On Thursday March 27 at Howard University’s Greene Stadium, ten student-athletes competed at the schools pro day, an opportunity to showcase their skills in various drills in front of scouts as they look to make their dreams come true and continue their careers playing at the pro level. All-Conference Linebacker Terrance Hollon was confident in his performance.

“It’s always improvement, so eight out of ten, but [I] definitely put in some good work in front of the scouts,” said Hollon.

When questioned about what kind of player NFL teams would receive if they signed Hollon, the William V. Campbell Trophy winner leaned on his character.

“Somebody who leads—always. Just spiritually, mentally, family, everything. I’m the full package. Just a person that’s head down, willing to work. A person that’s willing to ask questions, take the time to ask questions, get to know people, the older guys, and learn also,” said Hollon.

Howard Alum and former NFL Defensive Back Antoine Bethea believes that HBCU athletes are just as good as any other prospect.

“At the end of the day, if the scouts are doing their job, you can go to an HBCU, you can go to a smaller school, and they can find you,” said Bethea.

A parent of two Bison football players agreed with Bethea.

“If this isn’t proof, for lack of a better word, that there are people interested in the work that they’ve done on that field and off the field, I don’t know what else could happen other than a meteor dropping down on their heads and saying, “Stay put,” said Denise Gallop, the mother of Kenny Gallop and Kaleb Gallop.

Greg Liverpool, an Indianapolis Colts scout, says that the numbers make comparisons easy.

“It’s all the same drills, all the same measurements. You compare it to the guy at Alabama, and you’re always going to be able to see who kind of sticks out from the crop,” said Liverpool.

Former players of the Howard University football team were sure to come out and support the athletes on their big day.

“I think this is a really great opportunity for us to, you know, kind of get our—you know, players like us—to get our name out there and, you know, show what we got,” said Jahlil Warren.