HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — For the first time in two decades, Alabama A&M will have a representative from "The Hill" participating in the Reese's Senior Bowl.
On Thursday morning, Bulldogs offensive tackle Carson Vinson was officially invited to the annual all-star game. Executive Director Jim Nagy along with Pro Football Hall of Famer / Alabama A&M alumnus John Stallworth presented the invite in person following the Bulldogs' final practice before their upcoming game.
Stallworth played in the game 50 years ago and had a chance to showcase his talents for many scouts including those with the Pittsburgh Steelers who drafted him in 1974.
A native of Morrisville, N.C., Vinson became the first HBCU player invited to the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl. He is the program's first Alabama A&M Senior Bowl invitee in over 20 years and just the third Bulldog in program history to receive an invite to the esteemed game with the top college football players. The last time was Bulldog invited was OL Kendrick Rogers in 2001.
Vinson said he is proud of his journey and says his success should be a sign of things to come in the Bulldogs' program.
"A&M's slogan is "Start Here, Go Anywhere," and that reigns true. It always reigns true," Vinson said. I've always been told that the [NFL], wherever you are, they'll find you. I just want to show my teammates that if you work hard and you put in the work, they'll find you. And you can have all your dreams here.
Stallworth said the Senior Bowl was an important step in his path to the NFL, and he's looking forward to seeing Vinson compete on a bigger stage in front of NFL scouts.
"I am excited about the opportunity it presents for (Vinson) now to do that same thing," Stallworth said. "To go down and show his wares on a national stage."
The Senior Bowl will take place on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 1:30 pm in Mobile's Hancock Whitney Stadium at the University of South Alabama. The event will be televised on the NFL Network, offering Vinson and other invited players a critical opportunity to demonstrate their potential to professional teams.
A SWAC Preseason Second Team selection, helped the Bulldogs offense last season average 374.6 yards per game, including 221.1 yards per game in the air. His play helped Alabama A&M to tops in the conference in red zone offense.