Alcorn looks for improvement in run game

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State head football coach Earnest Collins liked what he saw from running back Arnold Walker in last year’s Capital City Classic. But he’ll like it even better if Walker can have that kind of production over the entire 2010 season. Walker, then a true freshman, rushed for a career-high 120 yards in Alcorn’s 14-7 win over Jackson State and was the game’s offensive MVP.

“Arnold got a little taste last year in the Jackson State game of his role and what it has to be for us,” Collins said. “Basically in the second half we just handed the ball to him, and he was a workhorse for us in that game. We’re looking for him to do more of what he did in that game.”

Walker and fellow sophomore Gabriel Nash each bring something different to the table when they get the ball, Collins said.

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Fall camp gets under way for Alcorn State

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State head coach Earnest Collins noticed a big difference on the Braves first day of fall practice Thursday — more players. And Collins said that should have a big impact on the kind of season the Braves will have in 2010. “Last year we came into camp with 70 some odd players, which is not enough,” Collins said. “Now we’re about to capacity, and I feel a lot better about it.”

As the Braves began fall practice to prepare for their Sept. 4 season-opener against Langston, Collins said the added depth means every player will have to fight for his position. “Now the players know there is depth behind them,” Collins said. “There is somebody pushing them, and they won’t be playing by default. Last year we had some players who had to play by default because there was nobody behind them. That’s not the case this year at any position we have.”

In addition to the added depth, Collins said he was pleased with the physical condition of his players, and could tell they have been working hard over the summer to stay in shape.

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