HBCUs seeing ‘renaissance' in NFL draft

SCSU Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough and SC Coach Steve Spurrier
after Gamecock vs. Bulldog Football Game 10/4/09

There was a time when a South Carolina State football player signing with an NFL team was a certain post-graduate job.

Whether through the draft or free agency, a Bulldog player from the late 1960s through the mid-'90s seemed destined to earn a pro roster spot. This was also a prime period for historically black colleges, when as many as 734 players, according to ESPN.com, were selected in the draft and it was viewed as a prized recruiting market for future All-Pros and even Hall of Famers like S.C. State's Deacon Jones and Harry Carson.

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Alabama A&M's Frank Kearse taken by Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins' Frank "Big Spoon" Kearse

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M defensive tackle Frank Kearse was selected by the Miami Dolphins Saturday in the NFL Draft. Kearse, taken in the seventh round, was the 231st player taken in the draft.

A 6-foot-4, 315-pounder, Kearse was a second-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference selection after managing 57 tackles, including 30 solos and 14 tackles for loss last season. Kearse is the first A&M player taken in the draft since Johnny Baldwin was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2007.

Savannah High grad Frank "Big Spoon" Kearse drafted by Miami Dolphins

Savannah High graduate Frank "Big Spoon" Kearse was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL draft on Saturday night. Kearse, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound defensive tackle, attended Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Ala.

Kearse said he was watching NFL Network at his Savannah home when he received a phone call from the Dolphins about 10 seconds before his name appeared on the television screen.

Alabama A&M's Frank Kearse taken by Miami Dolphins

Excerpt:
A captain throughout the 2009 and 2010 season, Kearse was a second-team All-SWAC. He finished with 33 tackles, a career high 12 tackles for loss for 41 yards (11th in SWAC), 3.5 sacks for 41 yards, 3 quarterback hurries, a fumble and a forced fumble. Kearse was one of the four players to block a kick attempt. In 2008, he had 30 total tackles (nine solo), 3.5 tackles for loss (14 yards), 1.0 sacks (10 yards), two interceptions (six yards), and one pass break-up.

He was the only Southwestern Athletic Conference football player taken during the 2011 NFL draft.

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NFL 49ers Draft Florida A&M's Cornerback Curtis Holcomb -- Confident He Is A Complete Player!

Excerpt:

In looking over the newest 49ers conference call transcript (posted after the jump), it is safe to say Curtis Holcomb does not lack that confidence. Holcomb was the 49ers last pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, coming off the board at 250th overall. You could argue he finds himself in a similar situation to that of  Phillip Adams (South Carolina State University) who was also a seventh round defensive back selection. While Holcomb and Adams are different players, Holcomb will follow him in the sense of trying to battle for what could be one of the final roster spots.

In fact, Holcomb and Adams likely will be battling each other for that spot. Adams has the advantage of a year under his belt in the NFL, but he also is dealing with recovery from his season-ending ankle injury. It's never too early to start considering roster and positional battles, and it is safe to say this will be one of those battles whenever football starts back up.

CB Curtis Holcomb April 30, 2011 San Franciso 49ers Conference Call: Listen to Audio


Videographer: rockmanthething; CB Curtis Holcomb FAMU Pro Day 2011.

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Hampton's Ellis Selected in NFL Draft Third-Round

Ellis a Jet

Hampton University defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis was taken in the third round of Friday's NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Ellis, 6-foot-5 and 346 pounds, was the 30th pick of the third round and the 94th pick overall.

"God is good," Ellis said from his home in Florida on Friday night. "I feel blessed and highly favored."

Ellis is the first Pirate to be drafted since Kendall Langford was selected in the third round by the Miami Dolphins in 2008. Langford, a defensive end, was the 66th overall selection that season. Ellis had 94 tackles and eight sacks in his senior season at HU. Earlier this week, he said he had some things to work on, like his footwork, to succeed in the NFL, but was looking forward to getting the chance.

Hampton NT Kenrick Ellis has lots of talent.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Rex Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum made a cameo appearance as themselves Friday night on a taped episode of "CSI: NY." Turns out the New York Jets have been conducting their own crime-scene investigation. Kenrick Ellis represents a big risk for Rex Ryan and the Jets.

