Hayes finally running the show at Alabama A&M

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Just before preseason basketball practice started in 2004, then-Alabama A&M men's basketball coach Vann Pettaway called his staff together - Willie Hayes and Sammy Jackson - and told them they were going to have to run the show.

Pettaway had been disagnosed with cancer and was about to undergo the biggest fight of his life. Hayes, the associate head coach at the time, and Jackson, who recently was named the head coach at Fort Valley State, was asked to keep the program headed in the right direction.

"Coach Pettaway let us know what he was going through and he was going to put the program in our hands and he needed us to run things until he could get back into the swing of things," Hayes said.

Not only did Hayes and Jackson runs things, they ran them so well that A&M went on to win not only the Southwestern Athletic Conference regular season championship, but the tournament title as well. As a result, the Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time as a Division I program where they lost to Oakland (Mich.).

Now, six years later...

READ MORE



Alabama A&M ticket prices on the rise

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M football fans will have to pay a few more dollars to watch the Bulldogs play this season. Athletics officials, charged with raising $700,000, increased prices to rent the 22 skyboxes inside Louis Crews Stadium and ticket prices also went up, according to sales manager Tourischeva Stubbs.

Skyboxes range from $10,250 to $12,700, while season tickets have increased $25 and single-game tickets have increased anywhere from $5 to $7. "The skyboxes sold quickly," athletics director Betty Austin said. "There is a great demand for skyboxes. We hope season tickets will sell just as fast or faster." Selling season/reserved tickets was difficult last season, Stubbs said. Only 361 reserved seats were sold in 2010. There are more than 2,000 available.

"We have to change the culture of our fans," Stubbs said. "We need to get people to really see the value of our product and we need to value our product and one way to do that is with the price. Eventually, with time, our fans will see the value and they'll pay for it."

READ MORE

VISIT: ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY

VISIT: AAMUSPORTS

Arrest made in Alabama A&M football player shooting

An arrest was made in the shooting death of an Alabama A&M football player.

According to the Birmingham News, police arrested and charged Terry Towns with murder and attempted murder. He's accused of shooting Alabama A&M football standout Maurice Thomas and injuring two others. The shooting happened last Friday inside a night club in Bessemer. Police say it started as a fight.

Towns, a 34 year old black male booked on July 3, was being held Friday night on bonds totaling $195,000, according to the Jefferson County (AL) Sheriff's Office. The shootings occurred on July 2, 2010.

Family and friends held a candlelight vigil outside Thomas' visitation Friday night. They leaned on each other for support while remembering the life of Thomas. His cousin said Thomas was more like a brother to her. She remembered when she learned about his death.

The funeral for the 23 year old Thomas will be held at Roosevelt City Church of Christ in Bessemer. Saturday morning.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Alabama A&M football standout killed in Bessemer bike club shooting

Alabama A&M University head football Coach Anthony Jones said he is shocked at the early-morning shooting death of football standout Maurice Thomas. "I think the kind of player he was, was exemplified in the way he played and the longevity of his career," Jones said today. "I think a lot of people didn't know the kind of person he was because people can't see under the helmet. He was a young man who worked hard and believed in his teammates, his friends and his family. He was a kid you can count on."

Thomas, 23, of Bessemer and two other men were shot about 3 a.m. inside the Getties Boyz Club, a biker bar, on 22nd Street and First Avenue North.



READ MORE, CLICK TITLE AND HIGHLIGHTS.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:

Alabama A&M Football Player Shot, Killed In Bessemer

Former Alabama A&M football player killed

Alabama A&M football family shocked by player's death in Bessemer shooting

Walk-ons don't get the glory, but they're still important

Alabama A&M University Bulldog coach Anthony Jones: "Walk-ons are a huge part of our program with the scout teams," he wrote. "They also add depth to our team and help on special teams until they develop into quality players, once they learn the game at the college level."

Wednesday was National Signing Day, when recruited athletes commit to football programs and receive scholarships. Throughout my coaching career, I felt winning recruiting battles was as important as winning games, and I'm sure coaches today feel the same. However, there is another aspect of building a successful team that most college fans overlook: the importance of acquiring walk-ons. The NCAA clearly defines the role of a walk-on. Walk-ons cannot receive institutional financial aid.

Alabama's legendary coach, Bear Bryant, was responsible for that rule being instituted in the 1960s. To override the NCAA's scholarship limit at that time, Bear provided football players with baseball, track, tennis and even golf scholarships to create a deep roster that is essential in building a competitive team. Walk-ons may not be important to fans, but to coaches they are often vital to a program -- especially since the NCAA capped Division I football scholarships at 85 (Division I-AA limit is 63 scholarships).

Eighty-five scholarship players sounds like a lot, but those numbers are often reduced by 5 to 10 percent due to injuries, eligibility problems, disciplinary suspensions and players quitting or transferring. Also, factor in one or two place-kickers, one or two punters and a long snapper who rarely are involved in rough, tough drills and scrimmages. That reduction in numbers can have a negative impact on a critical part of building a successful team: practice.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Alabama A&M Bulldogs Signs Top Playmakers

Alabama A&M head football coach Anthony Jones and his staff signed 24 future Bulldogs on National Signing Day. The 2010 recruting class represents six states ranging from California to Florida, and includes 13 players from the state of Alabama. The class is expected to grow over the coming days as more recruits finalize their college choices.

