HBCU ORIGINAL
SUNO Knights Athletics Receives NAIA Award for Second Time this Summer
HBCU ORIGINAL
Antwain Banks’ Fourth Quarter Touchdown Sparks Bowie State, but Davenport Holds on for a 17-14 Win
Antwain Banks’ Fourth Quarter Touchdown Sparks Bowie State, but Davenport Holds on for a 17-14 Win
Bowie, MD – In a game dominated by defense, the Davenport Panthers narrowly escaped with a 17-14 victory over the HBCU Bowie State Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Bulldog Stadium. The win moves Davenport to 2-0 on the season and improves their record against the Bulldogs to 2 0.
The Panther’s first score on their second drive came off Brandon Gielow‘s foot when he successfully drilled a 42-yard field goal to give DU the first lead of the game, 3-0. From there, Davenport would control the momentum of the game when, in the second quarter, Mike O’Horo connected with Preston Smith on a fade route in the back of the end zone for the touchdown, making it 10-0.
Bowie State would respond 2 minutes before the half late in the second quarter. After a crucial stop by the Bowie Defense, Kevin Taylor‘s 11-yard drive would cap off an eight-yard touchdown pass to Awesome Waller, Jr., bringing the score to 10-7. However, Davenport struck back right before halftime when O’Horo found Antjuan Collins near the three-yard line, and after a quick juke, Collins took it into the end zone to give the Panthers a 17-7 lead at halftime.
The second half became a defensive showdown, with both teams struggling to capitalize on long drives. Bowie State finally broke through at the start of the fourth quarter when Taylor launched a 30-yard touchdown pass to Antwain Banks, who debuted for the Bulldogs after transferring from Lincoln University. This score narrowed the deficit to 17-14 and gave Bowie State hope for a comeback.
Why Antwain Banks’ Impact and the Story Is Important.
As a Maryland high school standout at quarterback, Bank was a dynamic quarterback at Edgewood High School in Edgewood, Maryland. Despite his success as a state leader in high school, college programs didn’t know what to do with him, leaving him under-recruited and without offers until just before graduation, when Frostburg University extended an offer to play quarterback. Ironically, he only played quarterback in high school after the starting QB transferred in the middle of his junior year at Edgewood. As the most dynamic athlete on the field, initially playing slot receiver, he stepped into the quarterback role because there were no other viable options. He took on the challenge, hoping colleges would recognize how explosive and versatile he was with the ball in his hands.
Despite his remarkable stats as a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for over 4,000 yards and 46 touchdowns during his sophomore and junior seasons, he led the state in rushing both years, ranking first in touchdowns his junior year and finishing second in touchdowns his senior year.
High School Honors:
- 1st in state for scoring & touchdowns (26) in 2018
- 2nd in state rushing (131 ATT | 1,686 YDS) in 2018
- 5th in state total yards (2,498) in 2018
- 1st in the 3A division for total yards in 2018
- 1st in 3A rushing (126 ATT | 1,544 YDS) in 2017
- 1st in 3A division touchdowns (20) in 2017
- 1st in 3A division total yards (2,629) in 2017
- All-Metro mention, All-Conference, and All-County
Collegiate Honors:
- Dean’s List with a 3.8 GPA in 2022
- All-Academic Team with a 3.38 GPA in the 2023 slot as a redshirt freshman receiver
After redshirting at Frostburg, he transitioned to slot receiver at HBCU Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Earning a starting position at Lincoln, he soon realized he could better showcase his talents in a more competitive program. This led him to transfer to Bowie State during his sophomore redshirt to pursue a starting role. Banks’ journey to Bowie State is one of perseverance as an under-recruited athlete out of high school. His performance on Saturday—two catches for 57 yards and a touchdown—showed the value of athletes who may have been overlooked but possess the talent to make an impact.
