The "unofficial" meeting place for intelligent discussions of Divisions I and II Sports of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC).
America's #1 blog source for minority sports articles and videos. The MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC and HBCUAC colleges are building America's leaders, scholars and athletes.
MEAC Norfolk State 23 @ Howard 9 Robert Morris 12 @ Morgan State 13 South Carolina State 21 @ Indiana 38 Hampton 42 @ Old Dominion 45 Delaware State 0 @ Delaware 45 Elon 23 @ North Carolina Central 22
Savannah State 6 @ Appalachian State 41
Florida A&M 17@ South Florida 70 Highlights »
OVC
Tennessee State 27 @ Murray State 58
SWAC
Mississippi Valley 14 @ Alcorn State 39
Jackson State 28 @ Southern 24
Tuskegee 6 @ Alabama A&M 21
Arkansas-Pine Bluff 36 @ Prairie View 29
Texas College 6 @ Texas Southern 49
Grambling State 17 @ Alabama State 31 SIAC THURSDAY Miles 20 @ West Georgia 23
SATURDAY
Point University 18@ Lane 43
Valdosta State 30 @Albany State (Ga.) 27
Fort Valley State 11@ Clark Atlanta 16
Edward Waters 15 @ Morehouse 49
Stillman 31@ Kentucky State 29
CIAA
Livingstone 14 @Bowie State 41
Virginia State 7 @ Johnson C. Smith 14
Shaw 17@ Benedict 23
Elizabeth City State 42@ Fayetteville State 21
Virginia Union 10 @ Lincoln (Pa.) 19
Winston Salem State 55 @ Chowan 24
Other HBCUs Cheyney 13 @ Edinboro 41 NW Missouri State 73@ Lincoln-Missouri 7 Central State (Ohio) 7 @ West Alabama 45 Langston 0, Missouri West 47
DOVER, DE -- It has only taken a week and a half for new Delaware State University football coach Kermit Blount to raise the energy level among the Hornets players with new assistant coaches, a revamped playbook and an optimistic eye on the future.
For Blount, this has been a spring football camp full of learning players' names, evaluating talent and bringing in fresh ideas. The Hornets' two-week camp will culminate with the annual Red/White scrimmage at Alumni Stadium on Saturday night at 6.
"I'll tell you what, I'm really, really pleased with how the kids are responding to what we're asking them to do on the field as well as off the field," said Blount, who coached at Winston-Salem State for 16 seasons before accepting the DSU post. The players are obviously responding to the new energy.
HORNETS ADJUST TO CHANGE THIS SPRING
Dover, Del. -- The Delaware State University football team has passed the halfway point of its first spring camp under new head coach Kermit Blount. The two-week camp has been highlighted by the installation of new offensive and defensive systems.
"I'm really pleased with how well the guys have adapted to the changes we've made," said Blount, who was introduced as head coach of the Hornets on Feb. 4. "We've given them a lot to digest in a short time, but the energy level has remained high throughout camp. There's still a lot of work to do, but the transition has been relatively smooth so far."
The Hornets expect to return more than 40 letter winners, including 15 starters from their 2010 team, which won two of the last three games to post a 3-8 overall record and 2-6 mark in the MEAC. There are about 75 players participating in spring camp, including up to 12 newcomers.
"We (the coaching staff) have conducted camp as if everyone is fighting for starting jobs," Blount said. "Of course, guys will step up throughout the spring, but everything will be up for grabs come summer camp. I've been particularly pleased with our athleticism, while our biggest concern is developing depth on both sides of the ball, especially along the lines."
Delaware State will wrap up spring drills with the annual Red/White scrimmage on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
The Hornets will kick off the 2011 season at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) on Sep. 3. The home opener is Sep. 10 against Shaw University.
GREENSBORO, N.C. - When a coach of Rod Broadway's considerable reputation steps on the field, expectations soar without hesitation. But following North Carolina A&T's annual Spring Football Game on Saturday, the first-year Aggies head coach had one reminder: "It's only been 15 days."
Broadway was cautious about being too critical of his team. He understands many of his players are learning a new system and a new coaching staff for the third time in four years.
"Our goal is simple," said Broadway. "We're just going to get better. We're going to get it turned around. I don't know how much time that will take us because we're down so far when you talk about scholarships and (Academic Progress Rate). But once we get our scholarships back, we'll be okay."
The Aggies concluded their spring session at Aggie Stadium with Saturday's scrimmage clearing showing the defense is ahead of the offense. After the Aggies ran 100 plays, the gold-jerseyed Aggies defense recorded four turnovers and four three and outs to come away with a 26-10 win over the offense in blue.
Defensive back Travis Crosby and linebacker Ben Binder led the Aggies defense with eight tackles apiece. Crosby also forced and recovered a fumble. D'Vonte Graham, who led the MEAC interceptions last season, had one on Saturday.
"I thought our defense played fairly well," said Broadway. "We're a little bit undersized on defense so we have to move around quite a bit."
Who wasn't playing on offense was as notable as who was. First-team All-MEAC running back Mike Mayhew did not play. Also on the sideline was quarterback Lewis Kindle. Kindle missed all of last season with an ACL injury. He is still recovering from last October's knee surgery, and has not been cleared to play at full speed.