About 30 minutes after the TV show aired on CBS, the Jets used their third-round draft pick on massive nose tackle Kenrick Ellis, who is facing up to 20 years in prison on a felony assault charge. Ellis, who allegedly broke the jaw and nose of a man last April in an altercation on the Hampton (Va.) University campus, is scheduled to stand trial on July 12, according to an April 27 story in the Daily Press of Newport News, Va.

Most players are worried about a lockout keeping them from training camp. Ellis could be doomed by a lock-in.

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NCCU coach has a speedy plan for success

DURHAM, N.C. -- N.C. Central football coach Henry Frazier III made the mistake once of trying to adopt someone else's offensive system. At the time, he had just accepted his first head coaching job at Bowie State in Maryland. He was hired three weeks before the start of the season and announced that it was easier for him to learn an old system rather than have his player's adapt to a new one.

"I got to looking at what they were doing, not that it was bad, but it wasn't me," Frazier said. "If I can't be authentic, then there's no need of me doing it. So I scratched that idea."

Frazier takes his own ideas to N.C. Central - and they are forward thinking. At Prairie View A&M, his previous coaching post, his teams ran a no-huddle offense, snapping the ball with 10 seconds left on the play clock. He has an even faster version for the Eagles.


Videographer: NCCU Eagles

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NSU to alternate two QBs to start season

Norfolk State's Chris Walley endured an up-and-down first season. During his second year, the NSU quarterback will be up and down in the lineup.

After watching transfer Nico Flores through three weeks of spring practice, Spartans coach Pete Adrian said he expects to play both quarterbacks during the first four games of the season. That stretch will serve as something of an elongated warm-up to the meat of the MEAC schedule. It includes a game against West Virginia, other non-conference games against Virginia State and Charleston Southern and the conference opener against lightly regarded Howard.

"We'll use two quarterbacks," Adrian said. "Walley ran the ball well and Nico threw the ball well this spring. We'll see how it goes in the first part of the season. If it works out well, they won't have a problem with it. They just want to go out and win."

Norfolk State's offensive line still a work in progress

After concluding three weeks of spring practice, Norfolk State is set on four of its five starting offensive linemen. But the group will still face plenty of questions next fall.

"Obviously, that whole group is going to need game experience," coach Pete Adrian said. "Until you start playing, you don't really know what you have."

Kendall Noble, the only returning starter, will begin the year at left tackle, while Michael Kay, who got significant playing time last season, will start at center. Blake Matthews and Kenneth Johnson took hold at left and right guard, respectively. Still to be decided is who will play right tackle. Adrian said three or four players are in the mix.

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FAMU's Joe Taylor to be roasted, toasted

Tallahassee, FL - Joe Taylor will have a bit of an uneasy feeling for the next three weeks that has absolutely nothing to do with his football team at Florida A&M.

What he'll be feeling comes from the fact some of his friends, family and just ordinary folks have planned to come together to roast and toast him.

"There is a little anxiety there because you really don't know," Taylor said Monday. "I hope it's more of a toast than a roast."

The event is scheduled for May 14 at the TCC Center for Workforce Development. It's being promoted by the Rattlers Special Edition, a fan-based organization that has traveled to out-of-town games each season for more than two decades.

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2011 Prairie View A&M Spring Football Game Highlights

Highlights of the 2011 Prairie View A&M Spring Football Game and interview with head coach Heish Northern after the game. The Panthers wrapped up spring practice on Friday, April 15 with its annual Purple & Gold Game at Blackshear Field in Prairue View, Texas. Log on for more information at www.pvpanthers.com.



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Bravehawk chosen as new mascot at Alcorn State

Ole Miss won't be the only university with a new mascot on the football field this fall. After a quiet, months-long process, Alcorn State University has overwhelmingly selected the bravehawk as its new sideline spirit builder.

Alcorn athletic teams still will be known as the "Braves" but a costumed hawk will cheer alongside them, in a move similar to the University of Mississippi's plan to incorporate a new black bear mascot to represent the Rebels.

"We knew it was something that had to be done," said Corey Cooper, a senior radiation technology major from Vicksburg who served on the mascot committee. "The mascot sets the mood, so there was a big need for it." The effort to adopt a new on-field mascot at Alcorn has nearly mirrored ...

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MVSU loses QB, recruit for 2011 season

MVSU Coach Karl Morgan

ITTA BENA, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State starting quarterback Oliver Hughes and transfer defensive lineman Ronald Byrd will miss the 2011 season with torn ACLs.

