no, you can try out ur first year but u might not play ur first year because i guess recruits play. but dont waste ur time if u might be a little good because they dont play about football at hbcu's.
Whats up TN family? I graduated from TN State. You can definitely try out for football. I recommend contacting the coaching staff and informing them about your intentions. Since football camp starts in the summer, I would contact them around March. Best wishes with everything.