His absence left the quarterbacking duties in the hands of Terrence Webb and Ricky Lewis. The two alternated possessions, and both saw their passing numbers hurt by dropped passes. Lewis threw for 80 yards on 8-for-19 passing with a touchdown and an interception. The Aggies offense put its first points on the board during the sixth possession of the afternoon.
It was a 12-play, 53-yard drive that ended with a 34-yard field goal from Sullivan Shidler. The key play was a 22-yard run through the middle by Chauncey Burgess. Burgess finished the day with 118 yards on 20 carries. Larry Raper chipped in with 71 yards on 17 carries. Raper also had the other score of the day when he caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Lewis. Wallace Miles, who has led the Aggies in receiving the last three seasons, had five receptions.
"We had some dropped balls, some bad throws and some penalties," said Broadway. "Those are things we have to get cleaned up, but that is to be expected this time of year. We have a new staff and they're learning a new system. We have a good group of kids, and a good foundation to build from. We have to continue to coach them and coach them well."
DURHAM, N.C. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – With five sacks and three interceptions, including a pick returned for a touchdown, new North Carolina Central University head coach Henry Frazier III gave the defensive squad the victory in the Maroon vs. Gray Spring Football Game on Saturday afternoon at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
“I definitely thought the defense won,” said Frazier. “I thought we hit, I thought we played clean and played hard.
“The offense was able to get into the red zone three or four times, but we left some points off the board and the defense made the plays and got two red zone turnovers. I am an offensive guy, so it’s hard for me to give the nod to the defense, but they did play well.”
Sophomore defensive back Malik Cromartie was responsible for both red zone turnovers. The Elizabethtown, N.C. native saved a touchdown with his first pick by ripping the pigskin away from 6-4 receiver Jonathan Nicely as he was falling to the end zone turf. Cromartie’s second interception was also in the end zone off of a deflected pass.
The contest ended with an interception by redshirt freshman Jeremy Bellamy, who raced 41 yards for a touchdown.
Junior linebacker Brandon Outlaw led the maroon squad with six tackles, including a pair of sacks. Defensive back Tyrique Williams added four stops, while lineman Chase Tripp tallied three takedowns. Junior defensive back Fred Ominde contributed two tackles with a sack and a pass break-up.
Sophomore quarterback Jordan Reid executed 35 plays in three possessions in the first half, completing 9-of-13 passes for 108 yards with two interceptions. Junior signal caller Michael Johnson took 23 snaps in five series, completing 5-of-12 throws for 79 yards with an interception and a six-yard touchdown toss to sophomore receiver Earl Pridgen.
MONTGOMERY, AL—The Alabama State University football team was back on the practice field today for session nine of the spring practice sessions. Today was the team's first day back since the scrimmage game that took place Saturday.
The coaching staff has spent the past three days looking over the 58-play scrimmage and breaking down the film to see some of the performances of both individuals and as an offensive team and a defensive team.
"We were able to take a hard look at the scrimmage on film and we saw a lot of things we knew we would see," head coach Reggie Barlow said. "It seemed our offense was trying too hard to do things the right way and with it being the first scrimmage they were just working their way into making too many mistakes."
Naysayers told him he couldn't play football at the college level. He's defied that by becoming essentially a utility player on the Florida A&M football team.
Then, a teammate dared Kory McCloughen to let his hair grow out. That was 20 months ago. McCloughen wasn't sure he'd let his hair grow that long, but he got a little inspiration one day when he was taking a walk through a local mall. He saw a young child who had lost all of his hair because of treatment for leukemia and decided then that he'd do what he could to help.
McCloughen decided to let his hair grow as long as it could by the end of the upcoming season. Then he will donate it to the Leukemia Foundation for making a wig for a patient. His curly blonde hair is at least three inches longer than shoulder length. The cause is worth every inch his hair grows, McCloughen said.
Coming into spring practice, Nicolas Hollinghead wasn't totally surprised that he was the one called on to fill the void at defensive end for the Florida A&M football team.
Last summer, he was put on notice in a brief conversation with coach Joe Taylor, Hollinghead recalled Monday. So now that Marquiste Ramos and Kendrick Washington have used up their eligibility, Hollinghead is proving he is the one to beat for the position.
Florida A&M athletics took off into cyberspace Thursday night with a new website that not only promotes sports but also creates an avenue for advertisers to support the university.
One of the main attraction on the site will be streaming video of live sports events, primarily football, baseball, basketball and softball games. Fans also will have access to videos that feature some of its former greats, including football coach Jake Gaither and Olympian Bob Hayes.
Interim sports information director Vaughn Wilson said those will be added to the site in about three weeks.
"One thing that had frustrated some of alumni and fans from afar is not having a platform that gives them a FAMU experience," Wilson said. "We are going to give them a snapshot of everything that's going on in the athletic department through this website."
During a drill with receivers Thursday afternoon, the ball was being thrown everywhere — long, short and laterally. One of the short passes went to tight end Michael Ethridge. He made the catch and he looked more experienced than a sophomore doing so. He even plowed his way to a few extra yards after the catch.
"The attitude I have is that I have to catch every pass that comes to me; good pass, bad pass, I have to catch it," Ethridge said afterward. Then a few passes later, the maturity of the Godby High School graduate was tested. The ball was thrown around his ankles. He grappled with it for a few seconds before losing control.
