A Staff Report

Virginia Union running back Curtis Allen, who was the Division II college football player of the year and recipient of the 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy, will get one more chance to impress NFL scouts when the NFL holds a HBCU and International Player Pathways Pro Day showcase on March 28-30 hosted by the Washington Commanders in Ashburn, Va.

Allen was slowed during the Legacy Bowl week by a hamstring injury.

Allen rushed for 2,386 yards, the fifth-most in Division II history and the most by a DII running back in seven years. He also led Division II with 30 rushing touchdowns. He ran for at least 100 yards in every game this season. He recorded four 200-yard games, highlighted by 369, and five touchdowns, against Bluefield State.

Allen became the first running back to win the Harlon Hill Trophy since Bloomsburg’s Franklin Quiteh won in 2013. Additionally, he was the first player from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association honored with the Hill Trophy.

Only Alabama A&M offensive tackle Carson Vinson was drafted in the 2025 NFL draft. He was selected by the Ravens in the fifth-round (151st overall).

In 2024, no players from the HBCU’s were drafted.

The players will have three days to impress scouts with the on-field portion of the HBCU Showcase and IPP Pro Day being held at the Washington Commanders practice facility at Commanders Park, on Monday, March 30. Offensive prospects will begin at 8 a.m. ET, followed by defensive and specialist workouts beginning at 10:45 a.m. ET.

NFL clubs will be on hand to scout the Showcase and Pro Day, ensuring significant visibility for the best draft-eligible HBCU players and IPP participants.

Six International Player Pathway Program participants are eligible to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft while five are eligible to sign with clubs beginning on March 31.

Some of the other HBCU prospects include Travaunta Abner, TE, Alabama A&M; William Atkins, QB, South Carolina State; Noah Bodden, QB, Edward Waters; Andrew Brown, K, North Carolina A&T; Bryce Cage, DL, Grambling; Desmond Daniels, T, Alabama State: Erick Hunter, LB, Morgan State  and Charles David, T, Florida A&M.

2026 HBCU Showcase Participants

2026 International Player Pathway Participants