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.

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Alabama State Hornets sweep Alabama A&M Bulldogs

Photo: Alabama A&M University's 6-11/205 senior forward, Mickell Gladness had 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 block shots, but it was not enough for a Bulldog win over rival Alabama State in front of a home crowd of 5,291 at Elmore Gym.

HUNTSVILLE -- Different venue, same result. Behind 26 points from Andrew Hayles, Alabama State jumped out to a big first-half lead over rival Alabama A&M and didn't allow the Bulldogs within striking distance the rest of the way.

The Hornets swept the regular season series with an 85-70 win.

"Against A&M, you know we're going to be ready to play and come out strong," Hayles said. "That's how it was tonight. We were just focused and playing as a team from the start. Everybody played together and followed the game plan."

And so are the Hornets (14-8, 10-2).

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ASU Hornets take heed of Alabama A&M's improvement

Photo: The Hornets travel to Huntsville, AL today for the rematch with the Bulldogs.

A month back, Alabama State made a mockery of its rivalry game against Alabama A&M. The Hornets jumped out to a big lead, sent most of the crowd home by halftime and coasted to an 18-point victory.

That win has made things a little tough on ASU head coach Lewis Jackson this past week. The biggest challenge is that the Bulldogs of today are not the Bulldogs of four weeks ago and Jackson is doing all he can to make sure his players realize that.

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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

Scottsboro RB excited about Alabama A&M

Johnson one of 34 players committed to Bulldogs.

The thought first crossed Trent Johnson's mind three years ago. After rushing for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore at Scottsboro High, Johnson began to think he might earn a football scholarship. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder ran around, through and away from tacklers with the Wildcats, finishing with 42 TDs and more than 3,800 yards rushing. Johnson averaged almost 117 yards per game during his final three seasons.

Johnson's dream of going to college will come true today when he is expected to sign a national letter of intent to play at Alabama A&M University. "I'm really excited," said Johnson, who is expected to sign during a ceremony at 9 a.m. at the school. "I had a great time on my visit. The players and coaches really bonded well. It was like a family environment. I figured I'd fit in good."

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AA&MU starting to find groove at expense of Texas Southern

Photo: AAMU Student Dawg Pound Section ready to cheer on the Bulldogs.

Bulldogs beat Texas Southern 73-65 for third straight win.

Alabama A&M, which has struggled at home in Southwestern Athletic Conference play this season, was having its way against Texas Southern on Monday night. The Bulldogs, who led by 11 at intermission, opened the second half with an 8-2 run to take their largest lead of the game. However, like it has in so many games this season, A&M let an opponent back in the game. Matthew Miller's 3-pointer with just over five minutes left to play pulled Texas Southern within two.

6-11/205 senior forward Mickell Gladness, who scored in double figures for the sixth game in a row, finishing with 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks.

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Southern rebounds to victory over Alabama A&M

The boxscore on Southern University’s latest win, a 65-49 triumph over Alabama A&M, shows how a lot of players contributed Saturday night at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. That balance spills over to rebounding, with no Jaguar in particular dominant yet the team rallying to edge A&M in that department 36-35.

Guard Chris Davis had 18 points, while Joseph Jack added 13 points and five rebounds and forward Barry Honore 10 points and six rebounds for Southern (7-11, 5-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference). Guard Steffon Wiley also contributed nine points, five steals, five rebounds and four assists, and guard Geri Guillory had a season-best eight assists, six points and three steals.

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Alabama State rolls past rival Alabama A & M 73-55

Riding two straight wins, Alabama State head coach Lewis Jackson hoped for the same kind of performance as his Hornets closed a three-game home stand by hosting archrival Alabama A & M. After watching his team build a 41-18 first half lead by holding A & M to only 3 field goals and then coasting to a 73-55 win, Jackson got exactly what he wanted.

"Our guys really gave great effort," Jackson said. "The SWAC is a tough conference, and when you have home games you have to win them. We had three in a row at home and winning them all is a big plus for us."

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