Sports
David Wright III: A Tampa-Bred Star Shines in the SIAC Spotlight
David Wright III, Clark Atlanta University’s electrifying quarterback, has achieved what few can boast—winning back-to-back SIAC Overall Player of the Year awards. His standout 2024 season, where he passed for 2,915 yards (ranking fifth nationally in Division II) and threw 28 touchdowns, has solidified his status as one of the most exciting players in college football. Wright’s incredible journey from Tampa Bay Tech High School to Clark Atlanta is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and talent.
As a quarterback who transcends expectations, Wright, who began his college career at Allen University, transferred to Clark Atlanta with a vision: to elevate his game and lead his team to prominence. This year, he completed 62% of his passes and continued to develop into a dual-threat weapon. Known for his ability to extend plays, his pocket instincts, and a cannon of an arm, Wright is the definition of a playmaker. Scouts rave about his accuracy, mobility, and ability to hit his receivers in stride, particularly on mid-range throws, earning him the nickname “Midrange Maestro.” His Tampa roots shared with Ronnie West, Clark Atlanta’s star receiver, have helped forge an unstoppable connection on the field. The Tampa duo has become a dynamic pairing, transforming the Panthers’ aerial attack into one of the most lethal in the conference.
Wright’s success stands out in a season filled with remarkable SIAC performances. Albany State quarterback Isaiah Knowles captured Offensive Player of the Year honors after throwing for 2,555 yards and a league-high 32 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Lashon Young of Miles College earned Defensive Player of the Year, leading all of Division II with seven interceptions, showcasing the caliber of defensive talent in the SIAC.
Albany State’s freshman running back Tiant Wyche and Allen University’s newcomer Jamir Dismukes also made waves, with Wyche excelling as a dual-threat rusher and returner and Dismukes adding six touchdowns to Allen’s offensive efforts. Rounding out the awards, Miles head coach Sam Shade was named Coach of the Year for leading the Golden Bears to an 8-0 conference record.
As the NFL Draft looms, Wright III’s football journey is a compelling narrative of grit, growth, and undeniable talent. Wright’s on-field dominance has drawn comparisons to Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Scouts praise Wright’s ability to operate under pressure, lightning-quick release, and knack for threading tight windows. While some critics cite his frame as a limitation, Wright has consistently proven that size is no barrier to success. His leadership and poise have made him a late-round steal prospect, with NFL teams undoubtedly taking notice.
With back-to-back SIAC Player of the Year awards, Wright is ready to carry the HBCU on his back as he could hoist the stature again. With standout performances like Wright’s, the conference continues to demonstrate that it can produce elite athletes ready for the national stage. His success at Clark Atlanta is part of a more significant trend of HBCUs reclaiming their place in the national spotlight. From producing NFL talents like Tariq Cohen and Shaquille Leonard to showcasing high-level competition in events like the Celebration Bowl, HBCUs are earning widespread respect. Players like Wright represent their schools and highlight the quality of coaching, competition, and development within HBCU programs. The growing visibility of HBCU athletes is also supported by initiatives such as the NFL’s HBCU Combine and partnerships with major media networks. These platforms ensure players like Wright can showcase their skills to NFL scouts, reinforcing that HBCUs remain a vital pipeline of football talent.
With stars like Wright leading the charge, the legacy of HBCU football is entering a new golden era—where its athletes make history and inspire future generations to carry the torch forward.
Saturday, September 13, 2025 – 01:00 PM
Get ready for an electrifying showdown as the HBCU NY Football Classic returns to MetLife Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025!
This premier HBCU football event in the Northeast promises heart-pounding action as Morehouse College takes on Howard University. Two of the nation’s most storied programs will clash on the gridiron, each vying for victory and bragging rights in front of thousands of passionate fans.
Fans can expect a full day of excitement, from pre-game festivities and marching band performances to halftime entertainment that celebrates HBCU culture and tradition. The rivalry is fierce, the stakes are high, and the energy in the stadium is bound to be unforgettable.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making at the HBCU NY Football Classic – where tradition, pride, and football excellence collide!
HBCU ORIGINAL
Dillard’s Davison, Wilberforce’s Howard, and Wiley’s Russell Claim Week 1 HBCUAC Cross Country Honors
NEW ORLEANS – September 2, 2025 – The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) announced its Week 1 cross country weekly awards, recognizing standout performances from August 25-31.
Women’s Honors:
Dillard University freshman Karlise Davison made a sensational debut, earning both Runner of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors. Davison broke the Dillard four-kilometer school record, cementing herself as a rising star in the HBCUAC women’s cross country scene. Her record-setting performance has set high expectations for the season ahead.
Men’s Honors:
On the men’s side, Wilberforce University freshman Skyaqui Howard was named Runner and Freshman of the Week after leading the Bulldogs at the Wilberforce Invitational. In his first collegiate meet, Howard clocked 17:56.7, finishing seventh among 23 competitors from NCAA Division II and NCCAA programs.
Wiley University’s John Russell, a transfer from Ranger College, claimed Newcomer of the Week following his performance at Texas Christian University’s John MacKenzie Invitational. Competing against NCAA Division I athletes from TCU, Texas A&M, and Tarleton State, Russell completed the five-kilometer course in 19:38, showcasing his readiness to contribute at the HBCUAC level.
Additional men’s weekly nominees included Quante Ferguson (Talladega), Javoun Goldsby (Wiley), Earl Hurd Jr. (Wiley), Phillip Isaac (Dillard), and K’Mon Washington (Dillard), highlighting the depth of talent across the conference.
