BOWIE, Maryland -- Bowie State University will begin preseason practice for the 2018 season on Wednesday, August 8th at 3:30 pm on campus in Bulldogs Stadium.
Coach Damon Wilson and his staff will welcome back 45 returning players from last season's (9-2 / 6-1 CIAA) team. The returnees, transfers and incoming freshmen report to campus on Tuesday, August 7th.
Bowie State kicks off the regular season (Thursday, August 30th) on the road at Division I (FCS) Wagner College (Staten Island, N.Y.) at 6 p.m.
All practices are open to the media and public and subject to change. Below is a list of practice times through August 26th. Media should make contact with the Sports Information Director (Gregory Goings) to advise when they plan to come to campus for practice.
Wednesday, August 8 – 3:30 p.m. (Helmets)
Thursday, August 9 – 3:30 p.m. (Helmets)
Friday, August 10 – 3:30 p.m. (Helmets)
Saturday, August 11 – 2:00 p.m. (Shells)
Sunday, August 12 – 2:00 p.m. (Shells)
Monday, August 13 – 3:30 p.m. (Full Gear)
Tuesday, August 14 – 3:30 p.m. (Full Gear)
Wednesday, August 15 – 3:30 p.m. (Full Gear)
Thursday, August 16 – 3:30 p.m. (Full Gear)
Friday, August 17 – 3:30 p.m. (Full Gear)
Saturday, August 18 – 2:30 p.m. (Full Gear – Scrimmage w/Officials)
Sunday, August 19 - 2:30 p.m. (MEDIA / PICTURE DAY)
Leonidas S. James Complex and Bulldogs Stadium)
Monday, August 20 – 3:30 p.m. (Full Gear)
Tuesday, August 21 – 3:30 p.m. (Full Gear)
Wednesday, August 22 – 3:30 p.m. (Full Gear)
Thursday, August 23 – 3:30 p.m. (Full Gear)
Friday, August 24 – 11:00 a.m. (Full Gear)
Saturday, August 25 OFF DAY
Sunday, August 26 – 1:00 p.m.
NORMAL GAME WEEK PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Tuesday - 7 pm
Wednesday and Thursday - 4:00 p.m.
Friday - Travel Day or 4 pm Practice
BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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Tuesday, July 31, 2018
A&T's McCain, Johnson Earn Preseason All-American Nods
GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- Two stellar North Carolina A&T defensive players were placed on STATS FCS Preseason All-American team.
Cornerback Franklin “Mac” McCain III (5-foot-11, 173, R-SO, Greensboro, N.C.) and defensive end Darryl Johnson, Jr. (6-5, 232, R-JR, Kingsdale, Ga.) earned preseason third-team All-American honors from STATS FCS.
McCain and Johnson were a part of one of the best defenses in the nation last season as N.C. A&T (12-0) finished 2017 as the only undefeated Football Championship Subdivision team in the nation.
McCain earned first-team preseason All-MEAC honors, recently. The 2017 season saw him earn third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press. He also earned Freshman All-American honors from Phil Steele Magazine. He intercepted six passes and returned three of those INTs for touchdowns last season.
Johnson had a breakout 2017 season and was also recently named first-team preseason All-MEAC. Johnson earned second-team All-American honors from the American Football Coaches Association and first-team honors from BoxToRow. He made 40 tackles (25 unassisted), 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
N.C. A&T’s defense ranked fourth in the nation while also ranking third in scoring defense, fifth in rushing defense and fourth in team passing efficiency defense nationally. They also allowed the second-fewest first downs in the nation.
The Aggies open the 2018 season in the Guardian Credit Union FCS Kickoff on ESPN, 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 25 in Montgomery, Ala., at the historic Cramton Bowl against Jacksonville State.
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Cornerback Franklin “Mac” McCain III (5-foot-11, 173, R-SO, Greensboro, N.C.) and defensive end Darryl Johnson, Jr. (6-5, 232, R-JR, Kingsdale, Ga.) earned preseason third-team All-American honors from STATS FCS.
McCain and Johnson were a part of one of the best defenses in the nation last season as N.C. A&T (12-0) finished 2017 as the only undefeated Football Championship Subdivision team in the nation.
McCain earned first-team preseason All-MEAC honors, recently. The 2017 season saw him earn third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press. He also earned Freshman All-American honors from Phil Steele Magazine. He intercepted six passes and returned three of those INTs for touchdowns last season.
Johnson had a breakout 2017 season and was also recently named first-team preseason All-MEAC. Johnson earned second-team All-American honors from the American Football Coaches Association and first-team honors from BoxToRow. He made 40 tackles (25 unassisted), 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
N.C. A&T’s defense ranked fourth in the nation while also ranking third in scoring defense, fifth in rushing defense and fourth in team passing efficiency defense nationally. They also allowed the second-fewest first downs in the nation.
The Aggies open the 2018 season in the Guardian Credit Union FCS Kickoff on ESPN, 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 25 in Montgomery, Ala., at the historic Cramton Bowl against Jacksonville State.
