May 10th 2024.
The recent NFL Draft may have been disappointing for HBCU athletes, as none were selected by any teams. However, one player has defied the odds and secured a contract with the New York Jets after impressing at their rookie minicamp.
Brandon Codrington, a former defensive back and kick returner for North Carolina Central, has officially signed with the Jets along with other players. Codrington took to his social media account to share the exciting news, giving all credit to God for his success.
During his time at North Carolina Central, Codrington started in 41 games and made a name for himself with 93 tackles, ten pass defenses, and two tackles for loss. His exceptional skills also earned him All-MEAC Third Team honors as a return specialist in 2022, with an average of 6.8 yards per punt return and 19.3 yards per kickoff return. This recognition came after being named to the Phil Steeler FCS All-MEAC teams as both a returner and defensive back in the previous year.
Codrington's talent on the field was evident, with a memorable 81-yard punt return for a touchdown against Winston-Salem State in his final year. He was also known for his impressive record of returning three punts for touchdowns in his last three seasons at North Carolina Central.
HBCU Gameday reported that Codrington was among the 21 undrafted HBCU players who received invitations from multiple teams for minicamps or as potential undrafted free agents this summer. While players invited as undrafted free agents have the freedom to negotiate and sign with any interested team, those invited to minicamps get the opportunity to showcase their skills and catch the attention of team personnel.
In 2021, Codrington's exceptional punt return average of 15.0 yards in NCAA Division I-FCS earned him All-MEAC First Team honors, solidifying his position as the third-leading punt returner in the league.
HBCU Buzz also reported that several other HBCU athletes have received invitations to minicamps or as undrafted free agents, providing them with a chance to make their mark in the NFL. These opportunities not only give the players a chance to prove themselves, but also allow team personnel to closely evaluate their potential for the upcoming season.
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