Southern, Grambling State already in a Bayou Classic mode

State Farm presents…

2011 BAYOU CLASSIC

November 25-27, 2011

New Orleans, LA

Baton Rouge, LA - Southern fans have already penciled in the Nov. 26 football game on the Jaguars’ schedule as an automatic victory. The problem is that Grambling State fans have done the same thing.

It’s not because they view each other as a slouch. Rather, it reflects the deep level of passion and pride behind the State Farm Bayou Classic, now in its 38th year. There are certainly no shortage of story lines for this year’s game. Second-year Southern coach Stump Mitchell’s team is seeking to rebound from a 2-9 season that included a 38-17 loss to Grambling.

Grambling interim athletic director Aaron James is no stranger to the New Orleans area, having played in high school at Cohen, then collegiately with the Tigers, and in the NBA with the New Orleans Jazz.

“This is a great rivalry and a family affair,” James said. “It’s the Black College Super Bowl. The reason why we are out here this early is that, since Hurricane Katrina, the attendance has dropped, and we want to build it back up to where it use to be. We’ve got to get the 65,000-75,000 people back in the Superdome.”

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Albany State Rams looking for big things from passing game

ALBANY, GA — Uyl Joyner knows exactly what his bread and butter is going to be this year.

After all, Albany State certainly feasted on it last season. Star quarterback and reigning SIAC MVP Stanley Jennings is back for his senior season, and Joyner — the Rams’ new offensive coordinator — is ready to hit the ground running.

Joyner and the rest of the ASU coaching staff spoke to alumni, fans and media at Friday’s 12th annual Quarterback Club Kickoff Football Reception at Eula Lovett Hall, and excitement floated around the room every time Jennings’ name was brought up.

“We are looking for big things out of the quarterback play this year,” said Joyner, who will also remain the quarterbacks coach — a position he has held for the past two seasons. “That’s the one solid area we do have on offense. Stanley is ready to go, and I am ready to run with him.”

Jennings, a 2010 Harlon Hill Trophy nominee and...

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Rimmer signs with Alcorn State Braves

ASU Braves Coach Luther Riley

Lorman, MS - Former Piney Woods School point guard Xavian Rimmer, who earned second-team All-State honors this past season from The Clarion-Ledger, has signed to play basketball at Alcorn.

“Alcorn is really coming along with a great new coach in Coach (Luther) Riley,” said Rimmer. “It’s a great program that I would like to be a part of. I think we’re going to make things happen there.”

The 6-foot-2 Rimmer averaged 14.2 points, 5.2 assists and 4.3 rebounds, leading the Tornadoes to the Class 2A state title. He signed with Tennessee-Chattanooga, but after not qualifying academically because of his ACT score, he was released from his national letter-of-intent and was able to go elsewhere. He has since met the NCAA’s eligibility requirements and is expected to be eligible at Alcorn this fall.

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Former PVAMU Lady Panther Signs Pro Basketball Contract

Latara Darrett 

Prairie View, TX - Former Prairie View A&M women's basketball standout Latara Darrett has inked a professional contract overseas with the Italian team CUS Cagliari Pallacanestro.

Darrett was Prairie View A&M's leading scorer in the 2009-10 campaign with 15.7 points while pulling down 6.6 rebounds per outing. She was a five-time Southwestern Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Week and a two-time SWAC Player of the Week.

A native of Chino, Calif., the 5-10 guard scored 23 or more points on four occasions with a high of 29 versus Mississippi Valley State on Jan. 25, 2010.

"Latara is an incredible athlete and it was only (a matter of) time when this opportunity would come,” said head coach Toyelle Wilson. “Her passion was always to play professionally. She will do very well in one of the top premier leagues in Italy."



By Prairie View A&M University Sports Information

Bernstine’s call comes from Texas Southern University

Marshalltown, Iowa - Miko Bernstine describes himself as always being a pretty spiritual guy. Texas Southern University provided the answer to his prayers with an opportunity to play NCAA Division I baseball. The do-everything Marshalltown Community College outfielder Bernstine signed with the Southwestern Athletic Conference school on Friday.

The Des Moines native Bernstine was set to play baseball at Ashford before the opportunity to move from the MCC Tigers to the TSU Tigers arose. "No D-I offers were coming my way. I was getting a lot of offers from NAIA, D-II, stuff like that," Bernstine said before playing in a game Friday in the Carolina-Virginia Collegiate League.



"I just kept praying on it that I would get an offer from a Division I school," he added. Bernstine lead Marshalltown in most offensive categories as he hit .390 with 49 runs scored, 62 hits, five home runs, 42 RBIs and 17 stolen bases.

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49ers lose rookie (from FAMU) for season with torn Achilles

Curtis Holcomb
(Photo courtesy FAMU Athletics)

Santa Clara, CA - The hits keep coming for the 49ers.
Seventh-round draft pick Curtis Holcomb is likely out for the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon during a conditioning test on Thursday. His agent said that Holcomb, who played at Florida A&M, will have surgery to repair the tendon.

