JSU: Drops have no place in Air Raid

Jackson State's new Air Raid offense is all about passing the football. That includes catching it. At least four passes were dropped during Saturday's scrimmage. There were 27 pass attempts. That's a drop every six to seven passes.

"They're better than that," coach Rick Comegy said. "I see them in practice. We've got a great receiver corps." Saturday, though, wasn't their best day. True freshman E.J. Drewery had two drops; one would have been a Casey Therriault-to-Drewery touchdown. WR Anthony Mayes also had a drop, and so did TE Josh Tiller.

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Jackson State's has a few Offensive surprises

Swift Lee leaves defense in dust

As B.J. Lee raced down the sideline juking a few veteran Jackson State defensive backs, some of the 100 or so JSU fans watching Saturday's scrimmage let out more than a few ooohs and aaahs. But the best was yet to come.

A few plays after that 40-yard dash, Lee, a transfer from SMU, took a screen pass 60 yards for a score - outpacing most of the team's first string defenders....

Wilder thriving at wide receiver

Receiver Marcellos Wilder is right at home in Jackson State's new, Air Raid offense. Wilder spent the last two years at JSU playing more of a slot position. In new offensive coordinator Earnest Wilson's scheme, Wilder is back where he was during his years at Central High in Tuscaloosa.

"When I was in high school," Wilder said, "I played on the outside." For Wilder, it's sweet to be an outside wide receiver again. For JSU fans, it might be even sweeter.

Prized recruit leaves Tigers

Linebacker Taurice King, the prized signee from Jackson State's 2010 class, has abruptly left the team. And it seems that no one knows why, including his father, Daniel Haralson. "I don't know what the deal is. I don't know what's happened," Haralson said when reached on his cell phone Thursday evening. Questioned more, Haralson said: "He just doesn't like it. There are some things he won't talk to me about."

Summer work benefits CB Cox

Qua Cox spent his summer back home in Tuskegee, Ala., training for this football season. He had a special person to do it with, too.

"My brother," said Cox, Jackson State's redshirt freshman cornerback. Cox's brother is James Patrick, who played for three years on NFL practice squads and now is a starting safety for the Canadian Football League's Saskatchewan Roughriders. The two ran more hills and did more backpedaling than Cox can count.

Darkside Defense on full display

The bloody, one-inch gash in Neal Pogue's nose is a reminder that Jackson State's Darkside Defense is shaping into form. "I smashed a running back," the lineman said when asked about the fall practice battle wound. Sure, the offense might be getting the publicity lately - the new pass-happy Air Raid offensive scheme and fiery battle at quarterback are tough to ignore.

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JSU Darkside Defense on full display

The bloody, one-inch gash in Neal Pogue's nose is a reminder that Jackson State's Darkside Defense is shaping into form. "I smashed a running back," the lineman said when asked about the fall practice battle wound. Sure, the offense might be getting the publicity lately - the new pass-happy Air Raid offensive scheme and fiery battle at quarterback are tough to ignore.

But Pogue and the "D" have been there during the first dozen days of fall camp, too. They've been cracking shoulder pads and bashing helmets. Intercepting passes and sacking quarterbacks. On Tuesday, during an intense team-versus-team session of practice, the defense did its thing, especially Pogue and his vaunted defensive line.



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Jackson State Tigers try out Air Raid attack

The Air Raid offense has arrived at Jackson State. The team had an impromptu scrimmage Monday that featured several different formations and personnel, characteristics of the new pass-happy Air Raid scheme offensive coordinator Earnest Wilson is installing. The team aligned in 10 different formations during the 28-play scrimmage. Plays included sets out of the shotgun, the regular I-formation and two three-back formations.

Some plays had as many as four receivers, some had as few as one. There were two tight ends used, one tight end and none. There were up to three running backs or none at all. QB Dedric McDonald and transfer Casey Therriault continued their fight for the starting role. McDonald, who is still first in the rotation, passed for 59 yards, hitting 4 of 8 attempts (two drops). Therriault passed for 33 yards and completed 6 of 7 attempts. Also, six receivers caught a total of 10 passes from the top two QBs. "The offense is doing a real fine job," coach Rick Comegy said.

