HBCU Spirit of America and Draft Diamonds: Week 3 studs and standouts

As you know, we have teamed up with the HBCU Spirit of America All-Star Game taking place in January in Salem, Virginia and we wanted to focus on several HBCU players who balled out in week 3 of college football.

First I wanted to give a huge shout-out to some underclassmen that have been BALLING!

North Carolina A&T RB Jah Maine Martin was a freak this week. The kid had 299 yards on the ground to include 2 touchdowns. He is just a junior but I love this kid. He is currently leading the FCS in rushing yards! WE SEE YOU!

Devon Benn, RB, Southern – the Redshirt Junior RB was a force this weekend.  Benn ran the ball 17 times for 120 yards and scored three times.  I am a fan of Benn and feel he is a super underrated player. The New Orleans native is a scat back standing at 5080 but man is he fast.  He is a smooth dude with the ball in his hands. He is fun to watch.

Big Ups to UAPB wide out Harry Ballard as well, my lord he is going to be a force. The big target had 5 receptions for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns this week. Next year, the HBCU is stacked with talent, but I wanted to recognize these two men for a great performance in week 3!

Now on to the seniors!!!

Deondre Francois, QB, Hampton University – The former Florida State gunslinger has been pretty solid his senior season. Francois has 7 passing touchdowns already this year, and is only topped by Alabama A&M QB Aqueel Glass who has thrown 8.  Francois has great size and power in his passing and he is super impressive.

Manasseh Bailey, WR, Morgan State – My guy from Capitol Heights, Maryland went off this week!  Bailey had four receptions for 172 yards and a touchdown.  The speedy wide out is 6010, and weighs 195 pounds. He is trying to double his numbers from last year for the Bears and this game is a good start.  He is only 2 hundred and some change yards away from breaking what he did last season.  He shined against JMU!

Chris Rowland, WR, Tennessee State – I don’t want to put this kid on my list every week but let’s face it, he is KILLING IT this year.  The OVC standout has 513 yards receiving in three games. Add in his four touchdowns and there is a reason he has been on my list two weeks in a row.  Until someone stops him, he will continue to make the list.  WE LOVE THIS KID!

Tremell Gooden, WR, Morehouse – Gooden has been solid this year.  He has 4 touchdowns in three games and is the standout receiver for Morehouse. He is a 6040 wide out with great size and speed.  The Atlanta, Georgia native is making a splash this year for the Tigers!

Devon Hunt, LB, Shaw University – The 6010 linebacker from Hamlet, North Carolina has been one of the best players in the CIAA this year. He is averaging 7.5 solo tackles a game and 5 tackles away from leading the entire Division 2 in solo tackles.  The kid hits you and brings you down. I am a fan of that.

Ray Taylor, DL, Mississippi Valley State – The 6020, 265 pound defensive lineman has been pretty solid for MVSU’s defense.  He has racked up 4 total tackles for loss in two games.  I like him and feel his size is impressive.  He can play several positions on the DL.

Jordan Johnson, RB, Jackson State – This week Johnson went off for 134 yards and 1 touchdown against a very solid Tennessee State team.  On the year Johnson has 254 yards and 2 touchdowns already.  The Terry, Mississippi native is 5110 and 205 pounds and will truck you if you get in his way.  I like his abilities at the next level.

Jordan Bentley, RB, Alabama A&M University – Bentley has been a road dog on the football field this year.  The senior running back has 5 touchdowns already in three games and is just one away from the FCS lead.  Bentley is a 6010 running back from Guntersville, Alabama who runs hard and can catch the ball out the backfield as well. He has 272 yards on the ground after three games. Remember his name because he has our attention.

Christian Johnson, DL, Delaware State – Johnson has played in two games and has registered a sack in both games.  He was considered a second team All-MEAC prospect in the preseason and he has been pretty solid this year.  He is a 5th year senior from Stone Mountain, Georgia.  He already has more sacks than he did last year, and his size is impressive. He is 6020 and 250 pounds, so remember his name!