Donald Hunt has an excellent article posted on the ESPN.com site entitled, "HBCU players who could play in NFL." More important, Mr. Hunt makes a very positive statement regarding the high level of coaching that is going on at certain elite programs.
"NFL general managers and player personnel executives should be making a lot of trips to HBCU campuses around the country. These players are coached by some of the best coaches in the nation who don't get enough credit. Joe Taylor (Florida A&M), Buddy Pough (South Carolina State), Rod Broadway (Grambling State) and Rick Comegy (Jackson State) have done an outstanding job of developing these players over their careers."
Do not forget to watch the ESPNU special, "The Battle of HBCU Bands" on:
• Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m ET • Nov. 11, 6:30 p.m. ET • Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. ET • Nov. 25, 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. ET
The Battle takes an inside look at the HBCU marching bands from Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University. ESPNU will air five 30-minute shows every Thursday from Nov. 4 to Nov. 25. This is something that every high school and college band student should not miss.
Did you see the battle of the bands for the 2010 Magic City Classic? No doubt, it was a complete tie between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University.
Based on our view, it has been an exceptional year for black college bands. The Florida A&M University Marching 100 is in a league of one--the musicianship of this band is head and shoulders above all the rest, and probably better than the FAMU bands of the past two decades.
For those of you who like to know why, the key is the Rattlers music arrangements created by Mr. Lindsey B. Sarjeant. Sarge is a certified musical genius, that creates the beautiful and powerful arrangements for the 365+ FAMU musicians. Like top football coaches at HBCUs, Mr. Sarjeant does not receive enough credit from the mainstream for the job he has been consistently doing at FAMU since 1973, as the University's music arranger.
I am not saying that Jackson State, Tennessee State, Southern, Alabama State, Alabama A&M, and to a lesser degree, Bethune Cookman, Grambling State, Prairie View A&M, North Carolina Central, North Carolina A&T State and many others -- are not outstanding band programs, but they are not on the same level as the FAMU Marching 100.
All of the bands are exceptional in serving as ambassadors for their respective institutions.
Do not forget to vote for your favorite HBCU band for the 2011 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase at: Honda Battle of the Bands.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Mel Blount (Southern University) and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams (Grambling State University) lead a group of six honorees who will be recognized at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Legends Reception at the Ballroom of the Americas at Disney’s Contemporary Hotel, near Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. ET. Also to be saluted as Legends: Author Omar Tyree (Howard University), U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Zeita Merchant (Tougaloo College), Kellogg’s Senior Vice President of Global Nutrition/Corporate Affairs Celeste Clark (Southern University), and former NFL linebacker and seven-time Pro Bowl player Robert Brazile (Jackson State University).
The reception will honor individuals who graduated from a Historically Black College or University. Each honoree will receive an HBCU Trailblazer Award in recognition of the impact made in his or her respective career and community. ESPN sportscaster Jay Harris will co-host the festivities alongside motivational speaker Trey Godfrey.
The Legends Reception will precede the sixth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney, which will feature a college football matchup between the SWAC’s Southern University and the MEAC’s Delaware State University. The game will kick off Sunday, Sept. 5, at noon at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando and will be televised nationally on ESPN and ESPN HD, as well as ESPN3.com.
“It’s fitting that the MEAC/SWAC Challenge acknowledges the legacy of those who paved the way for the future leaders who will graduate from historically black colleges and universities,” said Nikki Godfrey, executive director of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. “We are thrilled to host this ceremony, which will continue to grow and make our event even more special.”
Individual tickets for the game are available through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or via www.ticketmaster.com. Fans can also purchase travel packages through Anthony Travel’s website or by calling 1-888-632-6951. For more information about the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and for access to its Facebook page, please visit the official website: www.meacswacchallenge.com .Fans can also stay up to date on the event via Twitter: www.twitter.com/MEAC_SWAC .
About the MEAC/SWAC Challenge
Each year, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge is played at a neutral site within the footprint of one of the conferences. The week of the game includes ancillary events, highlighted by an annual high school career panel, the Halftime Battle of the Bands and the Legends Reception. The MEAC leads the series 4-1. Teams for future games are determined on an annual basis.
Bethune Cookman University President Trudie Kibbe Reed, Ed.D., said the Wildcat students have a $350 million dollar economic impact on the Daytona Beach area.The proposed Larry R. Handfield Athletic Training Center will address NCAA Title IX concerns for balancing men's and women's athletics sports facilities at the college.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Bethune-Cookman University has a new addition coming: a 27,000-square-foot athletic facility on International Speedway Boulevard where students can work out and coaches can strategize. Students at the private, United Methodist school also will have a new place to pray together, and someday kids in the neighborhood might have a place to connect with mentors. The city's Midtown Redevelopment Area Board voted Wednesday night to let the $4 million project move ahead. Construction is slated to start in about a month, and should wrap up in roughly a year.
The vote brought smiles to dozens of students who packed into the City Hall meeting room. "Behind me you see a group of young men who probably would not have had an opportunity for higher education without the football program," said Bethune-Cookman President Trudie Kibbe Reed. University officials hope the sports complex will save their NCAA division status, something that came into question several years ago after NCAA inspectors called for improvements to Bethune-Cookman athletic facilities. Preserving that status should also protect the $1.5 million the school gets each year to play in the Florida Classic football game, money that goes toward academic programs.