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JSU O-line taking shape under Black

There were times during Jackson State's fall camp last year when center Antonio Colston glanced to his left, then to his right and had to do a double take in both directions. t was always someone different. "We were always rotating," Colston said. "One day it might be this guy starting. The next day it might be another."That didn't help cohesiveness. It didn't help communication. It didn't help anything. Things have changed, though.

During the first week of this year's fall camp, a selected five offensive linemen have received most of the reps. New line coach Gregory Black said there are no starters named thus far. Asked about those five, he said that group could always change. But, for now, the crew includes left tackle Terrael Williams, left guard Darius Mitchell, Colston at center, right guard Chris Holmes and right tackle Roderick Gladney. Players say this group is beginning to act like one cohesive unit - something that's been missing on this squad for a couple of years.



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Burton-to-Wilder highlights JSU Tigers' first open practice

Within moments of the ball leaving Te'Shon Burton's hand, all 6 feet 3 inches and 195 pounds of Marcellos Wilder soared high above Jackson State's scorching practice field. A moment later, the junior receiver came tumbling down - the ball securely in hand.

The Burton-to-Wilder connection provided the highlight Monday during Jackson State's fourth fall practice, the first session open to the media. The Tuscaloosa native leaped over a defensive back during one-on-one drills and snatched a 40-yard pass from Burton. It was one of those YouTube grabs that had players cracking up for minutes, Wilder talking smack to defenders and Burton high-fiving teammates.

Players were not allowed to speak with the media following practice and won't be until Thursday, but their new faces - like Burton's - dotted Martin L. Epps Field during JSU's 2 1/2-hour morning workout. True freshman running back Tommy Gooden got a surprisingly high number of reps. B.J. Lee, the former Ridgeland running back who transferred to JSU this year from SMU, rotated with veteran Jewrad Smith at the position.

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Saturday spotlight shines on JSU special teams‎

JSU Coach Rick Comegy is looking to bounce back from a 3-8 season.

Jackson State began the process of fine-tuning its kicking game at the team's second fall practice Saturday, coach Rick Comegy said. "We got some good kicking stuff done, special teams work," Comegy said. "We emphasized trying to get our punt protection. Second and third (string) guys got work." The special teams' spotlight, though, shines on the two new kickers. Eric Perri and punter Brett Bennett, both All-SWAC members, are gone.

Jabril Smith, a sophomore and former Callaway player who redshirted last year, is likely to replace Perri. Smith handled kickoff duties for the Tigers as a true freshman in 2008, averaging 50 yards a boot. Transfer Reed Gallagher is set to replace Bennett. Gallagher punted at Coahoma Community College last year. "Both are kicking well," Comegy said. "I'm looking for both to have a good year."

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APR punishment leaves Tigers short on practice time

APR punishment leaves Tigers short on practice time

Jackson State football players will get a slight reprieve in practice time this fall, but that's not necessarily a good thing. Because of the program's low Academic Progress Rate, Jackson State will be restricted to 16 hours of practice a week - four fewer hours than the NCAA normally allows. Fall practice begins at 3 p.m. today, and putting together a plan to work within the 16-hour framework could be an issue for coach Rick Comegy and his staff - especially since the team is installing a new offense.

"We're going to get the best out of those 16 hours. We know what we want to get it in," Comegy said. "We don't like it, but it fits. We can make it fit." Along with practice time, JSU was penalized with a reduction in scholarships. The program was restricted to offering 23.7 scholarships during February's signing class. Football Championship Subdivision teams are allowed to offer 30 scholarships per signing class.

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JSU Tigers ready to make amends for 3-8 season‎

When he signed with the Jackson State football team in 2006, Antonio Colston had heard the stories about Tigers fans - how some go to games just for the halftime shows. "I knew that a lot of fans come strictly for the band," Colston, a senior offensive lineman from Mobile, said in an interview last week. "I never knew it was so strong until we started losing."

Marked by a season-ending loss to in-state rival Alcorn State and poor attendance figures, last year's 3-8 record came with something else: embarrassment for players. "It really hurt my heart," safety Kerry Hoskins said last week. "We were a better team than that."

