Pitman’s Pocket: Year 3 at Draft Diamonds: Spotlighting Top JUCO Transfers to HBCUs as All-Americans

As we enter Year 3 of our JUCO-to-HBCU All-American spotlight here at Draft Diamonds, we continue to celebrate the journey of junior college transfers making their mark at HBCUs. The transition from JUCO to Division I or NAIA-level HBCU football isn’t always smooth—but for those who make it, the results can be game-changing.

Some athletes have fully embraced the challenge, making a name for themselves across the HBCU landscape. Standout players like Vito Moriana of Mississippi Valley State and MJ Hinson Jr. of Texas Southern—last year’s All-American defensive back and runner-up for the Aeneas Williams Award—proved that JUCO talent can thrive on the HBCU stage. Both hailed from Texas JUCO programs, with Moriana coming from Trinity Valley CC and Hinson from Blinn College.

As we prepare for the 2025-2026 season, here are a few names already generating buzz as early Pre-Selections for the HBCU JUCO All-American Watchlist:

• Patrick Kince, CB – 6’3″, 190 lbs, Alcorn State
• Corion Bouie, DE – 6’4″, 260 lbs, Jackson State
• Aki Harvey, CB – 6’4″, 190 lbs, Morgan State
• Kyron Roberts, DE – 6’4″, 260 lbs, Alabama A&M
• Ty Keyes, QB – 6’2″, 225 lbs, Grambling State

The official Pre-Selection list for the HBCU JUCO All-American team will drop in August, ahead of the 2025-2026 season.

Big shoutout to the entire Draft Diamonds team for continuing to shine a light on emerging talent. Year 3 is just getting started!