Carson Vinson, the Ravens' fifth-round offensive tackle, will always have the distinction of being the only HBCU player selected in the 2025 NFL draft.
When Vinson enrolled at Alabama A&M, he knew about the school's proud football legacy. Hall of Fame wide receiver John Stallworth and five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Robert Mathis both played at Alabama A&M. They return to campus regularly and inspire other Bulldog athletes to pursue their dreams, both in athletics and academics.
Listening to their stories, Vinson decided to remain at Alabama A&M throughout his college career, even when he became an NFL prospect and bigger schools enticed him to transfer.
"I'm from Cary, North Carolina, and N.C. State is right here. Duke is right here. [The University of] North Carolina is right here," Vinson said. "None of them wanted me, and I slipped through the cracks.
"But, Alabama A&M, they found me. They took me in with open arms. I wanted to go to [North] Carolina, and they came back calling around my junior or senior year, and I wasn't going to go because they didn't want me out of high school. It was really just a chip on my shoulder that I took throughout college. I said, 'OK, I'm going to do it from the school that wanted me first."'
The chip that Vincent carries on his shoulder made the trip from Alabama A&M to Baltimore. In conversation, Vinson is gregarious and smiles often, but don't be fooled. When the 6-foot-7, 314-pound Vinson goes into football mode, he's powerful and tenacious.
General Manager Eric DeCosta immediately got a taste of Vinson's strength during his pre-draft visit to Baltimore. DeCosta said when he greeted Vincent with a handshake, he "almost broke my hand."
"He was leaving my office, and I just looked at him and said, 'I'm good,'" DeCosta quipped.
Head Coach John Harbaugh saw Vincent's potential at rookie minicamp. Players were not wearing pads, but Harbaugh loved the way Vincent carried himself.
"He's big, he's rangy, he's got long arms, he's high cut, and he can really move," Harbaugh said. "He moves his feet really well.
"I look at that frame, and you say, 'Man, we can grow so much into that,' and he's got to get in that weight room and get to work right away. He's kind of like a young colt out there, trying to learn how to control that frame."
Vinson has a history of rising to the occasion. When he was invited to the Senior Bowl, Vinson knew he'd have to prove he belonged. He made his presence felt quickly in drills, getting physical with pass rushers such as Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M, who was drafted 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Vinson can learn as a rookie behind veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley and hopes to be a reliable swing tackle who can play either side. Offensive Line Coach George Warhop became a big fan of Vinson's during the pre-draft process, and during rookie camp they struck up an immediate rapport.
"I love hard coaching.," Vinson said. "I've learned it's not how they say it, it's what they're saying. He has years and decades of information to give you.
"I'm doing my best to be coachable. I'm loving it. I never get comfortable. At the end of the day, this is a business. I'm not here as a field trip. I'm here to play football. The thing about the Baltimore Ravens is, there's a standard. There's a reason why there's Super Bowl championships here. I have to come in, fit in, then uphold when I get the opportunity."
Getting the phone call from DeCosta on draft night sent Vinson and his family into celebration, providing a memory he will cherish.
However, Vinson is now focused on the future and turning his NFL career into a long, successful journey. Coming from an HBCU is a source of pride, and he's determined to make good on his opportunity.
"I'm a bad, bad Bulldog until the day I die," Vinson said. "I love Alabama A&M.
"They always say the NFL will find you. I feel like if you do what you need to do, you don't have to transfer. A lot of guys feel like the transfer portal is their only way out. I want to show that you can stay at your school and make it."