Players were not allowed to talk to reporters Wednesday, the first day they reported for fall camp in preparation for the Sept. 4 season opener against Delta State. Ninety players reported to campus, said school spokesman Wesley Peterson. Coach Rick Comegy, who was also not available for interviews, spoke through the spokesman.

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Jackson State University Tigers Makin it Happen!

Jackson State's New-look 'O' starts slow, finishes fast

Coach Rick Comegy's new Air Raid offense did not disappoint, winning 44-18 going against the vaunted Dark Side defense, before about 7,500 JSU fans at the campus practice field.

The first half of Saturday's Blue and White game didn't look much different than recent Jackson State spring games. The defense flew around the field dominating the offense. Positive yardage was hard to come by as JSU quarterbacks threw three interceptions. And there was no "raid" in the new Air Raid offense. The second half, however, was encouraging for those who like to watch offense and were eager to see the new system under offensive coordinator Earnest Wilson.

The White offense rebounded from the ugly start to pull out a 44-18 win over the Blue defense at the JSU practice field."We started off slow and made some mistakes," quarterback Dedric McDonald said. "As the day went on we started to pick it up. "We just started getting in a groove." McDonald went 9-for-33 with 141 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The touchdown pass was a perfectly thrown 25-yard skinny post to Jarrell Young. The walk-on led all receivers with four catches for 78 yards.

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Absences giving coaches look at developing JSU Tigers

Jackson State has dealt with limited numbers this spring as the team goes through practices with many expected starters out due to injuries or grades. And you'd think that would be a concern for coaches like defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes, whose secondary has been without Anthony Johnson (toe), Jalil Johnson (academics), Qua Cox (academics) and Jeremy Keys (work obligations). The 15 NCAA-allowed drills are crucial to player development, but Hayes isn't stressed and sees an upside.

"I get the opportunity to see other guys play other positions that you wouldn't normally have them play," Hayes said. "Those (returnees) have played in game situations and they'll be here all summer. "It's those guys who haven't been in the thick of the battle - you don't know how they're going to react. Spring tells you if a guy's going to get gun-shy." There isn't much concern about Anthony Johnson, Jalil Johnson or Keys, who combined to play 25 games in 2009, but Cox saw action just once.

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JSU's Washington shows flashes of old form‎

Sam Washington sprang off the corner and bullied his way past an offensive tackle to sack quarterback Dedric McDonald in Jackson State's first scrimmage of the spring last Saturday. It was a familiar sight in 2007 and '08 when he recorded a combined 11 sacks. Everyone around the program was concerned when the defensive end was diagnosed with a pinched nerve in his back and had to miss all of 2009. Not only was the team losing a preseason All-SWAC selection, but it was the same injury Washington had in 2006.

Saturday's performance made the coaching staff breathe much easier. "He was able to beat any lineman he wanted to any time he felt like it," defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes said. "If there was any doubt before that, it was soon erased." Washington, a senior, has been cleared by doctors to fully participate in the spring sessions and coaches have allowed him to participate at his own discretion. He's not taking every snap, but his presence is apparent.

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Jackson State: McDonald on spot in Spring

Dedric McDonald spoke with an assuredness Saturday that just wasn't there last year. The Jackson State quarterback was concise but also expounded on his thoughts when needed. Interviews and a lot of other things weren't so smooth in 2009 for the then-redshirt freshman. But McDonald swears that's changing as Jackson State begins spring practices today.

JSU quarterback Dedrick McDonald fumbles the ball against Alcorn State last season.

A lot has to change for McDonald if he plans to hold onto his job as the No. 1 quarterback when JSU starts the season against Delta State on Sept. 4. The Tigers went 3-7 with a horrid offense that ranked No. 9 in the SWAC (13.9 points a game) and subpar contributions from the quarterback position. Tray Rutland and McDonald were constantly flip-flopped in and out of the lineup as coach Rick Comegy searched for a playmaker. Neither ever separated himself as the duo combined to throw twice as many interceptions (12) as touchdowns (6).