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Virginia State Women's Basketball 2018-19 Schedule Announced
ETTRICK, Virginia – The Virginia State University women's basketball team releases its 2018-19 schedule, a slate that includes 14 home games and 17 road contests.
The Trojans went 23-6 last season making an NCAA Atlantic Region tournament appearance. This season, the Trojans are looking to claim the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship title. Under the leadership of head coach James Hill, he is entering his twelfth season in the 2018-19 campaign.\
VSU SCHEDULE
The Virginia State University Trojans will tip-off their 2018-19 season with a home exhibition contest against Apprentice School on November 6.
The Trojans will then have a five-game road stand against Edinboro University (November 9), Cheyney University (November 10), Washington Adventist University (November 14), University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon (November 16) and Tusculum College (November 19). The Trojans will then return home for two contests against Salem University (November 23) and Virginia University of Lynchburg on November 24.
VSU will open its 2018 CIAA conference play on the road as they travel to Raleigh, NC to face the Falcons of St. Augustine's on November 27. Following the competition, the Trojans will return home to face Claflin University (November 29) and St. Augustine's (December 13). Next, the Trojans will host the Broncos of Fayetteville State University on December 15. Closing out December play the Trojans will travel to face the University of District of Columbia on December 31.
The bulk of Virginia State's CIAA schedule will be played at road, with a total of six (6) games tipping off in the Virginia State University Multipurpose Center. After the holiday break, Virginia State's CIAA home opener will be on January 19 against the Panthers of Virginia Union University. On January 23, Virginia State will host the Hawks of Chowan University. Following the contest, the Trojans will then travel to face Elizabeth City State University (January 26) and Bowie State University in January 30. The Trojans will return home to face Lincoln University on February 2. Next, VSU will host the Bears of Shaw University on February 6.
Virginia State will then travel for three straight games, starting with Virginia Union University on February 9, Salem University (February 11) and Chowan University on February 13. VSU will then return home for its final two home games of the season against Elizabeth City State University (February 16) and the Bulldogs of Bowie State University (February 20). The Trojans will close out the last game of the regular season on the road on February 23 against Lincoln University.
The 2019 CIAA Basketball Tournament will be held February 26 - March 2 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dates and times are subject to change.
For the most up-to-date information on VSU women's basketball please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.
The Trojans went 23-6 last season making an NCAA Atlantic Region tournament appearance. This season, the Trojans are looking to claim the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship title. Under the leadership of head coach James Hill, he is entering his twelfth season in the 2018-19 campaign.\
VSU SCHEDULE
The Virginia State University Trojans will tip-off their 2018-19 season with a home exhibition contest against Apprentice School on November 6.
The Trojans will then have a five-game road stand against Edinboro University (November 9), Cheyney University (November 10), Washington Adventist University (November 14), University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon (November 16) and Tusculum College (November 19). The Trojans will then return home for two contests against Salem University (November 23) and Virginia University of Lynchburg on November 24.
VSU will open its 2018 CIAA conference play on the road as they travel to Raleigh, NC to face the Falcons of St. Augustine's on November 27. Following the competition, the Trojans will return home to face Claflin University (November 29) and St. Augustine's (December 13). Next, the Trojans will host the Broncos of Fayetteville State University on December 15. Closing out December play the Trojans will travel to face the University of District of Columbia on December 31.
The bulk of Virginia State's CIAA schedule will be played at road, with a total of six (6) games tipping off in the Virginia State University Multipurpose Center. After the holiday break, Virginia State's CIAA home opener will be on January 19 against the Panthers of Virginia Union University. On January 23, Virginia State will host the Hawks of Chowan University. Following the contest, the Trojans will then travel to face Elizabeth City State University (January 26) and Bowie State University in January 30. The Trojans will return home to face Lincoln University on February 2. Next, VSU will host the Bears of Shaw University on February 6.
Virginia State will then travel for three straight games, starting with Virginia Union University on February 9, Salem University (February 11) and Chowan University on February 13. VSU will then return home for its final two home games of the season against Elizabeth City State University (February 16) and the Bulldogs of Bowie State University (February 20). The Trojans will close out the last game of the regular season on the road on February 23 against Lincoln University.
The 2019 CIAA Basketball Tournament will be held February 26 - March 2 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dates and times are subject to change.
For the most up-to-date information on VSU women's basketball please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.
Three NCCU Football Games to Air on ESPN Networks
NORFOLK, Virginia -- – North Carolina Central University will be featured in front of a national television audience when three of the Eagles' football contests this season will air on ESPN networks, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference has announced as part of its broadcast partnership with ESPN.
NCCU's season-opening contest against Prairie View A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta on Sunday, Sept. 2 will be televised live on ESPN2 starting at 12 p.m.
Two weeks later, the Eagles visit Orangeburg, South Carolina, to take on the Bulldogs of S.C. State on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. in a contest that will air live on ESPN3 and later that night on ESPNU.
NCCU's road game at Bethune-Cookman has moved to Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in order to have the match-up televised live on ESPNU.
Since 2011, when NCCU gained full NCAA Division I membership, the Eagles have played 15 football games that aired on ESPN networks, plus the 2016 Celebration Bowl televised live on ABC.