Greensboro, NC -- Final preparations are underway at Ford Stadium Complex, where legendary track and field head coach, Roy W. Thompson Jr., is readying the Irwin Belk Track for senior football standouts from across the country, coming next weekend for a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to show their stellar physical abilities. North Carolina A&T State University is hosting the first annual HBCU & Small College Pro Combine this Friday, Saturday & Sunday: May 21 through 23, 2010.
Thompson believes his electronically timed 40-yard dash event will catapult participants onto the “fast track” to success. “I’m privileged to be a part of this event and am looking forward to the recognition and opportunities this is going to bring to the overlooked potential of HBCU athletes,” remarks Thompson.
“This includes two of our own,” adds Head Football Coach Alfonso Lee, "NC A&T is going to be represented by two outstanding young men: Nichols Clement, a 6 Ft., 205-lb. safety, and Andre Thornton, a 6 ft. 1 in., 240 lb. linebacker.”
Also lending a hand to oversee the pull-up station will be active duty SEALs and former NAVY SEALs, retired Captain Dave Morrison and Master Chief Petty Officer Mark Courrier. Co-founder of this event, Gene Washington, explains, “The SEALS are comprised of elite athletes with superior character and a desire to serve others in a way that not many can. Having the SEALs join us creates a unique and thrilling twist to our event.”
“These gifted athletes have some of the same unique characteristics - mature, focused, committed, self-motivated and driven, that make a good Navy SEAL”, says Morrison. “The HBCU Pro Combine is an excellent venue for us to educate these young athletes on a possible career in the SEAL Teams.”
For more information on the HBCU & Small College Pro Combine at North Carolina A&T State University, please contact info@procombine.com or call 336-937-5202. The downtown Greensboro Marriott hotel will be hosting the players, coaches, and scouts. The Combine is for draft eligible QBs, DBs RBs, TEs, LBs and Wide Outs. Running the three-day programs will be Director of Operations, Coach John Falvey, former Defensive Coordinator at Winston-Salem State University. Falvey will be assisted by the Director of Competition, Coach Alfonso Lee, Head Football Coach at NC A&T State University; and the Director of Logistics, Coach Robert Massey, Assistant Head Football Coach at Shaw University.
For more than a quarter of a century, University of Maryland Eastern Shore was recognized as a football powerhouse among Historically Black Colleges and Universities. From 1946 to 1970, UMES had a combined win-loss record of 142 wins, 36 losses and 7 ties or an astounding 76.8 winning percentage. In addition, UMES produced six (6) undefeated seasons during the period from 1947 to 1960. Then, UMES was known as Maryland State College from 1948 to 1970, and the name became the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, thereafter.
No one person was more instrumental in UMES’s success than Vernon “Skip” McCain. The history of UMES’s football program is inextricably linked to Coach McCain’s tenure. During his tenure Coach McCain had a phenomenal success record of 101 wins, 16 losses and 5 ties (1948-63). Those who knew him say Coach McCain was the embodiment of the teacher-coach. From 1948 to 1953, he was the most successful coach in the country. Coach McCain, himself a student of the game, did not miss many coaching clinics during his tenure.
In 1950, he was selected “Coach of the Year” by the Pigskin Club of Washington. Coach McCain’s dedication to understanding the deeper qualities and disciplines of the game laid the foundation for what many have called the “Golden Years of Hawk Athletics.” In addition to being head football coach, Coach McCain was also the head basketball coach and athletic director, thus, giving him almost total control over the UMES athletic budget and pool of athletic talent.
Vernon “Skip” McCain was inducted into the Hawk Hall of Fame in 1973. If only the ESPN television cameras and the national media had found their way to the eastern shore of Maryland and the tiny village of Princess Anne! What a story they would have uncovered!!! The entire nation would have discovered a football powerhouse that broke both racial barriers and the competitive spirit of the teams they played. Everyone would have known the name, Skip McCain. It is a shame that only a few do.
America would have recognized that this humble, 5-foot-5 man, who never cussed or missed church, who also had a higher winning percentage (83.7%) for a 16-year period than some of his most famous coaching contemporaries recorded during the same era -- men such as Woody Hayes of Ohio State University (74.3%), Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama (72.7%), and Eddie Robinson at Grambling State University. But, the 1950’s were a time when news of the exploits of Historically Black Colleges and Universities rarely escaped the confines of their own communities. And the Internet was not invented, nor cable television, nor exclusive sports networks in radio and television that we take for granted today.
UMES achievements on the gridiron included six (6) undefeated seasons, four (4) of which were perfect seasons in 1949, 1950, 1952, and 1955. When Coach McCain came to Maryland State College (MSC) in 1948, he was to serve as the head football coach, head basketball coach and the athletic director. It became apparent that this man could build winners no matter what the sport. While concentrating on his football duties, he directed the basketball team to a record of 76 wins and 11 losses from 1948 to 1952.
In 2006, Coach McCain finally got his due when he was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana. Coach McCain touched the lives of hundreds of young men to whom he will always be remembered simply as “Coach.”