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Tigers, who zeroed in on 19, bring home 16

Being successful in 16 of 19 attempts in any realm is a pretty good percentage. If National Signing Day were a baseball game, Jackson State would be hitting .842. Let's just say the coaching staff will take that any day and twice on Sundays. Jackson State offered 19 scholarships Wednesday and received 16 signed national letters of intent. That doesn't include two players coach Rick Comegy hopes to sign in the next few days, and the 19 offers do not include SMU transfer B.J. Lee and Minnesota transfer Tim Dandridge, who are already enrolled. "I knew we didn't send out an over-abundance of scholarships," Comegy said. "I was hoping we didn't make a mistake by sending out so few, and it worked. The ones we went after we nailed down. "That process worked today ... so we didn't over-scholarship, but we didn't under-scholarship."

Jackson State football signs 16 to National Letters of Intent ...

JACKSON, Miss. - The Jackson State University football team has officially signed 16 football players to National Letters of Intnet Wednesday. Below is a complete list of the newest members of the JSU football program:

Offensive Guard Jonathan Smith (6-2, 290), Pensacola HS (FL): An undersized lineman that relies on quickness to get to linebackers... was a major factor in the offensive success that Pensacola had.

Linebacker Connor Thompson (6-1, 230) New Mexico Militay Inst (JUCO): Recorded 55 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and a sack as a sophomore in 2009 ... was second on the team with 44 tackles and three tackles for loss as a freshman in 2008.

Linebacker Carlos Williams (5-11, 235), American Heritage HS (FL), from Vicksburg, MS: Helped his Heritage team to a 9-3 record during his senior season.

Running Back Rakeem Sims (5-10, 225), Richton HS (MS): Named to the 2009 2009 WDAM/Hair World of Laurel All-Area Football Team as a fullback... has a 32 inch vertical jump... was also a basketball standout for Richton.

Linebacker Turice King (6-2, 230), Yazoo City HS (MS): Rated a three star recruit by Rivals.com, had a strong showing at the Mississippi -Alabama All-Star Classic where he led the Mississippi squad in tackles... rated as the nation No. 25 inside linebacker coming into his senior season... three star prospect by ESPN... he has the size and playing speed for the inside linebacker position at the major level of competition. He is an active, productive player vs. both the run and pass... recorded 111 tackles, three fumbles recovered and two sacks as a senior... finished his junior season with 111 tackles and seven sacks... can bench press 315-pounds, squat 500 and has a 32-inch vertical jump.

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JSU Tigers 2010 Football Signees
Offensive Guard Jonathan Smith (6-2, 290), Pensacola HS (FL)
Linebacker Connor Thompson (6-1, 230) New Mexico Militay Inst (JUCO)
Linebacker Carlos Williams (5-11, 235), American Heritage HS (FL), from Vicksburg, MS
Running Back Rakeem Sims (5-10, 225), Richton HS (MS)
Linebacker Turice King (6-2, 230), Yazoo City HS (MS)
Linebacker Ariane McCree (6-1, 220), Chester High School (SC)
Defensive End Kadeem Taylor (6-4, 270) Carroll HS (LA)
Quarterback Te'Shon Burton (6-3, 190) Leuzinger HS (CA
Tight End/Offensive Line Jordan Arthur (6-4, 260), Carroll HS (LA)
Quarterback Tevin Chapman (5-11, 180), Hattiesburg HS (MS)
Quarterback Torrey Harkness (5-11, 175) Los Angeles Southwest College (CA)
Quarterback Mark Thigpen (6-3, 200), Callaway HS (MS)
Wide Receiver Williams Golston (6-2, 185), Murphy HS (AL)
Tight End Renty Rollins (6-3, 245), Scottsdale CC
Running Back Tommy Gooden (5-11, 205) Douglas HS (GA)

Feeling of urgency grips Jackson State's Coach Comegy, staff

New recruiting class could be pivotal one for program

Rick Comegy sat at his desk Thursday afternoon surrounded by papers, binders, phone numbers and other files. The rest of his coaching staff sat in a meeting room just outside the door, phones nearby and video of players showing on a projector screen. It must be recruiting season. Comegy has cut off most contact with the outside world as he focuses on what could be the most important recruiting class of his four-year tenure at Jackson State.

