Shaq Davis, a wide receiver from HBCU South Carolina State, has been signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Davis is getting another chance to prove himself in the NFL. He previously spent time with the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles practice squads before being signed by the Steelers on Sept 10, 2024.
Davis played at South Carolina State, an HBCU known to produce NFL talent. During his HBCU football career, Shaq Davis became one of the top receivers in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). His most memorable performance came during the 2021 Celebration Bowl, where he caught three touchdowns and helped South Carolina State win against Jackson State. His standout performance on the biggest stage in HBCU football showed how much talent he had to offer a professional team.
Now that Davis has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers Practice Squad, he hopes to make an impact and earn his way onto the active roster. Pittsburgh is known for helping overlooked players develop into NFL stars, so this could potentially be a perfect opportunity for him. Davis’ combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability was evident in his final season at South Carolina State, where he finished with 934 yards and 11 touchdowns.
For Davis, this move is a step forward in his career, but it also highlights the growing recognition of HBCU athletes in the NFL. His journey is an example of how players from HBCUs can succeed at the highest level. As he begins his time with the Steelers, Davis is a player to watch as he represents both his school and the broader HBCU community.