HBCU Legends

Vikings Sign 2025 MEAC Defensive Player Of The Year After Impressive Rookie Minicamp

Williams have an opportunity to fight for a roster spot on the Minnesota Viking defensive line.

Kyle T. Mosley

Elijah Williams Signed By Minnesota
Elijah Williams Signed By Minnesota / Credit: MSU Athletics
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The Minnesota Vikings signed former Morgan State defensive lineman Elijah Williams after an impressive rookie minicamp performance by the 2025 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Once again, this story highlights how undervalued HBCU rookie talent is by NFL talent evaluators.

Williams was added to the Minnesota Vikings' 90-man roster with outside linebacker Matt Harmon out Kent State University.

As an undrafted free agent, the MSU Bears' all-time sack leader will have an opportunity to prove that he belongs among the NFL's new talent. He's a beast and offensive lineman have problems handling the relentless pass rushes of Williams.

Williams draws similarities to Vikings great and Pro Football Hall of Famer John Randle, who also had to earn a roster spot in Minnesota. Randle stands at 6 feet 1 inch, while Williams is 6 feet 2 inches. The Hall of Famer weighed in at 290 pounds, whereas the Morgan State product is 285. There is a strong possibility that Williams could overcome the odds in summer training camp.

No disclosures on Williams contract. The typical NFL UDFA deal is for three years and $2.965 million.

More coverage on Elijah Williams...

MEAC Defensive Player Of The Year Receives Vikings Rookie Mini-Camp Invitation

Morgan State defensive lineman Elijah Williams received an NFL rookie mini-camp invitation from the Minnesota Vikings. The 2024 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year led the conference with 11 sacks for 112 yards, 54 tackles, a forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a blocked field goal in 12 games.

The Jersey City, New Jersey native finished his collegiate career as the Morgan State Bears' all-time leader in sacks (31) and tackles for loss (52).

Williams, 6-3 and 270 pounds was also named a BOXTOROW All-American, Stats Perform Second Team All-American, First Team All-MEAC, and a 2024 Buck Buchanan Award finalist, recognizing him among the nation's top FCS defenders.

He played high school football at Lincoln High School, recording 74 tackles (57 solo) in 10 games during his senior season.

KEY: hbcu football players in 2025 draft | 2025 nfl draft | hbcu nfl draft 2025 | morgan state football | meac football

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HBCU FOOTBALL'S UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS - 2025

2025 HBCU-NFL DRAFT TRACKER

  • Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (Jackson State/Colorado) - Defensive back signed UDFA contract with Jacksonville Jaguars. (Source)
  • Kendall Bohler (Florida A&M) - Defensive back signing a UDFA contract with Denver Broncos. (Source)
  • Quantez Mansfield (NCCU) - Defensive lineman expected to receive rookie mini-camp invitation from Minnesota Vikings. (Source)
  • Joaquin Davis (NCCU) - Wide receiver expects to sign a UDFA contract with Denver Broncos. (Source)
  • Robert Jones III (Howard) - Defensive back has received two rookie mini-camp invitations - Chiefs and Vikings, per Jones to HBCU Legends.
  • Torricelli Simpkins (NCCU) - Offensive lineman expected to sign UDFA contract with the New Orleans Saints. (Source)
  • Robert McDaniel (Jackson State) - Defensive back will sign a UDFA contract with the Washington Commanders, per agent.  
  • Aaron Smith (South Carolina State) - Linebacker will sign a UDFA contract with the New York Jets. (Source)
  • Shilo Sanders (Jackson State/CU) - Defensive back will sign a UDFA contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Source)
  • Devontae Davis (Jackson State/FAU) - Defensive lineman signed a UDFA contract with the Indianapolis Colts. (Source)
  • Kisean Johnson (Alabama State/Western Kentucky) - Wide receiver signed a UDFA Contract with the Baltimore Ravens. (Source)
  • Da'Quan Felton (Norfolk State/Virginia Tech) - Wide receiver signed a UDFA contract with the New York Giants. (Source)
  • Jason Ivey (North Carolina A&T) - Offensive lineman signed a UDFA contract with the Cleveland Browns. (Source)
  • Irv Mulligan (Jackson State) - Running back invited to rookie mini-camp by the New York Giants, per representative.
  • Xavier Robiou (Howard) - Defensive back has been invited to rookie mini-camp by the Washington Commanders. (Source)
  • Myles Crawley (Grambling State) - Quarterback has been invited to rookie mini-camp by the New York Giants.
  • Seven McGee (Jackson State/Albany) - Wide receiver has been invited to rookie mini-camp by the Atlanta Falcons. (Source)
  • Elijah Williams (Morgan State) - Defensive lineman has been invited to rookie mini-camp by the Minnesota Vikings. (Source)
  • KeShawn Toney (South Carolina State) - Tight end has been invited to rookie mini-camp by the Cleveland Browns. (Source)
  • Jaden Sutton (Delaware State) - Running back has been invited to rookie mini-camp by the Washington Commanders. (Source)
Irv Mulligan invited to the New York Giants rookie mini-camp.
Irv Mulligan invited to the New York Giants rookie mini-camp. / Credit: JSU Athletics
Shilo Sanders
Shilo Sanders / Credit: Clarion-Ledger
Robert Jones III
Robert Jones III / Credit: HU Athletics
Robert McDaniel signs with Washington
Robert McDaniel signs with Washington / Credti: JSU Athletics
Kendall Bohler
Florida A&M Rattlers defensive back Kendall Bohler (3) pregame of playing the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 / Gerald Thomas / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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