Holcomb was the last of the team's draft picks. He had been training in the Tampa area before flying to California early this week and signing his contract Thursday morning. Another seventh-round pick, fullback Bruce Miller, was placed on the physically unable to perform list with a shoulder injury, although he is expected to be activated in a matter of days.

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49ers Training Camp 2011: Curtis Holcomb Ruptures Achilles, Likely Done For Season

9ers 7th round draft pick Curtis Holcomb ruptured his achilles tendon in practice today, and is likely to miss the rest of the season, per Matt Barrows twitter account. Holcomb will have surgery on Thursday and will face a long recovery from what is one of the more painful and difficult injuries in sports.

Holcomb, at 5'10, 190 lbs was selected with the Niners last pick in this year's Draft, out of Florida A&M, and was looking to secure himself a roster spot. He doesn't lack confidence, and on a recent 49ers conference call, he had this to say about his best skill as a cornerback:

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New B-CU hoops coach ready to run with opportunity

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- If there is one thing Gravelle Craig hated when he was a basketball player, it was slowing the ball down.

Playing one year under Richmond University coach Dick Tarrant's walk-the-ball-up-the-court system seemed like an eternity for the 5-foot-8 point guard. So after his freshman season in 1989, Craig transferred to Cleveland State where coach Kevin Mackey's breakneck running, pressing style was famously dubbed the "Run 'N Stun."

Apparently patience was not Craig's strength as a player. A lot has changed since then. He spent the past seven seasons at Bethune-Cookman as an assistant coach under Clifford Reed. It was only in the past year that he thought it might be time to being looking at NCAA Division II or III head coach openings.

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Former 'bama State Tarvaris Jackson expected to start for Seattle

The newly signed $8 million dollar man,
Tarvaris Jackson is expected to be the
starting QB for the Seattle Seahawks.

RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll says he expects Tarvaris Jackson to be the team's starting quarterback when it opens the season. Carroll made the pronouncement Saturday morning during his first media availability of training camp.

Jackson signed a two-year deal with the Seahawks on Friday. He watched Saturday's practice in shorts and a T-shirt, unable to participate in camp until next Thursday due to rules established in the new collective bargaining agreement.

Carroll says Jackson's familiarity with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell gave the newcomer the edge. Jackson and Bevell worked together in Minnesota from 2006-10.

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Confirmed: Seahawks agree to terms with Tarvaris Jackson

The Seahawks have reached an agreement on a contract with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, according to a league source. Jackson played the past five seasons in Minnesota, which chose him in the second round of the draft.

Terms of the deal are not known, and he can't sign a contract until Friday, which is the first day transactions may be filed with the league. Jackson, 28, played in Minnesota under Darrell Bevell, who was hired to be Seattle's new offensive coordinator.

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Tarvaris Jackson To Seattle

The Seattle Seahawks agreed to a deal with Tarvaris Jackson following the news that free-agent quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will not return to Seattle this season, multiple sources told ESPN.  Hasselbeck will turn 36 in September. His prior contract was signed before the start of the 2005 season and was followed by him leading the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl appearance.

According to the sources, Jackson's deal is for $8 million over two years, an indication he was brought in to compete for the starting job. His contract matches that of current Seahawks quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, who signed a two-year, $8 million contract after being acquired in a trade before last season.

Jackson, Minnesota's second-round pick in 2006, would appear to have an edge in the competition because he has played for current Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell when they were both a part of the Vikings.

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SIAC Commissioner, Gregory Moore discusses need to embrace new technology platforms

Two key Albany State University stars academically ineligible

Albany, GA - At Wednesday’s SIAC Kick-Off Luncheon, (Coach Mike) White announced that last year’s anchor on the offensive line and team captain Mike Mavromichalis, along with fellow offensive lineman Norris Byrd, were both ruled academically ineligible for the upcoming season.

Both were named to the All-SIAC Preseason First Team Offense before final grades were released, and White said it was a big disappointment to see the seniors miss out on their final collegiate football season.

“It’s tough anytime you lose guys with three years experience on the line,” White said. “Both of them are seniors and good kids and just didn’t do what they were supposed to do in the classroom. Our team and staff understand where we are at, and our team and staff will have to step up and do the best they can. There is no way you can put guys in there who are going to be Mike or Norris. It’s just not going to happen. We are going to just deal with what we’ve got.”


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TSU's Aristocrat of Bands part of Dent's Hall of Fame weekend

Ed Graves and the TSU band will perform at the Hall of Fame.

Nashville, TN - Richard Dent did not wait to be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame to ask Tennessee State marching band director Ed Graves for a favor. Not long after the former TSU defensive end retired from the NFL in 1997, he informed Graves he wanted the band to be a part of his enshrinement weekend.

“He always said, ‘If I ever get that call I want the band to be there,’” Graves said.

