HBCU standout seizes opportunity with the Roughnecks

Athletes from historically Black colleges and universities are finding opportunities to continue their football careers with professional leagues like the UFL, according to a recent article from Andscape. 

The article highlights the journey of HBCU standouts taking advantage of pro leagues, including North Carolina Central University alum Davius Richard, who signed with the Houston Roughnecks in July 2024.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to continue my football career,” Richard told Andscape. “Houston was really the biggest contender as far as the most persistent as far as getting information. Ultimately during the draft they said they was gonna call me and sign me. So later on that day, or later on the next day. The GM called me later on that night, gave me the rundown and told me they planned on signing me.”

Roughnecks General Manager Will Lewis said one of his early impressions of Richard came when he led his North Carolina Central team to a win over the Deion Sanders coached Jackson State University team as a junior. 

“Davius Richard would be a talented QB on any level,” Lewis said. “He has the measurables you like for the position, to go with his elite athleticism and high football IQ.”

Richard told Andcape that he believes playing for the Roughnecks will give him a chance to showcase his skills.

“Just at the quarterback position, I can definitely see my skill set translate into the league extremely well,” Richard said. “[Houston] tries to put their players in the best position, and I feel like that’s what I’m getting at Houston.”

Click here to read the full article from Andscape.