UMES Pro Football Hall of Famer, Art Shell
As a result, during the period from 1946 to 1970, over twenty-four (24) UMES student-athletes went on to pursue professional careers in the National Football League. In addition, several others went on to successful careers in the Continental and Canadian Football Leagues. The most notable of these athletes is Art Shell, eight (8) time Pro-Bowl player, NFL Hall of Fame Player, and the first African American head coach of the modern era of professional football with the Los Angeles Raiders (now the Oakland Raiders).
UMES Football Legends
Roger Brown, DT, Detroit Lions' Fearsome Foursome, Los Angeles Rams (1960-69), College Football Hall of Fame
Willie Belton, RB, Atlanta Falcons/St. Louis Cardinals (1970-74)
Earl Christy, CB/DB/HB, New York Jets (1966-68)
Moses Denson, RB, Washington Redskins (1974-75)
James "Jim" Duncan, CB/S, Baltimore Colts (1969-71)
Curtiss Gentry, CB, Chicago Bears (1966-68)
Douglas Goodwin, FB/RB, Buffalo Bills/Atlanta Falcons, (1966, 68)
Gerald Irons (M.B.A/J.D., Univ. of Chicago),DT/LB, Oakland Raiders (1970-79)
Arthur L. Laster, T, Buffalo Bills (1970)
Roy Kirksey, G, New York Jets/Philadelphia Eagles (1971-74)
Arthur "Art" Shell, OT, Oakland Raiders (1968-1982) Pro Football Hall of Fame
Robert "Bob" Taylor, DE/DT, New York Giants (1963-1964)
William Allen "Billy" Thompson, CB/S Denver Broncos (1969-1981)
Mack Alston, Jr., TE, Washington Redskins (1970-1980)
William Arthur "Bill" Belk, DE/DT, San Francisco 49ers (1968-1974)
Emerson Boozer, HB/RB, New York Jets (1966-1975), College Football Hall of Fame
Marsh Cropper, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (1967-69)
Charles Stukes, CB, Baltimore Colts/Los Angeles Rams (1967-74)
Carl Hairston, DE/DT, Philadelphia Eagles/Cleveland Browns/Phoenix Cardinals (1976-1990)
Ray Hayes, FB, Minnesota Vikings (1961)
Anthony Jones, HB/TE, Washington Redskins/San Diego Chargers (1984-88)
Former Director of NFL Football Operations and NFL star, Gene Washington has organized the First Annual HBCU & Small College Pro Combine at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University later this month to expose undrafted senior players to 32 NFL Coaches and Scouting Directors. The Tuscaloosa, Alabama native and Stanford University graduate has worked previously with the NCAA's Champs Life Skills Program assisting HBCUs.
Standout players from the 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout the U.S. are being invited to attend the first annual HBCU & Small College Pro Combine, May 21 through 23, 2010, at North Carolina A&T State University.
The Combine is for draft eligible QB's, DB's RB's, TE's, LB's and Wide Outs. Events include the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, bench press, pull-ups, and agility drills. Former Director of NFL Football Operations, Gene Washington, is co-founder of the HBCU COMBINE event.
“The talent level at HBCU’s is stellar. Yet, the selection of only one player in this year’s NFL draft proves there is greater potential that is being overlooked. By hosting an HBCU Combine, our goal is to bring increased recognition to HBCU football programs and amplify the number of HBCU players on NFL rosters,” states Washington.
As an undergraduate at Stanford, Gene Washington was one of 25 black students out of 10,000 students. He attended Stanford because of its concerted efforts to integrate minority students into the college community. During his NFL career with the 49ers and the Lions, he made four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 1969-1972. He was Director of NFL Football Operations from 1994-2009.
Florida A&M University standout quarterback (#11) and Kentucky transfer Curtis Pulley (6-4/200) had an excellent college career, but went undrafted and unsigned by the NFL in April. Pulley was 2004 Mr. Kentucky Football and passed for over 3200 yards, rushed for 1768, and scored 29 touchdowns in two seasons as a Rattler.
HBCU players are proven fruitful players for the National Football League. Great players like Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Michael Strahan, Aeneas William and Shannon Sharpe have all come out of HBCUs. While achievements made by HBCU college players were recently acknowledged with the opening of the Black College Football Hall of Fame this past February in Atlanta, Georgia, the HBCU & Small College Pro Combine is creating one more avenue for recognition of players representing historically black colleges.
“Few NFL players come from a historically black college. HBCU players bring an elevated level of pride to the league, knowing that they represent a select group. We wanted to give them a special venue to showcase their talent for NFL coaches and scouts, says Mark Bloomquist, Washington’s business partner and co-founder of the HBCU NFL COMBINE.
Southern University's quarterback Bryant Lee (6-3/205) was passed over in the 2010 NFL draft and free agent signings. The All-SWAC/All-American senior passed for 8,134 yards and 70 touchdowns in a stellar four year Jaguar career.
Mark Bloomquist is the President for The Milestone Team and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1975. Following his naval service, Mr. Bloomquist established himself in the community as a very successful businessman, entrepreneur, and leader. As a former professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, he is very familiar with the university system in general and HBCUs in particular.
For more information on the HBCU & Small College Pro Combine at North Carolina A&T State University, please visit the website: www.procombine.com or call 336-937-5202.
Event Schedule
•Host hotel will be the downtown Marriott •All Activities will take place on the North Carolina A&T State University campus. Transportation will be provided.