So when Graves saw that Dent was voted into this year’s class, he put a trip to the Aug. 6 ceremony in Canton, Ohio, on the schedule for the 200-member Aristocrat of Bands. TSU’s summer commencement was originally scheduled for next weekend, but the administration delayed it until Aug. 13 so that alumni, students and fans may attend the Hall of Fame festivities.



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Dallas Cowboys signs Grambling State's RB Frank Warren

SAN ANTONIO, TX -- The Cowboys announced on Friday that they had signed running back Frank Warren (5-9, 206) from Grambling State University. Warren was the 2010 SWAC Football Offensive Player of the Year and is Grambling State's all-time leading rusher with 3,910 yards. He ranked third in the NCAA last season with 1,592 rushing yards.



Also, signed to undrafted NFL free agent contracts from HBCU Colleges and Universities were:

Atlanta Falcons: Philip Sylvester, RB, Florida A&M University

Baltimore Ravens: Michael Ricks, DB, Stillman College; Eugene Clifford, S, Tennessee State; Walter Sanders, RB, Saint Augustine's College

Chicago Bears: Jordan Miller, Southern University

Cincinnati Bengals: Steven Robinson, HB, Hampton University

Cleveland Browns: Andre Carroll, DL, Delaware State; Sidney Tarver, LB, Tennessee State; Calton Ford, OL, Norfolk State University

Detroit Lions: Brandon Bufford, DB, Howard; DeJuan Fulghum, LB, Texas Southern; Ricardo Silva, DB, Hampton; Narada Williams, DE, Fort Valley State.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalil Jackson, CB, Jackson State University

Kansas City Chiefs: David Mims, OL, Virginia Union University

Indianapolis Colts: Larrone Moore, WR/KR, Delaware State

Miami Dolphins: Quinton Spears, DL, Prairie View A&M

Minnesota Vikings: Chris Adingupu, Safety, Prairie View A&M

New England Patriots: Richard Medlin, RB, Fayetteville State University

New York Giants: Ibrahim Abdulai, DT, Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Darnell Burks, DB, Fort Valley State

Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Peguese, LB, Hampton University

Pittsburgh Steelers: Joshua Harrison, OT, South Carolina State University

Seattle Seahawks: Ricardo Lockette, WR, Fort Valley State

Saint Louis Rams: Dionte Dinkins, CB, Fort Valley State; Arthur Thomas, DT, Arkansas at Pine Bluff; and Teryl White, DT, North Carolina Central University

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Raymond Webber, WR, Arkansas at Pine Bluff;

Tennessee Titans: Joseph Hills, WR, Tennessee State; Anquez Jackson, G, Alabama A&M University

Washington Redskins: Dante Barnes, CB, Norfolk State;

Updated: August 3, 2011, (beepbeep)

ASU promotes Joyner to O-C, hires veteran coach Livingston to oversee offensive line

ALBANY, GA — It’s official — Uyl Joyner will be the offensive coordinator for the Albany State football team. Head coach Mike White, speaking at Friday’s 12th annual Quarterback Club Kickoff Football Reception, confirmed the rumors that have been floating around for weeks when he announced Joyner as such.

2010 SIAC MVP QB Stanley Jennings

“He is a good, intelligent football coach,” White said of Joyner. “This will be 28 seasons for me coaching, and the guys who I can call out who I have met who are football smart like that, I can count them on one hand and cut a few fingers off. He is one of those guys who can see and recognize what is happening on the field very quickly.”

The Herald first reported Wednesday that Joyner had been named the Rams’ new O-C after seeing Joyner’s name listed as such in ASU’s information packet at the SIAC Kick-Off luncheon in Atlanta. But White said the listing was made in error and that no final decision had been made, although he added Joyner was “the leading candidate.”

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HU coach Rose more comfortable heading into third season

NORFOLK, VA —— Donovan Rose feels more comfortable going into his third season as head coach at Hampton University. He knows, though, that there's an even greater impetus to get things done.

That point was driven home at the Pirates' end-of-the-year athletic banquet as Rose talked with women's basketball coach David Six and men's basketball coach Ed "Buck" Joyner. Six, who has won back-to-back Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament titles in his two seasons as the Lady Pirates' coach, and Joyner, whose Pirates won the MEAC tournament championship this past season in his second year at the helm, were each rewarded with three-year contract extensions in April.



"All three of us came in at the same time," said Rose, a 17-year HU assistant before taking the head job in 2009. "Six won (the conference championship) his first year. Buck won it his second. It's on me now."

Rose's Pirates, who went 6-5 in 2010 after a 5-6 finish in 2009, were picked to finish fourth in the MEAC in 2011 in voting Friday by league coaches and sports information directors.

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Fayetteville State University Champions Gridiron Gala Fundraiser

Fayetteville, N.C. - Robert E. Wilson, a 1976 graduate of Fayetteville State University and the North Carolina Assistant Secretary of State, will headline the Inaugural FSU Champions Gridiron Gala on Sept. 2.

