MORE WHITE PLAYERS ON BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAMS

MATTHEW STANMYRE, THE ROOT - Joey Christine spent two years waiting for a scholarship offer. An All-Met offensive lineman at Sherando High in Stephens City, Va., Christine was regarded as one of the best high school football players in Virginia. . . Then, in late December, Norfolk State University began pursuing him. Christine, who is white, had no idea Norfolk State is a historically black college or university. But after meeting the Spartans' coaching staff and spending time with the players during his official visit last month, it was clear that Christine had found a home. . .

[Such] players represent a growing pattern of some HBCUs recruiting more white athletes to play football. Although five of the nine teams (including Howard) in the historically black MEAC have two white players or fewer on their rosters, Norfolk State, Delaware State and Bethune Cookman each has 11.

Players and coaches said there are several reasons for the increase in white players at some HBCUs: more comprehensive recruiting efforts because of an increasing pressure to win; the rising level of play in historically black college football; and a generally more diverse society.