Who are some smaller school prospects from the Carolinas who could make their way to the NFL?
The 2025 NFL Draft is almost upon us, and most of the focus has been centered around the premier players and powerhouse schools. Let’s take a look at some of the underrepresented players from the Carolinas who could hear their name called on Draft Weekend. If they aren’t drafted, these players will likely get camp invites from someone to see if they can make their NFL dream come true.
Aaron Smith, LB, South Carolina State
The HBCU linebacker already has extensive special teams experience throughout his collegiate career. Smith is a good run defender, though he struggles to shed blocks against larger opponents due to his smaller frame (6’0, 220 lbs). He occasionally overruns plays and should not be trusted in downfield coverage, but he has shown enough athleticism to cover backs and tight ends in the flats and other shallow zones. Smith could end up being a depth linebacker if he bulks up a bit, and his special teams experience gives him a leg up on other players trying to make the bottom of an NFL roster.
Stone Handy, EDGE, UNC Charlotte
Handy has decent size at 6’5”, 240 lbs. The former four star recruit has incredible length that he uses well when rushing the passer. He has a good first step, heavy hands, and a relentless motor. Handy’s length also helps make him incredible and stacking and shedding blocks, and his quick processing allows him to make plenty of plays in the backfield. Unfortunately, he is still a raw player due to a major injury suffered while he was at Indiana. Still, if he can improve his bend and anchor strength, he could be a nice depth piece on the edge.
Chantz Williams, DL/EDGE, UNC Charlotte
Williams is another 49er with good size at 6’4” and 255 lbs. He has a good frame and could even add more mass at the next level. He has great hands and makes plays late in the down in the passing game due to his creativity. Williams has a good blend of size, athleticism, and projection at the next level, so he could very well be a developmental pass rusher for an NFL team. He’s still incredibly raw, so it will take some time for him to pan out. If he can put it all together, though, he could be a nice find on Day 3 or as a UDFA.
Joaquin Davis, WR, NC Central
Davis was invited to the HBCU Combine back in February and did not disappoint. The 6’4”, 192 lbs receiver ran a 4.44 forty yard dash and hit a vertical of over 40 inches. His size and speed made him a natural deep ball threat, so his route tree is definitely limited right now. Still, he showed a willingness to play special teams at the HBCU Legacy Bowl, so his mentality is in the right place. I’m sure he’ll at least get a camp invite based on his measurables alone.
Jason Ivey, OL, NC A&T
Ivey was another participant in the HBCU Combine and Legacy Bowl. He has decent size at 6’4”, 287 lbs. He ran a decent forty at the HBCU Combine and had a very respectable 1.70 second ten yard split, which is more indicative for offensive linemen than the full forty. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of information about Ivey in terms of draft grades, so he likely has an uphill battle to even get a camp invite.
Quantez Mansfield, DT, NC Central
Once again we have a player without much by way of draft profiles but did participate in the HBCU Legacy Week events. At just 6’2”, 281 lbs, Mansfield is unlikely to stay at defensive tackle if he wants to pursue an NFL career. He ran a sub-5 forty with a solid 1.70 second ten yard split, so he has decent athleticism. He didn’t really stand out at the HBCU Combine or the HBCU Legacy Bowl, but maybe an NFL team got to talk to him a bit and took a liking to him.