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NCCU's season-opening contest against Prairie View A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta on Sunday, Sept. 2 will be televised live on ESPN2 starting at 12 p.m.
Two weeks later, the Eagles visit Orangeburg, South Carolina, to take on the Bulldogs of S.C. State on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. in a contest that will air live on ESPN3 and later that night on ESPNU.
NCCU's road game at Bethune-Cookman has moved to Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in order to have the match-up televised live on ESPNU.
Since 2011, when NCCU gained full NCAA Division I membership, the Eagles have played 15 football games that aired on ESPN networks, plus the 2016 Celebration Bowl televised live on ABC.
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Amid NFL's Racist Protest Crackdown, Young Stars Should Return to Historically Black Colleges
KAYVON THIBODEAUX |
Thibodeaux, a defensive end for Oaks Christian School in Los Angeles who is college football's most sought-after recruit, had supposedly narrowed his list to the Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, Oregon Ducks, and USC Trojans prior to his visit to the FAMU campus this weekend. He left Tallahassee buzzing about his experience.
On July 29, he tweeted a collage of photos of him wearing the Rattlers uniform with a caption that read, "I had an unbelievable time at #FAMU." A day earlier, he tweeted, "I’m loving #FAMU i might have to rebook my flight and stay a couple more days," and "Every student athlete needs to visit a HBCU."
If Thibodeaux accepted a scholarship to FAMU, it would send shockwaves throughout the football hierarchy. Not since the days of Walter Payton and Shannon Sharpe has the NFL had a bona fide future Pro Bowler from a historically black school playing in the league. Nowadays, it's unheard of for'...
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Monday, July 30, 2018
S.C. State Men's Basketball to participate in Foreign Tour
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State head coach Murray Garvin and the men's basketball team will take their talents abroad to play in three exhibition games in Canada, beginning Aug. 5th -9th in Quebec.
The Bulldogs begin their 10 days of preparation for their upcoming foreign tour, with this being the second tour under Garvin's as a head coach.
"It is an incredible privilege to have our team together and competing in late July and early August. We are extremely grateful to our Athletic Administration and President Clark for allowing us to take this foreign tour to Montreal, Canada," said Garvin. "The NCAA allows teams to take a tour every four years with our last trip to Nassau Bahamas five years ago."
The Bulldogs first game will be August 6th against Queens University at 7 p.m. at Chaplain College in Montreal.
The second game is set for August 7th against Laval University in 6:30 p.m. start in Quebec City.
Final, the last game of the exhibition tour will remain on Montreal on August 8th against Concordia University at Loyola College Gymnasium at 7 p.m.
The tour should make for a good bonding experience for Murray Garvin's team. The team will make several sightseeing stops, visiting sites such as Old Montreal over 600 years old, a tour of beautiful Quebec City and a historic stop at the Olympic Stadium home of the 1976 Olympics and Saint Joseph's Oratory.
Garvin stated, "Going to Canada will allow us to compete against high level programs from Canadian Universities abroad. It will allow the team to gel and spend quality time together on and off the floor. This tour is about us gaining an edge and getting better every day both individually and most importantly as a team."
This will also be the second time in the Murray Garvin era that the Bulldogs take a trip overseas. The first experience came in the Bahamas in 2013. South Carolina State went 2-0 on that trip. Expect similar results this time around.
"There are some great things going on at South Carolina State. This will also be a great cultural and educational trip for our student-athletes," said Garvin. "It also will provide great exposure for our university and expand the brand of SC State."
Fans will able to get scoring updates and a daily blogs of Bulldog Basketball at www.scsuathletics.com and all social media venues via Twitter, Instagram, and Face Book.
The Bulldogs begin their 10 days of preparation for their upcoming foreign tour, with this being the second tour under Garvin's as a head coach.
"It is an incredible privilege to have our team together and competing in late July and early August. We are extremely grateful to our Athletic Administration and President Clark for allowing us to take this foreign tour to Montreal, Canada," said Garvin. "The NCAA allows teams to take a tour every four years with our last trip to Nassau Bahamas five years ago."
The Bulldogs first game will be August 6th against Queens University at 7 p.m. at Chaplain College in Montreal.
The second game is set for August 7th against Laval University in 6:30 p.m. start in Quebec City.
Final, the last game of the exhibition tour will remain on Montreal on August 8th against Concordia University at Loyola College Gymnasium at 7 p.m.
The tour should make for a good bonding experience for Murray Garvin's team. The team will make several sightseeing stops, visiting sites such as Old Montreal over 600 years old, a tour of beautiful Quebec City and a historic stop at the Olympic Stadium home of the 1976 Olympics and Saint Joseph's Oratory.
Garvin stated, "Going to Canada will allow us to compete against high level programs from Canadian Universities abroad. It will allow the team to gel and spend quality time together on and off the floor. This tour is about us gaining an edge and getting better every day both individually and most importantly as a team."