•Tentative Schedule is provided below: A. Friday: May 21 1200 – 1600 Check-In – Waivers , Eligibility Verified, and Films. Issue Gear 1600 – 1900 Medical Records Review 1900 – 2000 Coaches & Scouts Reception – off site. Bus provided. 2000 – 2200 Nutrition Booth & Lecture. Evening Snacks available for athletes at hotel. B. Saturday: May 22 0600 – 0700 Breakfast 0700 – 0730 Transport to NC A&T University 0730 – 0800 All Hands Meeting 0800 – 0900 Stretching and Conditioning 0900 – 1200 Stations as Assigned : Bench Press , Vertical Jump & Agility Drills 1200 – 1300 Break – Snack 1300 – 1600 Stations as Assigned: Bench Press , Vertical Jump & Agility Drills (Transport to Marriott hotel at end of Day) 1700 – 1900 Welcome Banquet at Marriott Hotel 2030 – 1900 Depart
South Carolina State University All-MEAC/All-American running back William Ford scored 35 touchdowns and rushed for 4,676 yards in 764 attempts during a record setting career for the Bulldogs. Ford owns the MEAC rushing record and three 1,000+ yard seasons, but suffered a torn lateral collateral ligament against Appalachian State in the 2009 NCAA FCS Division I Playoffs. Ford went undrafted and unsigned although he was the best running back in the FCS over the past four years.
C. Sunday: May 23 0600 – 0700 Breakfast 0700 – 0730 Transport to NC A&T University 0730 – 0800 All Hands Meeting 0800 – 0900 Stretching and Conditioning 0900 – 1200 Stations as Assigned : 40 yard Dash & Pull-ups 1200 – 1300 Break – Snack 1300 – 1600 Stations as Assigned. : 40 Yard Dash & Pull-ups
•Each school will only be allowed to send 2 Graduating Seniors (verified); selected by Head Coach.
•Each attendee will be issued a t-shirt •Each participant will provide own transportation to and from Greensboro, NC •Liability waivers will be signed and filed. No spectators will be permitted •Milestone Marketing Company will provide all meals and water
Quentin Williams, an upcoming senior, was the 3A Florida state high school player of the year in 2009, recording 35 touchdown passes and 3,495 passing yards, completed 64 percent of his passes and had just 10 interceptions in 304 pass attempts in an 11-2 season. Williams says he WANTS TO ATTEND an HBCU. "I'm 6-foot even. It is what it is," said Williams, who is not at all interested in playing anything other than QB at the next level."
He has scholarship offers for Towson State, Central Florida, Florida International and Purdue.
At the Orlando EA Sports Elite 11 QB Camp earlier this spring, Tampa Jefferson quarterback Quentin Williams was zipping balls all over the field, drilling them into the hands of would-be receivers, most of whom dropped the ball out of sheer shock at the velocity. He was drawing oohs and aahs and players and coaches were asking, "Who's that?" Indeed.
Fast forward to the April Steve Clarkson Dreammakers QB Challenge at the Citrus Bowl, and yet again he opened some eyes. During one drill, a receiver complained that the QBs weren't throwing the ball hard enough. Somebody hollered over at Williams, "Hey Q, did you hear that? They said you guys aren't throwing hard enough." Williams just grinned.
On his next rep, he effortlessly fired a 20-yard out at a receiver's chest. It was almost as if the receiver's hands were there for protection, not for catching. The ball sent the receiver back a few steps and more people were asking, "Who was that?" THAT is the 3A Florida state high school player of the year from last year. THAT is a player everyone should know by now, but it seems no one does. Williams put up gaudy stats and led the Dragons to the state semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Pensacola in 2009.
Tampa Jefferson High School 6-0/185 star quarterback Quentin Williams states, "I'm open right now and I would actually like to experience a black college," Williams said, but when asked if he was thinking MEAC or a similar level of university, he said, "Right now I really don't care what it is. I just want to go to school and get a good education."
Bradwell's and Darvean Herron and Sheldon Barnes... These two Tigers will remain Tigers at Savannah State.
SAVANNAH, GA - Savannah State University interim football coach Julius Dixon announces the signing of 13 players to National letters of Intent to play football for the Orange and Blue. Dixon and his assistants focused on in-state recruits this year. “Until we get the program up and running we have to sign kids from the state of Georgia. We tried to concentrate our efforts to make the dollar go as far as it can. In getting in-state players, there is more opportunity for family and friends to come see them play.”
The 42-year-old interim coach is pleased with his first signing class. “I am very pleased with these young men. Not only what they bring athletically but academically. We made it a point to get kids who have been academically sound,” said Dixon. Dixon feels all of the recruits bring a lot to the table for SSU. „I consider all 13 of these kids jewels. They picked Savannah State because they thought SSU gave them the best opportunity.”
HINESVILLE, GA - Darvean Herron and Sheldon Barnes seemingly have been attached at the hip since they met in the fourth grade. They attended Taylors Creek Elementary School and Lewis Frasier Middle School. Wednesday, National Signing Day, the Bradwell Institute football players signed letters of intent to attend Savannah State University together. "My best friend my whole life," Herron said of Barnes. "It's a wonderful experience to sign with him."
