BREAKING: HBCU Cornerback Willie Drew Opens Eyes With Both 40-Yard Dash Runs At The NFL Scouting Combine
Virginia State defensive back Willie Drew has been performing impressively at the 2024 Senior Bowl. His god-gifted talent as a cornerback translates well in Indianapolis at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt shared, "Two excellent runs for Virginia State's Willie Drew." He ran unofficial 40-yard dashes of 4.48 and 4.47 seconds in front of the NFL scouts and coaches.
Willie Drew: 2024 NFL Scouting Combine
Jim Nagy told HBCU Legends why the Reese's Senior Bowl selected Willie Drew for their event: "I think Willie will be the only HBCU kid drafted this year."
His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) is graded as "GOOD" in composite size and speed.
Drew's measurements are as follows:
- Height: 5-11 5/8
- Weight: 191 pounds
- Arm: 32
- Hand: 9 4/8
- Wingspan: 75 5/8
- 40-yard dash: 4.48 sec
- 20-yard split: 2.61 sec
- 10-yard split: 1.57 sec
The 2023 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year did not have a vertical jump, bench press, or broad jump recorded at the scouting combine.
He initially played collegiate football at James Madison University in 2019 before transferring to Virginia State. In three seasons, the Trojans cornerback made 27 game appearances, registering 37 passes defended, 26 pass breakups, 11 interceptions, one pick-six, and a fumble recovery. Last season against Bluefield State, Drew notched four pass breakups and a pair of interceptions.
Willie Drew and Howard University's offensive tackle, Anim Dankwah, were the only two HBCU football players invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Dankwah, like Drew, has an excellent chance of being drafted in April's upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Dankwah stands 6-8 and weighs 360 pounds. His length and athleticism will be desirable for NFL teams searching for a diamond in the round during the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.