This will also be the second time in the Murray Garvin era that the Bulldogs take a trip overseas. The first experience came in the Bahamas in 2013. South Carolina State went 2-0 on that trip. Expect similar results this time around.
"There are some great things going on at South Carolina State. This will also be a great cultural and educational trip for our student-athletes," said Garvin. "It also will provide great exposure for our university and expand the brand of SC State."
Fans will able to get scoring updates and a daily blogs of Bulldog Basketball at www.scsuathletics.com and all social media venues via Twitter, Instagram, and Face Book.
S.C. State Preview: Passing Game To Be Key For Bulldogs Offense
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- During the last few South Carolina State football seasons, defense has often led the way, many times protecting a struggling offense. Could there be a role reversal in 2018? Perhaps, and especially if the Bulldog passing game can come alive.
However, for the Bulldogs to be productive in there passing game, lots of improvement will have to take place at both quarterback and in the receiving corps, not as farfetched as it may seem as SC State has depth at quarterback and at the wide receiver position.
Five quarterbacks – three returnees and a pair of talented recruits -- are on the 2018 roster, while the receiver corps numbers 11-12 wide outs, including five veterans, among them the top three pass catchers from the 2017 squad, much to the delight of Head Coach Buddy Pough and first-year offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bennett Swygert.
"We've had our offensive woes of late, but we think we can turn things around," said Pough during last Friday's MEAC Football Roundup at Norfolk, VA. "We will be tested early during our first two games against FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) teams – Georgia Southern and Central Florida. Also, we've moved some people around and have some new staff on offense."
Quarterbacks
At the quarterback position, Dewann Ford (6-2, 180 r-Jr.) of Stephenson, GA and Tyrece Nick (6-0, 170 So.) of Johnston, SC, emerged from spring drills as the top contenders. Marquanne Goodman (6-1, 200 r-Jr.) is also back.
Ford handled most of the signal calling duties last season, starting nine of 10 games. The Bulldog junior was the fifth-rated quarterback in passing yards in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, completing 147-293 attempts for 1,763 yards and eight touchdowns, while suffering 10 interceptions. He was also the team's third-leading rusher with 93 attempts for 208 yards and two scores.
Nick saw action in four games but started just one contest. He connected on 3-8 attempts for the season but was more effective as a runner with 19 carries for 77 yards, while Goodman sat out the 2017 campaign.
Pough and Swygert expect to see improvement from both Ford and Nick, while Goodman could be in the mix as well.
"Having both Ford and Nick back should be a plus for our team," Pough said recently. "Ford had a good off season and I expect him to be improved this season. Nick played well in the spring and will have a chance to show what he can do. As the quarterback goes, so goes the offense.
Bennett had a chance to observe all of the Bulldog quarterbacks this spring and gives his candid opinion.
"Dewann and Tyrese, the two guys who have been out there on the field, both have the physical ability to be good," said Bennett. "They have the running and throwing ability but may lack some of the intangibles that will make them better operators of the game, something I know they can do.
"I like a quarterback battle and I think we have two guys that will be able 'to drive the bus,' as they say. Ford is definitely on the high end, with good speed and solid throwing ability," continued Bennett. "He has a good release, and with another year of experience under his belt, he should make better decisions, be more vocal and show better leadership.
"As far as Tyrese, we have to remember that he was an 18-year old last season. Most athletes would be red-shirted in that situation but he was thrown in the fire quickly. If he didn't execute as well as the staff had hoped, it was due to his youth, but he has a chance to be better.
"What we will be looking for from our quarterbacks are good decision-making, ball security and the ability to direct sustained drives to protect our defense. Their teammates must believe in them, and, as a staff, we need to get the ten (10) best guys around them."
Among the Bulldogs' 2018 signees are Baptist Hill's Cory Fields (6-0, 188 Fr.) and Quincy Hill (6-2, 175 Fr.) of Spring Valley, two talented quarterbacks who will get a chance to compete for playing time as well, according to Pough and Swygert.
"We signed two quarterbacks and the new NCAA rule – which allows a player to play in at least four games during the season and still maintain his redshirt status – will give us a chance to look at both and they appear to have pretty good ability," said Pough.
"I like both our freshman quarterbacks," echoed Swygert.
Wide Receivers
The Bulldog receiving corps is one of the deepest positions on the 2018 squad and is expected to be a major contributor for the SC State offense.
As a team last season, SC State ranked eighth out of 11 teams in pass offense (179.2 ypg) and was last in pass efficiency (100.6 rating). Also, just one Bulldog receiver – senior Quan Caldwell -- was listed among the top 10 MEAC pass catchers.
That should change this season, according to Pough.
"I think our wide receivers group will be improved," said Pough. "We have some solid veterans and a bunch of young guys that should see a lot of action. I expect us to get more production out of this group this season. Next to our running backs, this is one of our deepest groups, depth-wise."
Pough is right. Twelve wide receivers are listed on the 2018 preseason roster, including the top three pass catchers from last season – Quan Caldwell (5-11, 180 r-Sr.), De'Montrez Burroughs (6-2, 200 Jr.) and Tra'Quan Dubose (5-10, 170 r-Jr.).