Herron, a 5-foot-11, 202-pound linebacker, and Barnes, a 5-foot-10, 217-pound running back, accepted SSU scholarship offers during an 11 a.m. ceremony inside Bradwell Institute's cafeteria. They were among 13 players, all from Georgia, who signed with SSU despite Robby Wells' unexpected resignation as head coach last Thursday.
Sheldon Barnes (RB, 5-11, 215, Bradwell Institute/Hinesville, Ga.) -- In his senior season, Barnes had 200 carries for 1,252 yards with 15 touchdowns. He was named the Region 3-AAAAA Offensive Player of the Year.
Bryce Bell (OL, 6-2, 350, Martin Luther King/Lithonia, Ga.) -- He was named to the All Region Team three times and All State Team three times.
Josh Coleman (WR 5-9 170, Brunswick/Brunswick, Ga.) -- He finished his senior season with 2,017 all purpose yards and 11 touchdowns. He averaged 23.6 yards in kick returns and 11.6 yards in punt returns. He was also named to the All Region First Team.
Dylan Cook (WR, 6-2, 185, Hiram/Hiram, Ga.) -- He holds the season and career reception records at Hiram High with 41 and 78. He also holds the school receiving yards record with 142 yards in a game, 639 yards in a season and 1,213 yards in his career. For his accomplishments, in his senior year, he participates in the GACA North-South All Star game and was named to the First Team All-Region.
Trent Demeritte (WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Winder Barrow/Winder, Ga.) -- He led the team with 60 receptions for 1078 yards along with 11 touchdowns. He was named to the All Region Team and All-State team Honorable Mention.
Darvean Herron (LB, 5-11, 185, Bradwell Institute/Hinesville, Ga.) -- He finished his career with 158 tackles, nine sacks, five fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. He was also named to the All Region First-Team.
Dimitri Holmes (WR, 5-9, 165, Clark Central/Athens, Ga.) In his senior year, he had 36 receptions for 500 yards. During his career, he had over 100 receptions for 1500 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also had 528 career kick return yards.
Brian Lackey (WR, 6-4, 195, East Paulding, Dallas, Ga.) -- He finished his senior season with 29 receptions for 405 yards along with three touchdowns, five tackles and three pass break ups.
Patrick McCrary (TE, 6-4, 210, Madison County/Danielsville, Ga.) -- In his senior year, he recorded 21 receptions for 430 yards and three touchdowns. He was named to the All Region First Team and All Northeast, Ga. Second Team.
Malcolm Poindexter (DB/RB, 6-0, 190, Northgate/Newnan, Ga.) -- He finished his senior season with 43 tackles, seven breakups, three interceptions, and two tackles for loss. As a receiver, he had 16 receptions for 352 yards and four touchdowns.
Anthony Prophet (QB, 5-11, 205, Johnson/Gainesville, Ga.) -- In his senior season, he completed 67 passes for 900 yards with nine touchdowns. He also rushed for 950 yards and nine touchdowns. He was named to the All County, All Region and All Area teams.
Broderick Sellers (LB, 6-0, 215, South Paulding/Douglasville, Ga.) -- Named to the All District First Team and the All Region Team.
Quan Trammell (DB/WR, 6-3, 190, Stephens County/Toccoa, Ga.) -- A four-year starter, he finished his high school career with 93 receptions for 1,397 yards. He also had five interceptions.
JSU Coach Rick Comegy is snatching his share of blue chip players on the "must have lists" of 1-A programs.
Jackson State landed a TKO on Thursday night. No, really. Yazoo City linebacker Taurice King, nicknamed "TKO" for his vicious hits, visited the JSU campus in the afternoon and had verbally committed by the time the day ended- giving the program its biggest name of the recruiting season. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder will bring 4.5 40-yard dash speed to the rover position. The second-team All-State selection chose JSU over Alabama, Memphis and Alcorn State (where his dad played basketball). Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Southern Miss had offered scholarships.
"The school compares to a (Division I) SEC school to me," King said. "(I go) sideline to sideline and hit hard. "TKO, baby. They call me the 'Gridiron King' around here." King was given a three-star rating by Scout.com and received two stars from Rivals.com. He finished the season with 132 tackles and played in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic.
READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE. JSU Tigers 2010 Commitments 1. Taurice King, LB, 6-2/230, 4.5/40 dash, Yazoo City, MS 3-Star 2. Torrey Harkness, QB, 5-11/186, Los Angeles Southwest Junior College 3. Chris Gilzeane, LB, 5-11/225, Stone Mountain High School, Georgia 4. Thurman Byrd, Jr., DT, 6-2/263, 5.36/40 dash, Seminole High School, Sanford, Florida (Ranked No. 35 in the Orlando Sentinel's Central Florida Top 100). Byrd collected 52 tackles and a season high nine during a 21-20 win against Mainland Sept. 25. Seminole (9-3) advanced to the 6-A region semifinals where it lost a 31-10 contest to Winter Park. 5. William Golston, WR, 6-3/185, 4.4/40 dash, Murphy High School, Mobile, AL
The Tennessee State University football team will return to the Circle City Classic at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN for the 2010 season. TSU will be matched against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) foe North Carolina A&T University. The Aggies will replace Southern University on the Tigers 2010 schedule. TSU’s last appearance in the Circle City Classic was in 2005 when they dropped a16-3 decision to North Carolina A&T in the RCA Dome.