Wilson has been in positions of increasing responsibility with the Secretary of State’s Office for the State of North Carolina since March of 1993. He has also held supervisory positions with the N.C. Department of Corrections and with the Community College system.

“It’s very exciting for me,” Wilson said. “It’s an opportunity to come back home and give back to the University after they’ve given me so much.”

Wilson was the first member of his family to attend college when he left his home town of Wilson, N.C., to enter Fayetteville State University in 1972. He graduated in 1976 with a BA in History. He has also continued his studies at North Carolina State University and Wilson County Technical Institute.

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MEAC voters show Bethune-Cookman Wildcats respect

Norfolk, VA - Bethune-Cookman got more first-place votes than any other team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference preseason poll of head football coaches and sports information directors.

B-CU received eight first-place votes -- two more than the next highest total -- in the poll that was released Friday as part of the conference's football media day in Norfolk, Va. However, the Wildcats totaled 454 points, second to South Carolina State's 468. The Bulldogs received six first-place votes.

Florida A&M, which shared the 2010 MEAC championship with B-CU, was projected to finish third. The Rattlers had five first-place votes and 420 points.

 While a preseason No. 2 MEAC ranking might be music to the ears of Wildcats fans, it goes in one ear and out the other for B-CU head coach Brian Jenkins.

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In the FCS Huddle: Fab Five spice up the MEAC

Norfolk, VA — People across the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference must be so impressed with the job that new Savannah State football coach Steve Davenport is doing that his squad received a first-place vote in their preseason poll.

Actually, it calls into question whether all the head coaches and sports information directors are taking their vote seriously. The one vote didn't prevent Savannah State from finishing 11th and last in the poll, which seemed warranted considering the Tigers were 1-10 last season for their 13th straight losing record.

 MEAC Media Day 2011

But there's no denying Davenport is injecting life into his program. It usually happens with a first-year coach, as everybody tries to impress the new boss.

In the MEAC, multiply that scenario by five. This season, Savannah State and North Carolina Central have joined the conference, one of two in the FCS for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, so nearly half of the 11 programs have new and highly respected head coaches.

Davenport, 43, has arrived at Savannah State from ...

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Albany State Rams: 'No excuses'

ALBANY, GA — The question marks are there. They are sprinkled throughout the Albany State football team as it inches toward the 2011 season — a year where the Rams will be defending the SBN National Black College Football Championship and SIAC crown.

And how will the team handle a slew of unknowns, including a new offensive coordinator, a depleted offensive line, an inexperienced group of linebackers and a tougher schedule? ASU coach Mike White said Friday that it will happen, but only with hard work — and no excuses.


No Excuses--ASU Rams have to replace superback LiRonnie Davis

“The 2011 season will have a lot of question marks and a lot of new faces,” White said during the 12th annual Quarterback Club Kickoff Football Reception at Eula Lovett Hall. “But be sure of one thing: As Albany State Golden Rams, we will battle as hard as we can, and we will leave it on the field. Every time, we are going to leave it out there. Every thing we got will stay on the field. And that’s what we have always been about.”

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South Carolina State again picked to win MEAC

NORFOLK, Va. — The South Carolina State football team has dominated the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, winning league championships in 2008 and ’09 and sharing the crown last season.

That trend will continue, according to league coaches and sports information directors, who predicted the Bulldogs would win the MEAC this season during voting at the conference’s annual press luncheon. It marked the fourth consecutive year the team was picked to win the league.

S.C. State was tabbed as the favorite despite having lost 15 seniors, including 11 starters, from last year’s team.

PRESEASON POLL

As voted by MEAC coaches and sports information directors:

TEAM, PTS.

S.C. State, 468

Bethune-Cookman, 454

Florida A&M, 420

Hampton, 321

Norfolk State, 274

Morgan State, 250

N.C. Central, 162

Delaware State, 158

N.C. A&T, 128

Howard, 96

Savannah State, 63

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Ex-Tennessee State Tigers' DRC traded to Philadelphia Eagles

In three short years in the NFL, former
Tennessee State University's DRC
has become a Pro Bowl
caliber cornerback.

Philadelphia, PA - According to reports on July 28, 2011, the Cardinals have traded Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Joe Banner was the guy doing the dirty work of negotiating the Kevin Kolb for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie trade. However, there's no doubt that GM Howie Roseman was closely involved as well. He met the media for a bit yesterday to give his thoughts on the player the Eagles received in the deal.

"This is a Pro Bowl caliber cornerback and an exciting guy to have on our team." Roseman said, "He's got great ball skills, he's explosive, and he'll fit well with the kind of posture we're going with on defense."

He says that the Eagles have liked DRC ever since scouting him in college.

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Former Alabama A&M standout Anquez Jackson signs free agent deal with Tennessee Titans

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Former Alabama A&M offensive tackle Anquez Jackson signed a free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday.

