ESPN announced Prairie View’s five NFL draft prospects, quarterback K.J. Black, running back Donald Babers, wide receiver Shaun Stephens, defensive lineman Quinton Spears, and defensive back Chris Adingupu on Feb. 10.
A transfer from Western Kentucky University, Black threw for 2,154 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions his senior year. He led the FCS in completion percentage his junior year with 70.4 percent and was also 2009 SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, 2010 Walter Payton Watch List, 2010 Preseason SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, and the 2010 FCS National Performer of the Year.
A graduate of Westbury High School, Babers ranks number three in HBCU NFL draft prospects and is Prairie View’s number two all-time rusher. During his senior year, he rushed for 918 yards and 10 touchdowns. He made history his sophomore year by becoming the first running back since 1988 to record a 1,000 yard season.
Houston native Stephens excelled in his senior year by catching 63 passes for 859 yards and recorded nine touchdowns. He also received 2010 second team all SWAC honors and is the third-ranked wide receiver among HBCU NFL draft prospects. He sits number two in single season receptions in Prairie View history.
The number one ranked in HBCU NFL draft prospects, Adingupu, posted 83 tackles along with two interceptions and one touchdown and sack in his senior year campaign. He also received 2009 and 2010 second team all SWAC honors, 2010 Preseason All- American honors, and the 2010 Preseason Black College All American honors.
2009 SWAC Championship Defensive Player of the Year, Spears, recorded 24 sacks and 181 tackles throughout his career here at Prairie View. He also received three-time consecutive All SWAC Conference honors, 2009 and 2010 All-American, 2008 and 2009 Most Valuable Defensive Lineman, as the team captain.
Black stated, “I think we will all showcase our talents on the field in our own different ways. We came from a great head coach and some good coordinators, so I think we are all prepared to do great things.”