Delta Devils coach Karl Morgan tells the Delta Democrat Times that Hughes was injured during a scrimmage last week. Morgan says Byrd, a transfer from South Carolina, had surgery last week after being injured in the team's first spring practice. Morgan says both players will seek a medical redshirt and plan to return next year.

The 6-foot-5, 280-pound Byrd sat out the 2009 season at South Carolina after tearing an ACL during a team scrimmage. Morgan says he doesn't know if it was the same knee.

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Alabama State: Officials huddle on stadium strategy

Montgomery, AL - As construction crews continue grading the site of Alabama State's new football stadium, the real work goes on behind the scenes as school officials and sports marketing consultants try to set prices for luxury suites, signage and other aspects of the stadium.

The ASU board of trustees' stadium committee met Thursday to discuss the next step in constructing an on-campus stadium that will include 24 luxury suites and seating for 26,500 fans.

Grading the site is phase one of the project. Bids will be evaluated Tuesday for the second phase, which includes the foundation and structural package for the stadium, estimated at $18 million.

Board chairman Elton Dean asked that those who evaluate the bids indicate a preference for minority contractors in at least 25 percent of the bids or, at the very least, make sure those contractors employ 25 percent minority workers.

NEW STADIUM FLY-OVER

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Cheryl Dozier Named Interim President of Savannah State University

Cheryl Davenport Dozier, DSW
Interim President, SSU

Atlanta (April 21, 2011) - University System of Georgia Chief Academic Officer Susan Herbst announced today that she has appointed Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier, associate provost and chief diversity officer at the University of Georgia (UGA) since 2006, to serve as interim president of Savannah State University (SSU), effective May 9, 2011. Dozier will step in as interim president for current SSU president Dr. Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., who served from July 2007 and who was not reappointed.

“We are extremely fortunate to be able to call on Dr. Dozier’s strong leadership skills during this transition. Savannah State University has a great deal of momentum and I am confident that the institution will be in excellent hands under Dr. Dozier,” Herbst said, “Most of our university leaders across this state know her from superb leadership on the system wide diversity initiative, so like me, they are familiar with her tremendous intellect, her charisma, and most of all, her profound openness and humanity.”

Dozier previously served as assistant vice president of academic affairs at the Gwinnett University Center from 2002-2006. She is a tenured Professor in the School of Social Work. Dozier served as the director of the interdisciplinary Ghana Study Abroad Program from 2003-2010. She has served as the lead co-principal investigator for the Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, a $4.9M National Science Foundation (NSF) program with the goal of broadening participation of minority students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics since 2007. The partner institutions include Savannah State University, Fort Valley State University, Southern Polytechnic University, Georgia Perimeter College and UGA.

In addition, Dr. Dozier is a faculty researcher with the Foot Soldier Project for Civil Rights Studies and Research at UGA and recently served as the co-executive producer of the Donald L. Hollowell Documentary: American Freedom Fighter, which aired on Georgia Public Broadcasting. She recently co- chaired the 50th anniversary of the desegregation at UGA entitled “Celebrating Courage”. Dr. Dozier is an affiliate faculty member of the African Studies Institute and the Institute of African American Studies. She has published widely in professional journals and books and is a well recognized public speaker.

Dozier is an active member of many professional and civic organizations, and was recently elected President of the Georgia Association for Women in Higher Education. Dr. Dozier earned a Doctorate in Social Welfare (DSW) from Hunter College, at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York and received a Masters in Social Work from Atlanta University (now Clark-Atlanta), School of Social Work and a Bachelors degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Plans regarding the search for a permanent presidential appointee at Savannah State will be announced at a later date.

By University System of Georgia

Yarbrough Era Ends at Savannah State University

By Loretta Haywood, SSU Public Relations

Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., Ph.D 

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Savannah State University President Earl G. Yarbrough Sr. addressed students, faculty, and staff Friday about the Georgia Board of Regents’ decision to not renew his contract, which expires June 30, 2011.

Yarbrough stressed that no misconduct occurred during his time as president.

“It is important for our campus community to know I have not done anything illegal or violated any laws, policies or procedures of the University System of Georgia,” Yarbrough said. “In my opinion, and in this current climate, resigning would have implied misconduct on my part. I chose to stand on my principles of what is right.”