Banks’ story mirrors that of his cousin, Deonte Banks, who also faced limited recruiting opportunities before earning a late scholarship offer from the University of Maryland. Deonte would be a first-round draft pick for the New York Giants, proving that under-recruited athletes can defy expectations when given the chance. Athletes like Antwain Banks are often overlooked by major programs due to their lack of star ratings and limited visibility in their high school markets, often because they come from more rural areas. Factors like a lack of recruiting networks among coaches and outdated recruitment philosophies also contribute to their underexposure. With the rise of social media, some recruiting budgets are being cut as recruiters rely more on online data. Colleges now prefer athletes to come to them through unofficial visits, mega camps, junior days, and game day experiences rather than actively scouting them in person.
Antwain demonstrated talent and knows no ranking. These athletes find ways to contribute at all levels of college football, often walking on or transferring to programs where they can showcase their skills. The Under Recruited Athlete platform exists to highlight these stories, ensuring that athletes with similar paths to Banks have opportunities to be seen and scouted by college programs.
Bowie State showed resilience and heart despite the loss, especially from players like Antwain Banks, whose story embodies the spirit of underrecruited athletes across the country. As college programs look to strengthen their rosters, Banks’ performance is a reminder of the untapped potential in athletes who may not have received high recruiting attention but are fully capable of impacting the field.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been pillars of higher education, culture, and community for over a century. Their presidents play crucial roles in steering these institutions toward success, fostering innovation, and preserving the rich legacy of HBCUs. Today, we highlight the visionary leaders at the helm of these distinguished schools.
Location: Normal, Alabama
President: Dr. Daniel K. WimsAlabama State University
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
President: Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr.
Albany State University
Location: Albany, Georgia
President: Dr. Marion Ross Fedrick
Alcorn State University
Location: Lorman, Mississippi
President: Dr. Felecia M. Nave
Allen University
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
President: Dr. Ernest McNealey
American Baptist College
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
President: Dr. Forrest E. Harris, Sr.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Location: Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Chancellor: Dr. Laurence B. Alexander
Arkansas Baptist College
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
President: Dr. Carlos R. Clark
Barber-Scotia College
Location: Concord, North Carolina
Interim President: Dr. David Olah
Benedict College
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
President: Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis
Bennett College
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
President: Dr. Suzanne Walsh
Bethune-Cookman University
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
President: Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II
Bishop State Community College
Location: Mobile, Alabama
President: Dr. Olivier Charles
Bluefield State College
Location: Bluefield, West Virginia
President: Dr. Robin C. Capehart
Bowie State University
Location: Bowie, Maryland
President: Dr. Aminta H. Breaux
Carver College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. Robert Crummie
Central State University
Location: Wilberforce, Ohio
President: Dr. Jack Thomas
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Location: Cheyney, Pennsylvania
President: Dr. Aaron A. Walton
Claflin University
Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina
President: Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
Clark Atlanta University
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. George T. French, Jr.
Clinton College
Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina
President: Dr. Lester A. McCorn
Coahoma Community College
Location: Clarksdale, Mississippi
President: Dr. Valmadge Towner
Coppin State University
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
President: Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins
Delaware State University
Location: Dover, Delaware
President: Dr. Tony Allen
Denmark Technical College
Location: Denmark, South Carolina
President: Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr.
Dillard University
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
President: Dr. Rochelle Ford
University of the District of Columbia
Location: Washington, D.C.
President: Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr.
Edward Waters University
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
President: Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr.
Elizabeth City State University
Location: Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Chancellor: Dr. Karrie G. Dixon
Fayetteville State University
Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina
Chancellor: Dr. Darrell T. Allison
Fisk University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
President: Dr. Vann R. Newkirk, Sr.
Florida A&M University
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
President: Dr. Larry Robinson
Florida Memorial University
Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
President: Dr. Jaffus Hardrick
Fort Valley State University
Location: Fort Valley, Georgia
President: Dr. Paul Jones
Gadsden State Community College (Valley Street campus)
Location: Gadsden, Alabama
President: Dr. Kathy L. Murphy
Grambling State University
Location: Grambling, Louisiana
President: Dr. Rick Gallot
Hampton University
Location: Hampton, Virginia
President: Dr. Darrell K. Williams
Harris-Stowe State University
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
President: Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith
Hinds Community College at Utica
Location: Utica, Mississippi
President: Dr. Stephen Vacik
Howard University
Location: Washington, D.C.