Alabama A&M University head football coach Anthony Jones

Alabama A&M Bulldog 2010 Recruiting Class

Frederick Barnes - DT, 6-1, 300, Memphis, TN, Westwood HS
Christopher Boykin - OL, 6-4, 270, Birmingham, AL, Parker HS
A.J. Clark - QB, 6-2, 185, Pensacola, FL, Pine Forest HS
Alan Cruz - OL, 6-2, 270, Huntsville, AL, Buckhorn HS
Giba Goba - OL, 6-5, 265, Philadelphia, PA, Overbrook HS
Justin Goodrich - OL, 6-1, 325, Huntsville, AL, Buckhorn HS
Derrick Harris - DB, 5-10, 170, Stone Mountain, GA, Stone Mountain
Kierri Issac - DB, 6-0, 180, Stone Mountain, GA, Stone Mountain HS
Vandrick Jackson - DB, 5-11, 185, Birmingham, AL, Jackson-Olin HS
Brendan Johnson - RB, 5-7, 180, Atlanta, GA, Carver HS
Brandon Knight - RB, 5-8, 205, Dothan, AL, Dothan HS
Chris Leachman - QB, 6-3, 180, Long Beach, CA, Long Beach HS
Ricky Morton - DE, 6-2, 215, Memphis, TN, Oak Haven HS
Joseph Porter - FB, 5-8, 220, Phenix City, AL, Central HS
Terrance Pride - WR, 5-10, 170, Harvest, AL, Sparkman HS
Jordan Roman - LS, 5-11, 200, Lithonia, GA, Lithonia HS
Brandon Savage - DE, 6-1, 225, Bay Minette, AL, Baldwin County HS
Montarius Smith - WR, 6-0, 170, Birmingham, AL, Jackson-Olin HS
Terrance Spinks - TE, 6-1, 215, Opelika, AL, Opelika HS
Derrick Square - WR, 6-2, 170, Birmingham, AL, Parker HS
Jonathan Sullivan - OL, 6-2, 310, Holly Pond, AL, Fairview HS
Jawanza Vickers - DT, 6-0, 280, Enterprise, AL, Enterprise HS
Nathan Woodard - OL, 6-1, 260, Mobile, AL, Theodore HS
Dominique Wright - DE, 6-2, 220, Hallandale, FL, Hallandale HS

Prairie View wins first SWAC title in 45 years

PVAMU Coach Henry Fraizer III does the impossible--makes Panthers into SWAC Champions!

Prairie View wins first SWAC title in 45 years

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Nasty weather, a tough Alabama A&M squad and a few costly mistakes couldn’t keep Prairie View A&M from reaching its season-long goal of winning the school’s first conference championship since 1964. With quarterback K.J. Black leading the way, the Panthers claimed a 30-24 victory over Alabama A&M on Saturday in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game before a crowd of 20,218 at Legion Field.

Black, voted the game’s Offensive Most Valuable Player, completed 18 of 28 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter when Prairie View (9-1) seized control. “When I got here, all anybody was talking about this year was a championship,” said Black, a first-year transfer from Western Kentucky who went 8-0 as a starter this season. “When you can see that in somebody’s eyes and you know everybody is striving for the same goal, it makes you want to work that much harder. That collective effort got us to where we are right now.”

WATCH REPLAY SWAC Championship - Prairie View A&M vs. Alabama A&M

Happy days here again for Prairie View

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — As a glorious celebration carried on behind him, Henry Frazier III — the coach of the championship Prairie View A&M football team — struggled to fit the title belt around his waist. He joked that his expanded waistline made things a bit more difficult than he imagined it would be last January when he purchased the belt to inspire his squad. If only building a champion at Prairie View were as easy as fitting a prong through an eyelet.

What nerve and courage Frazier showed to have even imagined Prairie View as a football champion. But that is what the Panthers are after they fended off Alabama A&M 30-24 on Saturday to claim their first Southwestern Athletic Conference title since 1964. It came in a chilly 40 degrees with a steady drizzle at Legion Field, but the Panther faithful were warm with pride after witnessing the final step in their program's climb from the depths of the college football world to the height of the SWAC.

Prairie View's Title Is Its First in 45 Years (New York Times)

Prairie View, which lost 80 straight games in the 1990s, won the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship Saturday, beating Alabama A&M, 30-24 in Birmingham, Ala. It was the program’s first conference title in 45 years. “Nobody on this staff, nobody on this team was born in 1964,” Coach Henry Frazier III said. “This is a special time.” K. J. Black threw for 258 yards and 3 touchdowns. Two of his scoring passes came in the fourth quarter as Prairie View (9-1) rallied past Alabama A&M (7-5).

Harry Williams finds a coaching home at Prairie View A&M

Former Jackson-Olin High, Tuskegee University and Houston Texans star Harry Williams #86 is at home on the football field as an assistant for Prairie View.

The place that Harry Williams feels most at home — the foot­ball field — felt for­eign to him in the days of early August. His steps were tentative. His thoughts were guarded. His decisions didn’t come easily. His new boss — Prairie View A&M head football coach Henry Frazier III — noticed. “When he first went on the field, it was different for him,” Frazier said. “I watched him, because, you know, you got a new guy and don’t really know how he’s going to be around my kids. I kind of watched him the first few days and he would just wander around. I went to him and said, ‘Hey Harry, get involved with whatever you want. I trust your judgment, so get involved." So how did things work out after that conversation? “He’s been a blessing,” Frazier said.

Updated, with photos: Prairie View tops Alabama A&M to win SWAC title

Former Western Kentucky starter K.J. Black threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns, leading Prairie View A&M to a 30-24 victory against Alabama A&M in the SWAC Championship Game today at cold and wet Legion Field. Alabama A&M had one last shot on the game's final play, but freshman Deaunte Mason's Hail Mary heave into the end zone was knocked down as the horn sounded. Prairie View finishes the season 9-1, its only loss to Division I-A New Mexico State. Black was named the Offensive MVP and Panthers defensive end Quinton Spears was voted Defensive MVP.

SWAC Championship Game: It's cold and wet, but offenses are hot

Despite drizzling rain and chilly temperatures, the SWAC Championship Game is off and running (for the live telecast, tune into ESPN Classic). Both offenses started hot, scoring on their first possession. Prairie View got on the board first, thanks to a 39-yard Brady Faggard field goal. Alabama A&M answered with a 2-yard touchdown run from Ulysses Banks, the Birmingham native, and takes a 7-3 lead into the second quarter.

