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Donovan Jennings Embraces Switch from Tackle to Guard Ahead of 2024 Draft

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The former tackle turned guard put up impressive “Pro Day” numbers and has sparked the interest of several teams ahead of the April 25th-27th draft weekend. Jennings also impressed during the Shrine game where he played guard and turned heads once again. Already a polished product, Jennings feels he would enter a locker room, prepared to take on a leadership role. We sit down with Donovan Jennings to discuss his draft day preparation and what it would mean to hear his name called.
The post Donovan Jennings Embraces Switch from Tackle to Guard Ahead of 2024 Draft first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 year ago

April 24, 2024

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University of South Florida loses their anchor, in tackle Donovan Jennings

By Percy Crawford

Holding the record for most games played by a University of South Florida Bull (55), Jennings’ days as a Bull may have come to an end, but his indelible legacy is intact, and he moves forward to this year’s NFL draft. The former tackle turned guard put up impressive “Pro Day” numbers and has sparked the interest of several teams ahead of the April 25^th-27^th draft weekend. Jennings also impressed during the Shrine game where he played guard and turned heads once again. Already a polished product, Jennings feels he would enter a locker room, prepared to take on a leadership role.

We sit down with Donovan Jennings to discuss his draft day preparation and what it would mean to hear his name called.

What was preparation like for your “Pro Day?”

Jennings: I had a lot of teammates working out for what we call the biggest interview of your life. You just gotta prepare, make sure your process is right. You gotta be locked in. There were a lot of nerves that come along with it of course. You put all this work in for 4,5,6 years, and you just want to put it out in a couple of hours. You want to make sure you maximize every moment, make sure you don’t get too high or too low, and just be you in that moment.

How much did the Shrine game propel you forward during this process?

Jennings: It gave me the confidence that I can go in and play a new position at a high-level. It was a great experience to put on a great Bowl Game. It was a great time, met some great players, and built some great connections as well. It was a great set up and East-West did a great job.

Moving from tackle to guard, there will be a lot more down blocking and pulling in your future. How important was it for you to play guard in that Shrine game?

Jennings: I played a few games at guard in college, two games, and summer practice, and getting a lot of reps in one-on-ones, but it was good to go against some good guys and get a lot of action in that environment. I think I showcased my athleticism and versatility and showed what I can do at the next level.

We are in the microwave era where we want what we want right now. You being a 6-year guy, coming in with so much experience, that used to be applauded, but now I feel like you have a point to prove when you come in experienced. How do you revive that through your play?

Jennings: I’m coming in as a leader. Obviously, I’m not saying I’m established but I’m a well-polished offensive lineman just looking to perfect his craft. I come in with a lot of experience. I played in 55 games. Consistency and availability is the best ability, just know that that’s what I bring. If I’m blessed enough to get drafted, you’re getting a consistent, hardworking lineman, no matter what comes his way. No matter whether it’s an injury, I bounce back quickly, and that’s what they can expect from me.

You had several opportunities to transfer with many takers, your loyalty to South Florida says a lot about your character.

Jennings: For sure! USF is my home, it’s where I played and got my degree from, and the one place I will always call home. I wanted to create a winning environment and set a foundation. We went from 1-11 to 7-6. We could’ve had a better season, but it set a foundation for years to come. It was cool having a full circle moment. We went 7-6 my true freshman year, being ranked #22, after starting 7-0. We went through some ups and downs after that, so being able to bounce back, won our Bowl Game. So, whatever team drafts me, I will be coming in with a loyal mindset. My mind will be on winning a Super Bowl, being a better teammate, and hoping to start in the NFL for years to come.

Have you had someone walk you through this process?

Jennings: My family is involved. I always reach out to them. My very close friends. My coach, Coach Hudanick, he’s been my coach at USF for a long time. He’s really been giving me guidance, tips, and encouragement that could help me as well.

Have you wrapped your mind around potentially hearing your name called on draft day?

Jennings: I’m still focused and grinding, and taking each day as they come, but as the day comes closer, you start feeling it more. It starts to become real. When that day comes, just hope for the best and just go from there.

For any team that takes a chance on Donovan Jennings, what type of person and player will they be getting?

Jennings: Man… a hardworking, committed, consistent, and nasty offensive lineman who is going to come in and work hard, who will try to get better, learn, and lead. They will get a person who cares, a genuine person who actually wants to talk and listen, and just a great guy.

Have you studied any lineman to grab some skills and techniques from?

Jennings: I would say early in my career, my true freshman year in college, it was just me. I was focused on me, grinding, and focusing on football. Going into football, expecting nothing out of it, just trying to get better every day. I started a few games as a true freshman, and I definitely started picking up some tips that other offensive lineman did. A lot of college offensive lineman at first, but then guys like Tristan Wirfs, Jason Peters, and all the greats. Tyler Smith, he was in our same conference when he played for Tulsa, so seeing him work was great.

How did you walk away from your “Pro Day” feeling?

Jennings: For me personally, you always think you can do a little better. I definitely wanted to get 30 plus on bench. I wasn’t able to but 28 is still a solid number. From all the work I put in throughout the draft process, to run a 4.9 (40-yard dash), I gave it everything and I was blessed to be able to do it. You could always do better but I’m happy with the result.

What would it mean for you to hear your name on draft day?

Jennings: Man, if I was to get drafted… woo. It would be a surreal moment. Just hearing my name after all of the hard work me and my family put in, it would be a surreal moment.

