By Jamison Hensley / ESPN | July 26, 2025

When Alabama A&M offensive line coach Markus Lawrence heard a knock at his office door, his heart often sank. Carson Vinson—6’7″, 314 pounds and loaded with raw talent—could have easily told him he was entering the transfer portal like so many other promising players from smaller programs chasing bigger opportunities.

But Vinson stayed.

And now, after four seasons at Alabama A&M, he stands alone as the only HBCU player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, taken in the 5th round by the Baltimore Ravens. Rather than chasing NIL deals or Power Five spotlight, Vinson chose loyalty, commitment, and the road less traveled.

“He could have left us and chased the money,” said Lawrence, now coaching at South Carolina State. “Instead, he chased commitment and loyalty.”

Despite being the only HBCU draftee, Vinson takes no pride in that statistic. He believes more HBCU talent deserved recognition and wants to use his success to inspire others to stay true to their path—even if that path doesn’t lead to a bigger-name program.

Vinson earned his shot by dominating at the Senior Bowl, including a highlight moment in a one-on-one drill against Bengals first-rounder Shemar Stewart. At the NFL Combine, he ranked among the top 15 offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (5.2), broad jump (9’3″), and three-cone drill (7.51).

Throughout the draft process, Vinson received messages from HBCU coaches, players, and fans across the country. The support reminded him that while HBCUs may be rivals on the field, the community is united in mission.

“We have our rivalries, but after we get past it, we’re all one big family,” Vinson said.

Vinson joins Cobie Durant (South Carolina State, 2022) as only the second HBCU player taken in the first five rounds over the past five years. ESPN’s Jordan Reid sees the transfer portal and NIL deals as ongoing barriers for players who stay at HBCUs to get noticed.

“It’s hard to blame them,” Reid said. “But it makes what Vinson did even more special.”

From Two-Star to Standout

Arriving in Huntsville, Alabama, in 2020 as a two-star recruit, Vinson didn’t initially impress Coach Lawrence.

“I didn’t think he was going to be tough enough,” Lawrence admitted. But during Vinson’s first practice, he demolished the starting defensive end in one rep. “I looked at Coach [Duane] Taylor and said, ‘Scratch that whole soft deal.’”

From there, Vinson emerged not only as a physical force but as a cerebral presence, famously carrying a chessboard to games and remaining undefeated against teammates.

“He’s our biggest, meanest, strongest guy — and he’s playing chess in the locker room,” Lawrence laughed.

Vinson’s breakout moment came in a 2023 matchup against Vanderbilt, proving he could handle FBS competition. Despite late recruiting interest from North Carolina, Vinson turned them down.

“They didn’t want me out of high school. I had a chip on my shoulder,” Vinson said. “I said, ‘I’m going to do it from the school that wanted me first.’”

The Ravens Take Notice

By the time he visited Baltimore, Vinson had already earned a reputation as a physical beast. But his handshake sealed it for GM Eric DeCosta.

“He almost broke my hand,” DeCosta joked. “When he left, I just said, ‘I’m good.’”

Baltimore’s offensive line coach George Warhop became one of Vinson’s biggest advocates, pushing hard for the team to draft him after watching him battle in Senior Bowl practices.

“He wasn’t perfect, but he competed,” Warhop said. “And there aren’t many guys built like him.”

Selected with the 141st overall pick, Vinson received the call from DeCosta and then a straight-shooting message from Warhop:

“Don’t let me down. I’m going to work the dog crap out of you.”

And Warhop has made good on that promise, delivering intense coaching and no-nonsense feedback from rookie minicamp forward.

“He just kind of looks at me and says, ‘Yes sir,’ and goes on and does what he’s supposed to do,” Warhop said. “We’re trying to get him up to speed fast—by any means necessary.”

Building Legacy, Not Just a Career

With Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten locking down the tackle spots, Vinson won’t need to play immediately. But the Ravens have a history of developing Day 3 linemen into starters, and Vinson could be next in line.

