A&M's class hurt by 10 ineligibles

At least 10 of Alabama A&M's incoming freshmen have been ruled academically ineligible and three more are still awaiting word from the NCAA Clearinghouse concerning their status. A&M coach Anthony Jones said he knew there would be some academic casualties, but the numbers surprised him.

"We signed some kids that we knew would be on the borderline, but there were some others that we felt would make it but didn't," he said. "Hopefully, we can get them all here, get them acclimated to college and help them become successful student-athletes."

Those who failed to get eligible include running backs Trent Johnson and Kaderius Lacey, defensive linemen Regis Laister, Parker Marino and Tim Tillman, offensive linemen Clarence Lovell, Mike Patridge and Roberto Gonzales, wide receiver Rashad Daniels and fullback Devron Owensby. Jones wasn't sure how many would enroll at A&M this semester.

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Offer on table, but JSU hasn't signed it

Jackson State and the Department of Finance and Administration have yet to reach an agreement on the tenant-renter relationship for Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, DFA deputy executive director Rita Wray said Wednesday. The Tigers are scheduled to play their football home opener in the 67-year-old stadium on Sept. 6 against Stillman.

The DFA assumed control of the facility from a governor-appointed Stadium Commission July 1, per state legislation. "Nothing signed today .... but it's on the table," Wray said. "I received their stadium proposal that included (all of their concerns) and they were incorporated within that contract. I think it's going to be a win-win for both."

Jackson State president Ronald Mason has said the university would like control of game day operations and the opportunity to make more money off concessions, parking and advertising. Wray maintained that, "DFA will operate the stadium."

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Former Aggies J.J. Miller holding community fun day Aug. 2

How does a successful young professional basketball player give back to his community?

J.J. Miller, a professional basketball player from Chinquapin is giving back to Duplin County by hosting his free J.J. Miller’s Community Fun Day on Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Duplin County Events Center in Kenansville.

J.J. Miller invites everyone out to enjoy a great day of amusement and fun. J.J. is hosting a fun day with rides, activities, games and more. The event is free to the public. Barbecue and chicken plates will be sold along with hot dogs and drinks. All proceeds will go to the Driven Perfect Foundation which goal is to enhance the lives of youth through education, mentoring, and recreational programs.

J.J. Miller, a former standout student athlete at East Duplin High School, finished his high school career as one of the top basketball players in the state, ranking 16th out of the top 100 players in North Carolina. Miller received a full athletic scholarship to play basketball at NC A&T State University where he majored in Elementary Education. He gained nationwide notoriety when he scored a record high 34 points on the Duke Blue Devils in 2000. Miller finished his collegiate career as a Historically Black Colleges & Universities All American and was ranked among the top 10 scoring guards in the country. J.J. turned professional in 2001. He has been playing throughout Europe for the past seven years and has been selected as a European All-Star four times.

J.J. Miller Basketball Highlights


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FAMU puts trust with West

The road to Florida A&M had so many twists and turns for Isaac West that another player might have gotten lost. West didn't play football for a year after winning a team MVP award his senior season at Lincoln High School. He wanted badly to follow in the footsteps of his cousin, Ron Dugans, and play at Florida State — until he was told a year of junior college would improve his chances of making it as a walk-on.

A year of waiting was enough, so West enrolled at FAMU last August and made the team as a walk-on. There he found himself in the shadow of senior Willie Hayward. He had to wait for prime time. It might finally be here for the speedy, lanky receiver. Hayward has graduated, and the Rattlers have a new coaching staff that sees talent in West that should make this his breakthrough season.

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Monte Purvis becomes assistant coach

Former QB returns to his alma mater

Former Winston-Salem State and Parkland quarterback Monte Purvis has always wanted to be a high school football coach. Even when he was performing in front of packed stadiums for the Rams he envisioned giving up calling plays in the huddle for a shot to call the shots on the sidelines. His former high school coach Dee Bell knew that, and told Purvis that if things didn’t work out on the field he would have a place on his staff.

“It’s good to have my money man back,” said Bell. “He led Parkland to our first state championship in school history. Now he’s coming back to coach. That’s a big deal. He’s going to be a good one. I made a good hire. He will help us out a lot.”

Purvis added: Things are going pretty good so far. I like being out here with the players. They’re easy to get along with. Plus, they’re willing to work to get better. They understand that it takes a lot of work to win a state championship. And, they understand that I know how much work it takes. Hard work took my team to a state championship.”

(Photo courtesy Mark's Digital Photography)

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SU defense coping with personnel losses

Southern University head football coach Pete Richardson is starting his 16th season leading the Jaguars.

Southern’s defense will have to deal with several losses even before the season begins. Junior defensive tackle Dwayne Charles and junior cornerback/return specialist Ronald Wade are academically ineligible and won’t play this season, Southern coach Pete Richardson said.

Also, linebackers D.J. Bolton (eight tackles) and Corey Ray (11 tackles) may be out with medical issues, Richardson said. Plus, defensive tackle Calvin Cunningham, who had one tackle and would have been a redshirt freshman this season, has decided to transfer, Richardson said. Cunningham, from Winston-Salem, N.C., missed spring practice after shoulder surgery.

Richardson said the school was also checking to see if sophomore end Ted Jones, who had eight tackles last season, would be eligible.

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SU reports for preseason camp

Excerpt:

“Moving day means it’s time to go to work.” As far as the newcomers, SU had a strong showing. Southern had 18 of its 23 signees show up on campus Thursday. That’s one of the best percentages of incoming freshmen to show up on the first day in the 16-year tenure of Richardson. “You get excited about the first day, especially with the first-year individuals,” Richardson said. “They’ll be here ready to go. They’re excited to play college football.”

Five recruits will be non-qualifiers and, as such, will not be able to play or practice this school year: West Feliciana High defensive back/wide receiver Tim Berry, McDonogh 35 (New Orleans) High offensive tackle Kennon Bradford, Northside (Lafayette) High wide receiver Ryan Broussard, Kentwood defensive back/wide receiver Alfred Franklin and Madison (Houston) High offensive lineman Odell Pippins.

Richardson said ....

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