The post Donovan Jennings Embraces Switch from Tackle to Guard Ahead of 2024 Draft first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. International College of Ministers & Laity at Morehouse College

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Remembering George Floyd

Published

3 days ago

May 25, 2025

Oakland Post

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OP-ED: Oregon Bill Threatens the Future of Black Owned Newspapers and Community Journalism

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Nearly half of Oregon’s media outlets are now owned by national conglomerates with no lasting investment in local communities. According to an OPB analysis, Oregon has lost more than 90 news jobs (and counting) in the past five years. These were reporters, editors and photographers covering school boards, investigating corruption and telling community stories, until their jobs were cut by out-of-state corporations.

Published

5 days ago

May 23, 2025

Oakland Post

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

For decades, The Skanner newspaper in Portland, the Portland Observer, and the Portland Medium have served Portland, Oregon’s Black community and others with a vital purpose: to inform, uplift and empower. But legislation now moving through the Oregon Legislature threatens these community news institutions—and others like them.

As President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents more than 255 Black-owned media outlets across the United States—including historic publications like The Skanner, Portland Observer, and the Portland Medium—l believe that some Oregon lawmakers would do more harm than good for local journalism and community-owned publications they are hoping to protect.

Oregon Senate Bill 686 would require large digital platforms such as Google and Meta to pay for linking to news content. The goal is to bring desperately needed support to local newsrooms. However, the approach, while well-intentioned, puts smaller, community-based publications at a future severe financial risk.

We need to ask – will these payments paid by tech companies benefit the journalists and outlets that need them most? Nearly half of Oregon’s media outlets are now owned by national conglomerates with no lasting investment in local communities. According to an OPB analysis, Oregon has lost more than 90 news jobs (and counting) in the past five years. These were reporters, editors, and photographers covering school boards, investigating corruption, and telling community stories, until their jobs were cut by out-of-state corporations.

Legislation that sends money to these national conglomerate owners—without the right safeguards to protect independent and community-based outlets—rewards the forces that caused this inequitable crisis in the first place. A just and inclusive policy must guarantee that support flows to the front lines of local journalism and not to the boardrooms of large national media corporations.

The Black Press exists to fill in the gaps left by larger newsrooms. Our reporters are trusted messengers. Our outlets serve as forums for civic engagement, accountability and cultural pride. We also increasingly rely on our digital platforms to reach our audiences, especially younger generations—where they are.

We are fervently asking Oregon lawmakers to take a step back and engage in meaningful dialogue with those most affected: community publishers, small and independent outlets and the readers we serve. The Skanner, The Portland Observer, and The Portland Medium do not have national corporate parents or large investors. And they, like many smaller, community-trusted outlets, rely on traffic from search engines and social media to boost advertising revenue, drive subscriptions, and raise awareness.

Let’s work together to build a better future for Black-owned newspapers and community journalism that is fair, local,l and representative of all Oregonians.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President & CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

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Hate and Chaos Rise in Trump’s America

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Tactics ranged from local policy manipulation to threats of violence. The SPLC documented bomb threats at 60 polling places in Georgia, traced to Russian email domains.

Published

5 days ago

May 23, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified 1,371 hate and antigovernment extremist groups operating across the United States in 2024. In its latest Year in Hate & Extremism report, the SPLC reveals how these groups are embedding themselves in politics and policymaking while targeting marginalized communities through intimidation, disinformation, and violence. “Extremists at all levels of government are using cruelty, chaos, and constant attacks on communities and our democracy to make us feel powerless,” said SPLC President Margaret Huang. The report outlines how hard-right groups aggressively targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives throughout 2024. Figures on the far right falsely framed DEI as a threat to white Americans, with some branding it a form of “white genocide.” After the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, a former Utah legislator blamed the incident on DEI, posting “DEI = DIE.”

Tactics ranged from local policy manipulation to threats of violence. The SPLC documented bomb threats at 60 polling places in Georgia, traced to Russian email domains. Similar threats hit Jewish institutions and Planet Fitness locations after far-right social media accounts attacked them for trans-inclusive policies. Telegram, which SPLC describes as a hub for hate groups, helped extremists cross-recruit between neo-Nazi, QAnon, and white nationalist spaces. The platform’s lax moderation allowed groups like the Terrorgram Collective—designated terrorists by the U.S. State Department—to thrive. Militia movements were also reorganized, with 50 groups documented in 2024. Many, calling themselves “minutemen,” trained in paramilitary tactics while lobbying local governments for official recognition. These groups shared personnel and ideology with white nationalist organizations.

The manosphere continued to radicalize boys and young men. The Fresh & Fit podcast, now listed as a hate group, promoted misogyny while mocking and attacking Black women. Manosphere influencers used social media algorithms to drive youth toward male-supremacy content. Turning Point USA played a key role in pushing white nationalist rhetoric into mainstream politics. Its leader Charlie Kirk claimed native-born Americans are being replaced by immigrants, while the group advised on Project 2025 and organized Trump campaign events. “We know that these groups build their power by threatening violence, capturing political parties and government, and infesting the mainstream discourse with conspiracy theories,” said Rachel Carroll Rivas, interim director of the SPLC’s Intelligence Project. “By exposing the players, tactics, and code words of the hard right, we hope to dismantle their mythology and inspire people to fight back.”

Click here for the full report or visit http://www.splcenter.org/resources/guides/year-hate-extremism-2024.