Week 0 of college football saw three HBCU games take place. North Carolina Central upset Alcorn State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Kentucky State kicked off their 2021 season with a win in the Classic for Columbus against Central State. Last but not least, Edward Waters earned their first victory as a D2 program over Florida Memorial in thrilling fashion. After the dust settled, which HBCU players generated the best performances of Week 0?
Top 5 HBCU performances during college football Week 0
There may have been just three HBCU games in Week 0, but they did not lack talent on the field. Also, shoutout to the bands who gave spectacular performances of their own.
Davius Richard, QB, North Carolina Central
Despite being a true sophomore, Davius Richard looked like a veteran on the field. He had full command of the offense and was posied in the face of pressure. He completed 16 of 25 passes for 189 yards and an interception. That doesn’t look pretty on paper, but his WRs dropped a few catchable passes. Moreover, Richard’s only bad decision was throwing a pass into double coverage that resulted in the pick.
He was outstanding on the ground, rushing 9 times for 64 yards and plowing through defenders for 2 touchdowns. The second-year QB knew when to scramble, still keeping his eyes downfield until he crossed the line of scrimmage. Richard also flashed his arm strength, zipping a completion to an out route from the left hash to the right sideline — the equivalent of the Sahara in college football.
Brandon Codrington, DB, North Carolina Central
Brandon Codrington had the highlight of the night with an electric 77-yard punt return for a touchdown.
He gone.pic.twitter.com/44r7cvW6ov
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365)
Yet, that wasn’t all he did for the Eagles. He contributed 3 tackles and looked smooth in coverage. Alcorn State QB Felix Harper didn’t test him much, but that was because Codrington locked down his side of the field. The true sophomore will get targeted more as the season goes on, and I’m excited to see how he responds. The future is bright for the Eagles.
Stadford Anderson, RB, Alcorn State
After spending his first three collegiate seasons at Northwestern State, Stadford Anderson transferred to Alcorn State in 2020. The pandemic delayed his debut, but it was well worth the wait. Anderson took 11 carries for a whopping 128 yards, breaking tackles along the way.
Okay, the overall numbers are a bit misleading — 68 of his yards came on a run backed up against his own end zone. Still, that is 6 yards per carry on his other 10 attempts. Expect to see Anderson’s name a lot this season.
Justin Hooks, DT, Kentucky State
It was a physical battle in Ohio Stadium Saturday, as Kentucky State defeated SIAC West rival Central State 20-6. A key reason CSU struggled to put up points was Justin Hooks. The 6’0″, 330-pound DT recorded 3 total tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and returned that fumble for a 4-yard score. However, he was less effective in run defense, as CSU RB Demonte’ Dunlap rushed for 120 yards on 15 carries, including a 48-yard scamper.
Keyron Kinsler Jr., DB, Alcorn State
While all eyes were on Juwan Taylor in the secondary for Alcorn State, it was Keyron Kinsler Jr. who stole the show. He enjoyed a dominant outing in the team’s defeat, racking up 10 total tackles and an interception. Kinsler was stout in coverage, allowing just a couple of completions. Furthermore, he lined up as a deep safety and in the box, flashing his versatility.
Honorable Mention
I would be remiss if I didn’t bring attention to these players.
Manny Smith, DB, North Carolina Central
The MEAC/SWAC Challenge defensive MVP generated a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery against the Braves. The reason why Manny Smith didn’t crack the top five was his poor tackling. Yes, he led the Eagles with 10, but he missed a handful. Nonetheless, it’s hard to blame him or anyone else in the game, as both teams hadn’t played a down of football in over 600 days.
Niko Duffey, RB & Juan Anthony Jr., WR, Alcorn State
As star QB Felix Harper and the offensive line struggled to find their rhythm, these two proved to be playmakers. Duffey made the most of his 9 carries, gaining 63 yards and a few first downs. Additionally, he reeled in 2 passes for 8 yards and a score. LeCharles Pringle is Harper’s No. 1 target, but Anthony Jr. proved to be a worthy No. 2. He caught 5 receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown, picking up yards after the catch.
Kentucky State running backs
Although Kentucky State pulled out the victory, they threw just 4 passes, completing zero while tossing an interception. The running game literally carried the team to victory.
Christopher Coneway led the way, rushing 13 times for 93 yards. Brett Sylve took his 13 attempts for 72 yards and the game’s first score. Lastly, Kendon Walker sealed the win with a 39-yard dash into the end zone with 5:19 left in the fourth quarter. He finished the contest with 89 yards on 8 carries.
