Davius Richard Shines as Team Gaither Beats Team Robinson in 2024 HBCU Legacy Bowl

zach bacharContributor IFebruary 25, 2024

Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In the third annual HBCU Legacy Bowl, North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard excelled in limited action as he helped give Team Gaither a 10-6 victory over Team Robinson.

On Saturday afternoon at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, draft-eligible players from historically Black colleges and universities were able to showcase their skills for professional organizations. The two teams in the Legacy Bowl were named after a pair of legendary coaches, former Florida A&M head coach Jake Gaither and former Grambling State head coach Eddie Robinson.

Richard started the game strong, as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year led Team Gaither down the field and into Team Robinson’s end zone for the first touchdown of the game. He recorded 52 pass yards before scoring a four-yard rushing touchdown.

HBCU LEGACY BOWL @HBCULegacyBowlTeam Gaither takes opening drive for TD. Catches from RJ Mobley and Tayman Cooke set up Davius Richard score. @DaviusRichard @mobley_rj pic.twitter.com/y2qpDKbeKi

However, the excitement was short-lived as he sustained a leg injury while scampering into the end zone. NFL Network’s Sherree Burruss reported that he was carted off and taken to University Medical Center New Orleans. He was still named the Offensive MVP of the game.

Team Gaither’s defense was strong all game long, pitching a shutout through three quarters. South Carolina State defensive lineman Jeblonski Green Jr. helped keep Team Robinson’s offense at bay, routinely pressuring opposing quarterbacks and batting down multiple passes at the line of scrimmage.

Despite the loss, there were also several standouts on Team Robinson. Alabama A&M defensive end Zareon Hayes earned the Defensive MVP for the game, as he recorded four total sacks (per the broadcast). Benedict College defensive tackle Loobert Denelus also showed why he was one of the players to watch entering the contest, picking up a strip sack and subsequent fumble recovery in the third quarter.

HBCU LEGACY BOWL @HBCULegacyBowlLoobert Denelus strip sack fumble recovery for Team Robinson. @denelusloobert pic.twitter.com/XKqjuP1Fhm

Team Robinson attempted to mount a late comeback, as Florida A&M quarterback Jeremy Moussa threw an impressive pass to Grambling State wide receiver Lyndon Rash while he was wrapped up by a defensive lineman. Rash initially fell to the ground, although he was able to get up and scamper into the end zone for a touchdown as he was not contacted by any defenders.

HBCU LEGACY BOWL @HBCULegacyBowlJeremy Moussa to Lyndon Rash for Team Robinson TD to cut deficit to 10-6 final quarter. pic.twitter.com/2ZLivaP9aM

With Team Robinson trailing 10-6 and time winding down in the fourth quarter, a pass
from Moussa fell incomplete on fourth down as he was pressured in the pocket once again. Team Gaither ran
out the clock on the ensuing possession to seal the victory.