft NFL/CFL Opportunities: SWAC Leads ALL HBCUs 🏈💰

Let's talk about something that NOBODY wants to address honestly.

Every year, we see the same recycled narratives:

• "HBCU players don't get NFL looks"

• "The SWAC isn't competitive enough"

• "You need to transfer to get noticed"

WRONG.

The numbers tell a COMPLETELY different story—and it's time to set the record straight.

HBCU Pro Movement Report (NFL + CFL). FCS Players Only. No FBS Transfers. Cross-Referenced. Final Schools Confirmed. SWAC leads HBCUs with 9 players. Source: Sports Illustrated FCS Tracker + Hero Sports FCS Tracker. (Graphic: SheLovesThee Podcast)

📊 THE REAL NUMBERS (PURE FCS ONLY)

Let's be clear about what "Pure FCS" means:

• NO transfers from FBS programs

• Players who completed their careers at FCS schools

• Direct pathway from HBCU → NFL/CFL

When you filter it this way, here's what the data shows:

SWAC = #1 among HBCUs. Period.

🏆 SWAC PLAYER BREAKDOWN (PURE FCS – 9 TOTAL)

Let's break down who these players are and why they got opportunities:

🔵 Ja'naylon Dupree — Jackson State

Ja'naylon Dupree (#2) - Jackson State Tigers. 4.38 speed. Now with the Cleveland Browns. (Photo: Jackson State Athletics)

UDFA – Cleveland Browns

Profile & Production:

• Position: WR / DB hybrid athlete

• Elite trait: 4.38 speed (Pro Day)

• Role: Big-play vertical threat + special teams upside

Breakdown:

Dupree wasn't just signed for production—he was signed for TRAITS. His speed alone puts him in the NFL conversation. Jackson State used him situationally, but scouts see:

• Gunner ability

• Return potential

• Developmental deep threat

👉 This is a projection signing, not just résumé-based.

🟣 Quincy Ivory — Jackson State

Rookie Minicamp – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2024 Season (SWAC DPOY Level):

• Tackles: ~60+

• TFL: Double-digit

• Sacks: High-impact edge production

Breakdown:

• Explosive edge rusher

• Strong motor + backfield disruption

• Wins with first-step quickness

👉 One of the most productive defensive players in the SWAC

👉 Real chance to earn a camp contract

🟣 Jeremiah Williams — Jackson State

Rookie Minicamp – Minnesota Vikings

Profile:

• Position: Interior DL

• Strength: Run stopping + gap control

Breakdown:

• Anchors well vs double teams

• Interior presence in SWAC defenses

• NFL upside = rotational depth + run defense

👉 Not flashy stats—but valuable trench player

🟠 Ashton Grable — Florida A&M

Ashton Grable (#71) - Florida A&M Rattlers. Multi-year starter on the offensive line. Now with Buffalo Bills rookie minicamp. (Photo: FAMU Athletics)

Rookie Minicamp – Buffalo Bills

Profile:

• Position: OL

• Experience: Multi-year starter

Breakdown:

• Strong pass protection fundamentals

• Good length and technique

• FAMU OL pipeline guy

👉 Projects as practice squad OL / developmental tackle or guard

🔵 Ckelby Givens — Southern University

Rookie Minicamp – Buffalo Bills

Profile:

• Position: EDGE

• Known for: Pressure + physicality

Breakdown:

• Strong edge setter

• Plays with power more than speed

• Scheme fit for rotational DE

👉 Underrated SWAC defender with NFL frame

🟡 Jaylon Shelton — Prairie View A&M

Rookie Minicamp – Atlanta Falcons

Profile:

• Position: DB

• Strength: Coverage + athleticism

Breakdown:

• Versatile secondary piece

• Likely evaluated for special teams + nickel depth

👉 Falcons looking at him as a developmental DB

🟤 Erick Hunter — Morgan State (MEAC)

UDFA – Detroit Lions

Production:

• High tackle volume linebacker

• Defensive leader

Breakdown:

• Instinctive, downhill LB

• Strong run defender

• Special teams value immediately

👉 This is a production-based signing

🍁 CFL IMPACT

Don't sleep on the CFL either:

Dylan Djete (#5) - Alabama State Hornets. 2nd Round, 19th Overall CFL Draft Pick. Making history for SWAC in the CFL. (Photo: Alabama State Athletics)

Dylan Djete — Alabama State

• 2nd Round, 19th Overall CFL Draft Pick

• Signed with CFL team

• First Alabama State player drafted in the CFL in recent history

Jacobian Morgan (#15) - Jackson State Tigers. Signed with Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL). The pro pathway is REAL. (Photo: Jackson State Athletics)

Jacobian Morgan — Jackson State

• Signed with Hamilton Tiger-Cats

• Dual-threat QB with game-changing ability

• Proving SWAC QBs can make it at the next level

The CFL is a legitimate professional pathway, and SWAC players are getting those opportunities too.

🧠 JACKSON STATE IMPACT

Jackson State alone produced:

• 1 UDFA signing

• 2 rookie minicamp invites

• 1 CFL signing

That's 4 professional opportunities from ONE program.

👉 That's why they lead HBCUs.

🎯 THE REAL MESSAGE

There's constant debate about:

• Strength of schedule

• Who teams play

• Whether HBCU football is "competitive enough"

But the NFL is saying something different:

👉 "We care about who can play at OUR level."

And right now…

SWAC players—especially Jackson State—are getting those opportunities.

🔥 WHAT THIS SAYS ABOUT SWAC

• 9 PURE FCS NFL/CFL opportunities = BEST among HBCUs

• Multiple positions represented: DL, EDGE, OL, DB, WR

• Programs like Jackson State, Southern, Prairie View, FAMU all contributing

• The pipeline is REAL

💡 THE BOTTOM LINE

Yes, we all want to see more HBCU players get DRAFTED.

But let's not pretend that UDFA signings and minicamp invites don't matter.

These are REAL opportunities at the highest level of football.

And the SWAC is leading the way.

So the next time someone tells you that playing in the SWAC limits your NFL potential...

Show them these numbers.

Because the data doesn't lie.

And if it don't make dollars…

…it definitely don't make sense.