Yarbrough said when he arrived at SSU in 2007, he established four goals: improve recruitment, retention and graduation rates; continue strengthening academic programs; increase community partnerships; and ensure fiscal soundness. “I am happy to report that we achieved great success in all four categories,” he said.

Under Yarbrough’s leadership, SSU experienced unprecedented growth in various sectors, including: significant enrollment increases, major transformation of the campus, stability in the athletics department, new campus-community initiatives and the long-awaited return of teacher education preparation.

• Savannah State’s fall 2010 enrollment reached 4,080 students, up from 3,200 students in fall 2007. The 6.8 percent enrollment increase from fall 2009 to fall 2010 was the highest percentage increase among the 13 state universities — and continued the upward trend that saw enrollment rise 10.6 percent between fall 2008 and fall 2009.

• In February 2011, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved three, new degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with a concentration in Chemistry or Biology; Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Secondary Education; and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in Secondary Education.

• Savannah State University received more than $45.2 million in funds for 44 active research grants, including a $4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to strengthen the university’s research capacity and infrastructure to promote minority health and eliminate health disparities. The NIH grant is the largest research grant received in SSU history.

• Construction will be completed by the fall 2011 semester on several key projects, initiated by the Yarbrough administration, including:

• $17 million for the renovation of Wright Stadium and a new student center construction, financed by the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority.

• $24 million - freshman housing complex that will add approximately 600 beds; the housing project includes the restoration of three buildings on the historic campus circle — Adams, Morgan and Camilla-Hubert halls — and once completed, all campus buildings will be occupied and operational.

• Yarbrough initiated numerous campus beautification projects that have transformed the 196-acre site, including a soon-to-be open pavilion and lake near the canal and clearing of previously overgrown areas to expose the breathtaking views of the adjacent salt-water marsh.

• In August 2010, Tiger Express diner opened, giving students a unique dining venue on the west end of campus. The $900,000 project was funded primarily by the SSU Real Estate Foundation LLC, Inc.

• A $320,000 brick-and-iron perimeter fence designed to enhance campus safety was also completed in 2010 and paid for through the University System of Georgia Board of Regents Major Renovation and Repair Funds.

• Approximately $3 million has been invested in new technology during the Yarbrough administration. The university’s first chief information officer was hired and technology infrastructure and systems were enhanced.

• Contributions to the Annual Fund increased 467 percent during the Yarbrough administration. The Annual Fund campaign supports the university’s areas of greatest need, including student scholarships, faculty development, community outreach, athletics and student travel.

• Savannah State University was extended provisional membership to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in 2010, positioning the athletic programs for post-season championship opportunities as well as national exposure. In fall 2011, SSU will participate as a full member.

• The SSU Community Futures Corporation (CFC) was established in October 2010 to serve as a catalyst for public and private sector collaborations aimed at improving the educational, social and economic conditions of neighborhoods in the greater Savannah State community.

• In 2008, SSU partnered with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, local entrepreneurs and philanthropists on the Savannah Education Initiative Scholarship Program.

• During the Yarbrough administration, Savannah State University’s audit rating has continually improved. When he arrived in July 2007, the audit rating was a low of 5. The rating improved to a code of 3 in fiscal year 2007-2008, and to a code of 2 in 2008-2009. The Georgia Board of Regents Internal Audit Office annually rates the state audit reports on a scale from 1 (good) to 5 (bad). A rating for fiscal year 2009-2010 has not yet been released.

Earl Yarbrough: Differences with Regents led to contract non-renewal at SSU

Savannah State University President Earl G. Yarbrough Sr. was swarmed by well-wishers Friday after a meeting to clear the air about his unexpected departure.

It was not mismanagement, or alumni pressure, he said, but administrative differences with the State Board of Regents which resulted in the non-renewal of his contract.

“As president I believe I need to lead the university and plan for its future, and hopefully my administrative team will follow and the University System will support it,” Yarbrough said. “But responsible people often have differences in their approach and it is the system that makes the ultimate decision.

For this reason there has been conflict over the last few years.”

Earl Yarbrough loses Savannah State University presidency

ATLANTA -- Earl G. Yarbrough will not continue as president of Savannah State University even if he isn’t selected as chancellor at Southern University because Tuesday he lost his job.

The Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia voted not to renew Yarbrough’s annual contract to head the 4,000-student institution.

