With the NFL Draft less than a week away, hundreds of young men around the country are hoping one of 32 teams takes a chance on them. That number includes several former HBCU gridiron stars. Two of the prospects receiving the most attention right now are Alabama State’s Greg Jenkins and Terren Jones.
At 6’8 335-pounds, Jones has the size NFL teams covet in offensive linemen and the three-time All-SWAC selection can play either guard or tackle spots. Al.com’s Nick Birdsong reports that Jones will work out for the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. Jones has spoken with the Baltimore Ravens and according to his agent has drawn interest from several other teams.
Former Alabama State OL Terren Jones to work out for Atlanta Falcons Friday sns.mx/V5oRy3
– Falcons Update (@FalconsUpdate) April 17, 2013
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The man Jones blocked for, Greg Jenkins, also has the eye of several NFL teams. NFLDraftZone reports the former ASU quarterback has at least three teams interested in him. Jenkins passed for 1691 yard and threw nine touchdown passes in 2012, but his athleticism has some teams looking at him as a multiple-threat, “slash” type of player. Jenkins rushed for 682 yards and 8 touchdowns, playing like a younger version of his NFL idol, Michael Vick.
( @gjenkins2 ) Alabama State QB/WR Greg Jenkins headed to #Jaguars or #Falcons?Both teams making no secret of their interest.
– Shaun-NFL Draft Zone (@ShaunDePasquale) April 16, 2013//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js More #NFL interest for Alabama St QB/WR Greg Jenkins. Confirmed Jacksonville #Jaguars targetting him. Requested contact info #NFLDRAFT #HBCU
– Shaun-NFL Draft Zone (@ShaunDePasquale) April 16, 2013
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Neither of these players are projected to be picked in the first round of the NFL Draft, and are regarded as late-round picks at best. But in an age where its rare for an HBCU to get one player drafted every few years, Alabama State has a legit shot at having two players hear their names called next weekend.