Prairie View rallies past 'Bama A&M for SWAC title

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Prairie View A&M, a program once synonymous with football futility, is a conference champion for the first time in 45 years.K.J. Black threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns, two coming in the fourth quarter, and the Panthers ralllied for a 30-24 win over Alabama A&M in the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game on Saturday."It's been a long time coming," said Prairie View coach Henry Frazier III. "Nobody on this staff, nobody on this team was born in 1964. This is a special time."Frazier is the one most responsible for turning around a program that gained notoriety during the 1990s by losing 80 consecutive games. "It's a special occasion," Frazier added. "I'm very proud of this football team."

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Fullbacks an Alabama A&M key

When Alabama A&M's offense has been good, the Bulldogs' fullbacks have been key. Not only have they been effective run blockers, they have been solid receivers out of the backfield. Early during Anthony Jones' tenure, Jonathan Rowland handled most of the fullback duties. Jacques Pyant and Trevis O'Neal were a terrific tandem on A&M's 2006 Southwestern Athletic Conference championship team, and O'Neal and Generion McWhorter were solid the next season as the Bulldogs finished 8-3 and just missed getting back to the title game.

Last season, A&M lacked a quality fullback. McWhorter left the team with personal problems and Roger Smith and Chris Terry, a pair of converted defensive linemen, couldn't master the position. As a result, the Bulldogs struggled. Fast forward to this season, and Smith said he believes A&M's fullback job is in far more capable hands. Now in his second full season playing the position, Smith said he and Dash Buntjer, a junior college transfer, can be as effective as Pyant and O'Neal.

2009 Alabama A&M Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time
9/5/2009 at Tennessee State Nashville, TN, LP Field
9/12/2009 HAMPTON Huntsville, AL, Louis Crews Stadium 6:00 PM
9/19/2009 JACKSONVILLE STATE Huntsville, AL, Louis Crews Stadium 6:00 PM
9/26/2009 HC * ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF Huntsville, AL, Crews Stadium 3:00 PM
10/3/2009 vs. Tuskegee Indianapolis, IN, Lucas Oil Stadium
10/10/2009 * at Grambling Grambling, LA, Eddie Robinson Stadium
10/17/2009 * at Alcorn State Alcorn State, MS, Jack Spinks Stadium
10/31/2009 * vs. Alabama State Birmingham, AL, Magic City Classic, Legion Field 2:30 PM
11/7/2009 * at Prairie View A&M Prairie View, TX, Backshear Stadium
11/14/2009 * JACKSON STATE Huntsville, AL, Crews Stadium 1:00 PM
11/21/2009 * MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE Huntsville, AL, Crews Stadium 1:00 PM
12/12/2009 SWAC Championship Game Birmingham, AL, Legion Field

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
A&M cooking up an old recipe for success
Harris' lesson is elementary
A&M going for its third straight title
A&M notebook: Magic City Classic on TV
No choice but to play
Jones still waiting
Harris back at practice
Handful of talent
Tight end still crucial for A&M offense
Veteran-loaded secondary gives A&M confidence
Jones likes looks of Bulldogs

A&M's class hurt by 10 ineligibles

At least 10 of Alabama A&M's incoming freshmen have been ruled academically ineligible and three more are still awaiting word from the NCAA Clearinghouse concerning their status. A&M coach Anthony Jones said he knew there would be some academic casualties, but the numbers surprised him.

"We signed some kids that we knew would be on the borderline, but there were some others that we felt would make it but didn't," he said. "Hopefully, we can get them all here, get them acclimated to college and help them become successful student-athletes."

Those who failed to get eligible include running backs Trent Johnson and Kaderius Lacey, defensive linemen Regis Laister, Parker Marino and Tim Tillman, offensive linemen Clarence Lovell, Mike Patridge and Roberto Gonzales, wide receiver Rashad Daniels and fullback Devron Owensby. Jones wasn't sure how many would enroll at A&M this semester.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

AAMU Bulldogs' title hopes tied to young players

If Alabama A&M is to contend for a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship, coach Anthony Jones says some of his young players will have to play key roles. Offensively, the Bulldogs must fill holes at quarterback, tight end and fullback. Defensively, help is needed at tackle and inside linebacker.

"We've got some talented players at those positions, but they're not as experienced as we'd like them to be," Jones said Monday, two days before the Bulldogs report for training camp. "Our job is to try to get those guys ready to play and that's what we're going to try to do."

The biggest concern as A&M enters preseason practice is at quarterback where redshirt sophomore Kevin Atkins takes over for All-SWAC performer Kelcy Luke. Atkins appeared in five games last season, but attempted only two passes. "I've been waiting on this opportunity for three years," Atkins said. "I haven't played a full game since high school. I'm ready."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Alabama A&M Bulldogs set to play Tuskegee on Oct. 4

Alabama A&M will rekindle an old football rivalry this season when the Bulldogs travel to Indianapolis on Oct. 4 to take on Tuskegee University in the Circle City Classic.

It will be the first meeting between the two teams since 1999 when A&M came away with a 54-0 victory. The Bulldogs lead the series 22-19-4.

Betty Austin, A&M's athletic director, released a trio of big games from the 2008 schedule, which is incomplete at this time.

Also, A&M will host Grambling for homecoming on Oct. 11 and will take on Alabama State in the Magic City Classic at Birmingham's Legion Field on Oct. 25. Start times are yet to be finalized.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Atkins is off to good start for Alabama A&M Bulldogs

AAMU QB does well on first dayof spring practice

Kevin Atkins jogged off the field smiling.