Caldwell had 34 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns; Burroughs, who missed spring drills following off-season surgery, pulled in 30 passes for 427 yards and two scores; while Dubose snared 29 balls for 414 yards. All three are legitimate All-Conference candidates.
Also returning in the receiver's corps are Jermaine Baxley (6-3, 185 r-Sr.), Tyler Schadewald (6-3, 185 Jr.), Orangeburg's Kordel Johnson (6-3, 185 r-So.), and Darius Hammond (5-10, 180 r-So.), all of whom saw playing time and had at least one reception last season, as well as Demarcus Brown (6-2, 195 Jr.) and Darius Hammonds (5-10,180 So.).
Heading a young group of redshirt freshmen and true freshmen are Zack Felder (6-3, 205 r-Fr.) of Orangeburg, Alex Syphrett (6-3, 195 r-Fr.), Rodriques Thomas (6-2, 180 r-Fr.), Will Vareen (5-11, 198 r-Fr.) and Scott Robinson (5-11, 170 Fr.)
Overall, it appears the Bulldogs have a pretty talented group of upperclassmen – Caldwell, Burroughs, Dubose, Baxley, Schadewald and Kordel Johnson -- who played last season and had solid games catching the ball.
Caldwell, a redshirt senior, Burroughs and Dubose are very talented and have outstanding pass-catching ability. They make plays and are receivers that the Bulldogs can count on.
This gives SC State a solid group to start with, noted Pough, and the OC, Coach Swygert. Then come Thomas, Syphrett and Hammonds, giving the team a good nucleus of eight receivers that it can build around. And then there are the younger guys like Felder, a local kid that's 6-3, and Scott Robinson of Rock Hill, who has played in a championship mode.
Thus a receiver corps of 11-12 guys gives Pough's team a solid group to start with, as well as others who can fill in to make the Bulldog offense productive and complement the SC State run game.
With key losses on defense, SC State will have to rely more on its offense in 2018, and having a solid passing game will go a long way toward fielding a strong offense.
The Bulldogs players report to preseason drills Aug. 2. Next up, we will feature the SC State running backs.
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
However, for the Bulldogs to be productive in there passing game, lots of improvement will have to take place at both quarterback and in the receiving corps, not as farfetched as it may seem as SC State has depth at quarterback and at the wide receiver position.
Five quarterbacks – three returnees and a pair of talented recruits -- are on the 2018 roster, while the receiver corps numbers 11-12 wide outs, including five veterans, among them the top three pass catchers from the 2017 squad, much to the delight of Head Coach Buddy Pough and first-year offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bennett Swygert.
"We've had our offensive woes of late, but we think we can turn things around," said Pough during last Friday's MEAC Football Roundup at Norfolk, VA. "We will be tested early during our first two games against FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) teams – Georgia Southern and Central Florida. Also, we've moved some people around and have some new staff on offense."
Quarterbacks
At the quarterback position, Dewann Ford (6-2, 180 r-Jr.) of Stephenson, GA and Tyrece Nick (6-0, 170 So.) of Johnston, SC, emerged from spring drills as the top contenders. Marquanne Goodman (6-1, 200 r-Jr.) is also back.
Ford handled most of the signal calling duties last season, starting nine of 10 games. The Bulldog junior was the fifth-rated quarterback in passing yards in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, completing 147-293 attempts for 1,763 yards and eight touchdowns, while suffering 10 interceptions. He was also the team's third-leading rusher with 93 attempts for 208 yards and two scores.
Nick saw action in four games but started just one contest. He connected on 3-8 attempts for the season but was more effective as a runner with 19 carries for 77 yards, while Goodman sat out the 2017 campaign.
Pough and Swygert expect to see improvement from both Ford and Nick, while Goodman could be in the mix as well.
"Having both Ford and Nick back should be a plus for our team," Pough said recently. "Ford had a good off season and I expect him to be improved this season. Nick played well in the spring and will have a chance to show what he can do. As the quarterback goes, so goes the offense.
Bennett had a chance to observe all of the Bulldog quarterbacks this spring and gives his candid opinion.
"Dewann and Tyrese, the two guys who have been out there on the field, both have the physical ability to be good," said Bennett. "They have the running and throwing ability but may lack some of the intangibles that will make them better operators of the game, something I know they can do.
"I like a quarterback battle and I think we have two guys that will be able 'to drive the bus,' as they say. Ford is definitely on the high end, with good speed and solid throwing ability," continued Bennett. "He has a good release, and with another year of experience under his belt, he should make better decisions, be more vocal and show better leadership.
"As far as Tyrese, we have to remember that he was an 18-year old last season. Most athletes would be red-shirted in that situation but he was thrown in the fire quickly. If he didn't execute as well as the staff had hoped, it was due to his youth, but he has a chance to be better.
"What we will be looking for from our quarterbacks are good decision-making, ball security and the ability to direct sustained drives to protect our defense. Their teammates must believe in them, and, as a staff, we need to get the ten (10) best guys around them."
