 |
| Former Florida A&M linebacker Brandon Hepburn was picked in the seventh round (245 overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. |
What was a long, prodding Saturday afternoon for several HBCU prospects has turned into a night of good news, hugs and smiles. Florida A&M linebacker Brandon Hepburn was selected by the the Detroit Lions at the tail end of the seventh round (245th overall) making him just the second HBCU player taken in the 2013 draft after UAPB’s Terron Armstead was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round on Friday.
With their final pick in the 2013 draft, the #Lions select LB Brandon Hepburn of Florida A&M. #lionsdraft
– Detroit Lions (@DetroitLionsNFL) April 27, 2013
While all NFL prospects wish to hear their name called out in the draft, that’s not the reality. Howard linebacker Keith Pough was considered one of the top HBCU draft prospects, but it never happened. Soon after the draft, he got the news he had been waiting. Multiple sources, including BuffaloBillsDraft.com as well as Howard coach Gary Harrell, report that Pough has been invited to the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.
Keith Pough is a Buffalo Bill!!!!
– Gary Harrell (@CoachFlea) April 27, 2013
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
From a Bison to a Bill. I didn’t achieve my immediate short term goal but my ultimate goal is alive and well #GodisGood #KeepDigging
– Keith Poughâ„¢ (@ITsKPough13) April 27, 2013
Pough wasn’t the only HBCU player getting attention from teams after the draft. ESPN Dallas reports that former South Carolina State safety Jakar Hamilton will sign with the Dallas Cowboys as an UFA.
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Brandon Magee, Jakar Hamilton reach deals with Boys es.pn/Z7seWQ
– espn_watkins (@espn_watkins) April 28, 2013
Alabama State offensive lineman Terren Jones reported he will sign an UFA contract with the Atlanta Falcons via Twitter. As we reported previously, Jones worked out for the Falcons a few weeks ago.
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Hey I didn’t get drafted but guess what? I’m an Atlanta Falcon! #RiseUp
– Terren Jones (@OTeeJay_) April 27, 2013
It also appears several former Florida A&M players will get a shot at the NFL. Former FAMU defensive lineman Padric Scott announced via his twitter he intends to sign an UDFA contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
I’d like to announce that I intend on signing with the Arizona Cardinals ✊
– Padric Scott (@Padric_Beast) April 28, 2013
The Nanchez Democrat reports that former Jackson State receiver Rico Richardson will sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Rico Richardson signs with Chiefs: NATCHEZ – Jackson State wide receiver and Natchez High School alumnus Rico … tinyurl.com/d5h2tpk
– natchezdemocrat (@natchezdemocrat) April 28, 2013
With several former HBCU standouts like Tuskegee running back Derrick Washington, FAMU defensive lineman Elle Hyppolite and Alabama State’s Greg Jenkins, there are sure to be more signings to come. Stay tuned to HBCU Gameday and follow us on Twitter.
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js