NFLPA Collegiate Bowl invite and HBCU star lands in Pittsburgh

Published June 6th, 5:09 EDT
by Bo Marchionte

Pittsburgh – Not one but two HBCU running backs currently reside on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster. Steelers general manager Omar Khan was the only NFL GM to attend the HBCU Combine and both former HBCU star running backs Darius Hagans and Alfonzo Graham are vying to earn their keep in the NFL.

Khan’s attentive eye for talent has led for two HBCU Combine invites in Hagans and Graham to be on the South Side of Pittsburgh. Hagans was also one of five HBCU players invited earlier this year to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Interest from NFL teams began way before the January all-star in Los Angeles. His junior season he had a breakout out game against Bowie State, rushing for 199 yards on 22 carries.

“That is kind of when my name got out there,” Hagans said after his breakout game in 2021. “I had a junior day and the (Jacksonville) Jaguars and (Washington) Commanders, they came to see me. I ran a good forty time and from there more scouts started reaching out.”

A First Team All-CIAA selection in 2022, after rushing for 1,012 yards on 189 carries, Hagans brings a lot to the table in terms of size and ability. Against Bluefield State, in 2022, Hagans rushed for 261 yards and a touchdown in a 28-7 VSU win. The performance catapulted Hagans into the consciousness of NFL scouts becoming the Trojans’ most prolific single game rushing performance, topping the 253 yards by Trenton Cannon in 2017.

Recently released by the Indianapolis Colts, it took only a few days before the Steelers brought in Hagans for a closer look.

“My agent (Paul Iya) handled all of that,” Hagans said about how his Steelers deal came to fruition. “I don’t know exactly when the call came but I know I got called on Friday. They just said they were going to have me fly out and have tryout and they signed me.”

Over the course of his Virginia State career, Hagans rushed for 2,069 yards, which nearly half (1,012) came in 2022. His 31 catches for 428 receiving yards and five touchdowns add another element to his game. Those impressive offensive statistics are what got him noticed but his special teams background might be the characteristic of his game that keeps him around.

Recording 13 tackles during his college career and six total (four solo) in 2022 on special teams, Hagans’ tool belt is packed with more than just carries and catches. Eyeing him up against the current running group in Pittsburgh, only Najee Harris has a bigger frame than Hagans.

“That’s a big big back,” Hagans laughed after his first OTA with the Steelers. “I would consider myself a decent size for a running back. I see Najee (Harris) and I’m like okay, he is a beast.”

The transaction list for NFL teams during this time of the year is a carousel of roster moves. Hagans is proof of that by being released by the Colts and quickly signed by the Steelers. His journey might have a few other NFL destinations before he can find a home in the NFL, but one thing is certain, his HBCU background should help others in the conference gain recognition.

“A lot of great talent,” Hagans said of his time at the HBCU Combine. “A lot of guys showing what they can do in front of NFL scouts. So, I believe it can continue to go up from here. Guys like myself who are getting signed and play on NFL rosters. Exposure should keep going.”

Exposure is half the battle for DII prospects eyeing an opportunity to play professional football. Khan’s desire to see these men up close, certainly has helped both Hagans and Graham. Hopefully more senior level NFL personnel folks like Khan, take advantage of the HBCU Combine and HBCU Legacy Bowl.

Hagans has dealt with the disappointment once already of being let go and fortunately, Pittsburgh wanted their own personal up-close evaluation of Hagans. The time is now for Hagans to shine. Every rep in practice, every meeting and session with the team must be on point.

“Awe, man. Really my agent told me to keep my head up,” Hagans said after his release by Indianapolis. “He told me to keep my head up and continue look for options and see where we end up. Obviously, my family as well. I wasn’t really to down on myself because I’m confident in my ability.”