CIAA Football: Livingstone preview

SALISBURY — A year ago, head coach Elvin James and the Livingstone football team waxed poetic about how change was in the air.

It turns out they were right. James begins his third season on Monroe Street armed with a revamped roster, an improved coaching staff and — for the first time in a long time — a chance to be successful.

“New blood,” James noted following a recent practice, “is making all the difference. The players who are here were meant to be here. The growth of the program had to run its course and this is where it’s brought us.”

Now it’s up to James and his staff to turn sleeping dogs into pit bulls. He’s found himself a ringer in offensive coordinator Darryl Williams, a former Texas Southern assistant with a winning pedigree. “We’ve got a new playbook,” James said. “And a lot of new players.”

James estimates his roster has endured a 70-percent turnover over the past two seasons, much of it addition by subtraction.

“Change is very much needed,” said All-American junior Tyheim Pitt. “And change is happening. But it’s like saying ...

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