Jackson, a three-year starter and a two-time All-Southwestern Athletic Conference performer for the Bulldogs, started every game during his career for A&M coach Anthony Jones. He helped the Bulldogs reach the 2009 SWAC championship game.

During his Pro Day on March 9, Jackson checked in at 6-foot-3-3/4 and weighed 332 pounds. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.3 second and 5.38 seconds, the short shuttle in 5.29 seconds and the three-cone drill in 8.16 seconds. He had a 26-inch vertical jump, an 8-foot-6 broad jump and completed 22 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press.

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21 SWAC Games to be Broadcast in 2011

Birmingham, Ala. - The Southwestern Athletic Conference released its football broadcast schedule Thursday, including a 10-game slate on SWAC TV, the league's internet broadcast site.

The schedule has eight games across ESPN networks, plus national and regional television dates with NBC, Versus, and SportSouth. In all, 21 SWAC games are scheduled to be televised during the 2011 football season.

Note: The tape delayed games on ESPNU can all be seen live on ESPN3.com.

Date               Game                                              Time (CT)      Network

Sat., Sept. 3 Alabama State at Mississippi Valley State 5 pm SWAC TV
Sat., Sept. 3 Alcorn State vs. Grambling 9:30 pm (Tape) ESPNU
Sun., Sept. 4 Prairie View A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman 11 am ESPN

Sat., Sept. 10 Alcorn State at Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6 pm SWAC TV

Sat., Sept. 10 Jackson State vs. Tennessee State 6 pm SportSouth

Sat., Sept. 17 Jackson State at Southern 6 pm SWAC TV

Sat., Sept. 24 Southern vs. Florida A&M 2:30 pm VERSUS

Sat., Sept. 24 Alabama A&M at Grambling 5 pm SWAC TV

Thur., Sept. 29 Texas Southern at Jackson State 5 or 6:30 pm ESPNU
Sat., Oct. 1 Alcorn State at Alabama State 7 pm SWAC TV

Sat., Oct. 8 Mississippi Valley State at Alabama A&M 1 pm SWAC TV

Thur., Oct. 13 Texas Southern at Alabama A&M 6:30 pm ESPNU

Sat., Oct. 15 Southern at Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6 pm SWAC TV

Sat., Oct. 15 Prairie View A&M at Alabama State 9:30 pm (Tape) ESPNU

Sat., Oct. 29 Jackson State vs. Prairie View A&M 4 pm SWAC TV

Sat., Oct. 29 Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State 9:30 pm (Tape) ESPNU

Sat., Nov. 5 Grambling at Jackson State 5 pm SWAC TV

Sat., Nov. 12 Texas Southern at Grambling 8 pm SWAC TV

Thur., Nov. 24 Tuskegee at Alabama State 3 pm ESPNU

Sat., Nov. 26 Southern vs. Grambling 1 pm NBC

Sat., Dec. 10 Farmers Insurance SWAC Championship Game 12 pm ESPNU

By SWAC Media Relations

VISIT: SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

Three Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions Sign NFL Contracts

PINE BLUFF, Ark.- University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff football players Raymond Webber, Ibrahim Abdulai, and Arthur Thomas have signed free agent contracts with the NFL.

Webber will join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Abdulai and Thomas have signed to play for the New York Giants and the St. Louis Rams respectively.

“As a coaching staff we could not be happier to hear the news that Webber, Abdulai, and Thomas will be able to continue their careers in the NFL,” said UAPB head coach Monte Coleman. “All three young men have put in the hard work necessary to achieve their goals and with continued work at improving themselves as players I expect to see all of them heavily contributing on their respective teams in the near future.”

NFL teams are expected to begin training camps in the upcoming days as a deal was reached ending the lockout on Monday.

“I'm excited to get going and for training camp to start,” said UAPB's Webber. “While I was disappointed that I didn't get drafted I knew with hard work and persistence I would get my chance to showcase my abilities at the next level some day.”

For Webber, Abdulai, and Thomas that day has arrived as they headline the list of collegiate football players from HBCU's to sign free agent contracts.

By UAPB Golden Lions Athletics

VISIT: UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF

VISIT: UAPBLIONSROAR

Former TSU, Prairie View stars pursuing NFL careers

Houston, TX - Former Texas Southern linebacker Dejuan Fulghum will formally begin his pursuit of an NFL career when he opens training camp with the Detroit Lions today. 

Fulghum, the 2010 Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year, signed as an undrafted with the Lions earlier this week. Fulghum, a Killeen native, was a four-year starter during his four years at TSU, helping to lead the Tigers to a 9-3 record and the SWAC championship in his final season.

In 2010, the 6-1, 220-pound Fulghum led TSU in total tackles (101), tackles for loss (18 ½), sacks (11) and forced fumbles (three).

Two former Prairie View A&M defensive stars also will be in NFL training camps. Defensive back Chris Adingupu signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings, and defensive lineman Quinton Spears inked with the Miami Dolphins.

