ZION CRAWFORD & D’AVERY ROBINSON — TWO FUTURE HBCU TRUE FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICAN CONTENDERS MAKING THEIR MARK

Presented by Pittman’s Pocket LLC | 2026 HBCU Football Season

Two emerging freshman talents are putting together productive campaigns in HBCU football. Alabama State defensive back Zion Crawford and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff wide receiver D’Avery Robinson continue to demonstrate the potential, playmaking ability, and freshman impact that make them names to watch for future Pittman’s Pocket HBCU True Freshman All-American consideration.

From disrupting passing lanes in the secondary to producing explosive plays in the receiving game, these two freshmen represent the developing talent and competitive spirit that deserve recognition throughout HBCU football.

ZION CRAWFORD — ALABAMA STATE HORNETS

Freshman Defensive Back | No. 37 | Hapeville, Georgia

Zion Crawford is establishing himself as a young defensive playmaker for the Alabama State Hornets. At 6-foot-1 and 183 pounds, Crawford brings encouraging size and coverage potential to the defensive backfield.

Through the 2026 season statistics shown, Crawford has recorded 20 solo tackles, one interception, and eight passes defended. His eight pass breakups and interception demonstrate an ability to contribute in coverage and challenge opposing passing attacks.

Alabama State’s most recent game shown in the supplied ESPN screenshots was a 31–28 loss to Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic. Crawford finished with four total tackles, including three solo tackles and one assist, according to the displayed game splits.

Although the Hornets came up short in the rivalry matchup, Crawford’s season production provides a foundation for continued development as a young defensive back. His combination of tackling production, an interception, and eight passes defended makes him a freshman worth monitoring as the season progresses.

Season production:

• 20 solo tackles
• 1 interception
• 8 passes defended
• 4 tackles in the Magic City Classic

D’AVERY ROBINSON — ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF GOLDEN LIONS

Freshman Wide Receiver | No. 2 | Logansport, Louisiana

D’Avery Robinson is bringing explosive receiving production to the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions. At 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds, the freshman wideout has shown the ability to turn opportunities into meaningful yardage and touchdowns.

Robinson’s season totals in the supplied ESPN profile stand at 22 receptions, 337 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and a 15.3-yard average per reception. His six touchdown catches highlight his ability to finish plays and provide a scoring threat in the passing game.

In the latest game shown, Arkansas-Pine Bluff defeated Bethune-Cookman 63–21. Robinson contributed three receptions for 65 yards, averaging 21.7 yards per catch, with a long reception of 39 yards. He also recorded one rushing attempt for 21 yards, according to the displayed game splits.

That receiving output, combined with his season-long touchdown production, underscores his ability to create explosive plays. Robinson is demonstrating the kind of freshman productivity that merits continued attention in the HBCU football landscape.

Season production:

• 22 receptions
• 337 receiving yards
• 6 receiving touchdowns
• 15.3 yards per reception
• 65 receiving yards on 3 catches in the latest game shown
• 1 rushing attempt for 21 yards in that game

TWO FRESHMEN. TWO DIFFERENT PATHS. ONE HBCU SPOTLIGHT.

Crawford and Robinson are making their contributions in different phases of the game. Crawford is working to limit opposing passing production, while Robinson is helping generate offensive explosiveness for the Golden Lions.

Their performances illustrate why freshman evaluation should look beyond reputation and recruiting rankings. On-field production, playmaking, consistency, development, and impact within a team’s system all matter when identifying emerging HBCU talent.

Pittman’s Pocket LLC will continue monitoring their performances as the season unfolds. Both players are future HBCU True Freshman All-American prospects to watch, with their candidacies to be evaluated as the season progresses.

Pittman’s Pocket LLC — Recognizing HBCU talent. Highlighting freshman impact. Keeping the next generation in focus.

Statistics and game results in this feature are based on the supplied ESPN profile screenshots and reflect the figures displayed there. All-American consideration is prospective and does not represent an official selection.