Isaiah Bolden was the only HBCU player selected in this year’s draft. While the Jackson State cornerback and returner said he will “hold it down” for products of historically black colleges and universities, his former coach Deion Sanders shared more thoughts on the draft.
“You deserve to be drafted much higher, but I’m truly proud of you,” the Colorado coach wrote. “I know how much u want this. I’m ashamed of the 31 other @nfl teams that couldn’t find draft value in ALL of the talented HBCU players & we had 3 more draft worthy players at JSU.”
The New England Patriots selected Bolden in the seventh round, 245th overall.
Sanders led Jackson State from 2020-22. His former All-SWAC linebacker Aubrey Miller, Arkansas-Pine Bluff offensive lineman Mark Evans II and FAMU star Isaiah Land are likely the three other “draft worthy” HBCU players he referenced.
Bolden was able to draw league interest with 30 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles and seven passes deflected during his time under Sanders. During his junior season, he led the nation (both FCS and FBS) in kickoff return average at 36.9 per return.
Sanders has reprimanded the NFL before
Bolden was able to showcase his skills during JSU’s pro day in March of last year, reportedly running a 4.3 40-yard dash and jumping close to 40 inches at 6-foot-3.
The turn out for that event led to a stern social media message from Sanders, evidence that he has no issue holding the league accountable.
“24 teams came to witness our kids yesterday in its entirety and I appreciate you. But there’s 32 teams in this Crayola box,” Sanders said on Twitter. “Therefore, the Dolphins, the Broncos, the Texans, the Bills, the Buccaneers, the Ravens, the Panthers, the Browns, the Vikings and the Eagles, where are you? You could have sent somebody, man, you could have shown up just a little bit, but I guarantee you that you’re gonna go to Mississippi State and Ole Miss. I guarantee you’re gonna show up there and I understand you say they have more talent, I understand. But guess what? We’re comin’.”
Four HBCU players were selected during the 2022 NFL Draft, an improvement after none were selected the year before. There was hope this year could see even more growth.
The NFL held a combine for HBCU players in 2021, an effort that was delayed one year due to the pandemic. This year, all 32 NFL teams attended the event, which was hosted by the HBCU Legacy Bowl, a postseason all-star game to showcase HBCU players. 47 players participated.