A rising sophomore on the Alabama A&M football team, Atkins is the heir apparent to quarterback Kelcy Luke. After Friday's first day of spring practice, all seemed right in Atkins' world. "It went pretty good," said the 6-0, 213-pounder out of Durham, N.C. "I've got to prove to my teammates and my coaches I can lead this team and be the starter. I don't want to get too comfortable or too relaxed.

"I'm going to stay hungry every day and try to get better."

Atkins and Jared Loftin will battle for the starting job this spring. While Atkins played in five games, Loftin, a redshirt sophomore from Troy, has yet to play in a college football game.

CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE BY CLICKING ON THE BLOG TITLE.

Alabama A&M quarterback job up in air

Sophomores lead race to replace Luke at A&M

Life after Kelcy Luke begins Friday for Alabama A&M's football team as redshirt sophomores Kevin Atkins and Jared Loftin compete for the starting job during spring drills. Luke, a first-team All-SWAC selection last season, was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs and led them to the 2006 league title.

Stanley Allen, who took over for an injured Luke in the '06 title game as A&M came from behind to beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff, left the team last season after falling behind Atkins on the depth chart. "He felt he had some other obligations he had to take care of," said A&M coach Anthony Jones, who is starting over in terms of finding someone to execute the Bulldogs' offense.

CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE BY CLICKING ON THE BLOG TITLE.

32 Sign Letters of Intent to Become AAMU Bulldogs

Alabama A&M head football coach Anthony Jones announced today that 32 future student-athletes have signed an NCAA National Letter of Intent to play football at Alabama A&M University. Jones said he expected this to be one of his most talented and deep pool of recruits since he came to Alabama A&M six years ago. In 2006, Jones and his staff signed 30 players, which was the largest class until today's signing group.

"My staff did a great job of keeping focus on our needs for the upcoming season. We wanted to stress both the offensive and defensive lines, and we did that."

Of the 32 signees, 14 are listed as linemen on either side of the ball. Those numbers split to eight offensive linemen and six defensive. Jones said another key focus for his staff was on the linebacker corps. The Bulldogs signed three linebackers to this year's recruiting class.

As for skill position players, the 2008 class includes two quarterbacks, five running backs, four wide receivers, and one tight end. The class is rounded out with three defensive backs.

Jones added that the 2008 squad will continue to develop throughout spring drills, which begin Friday, February 22.

Here is a look at the 2008 Alabama A&M football recruiting class (a special thanks to Reggie Benson of the Huntsville Times for biographical information).

Terrell Badie • RB, 5-7, 200, Palm Beach, FL/Santaluces HS Was a four-year starter. ... Was the second-leading rusher in Palm Beach County this season with 1,013 yards and 10 TD. ... Was named All-Conference and was an honorable mention All-Area selection. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Citadel.

Antonio Barrett • DB, 6-0, 200, Jonesboro, GA/Mt. Zion HS Was a three-year starter. ... Had 119 tackles this season, including 71 solos, two sacks, three INT and returned one for a TD. ... Also was a two-year starter at FB. ... Was named All-Southern Crescent, All-Clay County and honorable mention All-Atlanta-Journal Constitution. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Georgia Southern, Southern, Tennessee State, Alabama State and Mississippi Valley State.

Jared Bing • OL, 6-3, 240, Augusta, GA/Cross Creek HS

Jamari Brady • QB, 5-11, 160, Mobile, AL/Murphy HS Rushed for 702 yards on 102 carries and 5 TD as a senior. ... Threw for 1008 yards and 5 TD before season-ending injury in game six of his senior season.

Darius Brown • OL, 6-2, 290, Stockbridge, GA/Stockbridge HS Was a two-year starter. ... Was named second-team All-Area. ... Was recruited by Tennessee Tech, Winston-Salem State, North Carolina Central, Tuskegee, West Georgia and Savannah State. ... Has qualified academically.

Markeith Cliatt • LB, 5-11, 225, Phenix City, AL/Central HS Was a two-year starter. ... Had 104 tackles this season, including 61 solos. ... Was named to the All-Region team. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Alabama State, Tuskegee and Missouri Southern.

Rashad Daniels • WR, 6-2, 180, Carrollton, GA/Carrollton HS Was a three-year starter. ... Played WR, SS and CB during his career. ... Earned All-Area honors this season after recording 800 yards in receptions and 10 touchdowns. ... Led Carrollton to an 11-2 record this season and a 44-6 record during his career. ... Helped Carrollton win the 6AAA championship three times.

Mark Dunn • TE, 6-3, 230, Huntsville, AL/Russellville HS

Willie Fuller • LB, 5-11, 205, Lithonia, GA/Lithonia HS Was a four-year starter .... Led the DeKalb County with 164 tackles and played in the All-Star game this season. ... Was an All-Region and All-County selection this season. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Old Dominion, Tennessee State and Alabama State.

Roberto Gonzales • OL, 6-8, 325, Manchester, TN/Coffee County HS Was a three-year starter. ... Led team to a 7-3 record and a berth in the state playoffs this season. ... Consistently graded out in the high 90s. ... Was an All-Region and All-State selection. ... Was rated one of the top 12 players in the state by The Tennessean. ... Was recruited by Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia, Mississippi and Mississippi State.

Lewis Graham • LB, 6-0, 220, Ozark, AL/Carroll HS Was a four-year starter. ... Finished the season with 101 tackles and four sacks. ... Was named All-Area and was a Super 12 honorable mention. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Alabama State, Florida A&M and Stillman.

Richard Jean-Louis • OL, 6-3, 245, Nashville, TN/Pearl Kohn HS Started both ways as a senior. ... Led team to an 11-3 record and to the semifinals of the Class 3A state playoffs. ... Was an All-Region and All-City selection. ... On defense, recorded 60 tackles with five sacks. ... On offense, graded out in the high 80s. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Jackson State, Howard and Charleston Southern.