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Indianapolis Colts signs Delaware State's WR Larrone Moore

Indianapolis, IN - The Indianapolis Colts Friday officially announced the signing of Delaware State University free agent wide-receiver Larrone Moore.

Moore totaled 102 receptions for 1,236 yards and five touchdowns in 43 career games at Delaware State. In 2009 as a junior, he ranked second on the team with 33 catches and 315 yards while posting the third-highest kickoff return-yard average (25.6) in the MEAC. As a freshman in 2007, Moore led the squad with 431 kickoff return yards.

The 6'-0", 196 pound wideout and kick returner is noted for his speed, clocking a 4.38 40 yard dash at DSU's Pro Day. The Prince George's County (Hyattsville, MD) native played high school football at Northwestern High School.



Moore was the top sprinter on Delaware State’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams … qualified for 2009 NCAA Outdoor East Regional championships in the 100-meter dash (10.39) and 200-meter dash (20.75) … member of Delaware State’s NCAA championship qualifying 1600-meter relay team, which posted a school-record time of 3:05.21 at national championships … captured 2009 MEAC indoor 200-meter championship with time of 21.50 seconds … qualified for 2008 NCAA East Regional in 100 & 200 … also competed in long jump (top leap: 6.84 meters).

In other words, Larrone Moore has an excellent opportunity to become a deep threat kick returner in the NFL, as he can outright fly.

VISIT: DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: DSUHORNETS

Hampton's Brandon Peguese signed by Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Philadelphia Eagles have signed former Hampton University defensive standout Brandon Peguese, the team announced on Tuesday.

Peguese (Greensboro, N.C.) was a Sports Network FCS All-American and First Team All-MEAC selection last season, after finishing third on the team in tackles with 85 (38 solo, 47 assisted). He also finished third in the MEAC with 8.0 sacks in 2010, while also ranking second in the conference in tackles for loss with 23.5 for a total of 94 yards.

For his career at Hampton, Peguese tallied 179 tackles and 18 sacks. In 2009, Peguese was named Second Team All-MEAC after leading the conference with 7.5 sacks.

Peguese was one of nine rookie free agents signed by the team.

Peguese is the second Pirate to be picked up by an NFL team this season; defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft back in April by the New York Jets.

By Hampton University Athletics

VISIT: HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HAMPTONPIRATES

South Carolina State's Harrison signs with Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers signee Josh Harrison
(Photo courtesy S.C. State Athletics)

Lake City, S.C. - Josh Harrison finally got the phone call he wanted.

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed the former Lake City and South Carolina State offensive lineman to a free-agent contract. “I was so excited about it. I can’t put it into words,” Harrison said. “It’s been a dream of mine to play pro football and I’m excited to get the opportunity.”

Harrison will report to the Steelers’ facility Wednesday and then be with the club when it opens training camp Thursday in Latrobe, Pa. Harrison, like other undrafted free agents, has been in limbo since April until the NFL lockout ended Monday. Tuesday was the first day teams were able to sign undrafted free agents.

Harrison said he has stayed in shape by working out in Orangeburg, where he has been taking classes to finish up his degree in mechanical engineering, and at the YMCA in Florence.

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VISIT: SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: SCSUATHLETICS

New football coaches meet ahead of MEAC Media Day

NORFOLK, Va. — The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference will have five new football coaches on the sidelines this season and two of them are already creating a bit of a buzz around the league because of their reputation of winning championships.

Henry Frazier, who spent the last seven seasons at Prairie View, comes into the league as head coach at North Carolina Central. Rod Broadway left Grambling State University to take over the head coaching job at North Carolina A&T.

Frazier is taking the Eagles from Division II to their first season at the Football Championship Subdivision, while Broadway's mission is to turn around an Aggies program that hasn't had a winning season under their last two coaches.

They spent Thursday in meetings with the conference's nine other coaches and commissioner Dennis Thomas. They will meet the media today and they could expect to field plenty of questions about how soon they'll make their programs winners. The same will be asked of the three other new coaches — Kermit Blount of Delaware State University, Garry Harrell of Howard University and Savannah State's Steve Davenport.

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Saint Augustine's Walter Sanders signs with Baltimore Ravens

"This is a dream come true,” Sanders said. “I proved to the non-believers I can make it happen.  I accomplished my goal - I am in the NFL from Division II."

Baltimore, MD - At about 11 a.m., Walter Sanders was watching the NFL Network in his East Baltimore home with his 2-year-old daughter, Makenzii, when his agent, Jason Sklar, called. That’s when the Baltimore native learned the Ravens planned to sign him.

“It’s a tremendous honor to sign with the Baltimore Ravens,” Sanders said. “It’s been my dream all my life to play in the National Football League, but not only the National Football League, but, in particular, with the Baltimore Ravens.“  “What more can you ask for than to play for your hometown team?”