The board didn’t announce its reasons and held its discussion behind closed doors Tuesday along with other personnel matters. It met behind closed doors and then voted in “public session” after all of the members of the public attending the meeting had drifted away.

Earlier this month, the 64-year-old Yarbrough received the highest ranking among candidates for the Southern University post at the school’s Baton Rouge, La., campus. Southern University System President Ronald Mason Jr., is expected to interview Yarbrough this week, along with five other candidates, and to name the new chancellor any day.

Yarbrough holds press conference

Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., former president for Savannah State University, said today at a press conference held in SSU's Torian Auditorium that he conducted himself well as president.

"First, it is important for our campus community to know I have not done anything illegal, violated any laws, policies or procedures of the University System of Georgia," Yarbrough said. "Definitely no misconduct occurred over my four years as president."

Yarbrough says his vision for SSU was for it to expand, but he believes his approach was a source of conflict.

"As president I had a vision for SSU. My vision wasn't much different from that of most university presidents," Yarbrough said. " I believe we needed to grow, build an infrastructure and campus that would attract some of the best students in Georgia, this country, and internationally."

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Arkansas Pine Bluff Raymond Webber ready for the NFL

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KTHV) -- Raymond Webber is one of two(2) players to finish a season in the Southwest Athletic Conference(SWAC) with 100 or more passes. The other player was Jerry Rice.

Like many football players, Webber hopes to hear his name called at some point in the 2011 NFL draft. Webber says playing under Monte Coleman has prepared him for the NFL. He understands the NFL Lingo thanks to the pro style offense at UAPB.

He's visited 8 teams leading up to the draft and hopes one of those will become his new home soon. He sat down with Today's THV and talked about his visits and his approach to the pro game.

The NFL draft is April 28-30th.



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Videographer: isasports; Raymond Webber UAPB Pro-Day 3-7-2011

WR Webber: From PHL to Rams?

Call him a late bloomer, or a classic case of someone who slipped through the cracks. But St. Louisan Raymond Webber, a wide receiver from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, is a secret no more to NFL teams.

Webber, who finished his high school career at Miller Career Academy in the PHL, is in the midst of a whirlwind tour of the NFL. He already has visited Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, and Green Bay. Next week, he tours Florida with pre-draft visits to Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Miami.

He also had a visit and a private workout for his hometown team, the Rams, at the end of March. So when did Webber realize he was an NFL prospect?

"I really didn't know," Webber said. "It's all overwhelming. We have a top prospect in our ‘d-tackle' _ Ibraham Abdulai. During the season a lot of scouts were coming to scout him, and I was just riding his coattails, hoping to get seen, hoping to just talk to a scout to give me more motivation."

Webber participated in two lesser known postseason all-star games: the Russell Athletic HBCU All-Star Bowl in Atlanta on Dec. 18; and the inaugural Eastham Energy All-Star Game Jan. 23 in Tempe, Ariz. But he didn't get invited to the NFL scouting combine, and didn't realize there was this kind of interest in him until about a month ago.

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Videographer: isasports; Raymond Webber UAPB College Highlights

PVAMU Northern gives team a 'B' for first Spring Camp

Prairie View A&M wrapped up its first spring football practice under new coach Heishma Northern with Friday's Purple and Gold game. Northern said the team managed to get out of camp relatively injury-free and achieve a lot of the goals he set at the start.

"I thought we got a lot of keys in and got the guys to understand the new philosophy and the new tempo," Northern said. "I would rate (the camp) as a 'B.' "

One of the biggest competitions in spring practice was the battle for the starting quarterback job. Northern said senior-to-be Jonathan Troast, who started two games last season, will enter fall as the No. 1 quarterback, but Andrew McGlory and Amir Smith aren't that far behind at No. 2.



PVPanthers.com sat down with wide receivers coach Harry Williams and talked about a variety of topics as the Birmingham, Ala. native begins his first year as the team's receivers coach.

A native of Birmingham, Ala. Williams spent the past two seasons as a student assistant with the Panthers while enrolled in the school's engineering program. Williams, who'll graduate in May, was a standout wide receiver at Tuskegee University and was drafted in the seventh round by the New York Jets in 2005. He has also spent time with the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Houston Texans and the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe.