Trent Johnson • RB, 6-1, 200, Scottsboro, AL/Scottsboro HS Was a three-year starter. ... Only RB in school history to post three straight 1,000-yard seasons. ... Finished his career with 3,874 yards rushing and 42 touchdowns. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Jacksonville State, Harding and West Alabama.

Jamaal Johnson-Webb • OL, 6-6, 310, Atlanta, GA/Mundy's Mill HS

Kaderius Lacey • RB, 6-0, 220, Calera, AL/Calera HS Was a two-year starter. ... ran for 1,400 yards as a sophomore. ... Was the team's leading receiver as a junior and caught 14 touchdowns as a senior. ... Can also played LB. ... Considered one of the top three players in Shelby County. ... Helped team to a 12-2 record and the Class 3A semifinals where it lost to eventual state champion Cordova. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Southern Miss and Arkansas State.

Kyle Lacy • QB, 5-11, 170, Atlanta, GA/Lovejoy HS

Regis Laister • DE, 6-4, 200, Maplesville, AL/Maplesville HS Was a three-year starter. ... Also played some TE and OL. ... Led Red Devils to a 12-1 record and to the Class 1A semifinals before losing to eventual champion Sweet Water. ... Finished the season with 85 tackles, nine sacks and five tackles for loss. ... Recorded 212 career tackles to go along with 20 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, caused seven fumbles and recovered four. ... Was recruited by Southern Miss, Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Tennesse Tech, Stillman and Huntingdon.

Parker Marino • DE, 6-2, 245, Mobile, AL/Mary G. Montgomery HS Only started one year and is considered a late bloomer. ... Was recruited by Southern Miss and Memphis. ... Qualified late academically.

Akeem Moore • OL, 6-4, 305, Selma, AL/Southside HS

Clarence Morris • DB, 5-8, 160, Prattville, AL/Prattville HS Played a key role in helping Prattville win back-to-back Class 6A state championships. ... Finished the season with 26 tackles and a fumble recovery. ... Limited Foley High and Alabama commitment Julio Jones to --- catches as Prattville eliminated Foley from the playoffs. .... Was named to the All-Autauga County first team. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Illinois State, Alabama State and Furman.

Preston Nelson • DL, 6-4, 275, Bessemer, AL/McAdory HS Only started one season. ... Led team to a region title and a 10-1 record. ... Was recruited by Ole Miss.

Devron Ownsby • FB, 5-11, 205, Carrollton, GA/Carrollton HS Was a two-year starter at FB/DE. ... Rushed for 737 yards this season, averaging almost six yards per carry. ... Led Carrollton to an 11-2 this season and a 44-6 mark during his career. ... Was named All-Area by the Times-Georgian. ... Helped Carrollton win 6AAA championship three times. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Tuskegee, West Alabama, Stillman and Shorter.

Mike Partridge • OL, 6-1, 270, Riverdale, GA/North Clayton HS Named the team's Outstanding Offensive Lineman as a senior despite only starting one season. ... Consistently graded out in the high 80s. ... Played as a freshman before leaving the team for two seasons before returning as a senior. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Tuskegee, Albany State and Savannah State.

Jordan Peppers • DE, 6-3, 235, Dallas, TX/Labelle HS Was a first-team All-District selection each of the last two seasons. ... Averaged eight sacks per year during his career. ... Has been timed 4.8 in the 40-yard dash and has a 3.0 grade point average. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Rice University, Brigham Young, Texas Tech, Utah State and Buffalo.

Rico Porch • DB, 5-11, 180, Phenix City, AL/Central HS Was a three-year starter. ... Finished the season with 57 tackles, including 36 solos and eight INT. ... Holds career record with 16 INT. ... Named first-team All-Bi City. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Memphis State, Missouri Southern, Alabama State and Tuskegee.

Christopher Smith • OL, 6-5, 335, Gadsden, AL/Gadsden City HS

LaBrodrick Smith • FB, 5-9, 235, Odenville, AL/St. Claire HS

Torey Smith • WR, 5-11, 170, Birmingham, AL/Midfield HS Was a three-year starter. ... Caught 78 passes for 1,248 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. ... Also returned punts and kickoffs. ... Earned All-County and was an honorable mention All-Metro selection. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Samford, Miles and Stillman College.

Tim Tillman • DL, 6-1, 300, Augusta, GA/Evans HS Was a three-year starter. ... Led team to a 9-3 record and a berth in the state quarterfinals. ... Earned All-County and All-Region honors. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Valdosta State, West Georgia and Savannah State.

Randy Underwood • WR, 6-4, 210, Jasper, AL/Walker HS

Gerald Williams • DL, 6-2, 315, Pelham, AL/Pelham HS Finished his senior season with 43 tackles and five sacks.

Eric Young • WR, 6-3, 210, Miami, FL/Florida Christian HS

UAPB vs. AAMU: Father, son on opposite sidelines

By REGGIE BENSON, Huntsville Times

A&M tackle's father coaches for Ark.-Pine Bluff

Alabama A&M and Arkansas-Pine Bluff will get together Thursday night at Louis Crews Stadium in a rematch of last year's Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game.

The game will also feature another rematch of smaller proportions.

A&M defensive tackle Justin Harper will be opposing his father, UAPB defensive line coach Gary Harper, when the two teams collide. Kickoff is 6:30 and the game will be televised live on ESPNU.

Gary Harper took bragging rights last year during the regular season as UAPB turned back A&M 23-21, but Justin Harper got the last laugh as the Bulldogs won the SWAC championship with a 22-13 win last December.

"I was so mad I didn't want to talk to anybody," said Justin Harper, recalling the loss last season. "My family was there and my dad wanted to take pictures, but I didn't feel like taking pictures with him."

Six weeks later, Justin Harper couldn't stop smiling.

"When we won, I took a picture with him," he said. "I know, since he couldn't win (the SWAC championship), he was happy that I won it."

Win or lose, Gary Harper was just thrilled to see his son.