The HBCUAC continues to spotlight emerging athletes and exceptional performances in cross country, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College football team has secured the No. 9 spot in this week’s HBCU Division II Football Coaches Poll, powered by BOXTOROW.
The Tigers climbed into the rankings after opening their season with a 10-0 shutout victory over Fayetteville State on Saturday. They earned 36 points in voting from the panel of 18 Division II HBCU head coaches.
Virginia Union holds steady at No. 1 in the poll, with Benedict standing as one of six SIAC programs featured in the top 10.
Benedict will have a bye this week before returning to action on Sept. 13, when they travel to face Central State.
Now in its fourth year, the HBCU Division II Coaches Poll is administered by BOXTOROW and determined solely by votes from Division II HBCU head coaches.
2025 HBCU D2 Football Coaches Poll – Week 1
(Records through August 31, 2025)
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Virginia Union (15) – 1-0 – 175 pts – Preseason: 1
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Johnson C. Smith (1) – 1-0 – 153 pts – Preseason: 2
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Albany State (2) – 1-0 – 146 pts – Preseason: 3
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Virginia State – 1-0 – 129 pts – Preseason: 5
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Tuskegee – 1-0 – 99 pts – Preseason: 6
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Clark Atlanta – 0-1 – 86 pts – Preseason: 4
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Edward Waters – 1-0 – 42 pts – NR
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Winston-Salem State – 0-1 – 38 pts – Preseason: 7
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Benedict – 1-0 – 36 pts – NR
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Fort Valley State – 0-1 – 35 pts – Preseason: 9
Others receiving votes: Kentucky State (1-0) 21, Miles (0-1) 9, West Virginia State (0-1) 6, Allen (0-1) 5, Livingstone (0-1) 5, Savannah State (0-1) 4.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, long recognized for his support of HBCUs, is once again spotlighting Black college athletics with the Chris Paul HBCU Classic. In partnership with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, this year’s Classic will be held in Atlanta at the Gateway Center, running from December 18–19.
“As the support for HBCU basketball continues to grow, I’m excited to provide this year’s teams an opportunity to showcase their talent,” Paul said. “The HBCU Classic allows these players and their schools to receive well-deserved recognition on a national platform. I am grateful for the commitment from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and our partners in supporting the development of HBCU basketball.”
John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, echoed Paul’s excitement: “Chris Paul’s dedication to elevating HBCU student-athletes is inspiring. We are proud to stand alongside him and look forward to bringing eight programs and their fans together under one roof this December.”
The Classic will feature programs from the SWAC, MEAC, SIAC, CIAA, and Hampton University from the CAA, creating a unique showcase of HBCU basketball talent. Coaches from across the participating schools praised the opportunity:
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Hampton’s Ivan Thomas called it “a celebration of our culture, our history, and our future.”
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Jackson State’s Mo Williams noted, “It’s always great to highlight HBCU talent on a national stage.”
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Norfolk State’s Robert Jones emphasized, “We put our undefeated record on the line in this event.”
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Grambling State’s Patrick Crarey II said, “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the tradition and talent of HBCU basketball.”
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Coaches from Fayetteville State, Lincoln (PA), Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta all expressed gratitude to Paul for creating a platform that goes beyond basketball.
Game Schedule
Thursday, December 18
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11:00 AM – Clark Atlanta vs. Lincoln (PA)
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1:30 PM – Fayetteville State vs. Morehouse
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5:00 PM – Jackson State vs. Hampton
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7:30 PM – Grambling State vs. Norfolk State
Friday, December 19
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11:00 AM – Lincoln (PA) vs. Morehouse
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1:30 PM – Clark Atlanta vs. Fayetteville State
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5:00 PM – Hampton vs. Grambling State
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7:30 PM – Jackson State vs. Norfolk State
The event not only celebrates basketball but also showcases the culture, pride, and excellence of HBCUs on a national stage.
The post “Chris Paul brings HBCU Classic to Atlanta” appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Campus
Delaware State Hornets vs Delaware Blue Hens | DeSean Jackson’s Coaching Debut & FBS Era Begins
NEWARK, Del. – All eyes will be on Delaware Stadium Thursday night as Delaware State University, one of the MEAC’s proud HBCUs, takes the field against in-state rival Delaware in the season opener. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with the Hornets aiming to make a statement against a Blue Hens program stepping onto the FBS stage for the first time.
The Hornets enter a new era under head coach DeSean Jackson, the three-time NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver making his college coaching debut. Jackson, who brings star power and energy to Dover, has also brought in big names to his staff, including former NFL running back Clinton Portis as RB coach.
On offense, Delaware State will look to transfer talent to spark a turnaround. Kaiden Bennett (Sacramento State) leads the quarterback competition, joined by Maryland transfer Jayden Sauray and veteran Marqui Adams. The Hornets’ challenge is steep—they’ve won just two games in the past two seasons—but with new leadership and fresh fire, this opener represents a chance to reset the program’s direction.
Meanwhile, Delaware’s Blue Hens have the spotlight as they begin life in Conference USA and at the FBS level. Head coach Ryan Carty has an impressive track record, going 22-1 in home openers as both a player and coach. The Hens return experience on both sides of the ball, including QB Nick Minicucci, WR Ja’Carree Kelly, and defensive standouts Jack Hall, Gavin Moul, and Hasson Manning Jr.
But make no mistake—the story Thursday night is bigger than a debut. It’s about Delaware State stepping onto the state’s biggest stage with new leadership, looking to shock their rival and show what HBCU football can do against an FBS opponent. For the Hornets, a win wouldn’t just be an upset—it would be a program-changing moment.
Fans can secure tickets at BlueHens.com/fbtickets to witness history unfold in Newark.
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