By D. Orlando Ledbetter

INDIANAPOLIS – Running back J’Mari Taylor and wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., who both spent time at HBCUs, participated in the NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadim.

Taylor started his career at North Carolina Central before transferring to Virginia.

Coleman started his career at Jackson State before finishing at Missouri with stops in between at Louisville and Mississippi State.

Taylor, 5-10, and 199 pounds,  did not run the 40-yard dash. He had a 34.5 inch vertical jump and broad jump on 9 feet, 7 inches.

He received a prospect grade of 6.12 by NFL.Com, which translated to being a good back with the potential to develop into a starter at the next level.

Here’s move of the NFL.Com scouting report on Taylor:

“Despite lacking ideal size, Taylor is a three-down back with proven production. He runs with compact power and elite balance. He’s excellent on short-yardage carries, scoring tough touchdowns and gaining more than is blocked. He “fields his position” with solid vision and open-field burst, but when defenses slow his feet, they slow his processing. His lateral elusiveness is average in the hole and after catches underneath. His willingness and talent on third downs should create an opportunity as a complementary “thunder” back capable of handling a three-down backup role.”

Taylor was one of the most underrated players in the country last season. After transferring in from North Carolina Central, he became one of the best running backs in the ACC and helped lead the Cavaliers to the ACC Championship game. He was the lone UVA invite to the 2026 combine.

Taylor won the ACC regular season rushing title and helped Virginia to its second 10-win season in program history. Taylor accounted for 1,335 all-purpose yards (1,062 rush, 253 receiving & 20 KOR) and 15 touchdowns (14 rush, 1 pass and 1 receiving) in 13 games this season.

He is the 16th player in UVA history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. His 14 rushing touchdowns are the most by an ACC running back in 2025 and the most by a Cavalier running back since Keith Payne in 2010.

Taylor is the first ACC running back with 14 rushing touchdowns, a passing and receiving touchdown in the same year since Lamont Jordan (Maryland) in 1999.

 His 15 total touchdowns (14 rush, 1 receiving) are tied with Haynes King (Georgia Tech) for the most in the league and 13th in FBS.

Coleman, 5-10 and 199 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds at the scouting combine. He has a 10-yard split of 1.62 seconds, a 38.5 inch vertical jump with a broad jump of 10 feet, 6 inches.

He has a NFL grade of 6.14 which projects him to be a backup with a chance to develop into a starter.

“Slot-only wideout who could use a defined role and continuity after playing for four different schools in four years,” wrote NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein. “Coleman has the speed to create opportunities on slot fades and skinny posts downfield. His route running has room for improvement, but it’s average for a draftable prospect. While he lacks ideal size, he has adequate hands and toughness in traffic. His ability to handle utility plays and return punts will add a dimension to his game, provided he becomes a more well-rounded target from the slot.”

The combine wasn’t the first time that Taylor and Coleman shared the field together.

They faced each other when Central and Jackson State played in the Celebration back for the Black College national championship on Dec. 17, 2022 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Taylor’s Eagles won in a 41-34 overtime upset.

Brown was added late after a strong showing at the HBCU Legacy Bowl. He had a strong kicking exhibition.