"It was a good experience," said Gary Harper, who has coached at Tuskegee, Morris Brown, Savannah State and UAPB. "It gave me an opportunity to watch Justin on film and play in person. It was great because I seldom get to an opportunity to see him play. He played well. I enjoyed that."

Gary Harper plans to enjoy himself Thursday night. This time, however, he hopes to be celebrating.

"Knowing that Justin is on the other side, I want him to do well, but I want us to win," he said.

Gary and Lori Harper, Justin's mother, got divorced when he was 6 years old. As a result, Justin and Gary Harper have lived apart for most of their lives.

Even so, Justin Harper heavily considered playing college football at Savannah State four years ago. His father was an assistant coach there at the time.

However, A&M, Alcorn State and Nichols State also recruited Harper. In the end, he chose A&M.

"I came up here and had a good time on my visit," said Harper, a 6-foot-2, 252-pound redshirt junior. "I saw the highlight tape and A&M's defense was one of the dominant defenses in the nation and they were winning. I wanted to be a part of that."

Unfortunately, Harper had to call his father and give him the news.

"Initially, he sounded kind of sad ... a little hurt," he said. "But, he was proud I was going to a good school."

A&M offensive coordinator Cedric Pearl, who handles the Bulldogs' offensive line, and Gary Harper coached together at Morris Brown. Harper turned Pearl on to his son.

"Coach Pearl was fired up about Justin and he fell in love with Huntsville," Gary Harper said. "It was disappointing at first, but he needed to be happy where he went. He wanted to win a championship and he did that. A&M has been good for him and he's been good for A&M."

Despite being separated, father and son are close.

"I spent Christmas break, spring breaks and summers with him growing up," Justin said. "We haven't been living together, but we are close. We talk once or twice a week. We talk about football, school and other things."

In fact, they talked some Tuesday.

"He didn't want to talk too much," Gary Harper said. "Hopefully, I'll get to see him and get a chance to talk to him before the game."

Justin Harper has come on the last few weeks.

He broke his left thumb during preseason practice and had to undergo surgery. Initially, he was told he would miss the first four games of the season, but he only missed the season opener against Tennessee State. He moved into the starting lineup against Texas Southern and has been a force to be reckoned with ever since.

"I have a lot of admiration for that kid," A&M coach Anthony Jones said. "He could have stayed out a few more weeks, but he wanted to play. He worked with our trainers to get back and since he's been back he's been our best defensive lineman."

Justin Harper has put a little extra into Thursday night's game. He wants to show out in front of his father.

"I want to have the bragging rights again," he said. "I've been watching a little more film and paying attention a little more to the scouting report ... the small details so I can get better."

Gary Harper couldn't be more proud.

"I'm excited about seeing him," he said. "I haven't seen him since Christmas with me being in Arkansas and him being in school all the time. It's tough, but it's a good thing. He's grown up and he'll be graduating soon.

"As a parent, I'm really proud of him for coming back so soon (from injury). He's just a chip off the old block. He has good work habits and doesn't want to sit out and be lazy. He's got a few more goals he wants to conquer and I'm sure he'll reach them."

Alabama A&M notebook

Huntsville Times

Tucker challenges defensive teammates

Defensive back Stephan Tucker lashed out at his teammates Tuesday in an attempt to get them fired up to play Southern.

The Bulldogs, who have struggled defensively in their last two games, will be severely tested by the Jaguars' high-octane offense Saturday in Baton Rouge, La.

After giving up just more than 156 yards passing through its first three games, A&M has given up almost 600 yards through the air in its last two games, including 352 in Saturday's 48-24 win over Texas Southern.

"We've got to step it up and stop giving up so many yards," Tucker said. "Guys need to get it in their heads that we need to play up to a certain level. They need to step it up and bring it to the field.

"We've got a real talented defense. We've just got to put it all together and play as a team."

This would be a good week to do it.

Southern is averaging 26 points and almost 410 yards in total offense. The Jaguars are averaging 232.2 yards passing and 176.2 yards rushing.

A&M is second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in rushing defense (106.4), fifth in total defense (317.6), sixth in scoring defense (20.4) and ninth in pass defense (211.2).

Banks concerns Richardson: Southern coach Pete Richardson remembers Alabama A&M's Ulysses Banks. It was Banks who took the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown in last year's game as the Bulldogs downed the Jaguars 28-21 at Louis Crews Stadium.

AAMU band member shows his leaping capabilities during half-time show.

While Banks hasn't returned any kickoffs for touchdowns for this season, he has been one of the catalysts in A&M's high-powered offense at running back.

He has 491 yards rushing and four touchdowns and is averaging a league-high 7.4 yards per carry. Banks also has eight catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

"He's a versatile kid," Richardson said. "He's making a lot of big plays for them. ... They're going to put him in position where he's going to get his hands on it and hopefully he can do something with it."

Huge crowd expected: Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones estimated 40,000 people would be on hand for Saturday's game against Southern. He said the Bulldogs have to find a way to keep the spectators from being a factor.

"The best way to keep the crowd of out it is to not give them a lot to cheer about," Jones said. "That's what we'll try to do. We need to keep this game competitive."

Furthermore: WR Nate Baxter, who suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter against Mississippi Valley State and never returned, is expected to miss his third straight game against Southern. Trainer John Gaines said he is hopeful with the Bulldogs being idle next week, Baxter can return for the Arkansas-Pine Bluff game on Oct. 18. ... Southern RB Kendrick Smith, who missed Saturday's game against Alabama State with a strained Achilles tendon, is listed as doubtful for the A&M, Richardson said. ... The Jaguars have won six straight games dating back to last season. It is their longest winning streak since winning seven in a row in 2003. ... SU QB Bryant Lee is 6-1 as a starter. ... Southern leads the series 5-4, but A&M has won the last two meetings.