The Tigers will again participate in four “Classic” games against traditional rivals from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Coupled with their seven game Ohio Valley Conference schedule, the Big Blue will play an eleven-game schedule including four games on their home turf, LP Field in Nashville, TN.
The “Classic” match-ups begin on Labor Day Weekend, September 4th with the John Merritt Classic in Nashville, TN against Alabama A&M (SWAC), then on to Memphis, TN, Sept. 11th against Jackson State (SWAC). On September 25th the Tigers travel to Atlanta, GA to face off against Florida A&M (MEAC) and on October 2nd to Indianapolis, IN to battle North Carolina A&T (MEAC).
In Ohio Valley Conference play, TSU will host Austin Peay State on September 18th in the annual Bikers’ game. Road trips to Southeast Missouri State and Jacksonville State follow on October 9th and 16th respectively. The Tigers end the month of October hosting Tennessee Tech on October 23rd, followed by an open date on October 30th. The Big Blue finishes their regular season schedule hosting Eastern Illinois for Homecoming on November 6th and finishing with road games at Tennessee Martin and Murray State on November 13th and 20th respectively.
Tennessee State University -Tentative 2010 Football Schedule Date Opponent Location Time 9/4 Ala. A&M Nashville, TN 6 pm John Merritt Classic, LP Field 9/11 Jackson State Memphis, TN 6 pm So. Heritage Classic, Liberty Bowl 9/18 Austin Peay Nashville, TN 6 pm Bikers’ Classic, LP Field 9/25 Florida A&M Atlanta, GA TBA Atlanta Classic, Georgia Dome 10/2 N.Carolina A&T Indianapolis, IN TBA Circle City Classic, Lucas Oil Stadium 10/9 SEMO* Cape Girardeau, MO TBA 10/16 Jax State* Jacksonville, AL TBA 10/23 Tenn. Tech * Nashville, TN 6pm LP Field 10/30 O P E N 11/6 Eastern Illinois * Nashville, TN 5 pm, Homecoming, LP Field 11/13 Tenn.-Martin* Martin, TN TBA 11/20 Murray State * Murray, KY TBA
SAVANNAH, Ga. – Robby Wells announced that he is resigning from his position as head football coach at Savannah State University for personal reasons. Wells’ resignation will be effective immediately. “I have decided to resign as head football coach at Savannah State University for personal reasons,” Wells said. “At this point I have to think about my family and my health before I can think about anything else. I wish the players well as they pursue their dreams on and off the field. My thoughts and prayers will be with them as they continue to progress in their collegiate career.”
Marilynn Suggs, interim athletics director, has appointed Julius Dixon to serve as interim head football coach. Dixon served as the Tigers defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the past two seasons. He was recently moved to defensive line coach. “SSU’s athletics department has accepted Coach Wells’ resignation and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Suggs said. “We are confident that Coach Dixon will do a great job in the interim as we begin our search for a head football coach. Coach Dixon will have the full support of the athletics administration as we move forward into signing day and spring practice.”
Wells became SSU’s 21st head football and compiled a 7-15 record over the span of two seasons. The Tigers finished with a 5-7 record in 2008 and a 2-8 record in 2009. Wells came to SSU after serving as defensive coordinator and football marketing director for one season at Benedict College in Columbia, S.C. Prior, Wells served as the General Manager for the Augusta Spartans Arena Football Team in 2006. Wells got his first coaching job at an HBCU in 2002, serving as the defensive coordinator at South Carolina State University from 2002-2005. SSU will begin a nationwide search to find a replacement immediately.
"The Ayatollah" -- SSU Vice President for Administration, Dr. Claud Flythe
I think Savannah State University Vice President for Administration Claud Flythe made a good decision. I don't know the specific reason behind Robby Wells' resignation as SSU's football head coach Thursday after two seasons at the helm. Wells is saying it's for personal reasons, and that he's going to focus on his health.But read between the lines. Flythe is supporting Wells' explanation. But I believe with all of my heart that Wells was given a choice to either resign or be fired. Theo Lemon was given the same choice. He told SSU to fire him.
I believe Wells sealed his fate when it was revealed publicly last Friday night that 28 players will not participate in spring practice (15 players quit the team, 13 players are ineligible). Once Flythe (whose nickname is "The Ayatollah") learned about this, I believe he offered Wells the choice of either resigning or being fired.
Alabama State football coach Reggie Barlow has again made significant changes to his coaching staff, including replacing both coordinators. Former Grambling State head coach Melvin Spears has been hired as the Hornets' new offensive coordinator. Cedric Thornton, who served as ASU's linebackers coach last season, has been promoted to defensive coordinator. Barlow confirmed the hiring of Spears, who will be ASU's fourth offensive coordinator during Barlow's three-year tenure, but said he wasn't prepared to discuss other staff changes.
ASU Hornets head football coach Reggie Barlow.
Jo Nixon, who told the Montgomery Advertiser that he recently resigned as ASU's defensive coordinator to become the defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator at Texas Southern, said Thornton had been promoted to coordinator before his departure. Thornton becomes ASU's third defensive coordinator under Barlow. Nixon also confirmed that offensive line coach Kenneth Ray has been terminated. "I am very excited to have Melvin Spears joining our coaching staff," Barlow said in a statement released by ASU's sports information department. "He is an outstanding coach and will be a big asset to our program."
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