Pittman’s Pocket HBCU True Freshman All-Americans | Top 10 Prospects to Watch

2026–2027 Preseason Watch List
Top 75 Early Rankings
By Brian Pittman, Pittman’s Pocket LLC

As HBCU football continues to attract elite high school talent from across the nation, Pittman’s Pocket proudly releases the first edition of the 2026–2027 HBCU True Freshman All-American Preseason Watch List. This list evaluates incoming freshmen expected to make an immediate impact while projecting their long-term NFL potential.

Pittman’s Pocket NFL Draft Projection
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Elite First-Round Potential
⭐⭐⭐⭐ High NFL Draft Potential
⭐⭐⭐ Strong NFL Prospect
⭐⭐ Developmental Prospect
⭐ Emerging Prospect

Pittman’s Pocket Top 10

1. Kevin Gaines Jr. ⭐⭐⭐
   Alabama State | Cornerback | 6’0″ | 163 lbs
   High School: Miami Southridge (FL)
2. Javar Bowden ⭐⭐⭐
   Jackson State | Wide Receiver | 6’6″ | 180 lbs
   High School: Gainesville High School (FL)
3. Dinellson Exume NR
   Grambling State | Defensive Line | 6’4″ | 245 lbs
   High School: To Be Verified
4. Mason Love NR
   Howard | Linebacker | 6’2″ | 220 lbs
   High School: To Be Verified
5. Omari Russell Hare NR
   Alabama State | Defensive Back | 6’1″ | 186 lbs
   High School: To Be Verified
6. Chase Cheeks ⭐⭐⭐
   North Carolina A&T | Wide Receiver | 5’11” | 175 lbs
   High School: Spartanburg High School (SC)
7. Jamison Kelly NR
   Jackson State | Defensive Back | 5’11” | 185 lbs
   High School: To Be Verified
8. Jaheim Miller NR
   Texas Southern | Defensive Back | 5’11” | 185 lbs
   High School: To Be Verified
9. Ben Boulware ⭐⭐⭐
   North Carolina A&T | Defensive Line | 6’4″ | 280 lbs
   High School: Winston-Salem Area (NC)
10. Malik Brown ⭐⭐⭐
    North Carolina A&T | Defensive Line | 6’6″ | 315 lbs
    High School: Chesterfield, Virginia