An unexpected 3-6 record, 3-4 in the SWAC, in 2009 created a state of unrest around the program. Fans were irate with a scoring offense ranked No. 109 in the Football Championship Subdivision and it showed at the gate; JSU has had a lower home attendance just once since 1978. Offensive coordinator James Woody and offensive line coach Bruce Johnson were relieved of their duties.

Now, there's an unquestioned sense of urgency among the coaching staff to prove naysayers wrong. "I don't want people to misconceive what we do at Jackson State and the type of football that we have," Comegy said. "I think people look at that 3-4 record and think it's dead around there. "We're winners around here. I'm not used to losing. That's why I'm emphasizing so hard."

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Jackson State alters recruiting philosophy

For most football teams, a 7-5 record can be viewed as a good season. Darius Bolela didn't come to Jackson State for good seasons. Growing up in Jackson, Miss., Bolela is well versed in the tradition of JSU football. He understands the importance to Tiger fans and boosters of winning Southwestern Athletic Conference championships, especially after watching his hometown team win the 2007 league title.

That's why after seeing his team fall short of the SWAC title last year, he is entering his sophomore season on a mission. "I want to lead my team to victory and getting back to the championship,'' Bolela said. ''I came into this season saying, 'I'm from Jackson. I know how Jackson State ball is supposed to be...' I'm putting the team on my back this year."

Bolela isn't the only one looking to change things at JSU. Coach Rick Comegy took a different approach toward recruiting. Rather than going after a host of junior college transfers as he had in the past, and like most of his fellow coaches at historically black colleges do, Comegy decided to focus on recruiting freshmen. In doing so, Comegy hopes to build a solid foundation that will serve his program well in the years to come.

The combination of Darius Bolela (Smash), Luther Edwards (Crash) and Bloi-Dei Dorzan (Dash) are poised to make the Jackson State running game one of the best in the SWAC - no exceptions. Senior RB Dorzon, a 5-9/205 speed demon (#2 in photo) is from New Carrollton, (Prince George's County) Maryland.

JSU Tigers 2009 Schedule

09/05/09 at Mississippi State, Starkville, MS 2:30 p.m. CT, ESPN
Southern Heritage Classic:
09/12/09 vs.Tennessee State (Memphis, TN) 6:00 p.m. CT
W.C. Gorden Classic:
09/19/09 Grambling St. Jackson, MS 3:30 p.m. CT
10/03/09 at Southern Jackson, MS 6:00 p.m. CT
10/10/09 vs. Arkansas - Pine Bluff Jackson, MS 4:00 p.m. CT
10/17/09 vs. Texas Southern Jackson, MS 4:00 p.m. CT
10/24/09 at Mississippi Valley State Itta Bena, MS 1:00 p.m. CT
Homecoming:
11/07/09 vs. Alabama State Jackson, MS 4:00 p.m. CT
Magic City Classic:
11/14/09 at Alabama A&M Huntsville, AL 1:00 p.m. CT
11/21/09 vs. Alcorn State Jackson, MS 1:00 p.m. CT
12/12/09 vs. SWAC Championship Game Birmingham, AL 1:00 p.m. CT

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McDonald gives JSU Tigers motivated backup QB

In an ideal world, Jackson State coach Rick Comegy would carry five quarterbacks on the roster. He has just three this spring, and a lot of that has to do with Dedric McDonald. The JSU coaching staff was very selective during the recruiting process last year and just a few quarterbacks drew interest. None signed, but it wasn't the end of the world. "Dedric puts us, not in a comfort zone, but we know we've got a guy that can throw the home run, hit the soft pass and can run," Comegy said. "He does make up for saying, 'Well, we didn't get that guy.' "

McDonald redshirted his freshman year after graduating from Morton. He ran the scout team all year, going against one of the best defenses in the nation on a daily basis. At 6-foot-5, 200 pounds, McDonald stands tall in the pocket and seems to put a perfect spiral on every pass. His arm strength has never been questioned, but his touch has improved since last year and he's carrying himself much differently. "He does throw a very catchable ball, Dedric just seems so natural," receiver Keenan Tillman said. "The difference in Dedric, his first year he accepted that he was a redshirt. This year ... he's more into it. He wants to compete for that starting job.

