2024 NFL Draft: Eight players to watch at HBCU Legacy Bowl

The third annual edition of the HBCU Legacy Bowl is taking place in New Orleans this week. Before the game kicks off (Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on NFL Network and NFL+), 2024 NFL Draft prospects from Historically Black Colleges and Universities will showcase their talent during practices.

Players will be divided into two teams: Team Gaither and Team Robinson, named after two of the most successful football coaches in HBCU history (Jake Gaither, who coached Florida A&M from 1945 to 1969, and Eddie Robinson, who coached Grambling State from 1941 to 1997). Howard's Larry Scott and Virginia Union's Alvin Parker will coach Team Gaither, while South Carolina State’s Chennis Berry and Prairie View A&M's Bubba McDowell will lead Team Robinson.

This is an event that I look forward to attending each year, as these players get a chance to compete on a national stage and impress NFL scouts. Here are eight players to watch this year:

A four-year starter for the Eagles, Richard has the tools, talent and production (with his arm and legs) to be an intriguing quarterback prospect. Richard finished his college career with 8,991 pass yards and 73 pass TDs and another 2,026 yards and 44 TDs on the ground -- he's one of the most electric dual-threat talents in the country, in my opinion. A finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy in 2023, Richard was described by NCCU head coach Trei Oliver as "a strong yet humble leader who remains even keeled under pressure." His work ethic and playmaking ability should be on display this week.

A hard runner with a compact build (5-foot-10, 200 pounds), Howard transferred from Syracuse to Alcorn State and had a strong debut season for his new school, rushing for 1,275 yards and 12 touchdowns and earning