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Delaware State End Spring Camp with Alumni Stadium Scrimmage

Dover, Del. (Apr. 17, 2011) - The Delaware State University football team wrapped up its first spring camp under new head coach Kermit Blount with a full contact scrimmage at Alumni Stadium today. The offense vs. defense scrimmage featured nearly 70 plays.

The first string offense accounted for two touchdowns. Junior quarterback Nick Elko completed 13-of-18 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He was also intercepted once. Elko connected with Justin Brewton on a seven-yard touchdown pass and hooked up with Justin Wilson on a five-yard scoring pass.

Wilson, a 2010 All-MEAC First Team selection, had a team-high seven catches in the scrimmage. The Windsor, Conn., native led the MEAC in receptions (59), receiving yards (937) and touchdown catches (11) last season.

The Hornet defense scored two touchdowns during the scrimmage. Defensive end Carl Russell, a University of Maryland transfer participating in his first camp with the Hornets, returned a fumble 17 yards for a touchdown. Cornerback Josh Alexander, a former University of Connecticut signee, returned an interception of a pass by back quarterback Marlon Kelly 20 yards for a score.

The defense also recorded four sacks in the scrimmage.



"I was pleased with the intensity during the scrimmage, but our execution was lacking on too many plays," said Blount, who was introduced as head coach of the Hornets on Feb. 4. "Both sides made some good plays, but we still have a lot of work to do. Overall, I'm pleased with way the players have adjusted to the changes we have made."

The Hornets will begin their preseason summer camp in August.

The 2011 season begins on Sep. 3 at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. The home opener is Sep. 10 against Shaw (6:00 p.m.). The Hornets will play the University of Delaware for the second time in a regular season game on Sep. 17 at Delaware Stadium in Newark. Morgan State will be this year's homecoming opponent on Oct. 29 (1:00 p.m.).

DSU 2011 Football Schedule

Courtesy: DSU Athletic Media Relations

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Bethune Cookman: QBs 'need work in every area,' but there is hope

ORMOND BEACH, FL -- After Saturday's Maroon and Gold scrimmage, Bethune-Cookman football coach Brian Jenkins still seemed unsure about the Wildcats' quarterback situation. "Both of them need work in every area," Jenkins said of sophomore QBs Jackie Wilson and David Blackwell after Maroon defeated Gold 14-7 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

With spring drills now complete and preseason practice less than four months away, you'd think this would be a major concern. Until you realize that last year, Jenkins and his staff felt the same way.

The coaches weren't sure if Matt Johnson could handle the quarterback job in the Wildcats' new no-huddle spread system. But the senior worked hard after the spring and looked like a different quarterback when summer drills got underway.



B-CU's spring game had different feel

ORMOND BEACH -- That Ormond Beach dateline leading off a local football story might seem a bit different, but it was a different type of spring football outing for Bethune-Cookman.

Moving the annual Maroon-and-Gold game to the Ormond Beach Sports Complex seemed as pleasant was it was different. It was more of a neighborly affair, complete with barbecue, music, some baseball diamonds across the way and a couple of youth-soccer games within a decent punt to the east.

The other differences involved the events at hand. Normally, the spring game is designed to give the football-starved fan base a little look-see at what's coming four months down the road.

BCU Spring Football 2011 - Photo Gallery

Pros, B-CU, charity all win

DAYTONA BEACH -- What does Bethune-Cookman football alum Nick Collins do to follow up his 37-yard pick-six in this year's Super Bowl? The NFL lockout and another season with his Green Bay Packers will have to wait.

Friday night, Collins and fellow former-Wildcat great Eric Weems of the Atlanta Falcons hosted a "Pros vs. Joes" basketball game at Moore Gymnasium. With D.J. turntables spinning live at courtside, color commentary from emcee Harold Ford and some 700 fans on hand, the Pros eventually prevailed 102-89 after a close first three quarters.

Ticket proceeds benefited Wildcats football, which plays its spring game at 4 p.m. today at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex, as well as Collins' Jump Start Foundation. The foundation works with single parents and youth and awards scholarships to students Collins' old high school in Cross City.

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S.C. State: Defense adds to offensive ‘darkness'

Aside from a brief rain shower and occasional hovering dark clouds, the weather was virtually a non-factor at South Carolina State's Garnet and Blue game Saturday at Willie Jeffries Field in Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

The Bulldog defense was non-relenting against the offense, with three touchdowns in the Garnet's 32-23 victory over the Blue. Defensive backs Courtney Ingram and Mason Harris each scored off turnovers in the second quarter when the Garnet posted 18 unanswered points to take control of the scrimmage.