Among the Bulldogs' 2018 signees are Baptist Hill's Cory Fields (6-0, 188 Fr.) and Quincy Hill (6-2, 175 Fr.) of Spring Valley, two talented quarterbacks who will get a chance to compete for playing time as well, according to Pough and Swygert.
"We signed two quarterbacks and the new NCAA rule – which allows a player to play in at least four games during the season and still maintain his redshirt status – will give us a chance to look at both and they appear to have pretty good ability," said Pough.
"I like both our freshman quarterbacks," echoed Swygert.
Wide Receivers
The Bulldog receiving corps is one of the deepest positions on the 2018 squad and is expected to be a major contributor for the SC State offense.
As a team last season, SC State ranked eighth out of 11 teams in pass offense (179.2 ypg) and was last in pass efficiency (100.6 rating). Also, just one Bulldog receiver – senior Quan Caldwell -- was listed among the top 10 MEAC pass catchers.
That should change this season, according to Pough.
"I think our wide receivers group will be improved," said Pough. "We have some solid veterans and a bunch of young guys that should see a lot of action. I expect us to get more production out of this group this season. Next to our running backs, this is one of our deepest groups, depth-wise."
Pough is right. Twelve wide receivers are listed on the 2018 preseason roster, including the top three pass catchers from last season – Quan Caldwell (5-11, 180 r-Sr.), De'Montrez Burroughs (6-2, 200 Jr.) and Tra'Quan Dubose (5-10, 170 r-Jr.).
Caldwell had 34 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns; Burroughs, who missed spring drills following off-season surgery, pulled in 30 passes for 427 yards and two scores; while Dubose snared 29 balls for 414 yards. All three are legitimate All-Conference candidates.
Also returning in the receiver's corps are Jermaine Baxley (6-3, 185 r-Sr.), Tyler Schadewald (6-3, 185 Jr.), Orangeburg's Kordel Johnson (6-3, 185 r-So.), and Darius Hammond (5-10, 180 r-So.), all of whom saw playing time and had at least one reception last season, as well as Demarcus Brown (6-2, 195 Jr.) and Darius Hammonds (5-10,180 So.).
Heading a young group of redshirt freshmen and true freshmen are Zack Felder (6-3, 205 r-Fr.) of Orangeburg, Alex Syphrett (6-3, 195 r-Fr.), Rodriques Thomas (6-2, 180 r-Fr.), Will Vareen (5-11, 198 r-Fr.) and Scott Robinson (5-11, 170 Fr.)
Overall, it appears the Bulldogs have a pretty talented group of upperclassmen – Caldwell, Burroughs, Dubose, Baxley, Schadewald and Kordel Johnson -- who played last season and had solid games catching the ball.
Caldwell, a redshirt senior, Burroughs and Dubose are very talented and have outstanding pass-catching ability. They make plays and are receivers that the Bulldogs can count on.
This gives SC State a solid group to start with, noted Pough, and the OC, Coach Swygert. Then come Thomas, Syphrett and Hammonds, giving the team a good nucleus of eight receivers that it can build around. And then there are the younger guys like Felder, a local kid that's 6-3, and Scott Robinson of Rock Hill, who has played in a championship mode.
Thus a receiver corps of 11-12 guys gives Pough's team a solid group to start with, as well as others who can fill in to make the Bulldog offense productive and complement the SC State run game.
With key losses on defense, SC State will have to rely more on its offense in 2018, and having a solid passing game will go a long way toward fielding a strong offense.
The Bulldogs players report to preseason drills Aug. 2. Next up, we will feature the SC State running backs.
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Sunday, July 29, 2018
No. 1 recruit Kayvon Thibodeaux took a visit to a school in Tallahassee...FAMU, that is
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2019, took a significant visit over the weekend in Tallahassee. Thibodeaux spent the day at FAMU Saturday, one of the most notable HBCU’s in the country, located just miles from FSU’s campus. He essentially took a day trip to FAMU, flying into Tallahassee on Friday night to attend FSU’s “Saturday Night Lights” camp.
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I had an unbelievable time at #FAMU , special thanks to the Admins, SBI, student-body, & Football staff and especially @HCWillieSimmons for inviting me down. #MoreThanAnAthlete #HBCU
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That time FAMU nearly made it in FBS
FAMU Turf Replacement Project on Schedule - Video
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Bragg Memorial Stadium is coming along nicely. Check out this video by Gerald Tookes Aerial Productions, Read more at FAMU ATHLETICS.COM.
COURTESY: FAMU ATHLETICS SPORTS INFORMATION
COURTESY: FAMU ATHLETICS SPORTS INFORMATION
Grambling State places SWAC-high 15 on preseason team
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama| The Grambling State University football team placed a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) high 15 players on the preseason team, including 10 on the first team, as the conference announced the honors during Media Day on Friday morning at the Birmingham Marriott.
All conference honors were selected by the 10-member institution head coaches and the sports information directors.
The Tigers landed 15 on the All-SWAC Preseason teams as De'Arius Christmas was selected the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Grambling State, which went 11-2 last season and fell just short in the Celebration Bowl, was voted to win the West Division.