If and when his moment comes, Vinson plans to pay it forward. Inspired by Alabama A&M legends Robert Mathis and John Stallworth, he knows firsthand the value of representation.

“Seeing guys like Mathis in person makes the dream real,” Vinson said. “It’s not just about giving money — it’s about showing up.”

And that’s exactly what Carson Vinson plans to do — show up, stand tall, and lead the next generation of HBCU talent to believe that staying loyal can still lead to greatness.

ATLANTA — Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University Football Programs Receive New Helmets Through Arthur M. Blank Foundation Grant

Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University are kicking off the 2025 football season with a major boost to player safety. Thanks to a generous grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, both HBCU programs have received brand-new football helmets featuring cutting-edge technology designed to enhance student-athlete health and safety.

Chris Millman, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Sports Philanthropy at AMB Sports and Entertainment, emphasized the importance of this initiative:

“We are proud to support the football programs at these historic institutions through this grant. Player health and safety is paramount at every level of the game, and the technological advancements in helmet design over the last five years have been remarkable. We’re pleased to help these teams prioritize the well-being of their student-athletes.”

Harold Ellis, Director of Athletics at Morehouse College, expressed deep appreciation for the gift:

“Morehouse Athletics is grateful for this opportunity. The new helmets will significantly enhance player safety and provide our Maroon Tigers with top-level protection as they take the field this season. We thank the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons for their generosity and for forming a meaningful partnership that supports our commitment to a safe and empowering student-athlete experience.”

Clark Atlanta University Head Coach Teddy Keaton also acknowledged the broader impact of the donation:

“This is more than just new gear—it’s an investment in the future and well-being of our young men. We are thankful to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons for recognizing the importance of protecting our players both on and off the field. These helmets symbolize progress, purpose, and the strength of partnership.”

About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Founded in 1995 by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation works to transform lives and communities by bringing people together to address critical issues. The foundation has awarded over $1.5 billion to causes across its core focus areas: Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health & Well-Being, and Youth Development.

The foundation also supports essential Atlanta institutions such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Shepherd Center, along with founder-led initiatives focused on veterans, military families, and individuals who stutter. For more information, visit www.blankfoundation.org.

Photo Credit: David Collins, Morehouse College Office of Institutional Advancement.

DOVER, DE — A bold new chapter is being written at Delaware State University. With the announcement of a $20 million investment into a groundbreaking athletic field house, the Hornet Nation is preparing for a transformation that will elevate campus life, inspire future athletes, and strengthen community pride.

🏟 A Dream in Motion

It’s not just a building—it’s a movement. The new 70,000-square-foot field house will be a game-changing addition to the DSU landscape, offering cutting-edge facilities designed to rival top-tier institutions. Located beside Alumni Stadium, this modern indoor facility will include:

• A 50-yard turf field for multi-season training

• Locker rooms and film rooms to support team development

• Academic lounges and tutoring areas for student-athlete success

• A fueling station/café focused on athlete nutrition and wellness

🧭 Vision for the Future

This isn’t just about football or facilities—it’s about identity. The field house will be a central part of the university’s strategy to raise its national athletic profile, expand student opportunities, and build a legacy of excellence.

With rising expectations and renewed school spirit, Delaware State is investing in more than sports—it’s investing in a culture of success.

🏈 A Coach, A Culture, A Comeback

With the arrival of former NFL superstar DeSean Jackson as head football coach, DSU has sent a strong message to the world: We’re here to compete. The new facility is the perfect foundation to support this cultural shift. From elite-level training to recruitment advantages, Delaware State is positioning itself as a destination for athletes who want more than just a jersey—they want to be part of something bigger.

🎓 Beyond the Sidelines

While the field house will support athletics, it will also serve the broader university and surrounding community. Student organizations will have access to meeting spaces, and there’s growing potential for hosting regional events, youth clinics, and indoor competitions.

This project is the first step in a larger vision that includes discussions around a new convocation center—a modern space that could house everything from basketball games to commencements.

