SELMA, Alabama -- Alabama State University head football coach Donald Hill-Eley picked a perfect day to bring his football team to Selma to wrap up their third week of spring practice.
For the first time, a Division I collegiate football program had a full practice at Memorial Stadium that was free and open to the public.
Alumni, fans and local high school kids came out to watch the Hornets go through position drills and scrimmage.
Sam Johnson, ASU class of 1976 and father of Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson, was in the stands to watch his alma mater practice.
“This is a big step forward just to see this satellite camp brought to Selma,” he said. “I’m so proud of what we’re doing at Alabama State now. The historically black colleges need to have an anchor and be promoted. You get the chance to see a different side of these historically black colleges. It’s great exposure, makes an impact and is a great recruiting tool.”
Between Michael’s high school games at Dallas County, college games at Georgia Tech and professional games in the NFL, Sam hasn’t seen his Hornets play in more than 20 years.
“I remember when we were back in the SIAC, and in that particular time, we were dominating the SIAC,” he said. “The greatest competition I think we had was Alabama A&M. The great Magic City Classic. Boy, that was something to look forward to.”
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