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JSU football inks 28 on initial signing day

Comegy's Georgia talent raid bears recruiting fruit

The Jackson State coaching staff may have narrowed the geographical reach of its recruiting efforts this year, but it certainly didn't shrink its out-of-state success. Only seven of 28 signees were Mississippi natives, with seven coming from the Atlanta area of Georgia alone. "We went in there as teams and covered a lot of Georgia," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "Georgia had the gold mine this year. I think we got some of the best out of that state."

The Tigers sent four coaches to comb Georgia and walked away with, arguably, the two best players in the class from the same high school. Linebacker Milton Patterson (5-foot-11, 230 pounds) earned a three-star ranking from Rivals.com, two stars from Scout.com and received early attention from Mississippi State. Athlete Alfred Moreland (5-7, 180) was a three-star recruit according to Scout.com and originally committed to Ole Miss. The duo played at Banneker High School.

Coming out of Decatur, Ga., Richard Hughes (6-0, 185) is a physical safety who earned one star from Scout.com and second-team all-state honors."These are guys that have got big-time talent," said Yancy Porter, Mississippi scout for Scout.com. "Overall it's probably the top class, or one of the top classes, in the SWAC this year." Porter said both Moreland and Patterson possess SEC-type skill sets.

JSU 2009 Recruits

1. Alfred Moreland, ATH, Banneker HS (Atlanta, GA) 5-7, 180 pounds

2. Milton Patterson, LB, Banneker HS (Atlanta, GA), 5-11, 230 pounds

3. Akeem Williams, CB, SWMS CC (McComb, MS), 6-2, 190 pounds

4. Richar Hughes, FS, SW Dekalb HS (Decatur, GA), 6-0, 185 pounds

5. Todd Wilcher, ILB, Westlake HS (Atlanta, GA), 6-1, 220 pounds

6. Tobias Williams, ILB/RE, Stephenson HS (Lithonia, GA), 6-2, 245 pounds

7. DeAndre Davis, OT, ML King HS (Decatur, GA), 6-4, 300 pounds

8. Darius Mitchell, OG/C, Westlake HS (Atlanta, GA) 6-2, 320 pounds

9. Ameer Townes, OG, Converse-Judson HS (San Antonio, TX) 6-1, 300 pounds

10. Chris Holmes, DT, Grand Rapids CC, 6-3, 300 pounds

11. Jonathan Archie, DE, Starkville HS (Starkville, MS) 6-2, 230 pounds

12. Antowan Westry, OT, Montgomery HS (Seemes, AL) 6-2, 295 pounds

13. Antonio Brame, CB, Trinity HS (Eulies, TX) 6-1, 170 pounds

14. Jonathan Billups, DT, Picayune HS (Picayune, MS) 6-1, 305 pounds

15. Reginald Bailey, LB, Picayune HS (Picayune, MS) 6-3, 210 pounds

16. Rico Richardson, WR, Natchez HS (Natches, MS) 6-0, 185 pounds

17. Jerel Walker, C, Lackawanna CC, 6-2, 285 pounds

18. Aristacus Forster, OT, Verbum HS (Los Angeles, CA) 6-3, 305 pounds

19. Cardell Turner, WR, Reedley CC (Fresno, CA) 6-3, 190 pounds

20. Milton Thomas, DT, Auburn HS (Auburn, AL) 6-2, 295 pounds

21. Derrick Jean , C, Miami Central HS (Miami, FL) 6-3, 255 pounds

22. Jordan Miller, OT, Miami Central HS (Miami, FL) 6-2, 260 pounds

23. Quatavis Parks, ATH, Maplewood HS (Nashville, TN) 5-10, 185 pounds

24. Stephen Capler, C, Ridgeland HS (Ridgeland, MS) 6-2, 280 pounds

25. Nathan Simms, CB/ATH, Arkansas Baptist CC , 6-1, 190 pounds

26. Mike Hill,LB, Murrah HS, Jackson, MS, 6-0, 185 pounds.

Recruits Overview

* Cardell Turner, WR Reedley CC in California (Fresno CA) 6-3, 190 pounds - played one season of varsity football at Edison High School ... was a track star in high school ... originally signed with Fresno State coming out of high school ... played at Reedley CC and finished the 2008 season with 16 rec. for 233 yds and 4 TDs ... had a two TD, 160 receiving yard game against Sierra CC ... named to the California JUCO All-State 1st team and a JUCO All-American ... son of Diana Smith.

