Alcorn State Taps Hopson as New Head Football Coach

Mississippi native Jay Hopson (L) brings an impressive resume'
to Alcorn State with a vision of building a championship
program, both academically and athletically.  Hopson
becomes the first non-black head football coach in the
Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), a league
with four head football coaches that earned
Super Bowl championships as players -- Doug Williams
(GSU), Monte Coleman (UAPB), Anthony Jones
(AAMU) and Reggie Barlow (ASU).
(Photo Courtesy ASU University Relations)

ALCORN STATE, Mississippi — No matter the setting, Jay Hopson knows how to use his passion and love for the game to inspire enthusiasm in others and that, coupled with his ability to set high core values, will work well at Alcorn, said President M. Christopher Brown II.

“Knowledge and character matter at Alcorn,” Brown said as he introduced the next leader of the institution’s football program on a day we will all remember. “It is our goal to build not only an outstanding program, but a winning program where student athletes thrive. And Hopson was the only candidate who mentioned that the character of your team will define the success of your program.”

President Brown jokingly added while talking with alumni about the new hire, “We are not just interested in winning the SWAC championship next year—although that would be great—but we want to build a legacy by developing a championship program.”

By no means is it coincidental that Hopson, 43, was named Alcorn’s 18th head football coach by the 18th university president. For years Hopson envisioned Alcorn as his dream job. “I have often dreamed of working with Alcorn and I am elated to have the opportunity to work with the Alcorn community to establish a program that the Alcorn family can be proud of for years to come.”

Members of the search committee, campus alumni, community leaders, and university donors cheered as Brown welcomed Hopson to the podium.

The Vicksburg native played defensive back at Ole Miss and most recently was a defensive coordinator for Memphis University. He has also been an assistant at Ole Miss, Southern Miss and the University of Michigan.

“President Brown is dedicated to creating a new Alcorn and together we, not I, will lead the Braves to victory,” Hopson said. “We are all purple and gold and I am proud to be an Alcornite.”

Vicksburg mayor Paul Winfield celebrated the University’s decision and Dr. Brown’s vision for a great Alcorn. “Vicksburg supports Dr. Brown, Coach Hopson and the Alcorn family. We believe in the president’s vision and Alcorn’s future. Vicksburg is here to assist Alcorn anyway we can.”



Videographer: cameraguy06

Alcorn has become the first Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) school to name a non-black as Head Football Coach.

Dr. Brown said “The future for Alcorn football is bright and I am excited that Coach Hopson will lead us forward.”

Brown also informed the crowd that Coach Hopson's application included an extensive statement on APR – a critical marker for post-season eligibility and student-athlete graduation rates.

Coach Hopson stated that “He believes in Dr. Brown's vision for this university.” The newly appointed football coach's first order of business is putting together his staff and getting acquainted with the team.

Hopson is a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi and was a four year letter winner as a defensive back at the University of Mississippi 1988-91. During his matriculation at Ole Miss, he was named to the Academic All-SEC four times, and was also a member of the CoSIDA District VI Academic All-America team in 1991.

He received a Bachelor in Business Administration from Ole Miss and a Master's in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Delta State University.

As a coach, he received All-American Football Foundation Top Assistant Coach honor in 2007. Coach Hopson brings experience from Marshall, Delta State, Southern Mississippi, Michigan and Memphis.

Alcorn State will open the 2012 season against Grambling State in the Port City Classic on September 1, 2012.

For photos of today's press conference, please click on the link below.

Jay Hopson Press Conference Photo Gallery:  Photos Courtesy of Mike Jones

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