Reggie Benson

Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon and White Band

Mattix finds home at A&M

By REGGIE BENSON, Huntsville Times

Unrecruited at winless Lee last year, freshman kicks well for Bulldogs

Literally, Grant Mattix had no place to go. Nobody wanted him, despite his kicking prowess, after the Lee High Generals failed to win a game last year.

"I didn't have that many options," said Mattix, who went to kicking camps at Auburn and North Alabama but drew little attention. "Nobody came to watch us play because we were so bad."

While the Generals may have been bad, Mattix was pretty good.

He became a starter for the Generals midway through his sophomore year and earned All-City and All-Region honors as a junior. While Mattix's senior year didn't go as planned, he was determined to play college football.

Fortunately for Mattix and Alabama A&M, Bulldogs coach Anthony Jones gave him an opportunity.

"My money situation wasn't the best, but I could afford to go A&M," said Mattix, a 5-foot-9, 139-pound freshman. "I wanted to play football so I came and talked to Coach Jones.

"I just wanted to play and this was close to home. I didn't care if I started or not. I just wanted to play."

Mattix has played. In fact, he's played in all three of A&M's games this season.

Mattix and Rashan Cylar split the kickoff duties in the Bulldogs' first two games against Tennessee State and Clark Atlanta. However, Mattix had the kickoff duties all to himself and was superb on Saturday night against Mississippi Valley in A&M's Southwestern Athletic Conference opener.

He was so good that he was named A&M's special teams player of the week after helping the Bulldogs hold Mississippi Valley State kick returner Clarence Cotton in check.

"That was a big thrill," Mattix said.

Cotton entered the game leading the league in kickoff returns (23.4) and was second in punt returns (14.4) and all-purpose yards (163). He managed only 58 yards on the night, including only 11 yards on three kickoff returns.

"They wanted me to squib kick down the sideline as deep as I could get it and the coverage teams did a great job," said Mattix, refusing to take much of the credit. "I just went out there and did what the coaches asked me to do."

Mattix will likely be called on again Saturday night when No. 23 A&M visits Grambling in an important SWAC battle. Kickoff is 6 and the game will televised on a delayed basis on ESPNU at 9.

The Tigers have two dangerous kickoff returners in Kiare Thompson and Kovarus Hills. Thompson is averaging 23.3 yards per return, while Hills is averaging 25.5 yards.

Mattix's rise in football was slow in coming.

He had been a soccer and baseball player before trying out for the football team. Initially, Mattix was a wide receiver but was quickly moved to kicker.

"We realized he had a pretty good leg," said Richard Wilson, who serves as Lee's kicking coach. "We were trying to find a kicker and he really fit the role and did a great job.

"He's got such a great work ethic and he has a terrific attitude. He's up early and stays late and wants to get better. The best thing about him is he's such a good kid."

Jones agreed.

"Grant stayed here this summer and worked extremely hard," he said. "He has not created any problems and has turned out to be a good football player."

Wilson is tickled to death.

"I am so proud of him," he said. "He had gone to UNA and down to Auburn and he realized he wasn't ready for that level. He needed an opportunity and Coach Jones gave him one and it has worked out."

AAMU Bulldogs not running away from a problem

By REGGIE BENSON, Huntsville Times

A&M is 3-0 and ranked but stopping the run is a concern

Alabama A&M always has prided itself on stopping opposing teams from running the football. In 2000, the Bulldogs led the nation in rushing defense, allowing a paltry 30 yards per game, and they have led the Southwestern Athletic Conference in that category over the last several years in addition to being ranked nationally.

This season, however, defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns figured A&M would have some problems stopping the run. After all, the Bulldogs lost All-SWAC defensive tackle Kevin Lockhart, a four-year starter. Justin Harper, a starter last season, had surgery during preseason practice on his left thumb and hasn't returned to form yet.

Even so, Towns didn't expect the Bulldogs (3-0 overall, 1-0 SWAC, ranked 23rd by Sports Network FCS poll, 25th in the coaches poll) to have as many problems as they have had through the first three games.

Tennessee State, led by Javarris Williams' 123 yards on 20 carries, rushed for 206 yards against A&M, while Mississippi Valley State, led by Ronald Brewer's 146 yards on 21 carries, finished with 161 yards on the ground.

Through three games, A&M is allowing 121.7 yards rushing per game and has allowed two backs to top the 100-yard mark. Last season, the Bulldogs allowed 113.8 yards per game and allowed only four 100-yard rushers.

What's the problem? Here is Towns' assessment:

"We've got some young linemen in there that really don't understand our gap control principles," said Towns, whose unit includes previously seldom-used juniors Whitney Garrett and David Winston, sophomore Renaldo Askew and freshman Frank Kearse.

"Their job is to stay in their gaps with their outside arm free and make some plays. That didn't happen much against Tennessee State or Mississippi Valley and if we're going to be the kind of defensive football team we want to be, we've got to get that corrected."

As a result, when the Bulldogs begin preparations this afternoon for Saturday's SWAC showdown with Grambling, those fundamentals will be a major part of practice.

Grambling running back Frank Warren had more than 130 yards rushing in the season opener against Alcorn State. If A&M is to come away with a win, Towns and company will have to slow Warren down.

"We're going to work on that a lot this week to make sure we stay in our gaps," Towns said. "I was surprised Mississippi Valley State was able to run the ball on us like that. Our strong safeties and will linebackers missed some tackles that enabled them to get some more yards.

"We did a bad job of tackling and a few times we were lined up wrong. In fact, we were lined up wrong right before halftime and that allowed them to score."

While Towns appeared to be concerned with A&M's inability to stop the run in two of its first three games, coach Anthony Jones wasn't as stressed.

"People are opting to run the ball against us because when we get them in passing situations because we can get after the quarterback," Jones said.

"They're trying to run the ball to slow down our pass rush. Nobody has been able to beat us just running the football, so I'm really not concerned with where we are in terms of rushing defense because it's misleading."

