Jackson State alters recruiting philosophy

For most football teams, a 7-5 record can be viewed as a good season. Darius Bolela didn't come to Jackson State for good seasons. Growing up in Jackson, Miss., Bolela is well versed in the tradition of JSU football. He understands the importance to Tiger fans and boosters of winning Southwestern Athletic Conference championships, especially after watching his hometown team win the 2007 league title.

That's why after seeing his team fall short of the SWAC title last year, he is entering his sophomore season on a mission. "I want to lead my team to victory and getting back to the championship,'' Bolela said. ''I came into this season saying, 'I'm from Jackson. I know how Jackson State ball is supposed to be...' I'm putting the team on my back this year."

Bolela isn't the only one looking to change things at JSU. Coach Rick Comegy took a different approach toward recruiting. Rather than going after a host of junior college transfers as he had in the past, and like most of his fellow coaches at historically black colleges do, Comegy decided to focus on recruiting freshmen. In doing so, Comegy hopes to build a solid foundation that will serve his program well in the years to come.

The combination of Darius Bolela (Smash), Luther Edwards (Crash) and Bloi-Dei Dorzan (Dash) are poised to make the Jackson State running game one of the best in the SWAC - no exceptions. Senior RB Dorzon, a 5-9/205 speed demon (#2 in photo) is from New Carrollton, (Prince George's County) Maryland.

JSU Tigers 2009 Schedule

09/05/09 at Mississippi State, Starkville, MS 2:30 p.m. CT, ESPN
Southern Heritage Classic:
09/12/09 vs.Tennessee State (Memphis, TN) 6:00 p.m. CT
W.C. Gorden Classic:
09/19/09 Grambling St. Jackson, MS 3:30 p.m. CT
10/03/09 at Southern Jackson, MS 6:00 p.m. CT
10/10/09 vs. Arkansas - Pine Bluff Jackson, MS 4:00 p.m. CT
10/17/09 vs. Texas Southern Jackson, MS 4:00 p.m. CT
10/24/09 at Mississippi Valley State Itta Bena, MS 1:00 p.m. CT
Homecoming:
11/07/09 vs. Alabama State Jackson, MS 4:00 p.m. CT
Magic City Classic:
11/14/09 at Alabama A&M Huntsville, AL 1:00 p.m. CT
11/21/09 vs. Alcorn State Jackson, MS 1:00 p.m. CT
12/12/09 vs. SWAC Championship Game Birmingham, AL 1:00 p.m. CT

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