The NFL regular season has officially come to a close, so it is now time for some postseason play and postseason accolades, HBCU edition.
It is no secret this has been a great year for talent coming from HBCUs across the league. What makes a great year become even better? When three former HBCU players not only make it to the postseason, but also are selected for the 2018 Associated Press All-Pro Team.
The NFL All-Pro team is selected by a panel of 50 members of the media and is selected based off of regular season performance. Players can be selected to first-team or second-team, but all are considered all-pro in nature.
Here are your HBCU All-Pros:
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First Team
Darius Leonard (South Carolina State) – Linebacker
The Maniac is having an amazing rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts. Leonard’s regular season concluded with 163 combined tackles, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, and seven sacks. He and the Colts have advanced to the postseason and will head to Houston to face the Texans on Saturday, January 5.
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Tarik Cohen (North Carolina A&T) – Punt Returner
Cohen has gone above and beyond in his sophomore season with the Chicago Bears. His production significantly increased from his rookie year, closing out the regular season with 1,169 all-purpose yards and eight total touchdowns. Cohen’s season is not done either as he and the Chicago Bears prepare to host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, January 6.
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Second Team
Terron Armstead (University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff) – Left Tackle
Armstead is the veteran of the bunch with six seasons under his belt with the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, he tore a pectoral muscle in week ten and had to miss weeks 11 through 15. He played week 16, but re-aggravated his injury and rested for the rest of the regular season. He has a nice amount of time to rest, as the Saints secured a first-round bye and await to host the NFC Divisional game next Sunday, January 13.
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