Photo courtesy of Norfolk State athletics

As the NFL Draft beckons, it’s important for prospects to get as much work for teams as possible.

That was just the mission for Norfolk State strong safety Bobby Price at the NFL’s HBCU combine — until the combine was canceled due to COVID-19.

Experience and Leadership

Price, who hails from nearby Bishop Sullivan Catholic in Virginia Beach, was a four-year starter for the Spartans. He started 42 games in the green and gold over his four seasons. Over that stretch, he compiled 229 tackles and seven interceptions.

“Bobby is one of the best representatives that a program could ever have,” Norfolk State head coach Latrell Scott said. “He has been a contributor from day one and was pretty much a four-year starter; he was a leader that was not afraid to challenge his teammates.”

Latest Obstacles and Perseverance

Challenging is the exact word that one could use to describe Price’s current predicament. He was scheduled to compete in the NFL’s HBCU Combine in late March before the combine was canceled due to COVID-19. This left Price without a final chance to work out for scouts — something he had to scramble to make up for.

“Despite all the cancellations, I’ve still been in contact with many teams,” Price commented. “I had the opportunity to do a pro day with the company I was training with for the draft. Everything was taped and sent to all 32 teams. It turned out really well. The weather wasn’t what we expected, but I was proud of the way I performed.”

Athleticism and Versatility

Before coming to Norfolk State, Price got his start at nearby Catholic High in Virginia Beach. There, he ran track, played football, and basketball. During his senior season, Price was an all-state first-team selection as a defensive back and won an outdoor track championship in the long jump.

Price, who stands at 6-foot-4 is the definition of a complete athlete. Though he played strong safety at Norfolk State, he knows may have to change in the NFL.

“I’ve had teams tell me they like me at safety and other teams tell me they would like to see me at corner, because of my length,” Price exclaimed. “I think one of my biggest strengths is my versatility. I do feel like it (switch to CB) can be challenging, but I can pick up on it quickly with repetition as long as I know all of my assignments.”

Price has owned the defensive backfield over his four seasons at Norfolk State, picking off seven passes, including one for an 84-yard touchdown as a senior against Delaware State. Price also forced four fumbles — two in each of his final seasons at Norfolk State. He tallied 73 tackles during his senior season.

Elite Company

The last Norfolk State Spartan selected in the NFL Draft came in 2009 when cornerback Don Carey went in the sixth round to the Cleveland Browns. The highest-drafted Spartan was Leroy Jones, who was drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Rams in 1975. Later this month, Price hopes to be mentioned in that same breath.