* Milton Thomas, DT Auburn HS (Auburn, AL) 6-2, 290 pounds - son of former New England Patriots All-Pro Ben Thomas ... Milton was an All-District performer at Auburn HS ... parents are Ben and Sharlyne Thomas.

* Steve Capler, C Ridgeland HS (Ridgeland, MS) 6-2, 280 pounds - state power lifting champions ... named to 1st team all-region, as well as a 2nd team All-Metro and 2nd team All-State performer .. rated a one-star center by Scout.com.

* Milton Patterson, LB Banneker HS (College Park, GA) 5-11, 230 pounds - rated a three-star performer at middle linebacker by Rivals.com ... as a senior recorded 122 tackles, 10 sacks and three interceptions ... totaled 120 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception in junior season... named 1st team All-Region and 2nd team All-State ... also played baseball and was a member of the wresting team ... son of Milton, Sr. and Tiffany Patterson.

* Quatavius Parks, ATH, Maplewood HS (Nashville, TN) 5-11, 180 pounds - named All-City and All-District ... was a finalist for the 2008 William E. Hume Award (for scholarship, sportsmanship, value to the team and individual performance).

* Derrick Jean, C Miami Central (Miami, FL) 6-3, 246 pounds - A two-star prospect according to Rivals.com ... all-state and all-district performer... played in the Dade/Broward all-star game.

* Jordan Miller, OT Miami Central (Miami, FL) 6-3, 260 pounds - All-District player ... played in the Dade/Broward All-Star game.

* Mike Hill,LB, Murrah HS (Jackson, MS) 6-0, 185 pounds. - 1st team All-District.

* Nate Simms, DB/ATH, Arkansas Baptist CC, Booker T. Washington HS (Tuskegee, AL) 6-1, 190 pounds - named MVP of the Texas JUCO League ... named to the President's List ... also played basketball and baseball in high school ... named team MVP in high school ... son of Gale Simms.

* Jonathan Billups, DT, Picayune HS (Picayune, MS) 6-1, 305 pounds - 1st team All-State selection ... played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game.

* Alfred Moreland, ATH, Banneker HS (Atlanta, GA) 5-7, 180 pounds - a small, but speedy running back ... in junior season rushed for 990 yards with eight rushing touchdowns and 200 receiving yards ... as a senior he was named to the 5-AAAA all-region 1st team by the Fayette Citizen after a season in which he totaled almost 1,900 all-purpose yards (1,213 rushing) and 15 touchdowns ... he was also a track standout for the Trojans ... he is Bannaker's all-time leading rusher ... parents are Alfred, Sr. and Angela Moreland.

* Akeem Williams, CB, SWMS CC (McComb, MS), 6-2, 190 pounds - played two season at Southwest Miss. CC ... had eight interceptions and 87 tackles.

* Richard Hughes, FS, SW Dekalb HS (Decatur, GA), 6-0, 185 pounds - named to 1st team All-Region, 2nd team All-State ... had four interceptions, 48 tackles and ten pass break-ups during his senior year ... also played basketball at SW Dekalb ... son of Richard Hughes, Sr. and Rachelle Savage.

* Todd Wilcher, ILB, Westlake HS (Atlanta, GA), 6-1, 220 pounds - named to the All-Region team, All-Dekalb County team... made the honor roll all four years of high school ... favorite recording group is Outkast ... parents are Todd, Sr., and Deena Wilcher ... father played football at Morris Brown in the early 1980's.