Garnet 32, Blue 23 final

A forced fumble by Courtney Ingram on quarterback Derrick Wiley was the final play in the nine-point win by the defense Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium at Willie Jeffries Field.

Ingram had one of two defensive touchdowns for the Garnet, returning a forced fumble by Dominique Ellis 43 yards for a touchdown in the first half. The other score came on a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown by Mason Harris.

Defense Outscores Offense 32-23 in Garnet & Blue Game

Orangeburg, SC – The South Carolina State defense matched the offense with three touchdowns scored and got several other defensive stops to outscore the offense 32-23 Saturday in the Bulldogs' annual Garnet and Blue game. Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough said he was not surprised at the outcome, as the defense is typically ahead of the offense during the spring.

“The defense played very well, I thought,” Pough said. “But that's not so unusual as our defense has a knack for creating turnovers and touchdown-scoring opportunities, especially during the spring.


Videographer: ncaaoncampus; Looking Back - 2010 - MEAC Career Rushing Leader, William Ford

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ASU notebook: Offensive linemen sport golden look

Alabama State's Black & Gold Game had a different look this year as head coach Reggie Barlow divided the squad into two teams for the fans.

NCAA sanctions against the program left it short of scholarship players the last two years, and the 14 offensive linemen were allowed to wear gold jerseys and mingle among the teams wearing black or white jerseys, but Barlow said the players wanted to try a game format.

"These guys were really excited about it," Barlow said. "The last couple of years...

ASU Black and Gold Game: Price was right for Hornets

Greg Jenkins has had the upper hand throughout much of spring practice, but Demetric Price won Saturday's Black & Gold Game before the first snap was taken.

The two Alabama State quarterbacks continued their duel on Saturday in the annual spring game at Hornet Stadium with Price's team pulling out a 19-12 victory.

Price and his Gold squad (which was actually wearing white jerseys) trailed for virtually the entire 71-play contest before the offense scored on its final two possessions, with Price clinching the victory on a 2-yard run on the final play of the game.



ASU football: Long uses his speed to get results

Charlie Long has never been the biggest defensive lineman on the foot­ball field, but he has
always been one of the fastest. The Alabama State sophomore hopes speed can translate into a bigger role for the Horn­ets this fall.

"I just play as fast as I can," he said. "Because I'm undersized, I have to use my quickness. By playing fast, plays just open up for me."

So far, the 5-foot-11, 240-pounder has made a favorable impression on his coaches.

Alabama State football: Coaches to look at younger players

Alabama State coaches wanted to divide the team into two squads for today's Black and Gold Game but couldn't find enough offensive linemen to have two teams.

"I thought about just putting the O-line in another color," Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. "Have a Black (team) and a White (team) and put the offensive linemen in gold and that way we would have an offensive line for both teams."

Barlow decided to keep the squad divided into offensive and defensive teams, but the assistant coaches haven't given up on the idea.

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JSU Tiger blissful at free safety

JSU Tiger blissful at free safety

Jackson, MS - Tim Dandridge is back where he feels he belongs - roving in the secondary, frantically screaming out formations, putting teammates in the correct places. To Dandridge, this is where it's at: free safety. "I think I fit in good there," he said. "That's my natural position."

Dandridge's move this spring from outside linebacker/cornerback to free safety is one Jackson State hopes will strengthen a defense that struggled last season. Dandridge and his D have a chance to prove they're better than last season - and last week - at noon today during JSU's spring game.



JSU set for Tiger Fest 2011

JACKSON, Mississippi - The Jackson State football team will complete its 2011 spring practice sessions with its annual "Blue and White" spring game Saturday, April 16 at the JSU practice field. The spring football game is held in conjunction with the 2011 Tiger Fest sponsored by the JSU Tiger Fund.

Tiger Fest activities officially got under way with the annual Rick Comegy Golf Tournament played at LeFluer's Bluff Golf Course on Friday.

Saturday (April 16) activities will begin with the JSU Lady Tigers Volleyball "Spring Fling" Tournament at 9 am in the T.B. Ellis Gymnasium. The JSU Legends "Flag Football" game will take place at 10 am on the JSU practice field.

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