President: Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick
Huston-Tillotson University
Location: Austin, Texas
President: Dr. Melva K. Williams
Interdenominational Theological Center
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. Matthew Wesley Williams
J. F. Drake State Technical College
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
President: Dr. Patricia Sims
Jackson State University
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
President: Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony (Interim)
Jarvis Christian University
Location: Hawkins, Texas
President: Dr. Lester C. Newman
Johnson C. Smith University
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
President: Dr. Clarence D. Armbrister
Kentucky State University
Location: Frankfort, Kentucky
President: Dr. M. Christopher Brown II (Interim)
Knoxville College
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
President: Dr. Leonard Adams (Interim)
Lane College
Location: Jackson, Tennessee
President: Dr. Logan Hampton
Langston University
Location: Langston, Oklahoma
President: Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr.
Lawson State Community College
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
President: Dr. Cynthia Anthony
LeMoyne-Owen College
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
President: Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs
The Lincoln University
Location: Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
President: Dr. Brenda A. Allen
Lincoln University
Location: Jefferson City, Missouri
President: Dr. John B. Moseley
Livingstone College
Location: Salisbury, North Carolina
President: Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Location: Princess Anne, Maryland
President: Dr. Heidi M. Anderson
Meharry Medical College
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
President: Dr. James E. K. Hildreth
Miles College
Location: Fairfield, Alabama
President: Dr. Bobbie Knight
Mississippi Valley State University
Location: Itta Bena, Mississippi
President: Dr. Jerryl Briggs
Morehouse College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. David A. Thomas
Morehouse School of Medicine
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice
Morgan State University
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
President: Dr. David Wilson
Morris Brown College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. Kevin James
Morris College
Location: Sumter, South Carolina
President: Dr. Leroy Staggers
Norfolk State University
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
President: Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston
North Carolina A&T State University
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Chancellor: Dr. Harold L. Martin, Sr.
North Carolina Central University
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Chancellor: Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye
Oakwood University
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
President: Dr. Leslie N. Pollard
Paine College
Location: Augusta, Georgia
President: Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones
Paul Quinn College
Location: Dallas, Texas
President: Dr. Michael J. Sorrell
Philander Smith College
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
President: Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, Sr.
Prairie View A&M University
Location: Prairie View, Texas
President: Dr. Ruth J. Simmons (Interim)
Rust College
Location: Holly Springs, Mississippi
President: Dr. Ivy R. Taylor
Savannah State University
Location: Savannah, Georgia
President: Dr. Kimberly Ballard-Washington
Selma University
Location: Selma, Alabama
President: Dr. Stanford E. Angion
Shaw University
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
President: Dr. Paulette Dillard
Shelton State Community College (C.A. Fredd Campus)
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
President: Dr. Chris Cox
Shorter College
Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas
President: Dr. O. Jerome Green
Simmons College of Kentucky
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
President: Dr. Kevin W. Cosby
South Carolina State University
Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina
President: Dr. Alexander Conyers
Southern University at New Orleans
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Chancellor: Dr. James H. Ammons, Jr.
Southern University at Shreveport
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
Chancellor: Dr. Rodney Ellis
Southern University and A&M College
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
President-Chancellor: Dr. Dennis J. Shields
Southwestern Christian College
Location: Terrell, Texas
President: Dr. Ervin D. Seamster, Jr.