Alabama A&M notebook

Huntsville Times

Martin likely to sit out again this week

Alabama A&M will likely be without running back Max Martin for the third straight week and possibly longer, coach Anthony Jones said Tuesday afternoon.

Martin, who played at Bob Jones High School and transferred to A&M from Alabama inJanuary, has been unable to play this season pending some issues with the NCAA and it doesn't appear he will play anytime soon.

"I got a phone call today saying the NCAA needed more information," Jones said. "What? I don't know. That's all I know."

Jones had hoped Martin would be available for Saturday's Southwestern Athletic Conference opener against Mississippi Valley State. But it doesn't appear he will be.

"Is he eligible? No," Jones said. "Am I frustrated about it? Yes, but there's nothing I can do about it."

Jones said when A&M officials find out what information the NCAA wants, they will try to get it to them as quickly as possible.

"I'm waiting for the NCAA to get back to our people," he said. "Once that happens, we'll try to get it done and wait for the NCAA to give us its ruling."

Jones said he was given no time frame as to when the NCAA would rule on Martin's status.

Jones praises Pearl:Jones heaped heavy praise on offensive coordinator Cedric Pearl on Monday.

Pearl, who was given the job during the spring after Stanley Conner left to become the head coach at Benedict College, has A&M's offense playing as well as it ever has during Jones' tenure.

Through two games, the Bulldogs are averaging 45 points and 529 yards per game.

"Coach Pearl is doing an excellent job," Jones said. "He's my eyes upstairs. Our communication is excellent. He understands the game plan and he's making some great suggestions and ideas."

Totten praises A&M: Mississippi Valley State coach Willie Totten said Monday that his team will be in for a heck of a battle Saturday night when it takes on Alabama A&M at Louis Crews Stadium. Totten says the Bulldogs are doing things he's never seen them do before.

"We're going against the best team in our conference in the Eastern Division," Totten said. "They are doing a lot of exciting things offensively and they're always good on defense. This is the best I've seen A&M look this early.

"They have a lot of speed on defense and they're more balanced offensively. They're throwing the ball extremely well and they run the ball extremely well. We've got to be polished this week."

Reggie Benson

Banks rushes for an Alabama A&M-record 211 yards in victory

By REGGIE BENSON, Huntsville Times

Banks rushes for an A&M-record 211 yards in victory.

There was some concern about Alabama A&M's running game entering the season. After all, the Bulldogs had lost Nic Luke and Ta'mar Scott, who had combined for more than 3,500 yards the last three years, and didn't have a tailback on their roster that had carried the ball from scrimmage.

That concern grew even more after the Bulldogs managed just 147 yards last week against Tennessee State. In fact, many of those yards came late after the game had long been decided.

Saturday night, A&M fans began to put those concerns to rest after Ulysses Banks, in only his second career start, put together a game for the ages.

Banks, a 5-foot-8, 172-pound redshirt sophomore from Birmingham, set a school record with 211 yards on just 19 carries and scored two touchdowns and A&M finished with 608 yards in total offense in a 41-10 shellacking of Clark Atlanta in its home opener at Louis Crews Stadium.

Banks, who averaged a whopping 11.1 yards per carry, broke the record of Jeremiah Bonds, who had 197 yards rushing against Mississippi Valley State on Sept. 20, 2003.

"It hasn't sunk in yet," Banks said when asked about his record-breaking performance. "The offensive line blocked excellent tonight. They opened up the holes, I saw them and I tried to hit them hard. It was good blocking, good vision and good running."

A&M's offense overpowered Clark Atlanta's defense.

The Bulldogs rushed for 307 yards and threw for 301. It is the second time in Football Championship Subdivision play that an A&M offense has surpassed 600 yards in total offense. The Bulldogs had 650 yards in a 52-6 win over Jackson State in 2005.

"We came out clicking," said A&M quarterback Kelcy Luke, after compiling his first career 300-yard passing game, going 21-of-32 for 301 yards and four touchdowns. "Everybody was on the same page. We knew what we wanted to do and we executed the game plan."

It is the first time in school history A&M has opened the season with back-to-back 40-point plus games.

The offense is vastly different from the ball-control units seen from Anthony Jones' teams the past five years.

"We've got some speed out there now," Jones said. "We had some guys on the shelf last year because we decided to go with experience. We rode that experience to a championship.

"Now, we're trying to do the same thing with speed. We've got some young guys who are making big plays for us."

Banks is one of them.

He led the nation in kickoff returns last season and if he can have a few more games like he had Saturday night, he could lead the nation in rushing.

"He did a great job of running the football," Jones said. "He made some great reads and some great cuts. I'm happy for Banks because he worked extremely hard to put himself in the position he's in now."

The win lifted A&M to 2-0 for the only second time since 1966, when the Bulldogs finished 8-1.

A&M wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard.

The Bulldogs went 73 yards in just five plays to take the lead as Banks scored on a 3-yard run barely two minutes into the game.

After Clark Atlanta tied the game, the Bulldogs scored a pair of touchdowns within a four-minute span to take control.

Banks scored on a 4-yard run and Luke found Rashad Johnson with a 65-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-7 at the end of the first quarter.

"We wanted to break their will," Jones said.

Johnson, who had a 20-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter, finished with three catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. He was one of nine players to catch passes. Thomas Harris finished with a team-high six catches for 92 yards, while tight end Charles Moody had five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.

"We've got some good receivers outside and we're going to take advantage of them," Luke said.

The Panthers pulled within 21-10 after Henry Boynton kicked a 39-yard field goal to open the third quarter, but Luke found Nate Baxter with a 15-yard touchdown pass to complete a seven-play, 76-yard drive with nine minutes remaining and Johnson's second touchdown iced the game.

"We've got the right kids with us and they're believing in what we're saying," Jones said.