At Mervo High, Sanders excelled in basketball and football and became a regional champion in the hurdles during spring track. The 5’10’, 227-pound back decided to continue his football career at Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, N.C.

Despite the Division-II level of competition he faced, the blazing back, who most recently clocked a 40 time of 4.39 seconds, still managed to attract attention from NFL scouts. Last year, Sanders finished his senior campaign with the first 1,000-yard rushing season for the Falcons in the modern era of college football.

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Virginia Union's David Mims Signs with the Kansas City Chiefs

Richmond, VA - Virginia Union University's David Mims has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League, Mims announced on July 26. Mims announced the signing via his Twitter account.

"Happy to say that I am officially a Kansas City Chief" Mims tweeted on the morning of July 26.

Mims, a 6-8 offensive lineman from Charlotte, N.C., anchored a VUU offensive line which allowed Panther runners to rush for 1,884 yards in 2010 and set a school-record 490 rushing yards against Virginia State University in 2009.

Mims becomes the first Virginia Union football player to sign with an NFL team since Jerome Leslie signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2004.

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Former FAMU Rattlers Sylvester signs with Atlanta Falcons

Marianna, FL - Former Marianna Bulldogs football star Philip Sylvester has signed a contract with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, and will participate in the team’s training camp in hopes of making the final 53-man roster.

Sylvester, who spent the last four seasons playing for the FAMU Rattlers, wasn’t selected in the April NFL Draft, but was offered a free agent contract by the Falcons on Monday, and then left for Atlanta on Tuesday.

Efforts to contact Sylvester were unsuccessful, but the speedy running back’s former high school coach Don Dowling said he couldn’t be happier to see the mild-mannered former Bulldog get his shot.

“It’s a big deal. Someone mentioned to me that he was my first former player to sign an NFL contract, which I thought was pretty cool,” said Dowling, now the head coach at Sneads. “He’s one of those kids who deserve it. He has worked hard his entire career, and he’s a great kid. Back at Marianna, you wouldn’t have even known he was some big-time running back in the hallways. He’s just a regular kid.

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Chowan Hawks projected fifth in CIAA-North

ETTRICK, VA. — Michael Jordan used to say about winning championships, “It’s the shoes”.

Thursday at the annual pre-season football Media Day for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) you could have said, “It’s the hair”. Or maybe, the ‘lack’ thereof.

The coaches of the four top picks to win the 2011 CIAA Football championship are: (1) from the league’s South Division, and (2) happened to have been sporting bald heads on Media Day. Members of the CIAA Football Coaches Association have picked defending 2010 champion Shaw University to repeat in 2011. Winston-Salem State was picked second, followed by St. Augustine’s College, and Fayetteville State.

Elizabeth City State edged out Virginia State to win the North Division and play November 12 in Raleigh for the league title. Meanwhile, Chowan was picked fifth in the division and ninth among the dozen league teams. The Hawks were among the teams who had to adjust their schedules...

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Tuskegee picked to win SIAC West, Miles a surprising second

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- First-year Miles College coach Reginald Ruffin said no one is surprised that Tuskegee was tabbed to be the team to beat this year in the West Division of Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football.

"Tuskegee is the team," said Ruffin, a former Tuskegee assistant. "They have been the mecca of the conference, they have been the mecca in black college football. They are a big measuring stick of where you would like your program to be."

SIAC POLL
Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Football Coaches Association released its preseason football poll on Wednesday in Atlanta.

EAST
1. Albany State
2. Fort Valley State
3. Morehouse

4. Clark Atlanta

5. Benedict

WEST

1. Tuskegee

2. Miles

3. Kentucky State

4. Stillman

5. Lane

SIAC Champion: Albany State

Source: SIAC Football Coaches Association

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Stillman picked 4th in SIAC West

Atlanta, GA - The Stillman College football team, under the direction of new head coach Teddy Keaton, has been picked to finish fourth among five teams in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s West Division.

Results of the preseason poll were announced Wednesday during the SIAC Kickoff Luncheon in Atlanta. The conference features two divisions this season, with the East and West winners meeting in a championship game. The title game is scheduled for Nov. 12 in Columbus, Ga., but Keaton said Stillman would not be able to participate if it qualifies because the Tigers’ homecoming game against Concordia of Selma is set for the same day.

Tuskegee was picked as the West favorite, followed by Miles, Kentucky State, Stillman and Lane. Albany State, the defending champion, was the top choice in the East. Fort Valley State was picked second, followed by Morehouse, Clark Atlanta and Benedict. Albany State was chosen to win the overall conference title.

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SportsGroove Presents CIAA 2011 Football Media Day

Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN) Mark Gray report from the CIAA 2011 Football Media Day as the conference prepares for its 100th season of intercollegiate athletics with the start of the gridiron action.