Spelman College
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
President: Dr. Helene Gayle
St. Augustine’s University
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
President: Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail
St. Philip’s College
Location: San Antonio, Texas
President: Dr. Adena Williams Loston
Stillman College
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
President: Dr. Cynthia Warrick
Talladega College
Location: Talladega, Alabama
President: Dr. Gregory J. Vincent
Tennessee State University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
President: Dr. Glenda Glover
Texas College
Location: Tyler, Texas
President: Dr. Dwight J. Fennell
Texas Southern University
Location: Houston, Texas
President: Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young
Tougaloo College
Location: Tougaloo, Mississippi
President: Dr. Carmen J. Walters
H. Councill Trenholm State Community College
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
President: Dr. Kemba Chambers
Tuskegee University
Location: Tuskegee, Alabama
President: Dr. Charlotte P. Morris
University of the Virgin Islands
Location: St. Thomas and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
President: Dr. David Hall
Virginia State University
Location: Petersburg, Virginia
President: Dr. Makola M. Abdullah
Virginia Union University
Location: Richmond, Virginia
President: Dr. Hakim J. Lucas
Virginia University of Lynchburg
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
President: Dr. Kathy Franklin
Voorhees University
Location: Denmark, South Carolina
President: Dr. Ronnie Hopkins
West Virginia State University
Location: Institute, West Virginia
President: Dr. Ericke S. Cage
Wilberforce University
Location: Wilberforce, Ohio
President: Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard
Wiley University
Location: Marshall, Texas
President: Dr. Herman J. Felton, Jr.
Winston-Salem State University
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Chancellor: Dr. Elwood L. Robinson
Xavier University of Louisiana
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
President: Dr. Reynold Verret
Fun Facts About HBCUs You Might Not Know
The legacy of HBCUs is rich with history, culture, and achievements. Here are some cool facts about a few of these remarkable institutions:
Howard University
- Did You Know? Howard University is often referred to as “The Mecca” because of its pivotal role in African American culture and history. It has produced more African American Ph.D. holders than any other university in the world.
Spelman College
- Did You Know? Spelman College is the oldest historically Black college for women in America. It was originally founded as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary in 1881 and later became Spelman College in 1924.
Tuskegee University
- Did You Know? Tuskegee University is home to the famous Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces. The university also has a National Historic Site, the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, on its campus.
Morehouse College
- Did You Know? Morehouse College is the only HBCU dedicated exclusively to the education of African American men. Among its notable alumni are Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., filmmaker Spike Lee, and actor Samuel L. Jackson.
Florida A&M University (FAMU)
- Did You Know? FAMU has one of the top-ranked public pharmacy schools in the nation. The university’s Marching “100” band is also world-renowned and has performed in venues like the Super Bowl and the Grammy Awards.
Xavier University of Louisiana
- Did You Know? Xavier University of Louisiana produces more African American students who go on to complete medical school than any other college in the U.S.
Lincoln University (PA)
- Did You Know? Lincoln University is the first degree-granting HBCU in the United States, founded in 1854. Notable alumni include Langston Hughes, Thurgood Marshall, and Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana.
North Carolina A&T State University
- Did You Know? North Carolina A&T State University is the largest HBCU in the United States by enrollment. It is also known for its powerful engineering programs and is one of the top producers of African American engineers in the country.
Hampton University
- Did You Know? Hampton University owns the largest free-standing proton therapy cancer treatment center in the world, the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute.
Bethune-Cookman University
- Did You Know? Founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune with just $1.50 and a mission to educate African American girls, Bethune-Cookman University has grown into one of the most respected HBCUs in the nation.
MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
- Howard University
- Overview: Howard remains the gold standard in the MEAC with multiple returning starters and a top recruiting class. They are expected to continue their dominance and secure another conference title.
- Coppin State University
- Overview: Coppin State is on the rise, with a solid core of returning players and strong coaching. They are poised to challenge Howard for the top spot in the MEAC.
- Morgan State University
- Overview: Morgan State consistently fields competitive teams, known for their strong defense and resilience. They are expected to be a top contender in the MEAC this season.
CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
- Shaw University
- Overview: Shaw University leads the CIAA with a balanced and experienced team. They have a history of success and are favorites to win the conference this season.
