Since 2006, BOXTOROW has talked with HBCU football players who have a chance to hear their names called in the NFL Draft. That first year, we spoke with several players including Antoine Bethea (Howard), and Tavaris Jackson (Alabama State) who both went on to be drafted that year. (Rest in peace to Tavaris. Was writing this when we heard the news he passed away in a car accident.)

In the midst of COVID-19 the draft will still continue – virtually – and take place April 23-25. Today we converse with former Tennessee State star receiver Chris Rowland. Rowland put up stellar numbers, leading FCS in receiving yards (1,437), and finishing second in receptions (104) and all-purpose yards per game (175.8). He caught eight touchdown passes and averaged 13.8 yards per reception. He is the only player in Division I or II to catch a touchdown pass, rush for a touchdown, return a punt for a touchdown, and return a kickoff for a touchdown.

Rowland feels like a lot of players who come from small schools and in this instance HBCUs; that they are just as good as players from bigger schools. Despite starting in the NFLPA Bowl, Rowland was not invited to the Senior Bowl or NFL Scouting Combine.

The BOXTOROW All-American and OVC Offensive Player of the Year, who runs a 4.3/40, talked with BOXTOROW host Donal Ware about his career at TSU, the 2019 season, his training for the draft during coronavirus, and about being snubbed from the NFL Scouting Combine. Click to download or listen to the podcast.