North Carolina Central’s Joaquin Davis and Quantez Mansfield, along with North Carolina A&T’s Jason Ivey, delivered standout performances in front of NFL scouts this week at the HBCU Combine in New Orleans.
The event, held at the New Orleans Saints’ practice facility, featured representatives from every NFL franchise. FCS Football Central recognized all three players as the top performers in their respective position groups during Monday’s session.
Davis, a wide receiver, posted a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and didn’t drop a pass.
“Joaquin Davis dominated the wide receiver group with the best combination of speed, explosiveness, and agility at the HBCU Combine.”
— Gerald J. Huggins, FCS Football Central
His performance also drew praise from NFL Network’s Steve Wyche, who highlighted Davis’ showing in a social media post.
Ivey, an offensive lineman, was recognized for his speed, explosiveness, and movement skills, earning him top OL performer honors.
Mansfield, an interior defensive lineman, showcased power and agility with 25 bench reps, a 4.94-second 40-yard dash, and a 32.5″ vertical jump.
The HBCU Legacy Bowl will take place Saturday, Feb. 22 at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium, offering another opportunity for these players to impress NFL scouts.
🔹 Elon Promotes Casey Vance to Defensive Coordinator
Elon football coach Tony Trisciani promoted Casey Vance to defensive coordinator, keeping the role in-house after the departure of Dovonte Edwards, the school announced Monday.
Vance, who has coached Elon’s linebackers since 2022, will take on his first defensive coordinator role after serving as the run-game coordinator in 2024.
A former West Virginia linebacker (2008-12), Vance walked on and developed into a starter by his senior season, competing in 23 career games, including an Orange Bowl victory over Clemson.
“We are a developmental program, and I really value continuity, consistency in teaching, and staff chemistry,” Trisciani said. “Casey has been very involved in coordinating our run fits with our coverage concepts so our linebackers can play fast and physical.”
Along with Vance’s promotion, Elon announced additional staff adjustments:
✅ Dominique Battle – Safeties coach
✅ Akeem Dent – Outside linebackers coach
✅ Milo Austin – Retains special teams coordinator role; adds cornerbacks coach
✅ Nate Harris – Named recruiting coordinator
The Phoenix also made changes on the offensive side, bringing in Matt Christian (Arizona State, San Diego State) as wide receivers coach. Elon hired former FBS head coach Doug Martin as offensive coordinator in December.
📅 NCCU, Florida A&M Schedule Two-Game Series
North Carolina Central’s previously announced Oct. 11, 2025, matchup at Florida A&M is part of a home-and-home series, according to FBSchedules.com. The Rattlers will visit Durham on Oct. 2, 2027 for the return game.
The two programs last met in 2019, with FAMU earning a 28-21 victory. Their series history dates back to 1939.
📌 Explore NCCU’s complete 2025 schedule and future opponents
🔄 Kerry Webb Returns to Western Carolina Staff
Western Carolina head coach Kerwin Bell announced the return of Kerry Webb as special teams coordinator after spending the last two seasons at Samford.
Webb replaces Cody Edwards, who was recently named head coach at Division II Concord University (WV). Webb’s Samford special teams units ranked among the Southern Conference leaders the past two seasons.
Webb previously spent time at Virginia Tech and had a prior stint with Western Carolina before leaving for Samford.
Bell also announced a staff shift:
✅ Evan Dvorchik – Defensive quality control coach
📌 FCS Spring Football Calendar Filling Up
Spring practice schedules are taking shape across North Carolina’s FCS programs. Schools are allowed 15 spring practice sessions, culminating in spring games.
Elon does not have an official spring game. The Phoenix, which start workouts on March 3, do have scrimmages on Saturdays during their practice window, which concludes April 12.
📅 Spring Game Dates Announced:
Team Start Date Spring Game Campbell Started March 22, Noon Davidson March 17 April 12 Elon March 3 No spring game Gardner-Webb March 4 April 12, Noon NC A&T March 11 April 12, 1 PM NC Central TBD April 12, 2 PM Western Carolina March 3 April 5, Noon