* Tobias Williams, ILB/RE, Stephenson HS (Lithonia, GA), 6-2, 245 pounds - named an All-Region, All-County (Dekalb) performer ... a four-year letterman at Stephenson ... as a senior recorded 95 tackles, five sacks, 22 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles ... in his best game recorded 12 tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss ... parents are Shelia and Lawrence Williams.

* DeAndre Davis, OT, ML King HS (Decatur, GA), 6-4, 300 pounds - named to the All-AAA Region team, All-Dekalb County and 2nd team All-State ... participated in the Dekalb County All-Star game ... son of Gerald and Stacie Davis.

* Darius Mitchell, OG/C, Westlake HS (Atlanta, GA) 6-2, 320 pounds - named to the All-Region and All-County teams.

* Ameer Townes, OG, Converse-Judson HS (San Antonio, TX) 6-1, 300 pounds - named a 1st team 5A All-State selection as senior ... earned all-district honors as a junior ... was named a top-50 prospect by Texas Prep Insider.com ... Nickname is Rashad ... was also a member of the Converse-Judson track and field team (shot put) ... Favorite recording artist is Lil Wayne ... parents are KC and Lorraine Townes.

* Chris Holmes, DT, Grand Rapids CC, Maryville HS (Maryville, Ohio) 6-3, 300 pounds - played in the JUCO All-American ... ranked No. 10 among defensive tackles in JUCO ... son of Yolanda ... raised by aunt and uncle Richard and Angie Leach.

* Jonathan Archie, DE, Starkville HS (Starkville, MS) 6-2, 230 pounds - received and All-District honorable mention ... finished senior season with seven sacks, 70 tackles, a forced fumble and fumble recovery ... parents are Barbara and Daniel Kinder.

* Antowan Westry, OT, Montgomery HS (Seemes, AL) 6-2, 295 pounds - named 1st team All-State ... played in the Alabama -Missisisppi All-Star game ...

* Antonio Brame, CB, Trinity HS (Euless, TX) 6-1, 170 pounds - was a two-year starter on the No. 1 ranked high school team in the nation ... invited to play in the Army All-American game ... finished senior season with 57 tackles and two interceptions ... also ran the 4x400 meter relay and the 300 meter hurdles ... son of Carla Brame.

* Reginald Bailey, LB, Picayune HS (Picayune, MS) 6-3, 210 pounds - named 1st team All-State as a junior and 2nd team All-State as a senior.

* Rico Richardson, WR, Natchez HS (Natches, MS) 6-0, 185 pounds - named a Clarion Ledger top 125 player ... 1st team All-Region, 1st team All-Metro and 2nd team All-State ... set a Natches HS receiving mark with 3,500 yards ... as a senior he recorded 46 receptions for 891 yards and seven TDs ... had a season high seven receptions for 111 yards and two TDs ... also rushed for 442 yards and six TDs on 42 carries... was the a Class 5A state champion in the triple jump (46 feet, 11 inches) ... also played basketball in high school ... his nickname is Tarzan ... favorite recording artists are Lil Wayne and Ludacris ... parents are Alvin Smith and Valarie Richardson.

* Jerell Walker, C, Lackawanna CC (Prince George, MD) 6-2, 285 pounds - named 1st team All-Conference.

* Aristacus Forster, OT, Verbum HS (Los Angeles, CA) 6-3, 305 pounds - named 1st team All-District.

* Ortiss Robinson, OLB, South Panola HS (Batesville, MS) 6-1, 200 pounds -

* Xavier Lee, ATH, South Panola HS (Batesville, MS) 5-8, 179 pounds - named to the Clarion Ledger top 125.

JSU Office of Athletic Media Relations

JSU looking into possible NCAA rules violation

Jackson State is investigating whether its football program violated NCAA rules by allowing quarterback Domonick Britt to participate in practice, compliance director Alethea Ringo confirmed this morning.

Britt, the star of the 2008 recruiting class, has not yet been cleared academically by the NCAA but has been practicing with the team. NCAA bylaw 14.3.5.1.1 says a recruited athlete may practice during a 14-day period after reporting for athletic competition without being cleared academically. After 14 days the institution cannot provide athletically related financial aid and the player cannot practice until being cleared.

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