The 2025 NFL Draft class doesn't boast an especially attractive quarterback group. Beyond Sheduer Sanders and Cam Ward, there aren't obvious first-round talents to project forward. That could lead to a flurry of Day 2 and Day 3 selections.

2024 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Offensive Player of the Year and HBCU+ National Player of the Year Eric Phoenix is hoping to be among those drafted. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder is coming off a stellar campaign and now hopes to follow in the footsteps of previous HBCU greats who played in the NFL.

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The native of Savannah, Georgia, leads HBCU FCS quarterbacks in passing efficiency (164.2), ranks fourth in passing yards (2,460), and is third in touchdown passes (20), alongside rushing for 225 yards and two touchdowns. 

The first-team All-MEAC quarterback played a pivotal role in elevating South Carolina State from a 5-6 record last season to a 9-3 record this year—the Bulldogs’ highest win total since 2013.

During the season, Phoenix achieved 2,612 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions while also rushing for 241 yards and 3 touchdowns. 

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His exceptional leadership and performance earned him the 2024 HBCU Player of the Year award, guiding the Bulldogs to a 9-3 record and a spot in the Cricket Celebration Bowl, the national championship for black college football. 

Notably, he had two remarkable games: completing 26 out of 26 passes for 321 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception, plus 60 yards rushing and 1 touchdown against North Carolina Central; and 18 of 21 for 341 yards, rushing for 30 yards, with 5 total touchdowns (4 passing and 1 rushing) at an impressive 16.2 yards per pass against Delaware State.

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Phoenix also shone at the Division II level with another HBCU, Benedict College, where he earned second-team All-SIAC honors in 2021 and 2022 under coach Chennis Berry. Seeking to compete at the Division I level, he transferred to Murray State in 2023 but found himself struggling to playtime.

After the season, Berry was named head coach at South Carolina State, succeeding Buddy Pough, who retired after 22 seasons. In April, Phoenix announced his decision to join his former coach at SCSU.

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"We're extremely excited and proud of Eric for receiving this amazing award," Chennis said. "To be recognized as the player of the year is indeed a high honor as it showcases the exceptional gifts and talents that the good Lord has blessed Eric to possess, but it also speaks to the contributions of his teammates to help him receive this award. I know Eric is grateful for each and every one of them as we're all about the team."

While Phoenix has drawn comparisons to Lamar Jackson, his style differs in that he relies more on improvisation, showcasing a strong arm, accuracy, and a solid understanding of the game. I have him graded as a late Day 3 prospect.