The Tigers received 96 points to earn the top spot in the SWAC West Division. Southern (78), Prairie View A&M (65), Texas Southern (31) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (30) rounded out the division. In the East, Alcorn State was chosen to repeat with 95 points. Alabama State (72), Jackson State (55), Alabama A&M (51) and Mississippi Valley State (27) rounded out the East Division.
Joining Christmas on the All-SWAC Preseason First Team was Darrell Clark (WR), Jordan Jones (TE), William Waddell (OL), Kyle Davis (OL), Linwood Banks (DL), La'Allan Clark (DL), Brandon Varner (DL), Percy Cargo (DB) and Marc Orozco (K). Quintin Guice (WR), Anfernee Mullins (DL), De'Andre Hogues (LB), Malcolm Williams (LB) and Dedrick Shy (DB) were named to the All-SWAC Preseason Second Team.
Christmas, who was selected to the Street and Smith All-American team last month, earned several accolades in helping the Tigers to a back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship last season. The Vicksburg, Miss. native was a STATS FCS All-American Third team honoree, a BOXTOROW All-American, SBN All-American and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Last year, he led the Tigers defensively with 88 tackles, including 48 solo stops. He has 17.5 tackles for a loss of 61 yards and five sacks for a loss of 31 yards. Also, he has added five quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
Darrell Clark, who was named to the All-SWAC Second Team last season as a wide receiver, led the Tigers with 44 catches for 528 yards and scored five touchdowns. He averaged 40.6 yards per game and 12.0 yards per catch.
Jones, who will make the move from tight end to running back this season, earned All-SWAC Second Team honors last season. He caught 17 passes for 316 yards and added five touchdowns, with his longest being a 59-yard score against Texas Southern. He averaged 24.3 yards per game and 18.6 yards per catch.
Waddell, an All-SWAC First-Team selection, BOXTOROW All-American Second Team honoree and HERO Sports Sophomore All-American last season, had an 85-percent grade in all 13 games. He had 28 pancakes and 23 knock downs, with no sacks.
Davis played in 11 games on the offensive line and was part of an offense that averaged a SWAC-best 31.2 points a game and 367.3 yards per game.
Banks, who earned All-SWAC Second-Team honors last year, tallied 24 tackles, including 15 solo stops. He recorded 7.5 sacks for loss of 28 yards, along with three quarterback hurries.
La'Allan Clark, who finished ranked 32nd in the nation in sacks, received All-SWAC First-Team honors last year. He registered 30 tackles, including 11 solo stops, including a team-high 11.5 sacks for a loss of 62 yards. Clark added a team-high 10 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Varner, who was named to the All-SWAC First Team last season, recorded 26 tackles, with 17 coming as solo stops. He added six sacks for a loss of 21 yards, and registered two quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. He finished with one forced fumble, which helped the Tigers seal a 31-20 victory over Southern in the 44th Annual Bayou Classic.
Orozco, who earned All-SWAC First Team honors, BOXTOROW All-American Team and STATS FCS All-American, has been very consistent for the Tigers all season as he was 48-of-49 in extra points and registered 102 points. He was 18-of-22 on field goals, including booting a career-high 48-yarder in the SWAC Championship win over Alcorn State.
Cargo played in all 13 games as a defensive back and registered 54 tackles, including 37 solo stops. Also, Cargo tallied 3.5 tackles for a loss of 17 yards and finished with three pass deflections and one fumble recovery. He garnered one sack for a loss of 11 yards. The Donaldsonville, La. native earned the 2017 United States Marine Corps Excellence in Leadership Award winner and was selected to the 20th Annual FCS Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star Team.
Guice appeared in all 13 games at wide receiver where he caught 26 passes for 357 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 27.5 yards per game and 13.7 yards per catch.
Mullins played in the final eight games of the 2017 season on the defensive line. The Mississippi State transfer registered 27 tackles, including 13 solo stops and tallied 8.0 tackles for a loss of 41 yards. He finished with seven sacks for a loss of 23 yards and added three quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one pass deflection.
Hogues appeared in all 13 games at linebacker where he finished with 57 tackles, including 26 solo stops. He tallied 12.0 tackles for a loss of 60 yards and added three pass deflections, three forced fumbles, two quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery. The Mobile, Ala. native recorded eight sacks, with five coming as solos for a loss of 44 yards. In addition, Hogues was named the Defensive MVP of the 2017 SWAC Championship Game.
Williams appeared in 11 games at linebacker as he garnered 49 tackles, including 20 solo stops. He registered 4.5 tackles for a loss of 33 yards and added four sacks for a loss of 28 yards, with one quarterback hurry.
Shy played in 12 games at defensive back and registered 13 tackles, including nine solo stops. He tallied four pass deflections with two interceptions and one score.
Grambling State opens the 2018 season on Saturday, Sept. 1 in Lafayette, La. against Louisiana. Kickoff from Cajun Field is set for 6 p.m.
Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathletics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.
All conference honors were selected by the 10-member institution head coaches and the sports information directors.
