Only One HBCU Player Drafted Despite Spotlight and Combine

Jackson State's Isaiah Bolden was the only Historically Black College and University player drafted out of 31 eligible
Bolden was selected in the seventh round by the New England Patriots and expressed pride in representing HBCUs
Deion Sanders, Jackson State's coach, said he was "ashamed" that more HBCU players were not given opportunities
The NFL has worked to spotlight HBCU players, hosting a combine specifically for them, but most went undrafted
Bolden led the FCS in kick return average last season and has one year of experience as a starting cornerback