- Fayetteville State University
- Overview: Fayetteville State is consistently a top competitor in the CIAA, with a disciplined and well-coached team. They will likely push Shaw for the top position.
- Virginia State University
- Overview: Virginia State brings a competitive edge to the CIAA, with strong teamwork and strategic play. They are expected to be in the mix for the conference championship.
SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
- Florida A&M University
- Overview: Florida A&M continues to be a powerhouse in the SWAC. With a deep roster and strong recruiting, they are the team to beat in the conference.
- Alabama State University
- Overview: Alabama State is a perennial contender in the SWAC, known for their consistency and experience. They are expected to be in the hunt for the conference title.
- Jackson State University
- Overview: Jackson State has a dynamic and high-energy team that regularly challenges for the top spots in the SWAC. They have the potential to make a deep postseason run.
SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
- Spring Hill College
- Overview: Spring Hill College continues to dominate the SIAC with a well-rounded and experienced team. They are expected to maintain their position at the top of the conference.
- Benedict College
- Overview: Benedict College is a strong contender in the SIAC, with a balanced attack and solid defense. They are likely to be one of the top teams in the conference.
- Clark Atlanta University
- Overview: Clark Atlanta has steadily improved and is expected to compete strongly in the SIAC. They have a resilient team that could challenge for the conference title.
HBCU Athletic Conference (Newly Formed)
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Overview: Xavier University of Louisiana continues to be the dominant force in the newly formed HBCU Athletic Conference. They have a well-established program and are favorites to win the conference title.
- Dillard University
- Overview: Dillard University remains a strong competitor in the HBCU Athletic Conference, known for their strategic play and strong defense. They will likely be Xavier’s biggest challenger.
- Tougaloo College
- Overview: Tougaloo College has a competitive program that regularly finishes near the top of the conference standings. They are known for their scrappy and determined play.
Predicted Conference Champions (2024-25)
- MEAC: Howard University
- CIAA: Shaw University
- SWAC: Florida A&M University
- SIAC: Spring Hill College
- HBCU Athletic Conference: Xavier University of Louisiana
Despite entering the game as a heavy underdog against Hawaii, Delaware State put up a valiant effort in their season opener, ultimately falling 35-14 in a hard-fought battle at Ching Complex in front of 10,279 fans.
The Hornets showed resilience in windy conditions that worsened in the third quarter. Hawaii’s run-and-shoot offense struggled to find its rhythm, and Delaware State capitalized, holding the Warriors scoreless in the second quarter. The game was tied at 14-all early in the second half, after an impressive drive by the Hornets capped off with a 6-yard touchdown run by Jaden Sutton, following a 42-yard reception by Ryan Lee that took advantage of a busted coverage.
Delaware State’s defense kept Hawaii in check for much of the game, allowing the Hornets to stay within striking distance. Quarterback Marqui Adams led the charge, completing 17 of 28 passes for 156 yards and rushing for 44 yards and a touchdown. His 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter brought the Hornets within reach, showcasing his ability to make plays under pressure.
The Hornets’ offensive spark late in the first half, highlighted by Adams’ elusive 10-yard run into the end zone, accounted for the majority of their 122 total yards in the first half. Despite a strong effort, Delaware State couldn’t find the end zone again after tying the game early in the second half.
Hawaii managed to pull away with two second-half touchdowns, but not without being tested by a determined Delaware State squad. The Warriors were forced to dig deep, with quarterback Brayden Schager’s two rushing touchdowns and two passing scores ultimately sealing the game. Schager’s 15-yard QB keeper midway through the third quarter broke the 14-all tie, and a 29-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth extended Hawaii’s lead.
Pofele Ashlock led Hawaii’s receivers with five catches for 81 yards, but the Hornets’ defense kept the game within reach until late in the fourth quarter. Delaware State’s effort against a heavily favored Hawaii team provided plenty of reasons for optimism as the season progresses. 
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