The Tigers landed 15 on the All-SWAC Preseason teams as De'Arius Christmas was selected the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Grambling State, which went 11-2 last season and fell just short in the Celebration Bowl, was voted to win the West Division.
The Tigers received 96 points to earn the top spot in the SWAC West Division. Southern (78), Prairie View A&M (65), Texas Southern (31) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (30) rounded out the division. In the East, Alcorn State was chosen to repeat with 95 points. Alabama State (72), Jackson State (55), Alabama A&M (51) and Mississippi Valley State (27) rounded out the East Division.
Joining Christmas on the All-SWAC Preseason First Team was Darrell Clark (WR), Jordan Jones (TE), William Waddell (OL), Kyle Davis (OL), Linwood Banks (DL), La'Allan Clark (DL), Brandon Varner (DL), Percy Cargo (DB) and Marc Orozco (K). Quintin Guice (WR), Anfernee Mullins (DL), De'Andre Hogues (LB), Malcolm Williams (LB) and Dedrick Shy (DB) were named to the All-SWAC Preseason Second Team.
Christmas, who was selected to the Street and Smith All-American team last month, earned several accolades in helping the Tigers to a back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship last season. The Vicksburg, Miss. native was a STATS FCS All-American Third team honoree, a BOXTOROW All-American, SBN All-American and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Last year, he led the Tigers defensively with 88 tackles, including 48 solo stops. He has 17.5 tackles for a loss of 61 yards and five sacks for a loss of 31 yards. Also, he has added five quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
Darrell Clark, who was named to the All-SWAC Second Team last season as a wide receiver, led the Tigers with 44 catches for 528 yards and scored five touchdowns. He averaged 40.6 yards per game and 12.0 yards per catch.
Jones, who will make the move from tight end to running back this season, earned All-SWAC Second Team honors last season. He caught 17 passes for 316 yards and added five touchdowns, with his longest being a 59-yard score against Texas Southern. He averaged 24.3 yards per game and 18.6 yards per catch.
Waddell, an All-SWAC First-Team selection, BOXTOROW All-American Second Team honoree and HERO Sports Sophomore All-American last season, had an 85-percent grade in all 13 games. He had 28 pancakes and 23 knock downs, with no sacks.
Davis played in 11 games on the offensive line and was part of an offense that averaged a SWAC-best 31.2 points a game and 367.3 yards per game.
Banks, who earned All-SWAC Second-Team honors last year, tallied 24 tackles, including 15 solo stops. He recorded 7.5 sacks for loss of 28 yards, along with three quarterback hurries.
La'Allan Clark, who finished ranked 32nd in the nation in sacks, received All-SWAC First-Team honors last year. He registered 30 tackles, including 11 solo stops, including a team-high 11.5 sacks for a loss of 62 yards. Clark added a team-high 10 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Varner, who was named to the All-SWAC First Team last season, recorded 26 tackles, with 17 coming as solo stops. He added six sacks for a loss of 21 yards, and registered two quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. He finished with one forced fumble, which helped the Tigers seal a 31-20 victory over Southern in the 44th Annual Bayou Classic.
Orozco, who earned All-SWAC First Team honors, BOXTOROW All-American Team and STATS FCS All-American, has been very consistent for the Tigers all season as he was 48-of-49 in extra points and registered 102 points. He was 18-of-22 on field goals, including booting a career-high 48-yarder in the SWAC Championship win over Alcorn State.
Cargo played in all 13 games as a defensive back and registered 54 tackles, including 37 solo stops. Also, Cargo tallied 3.5 tackles for a loss of 17 yards and finished with three pass deflections and one fumble recovery. He garnered one sack for a loss of 11 yards. The Donaldsonville, La. native earned the 2017 United States Marine Corps Excellence in Leadership Award winner and was selected to the 20th Annual FCS Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star Team.
Guice appeared in all 13 games at wide receiver where he caught 26 passes for 357 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 27.5 yards per game and 13.7 yards per catch.
Mullins played in the final eight games of the 2017 season on the defensive line. The Mississippi State transfer registered 27 tackles, including 13 solo stops and tallied 8.0 tackles for a loss of 41 yards. He finished with seven sacks for a loss of 23 yards and added three quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one pass deflection.
Hogues appeared in all 13 games at linebacker where he finished with 57 tackles, including 26 solo stops. He tallied 12.0 tackles for a loss of 60 yards and added three pass deflections, three forced fumbles, two quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery. The Mobile, Ala. native recorded eight sacks, with five coming as solos for a loss of 44 yards. In addition, Hogues was named the Defensive MVP of the 2017 SWAC Championship Game.
Williams appeared in 11 games at linebacker as he garnered 49 tackles, including 20 solo stops. He registered 4.5 tackles for a loss of 33 yards and added four sacks for a loss of 28 yards, with one quarterback hurry.
Shy played in 12 games at defensive back and registered 13 tackles, including nine solo stops. He tallied four pass deflections with two interceptions and one score.
Grambling State opens the 2018 season on Saturday, Sept. 1 in Lafayette, La. against Louisiana. Kickoff from Cajun Field is set for 6 p.m.
Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathletics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.