HSRN Announces 2011 Football Broadcast Schedule

Hartly, DE – The Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN) will broadcast 23 exciting football games including the Super 7 Series of classic events. The broadcasts will be national on Sirius XM Satellite Radio and on local stations across the country. “This will be our most exciting broadcast schedule yet. The staff is proud to present the HBCU community a national radio platform that will give all fans and alumni consistent coverage,” said HSRN CEO Omarr Bashir.

HSRN will kickoff the schedule on (Sept. 1) with the Division I FBS vs. Division I FCS match-up in Piscataway, NJ, N. C. Central and Rutgers.

The highlight of the schedule is the “Super 7 Series” which includes seven events that will bring the Major Classics to the HBCU national community. The series will open on (Sept. 3) in Nashville, TN with the John Merritt Classic featuring Tennessee State and Southern. The “Super 7 Series” will also feature (Sept. 10) Cleveland Classic – N.C. Central vs. Central State, (Sept. 24) Atlanta Classic – Florida A&M vs. Southern, (Oct. 1) Circle City Classic – Albany St. vs. Kentucky St., (Oct. 29) Magic City Classic – Alabama A&M vs. Alabama St., (Nov. 19) Florida Classic – Bethune Cookman vs. Florida A&M and (Nov. 26) Bayou Classic – Grambling St. vs. Southern.

HSRN will feature three additional classic games (Sept. 3) Battle of the First/Wade Wilson Classic – Lincoln vs. Cheyney, (Sept. 10) Nations Classic – Morehouse vs. Howard, (Oct. 1) and (Oct. 8) Morehouse/Tuskegee Classic. There will also be four double header weekends including the championship games for the CIAA and SIAC (Nov. 12).

Top non-conference match-ups this season will be the Hampton Roads, VA CAA vs. MEAC rivalry (Sept. 17) between Hampton and Old Dominion, FBS/FCS match-up (Nov. 3)) between Mississippi Valley St. and South Alabama, and (Nov. 24) Annual Turkey Day Classic – Alabama St. vs. Tuskegee.

Conference rival match-ups will include (Sept. 17) Bowie St. homecoming vs. Livingstone (Oct. 15), N.C. A&T homecoming vs. Delaware St., and (Oct. 22) Florida A&M vs. S.C. State.

Founded in 2006, HSRN was created to provide a sports voice for the HBCU community. For over 100 years HBCU's have participated in collegiate athletics with little to no media coverage. Stars like Walter Payton, Doug Williams, and Michael Strahan are just a few of the many superstars who were HBCU athletes. There are approximately 7 million fans of HBCU sports who were media orphans in search of a home. HSRN is the only national radio network dedicated to HBCU sports. Our goal is to fuse the greats of the past with the stars of today to showcase the significance of this unique colorful and underserved sports community.

HSRN 2011 Football Broadcast Schedule

Date	Game	Site	Time
09/01	N.C. Central vs. Rutgers	Piscataway, NJ	7:30pm
09/03	Lincoln @ Cheyney Battle of the First/Wade Wilson Classic	Cheyney, PA	1:00pm
09/03	$ - Southern vs. Tennessee St. John Merritt Classic	Nashville, TN	6:00pm CT
09/04	Bethune Cookman vs. Prairie View MEAC/SWAC Challenge	Orlando, FL	12:00pm
09/10	$ - Central St. vs. N.C. Central Cleveland Classic	Cleveland, OH	12:00pm
09/10	Howard vs. Morehouse Nation’s Classic	Washington, DC	3:30pm
09/17	Bowie St. vs. Livingstone	Bowie, MD	1:00pm
09/17	Hampton vs. Old Dominion	Norfolk, VA	6:00pm
09/24	$ - Florida A&M vs. Southern Atlanta Classic	Atlanta, GA	3:30pm
10/01	$ - Albany St. vs. Kentucky St. Circle City Classic	Indianapolis, IN	2:30pm
10/08	Morehouse vs. Tuskegee Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic	Columbus, GA	2:00pm
10/15	Delaware St. vs. N.C. A&T	Greensboro, NC	1:30pm
10/22	Florida A&M vs. S.C. State	Orangeburg, SC	1:30pm
10/29	$ - Alabama A&M vs. Alabama St. Magic City Classic	Birmingham, AL	3:30pm
11/03	Mississippi Valley St. vs. S. Alabama	Mobile, AL	TBA
11/05	Albany St. vs. Ft. Valley St. Fountain City Classic	Columbus, GA	2:00pm
11/12	CIAA Championship Game	Durham, NC	TBA
11/12	SIAC Championship Game	TBA	TBA
11/19	$ - Bethune Cookman vs. Florida A&M Florida Classic	Orlando, FL	2:00pm
11/24	Turkey Day Classic	Montgomery, AL	1:00pm
11/26	$ - Grambling vs. Southern Bayou Classic	New Orleans, LA	3:00pm
12/03	Pioneer Bowl	Columbus, GA	2:00pm
12/10	SWAC Championship Game	Birmingham, AL	2:00pm
	$ - Super Seven Series Schedule is Subject to Change

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