Howard College’s soccer program continues to rack up preseason buzz, and this time the highlight is shining brilliant on HBCU working again Eden James. A reputation that already carries weight within the soccer world. James, the son of NFL Corridor of Famer Edgerrin James, was one in every of two Bison gamers named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 checklist.
Becoming a member of defensive lineman Noah Miles as early standouts for the 2026 NFL Draft cycle. The announcement comes as Howard prepares to open its 2025 season in a high-profile Orange Blossom Traditional matchup towards Florida A&M on Aug. 30.
Eden James: Making His Personal Identify at Howard
Since stepping on campus in 2022, Eden James has steadily carved out a job in Howard’s offense. He has proven flashes of the imaginative and prescient, stability, and persistence that made his father a family identify within the NFL. Final season, the junior appeared in all 12 video games, racking up 570 yards of whole offense (422 dashing, 148 receiving) with three touchdowns. His breakout second got here within the Reality & Service Traditional towards Hampton. He torched the Pirates for 107 yards and a rating on simply 14 carries.
James’ work ethic and game-breaking potential have made him one of the intriguing backs within the MEAC heading into 2025. He earned him preseason All-MEAC First Workforce honors simply final week. Now, with the Shrine Bowl watch checklist nod, his NFL aspirations are beginning to take form.
Edgerrin James: A Gold Jacket Legacy
It’s no small factor being the son of Edgerrin James—a four-time Professional Bowler, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Yr, and Corridor of Fame working again who spent 11 seasons dominating with the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals. The elder James racked up over 12,000 dashing yards and 80 whole touchdowns in his profession, leaving a legacy as one of the full backs of his technology.
However whereas the final identify brings expectations, Edgerrin has at all times centered on his son’s progress, letting Eden discover his personal path within the sport.
“It’s cool, watching him develop up proper earlier than our eyes,” Edgerrin instructed HBCU Gameday again in 2022. “Simply a few months in the past he was taking part in highschool ball. And now that he’s making the transition, I believe he’s adjusting fairly properly.”
The choice to attend Howard College was about greater than soccer—it was about stability and alternative. “Howard has a popularity of its personal,” Edgerrin mentioned. “From a faculty standpoint, we knew it was going to be the precise match. However so far as athletics. Once they obtained Coach Larry Scott, I see the course they’re headed, it simply solely made sense to organize to double-dip… being at among the best colleges and a soccer program that’s on track.”
Eyes on 2025 and Past
Eden James is poised to be a key weapon in Howard College’s backfield. The Bison want to make noise within the MEAC title race. Their choice to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 checklist is greater than a preseason nod. It’s an indication that NFL scouts are already paying consideration.
If James can construct on final season’s success, don’t be shocked if his identify turns into one of many hottest HBCU prospects heading into subsequent 12 months’s draft course of. For now, although, all eyes are on Miami’s Laborious Rock Stadium. Howard will kick off its season towards Florida A&M, the place James can begin turning that potential right into a breakout 12 months.