🛠 Construction & Momentum

The field house project is expected to be completed within 18–24 months. It will not only modernize DSU’s athletic capabilities but also energize the student body and attract partnerships from businesses, alumni, and local leaders.

🔔 Hornets, This Is Our Moment

Delaware State’s $20 million field house project is more than steel and turf—it’s a rallying point for the entire Hornet family. Students, alumni, faculty, and fans are witnessing a vision unfold that’s been years in the making. This is about legacy. This is about leadership. This is about us.

✊ Join the Movement

Proud of where Delaware State is headed? Share this story. Talk about it. Tag #HornetNation in your posts and let the world know: Delaware State is rising—and we’re just getting started.

HAMPTON, Va. (July 18, 2025) — Three standout student-athletes from Hampton University’s women’s basketball team are gaining invaluable professional experience this summer as interns at the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 in Indianapolis.

Tyra Kennedy, Diamond Wiggins, and KiKi McElrath were selected to participate in a groundbreaking internship initiative created in partnership between the WNBA and Mielle Organics. This immersive opportunity allows them to work across various departments during the All-Star Weekend, which culminates with the marquee event at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, July 19.

The WNBA and Mielle Organics have launched this first-of-its-kind social impact program targeting students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The initiative aims to bridge the gap for HBCU students—especially those passionate about sports—by providing hands-on experience in the professional sports industry.

As HBCU Event Interns, the selected students will be paired with department mentors, gaining behind-the-scenes access and shadowing professionals in key areas such as Player Development, Content/Marketing, Streaming, Events, and Marketing Partnerships. They will also engage in professional development workshops throughout the week.

The opportunity was brought to the players’ attention by Hampton Head Coach Tamisha Augustin, and after a competitive application and interview process, the three were selected as part of the program’s inaugural cohort. The trio departed for Indianapolis on July 15 and will spend five days working in their assigned departments.

• Tyra Kennedy (Tampa, Fla.) will intern with league operations. “I want to thank the WNBA and Mielle for this amazing opportunity,” she shared. “I’m excited to be part of something so impactful.”

• Diamond Wiggins (Norfolk, Va.), a journalism major, is focused on social media and content development. “This is a chance to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom and gain real-world experience in sports media.”

• KiKi McElrath (Columbus, Ohio), a business management major and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will work in marketing. “I’m looking forward to learning how major events like this come together and to build relationships with industry professionals.”

About Mielle Organics
Founded in 2014 by CEO Monique Rodriguez, Mielle Organics is a global beauty brand rooted in natural ingredients and designed for Black women. Black-founded and woman-led, the company is known for its “roots-to-results” approach to beauty and wellness. Mielle products are sold in over 100,000 retail locations nationwide, including Ulta Beauty, Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart.

Players Mentioned

• #10 Tyra Kennedy, G, 5’7″, Sophomore

• #5 Diamond Wiggins, G, 5’10”, Sophomore

ATLANTA, Ga. – Coppin State standouts Reagan Rivera and Daniel Moore have been selected to compete in the Third Annual HBCU Swingman Classic, presented by T-Mobile and powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation. Major League Baseball announced their participation last week, with both players earning spots on the National League roster for the prestigious showcase.

The game, which highlights 50 of the top HBCU baseball players poised for professional careers, will be held on Friday, July 11 at Truist Park in Atlanta during MLB All-Star Week. Baseball legends Brian Jordan and David Justice, both former Atlanta Braves stars, will manage the National League and American League squads, respectively.

Rivera, a right-handed pitcher from San Diego, Calif., earned Second Team All-Northeast Conference honors after posting a 5-4 record with a 4.91 ERA. He struck out a school-record 97 batters over 80.2 innings, including 10 games with seven or more strikeouts. His season highlights featured 11 strikeouts vs. Le Moyne and 10 Ks in just five innings against VMI.

Moore, an infielder from Benton Harbor, Mich., led the Eagles with a .330 batting average, tallying 12 doubles, 36 RBI, and two home runs. He recorded 13 multi-hit games, including four four-hit performances, and led the team with eight multi-RBI games.