Spring Football Practice Underway for 2010 SWAC Champion Tigers

The Texas Southern Tigers took their first step in preparation for the 2011 SWAC Championship Title. The defending champions started spring practice on Wednesday. About 70 players hit the field for conditioning and to run through drills. 2010 SWAC Coach of the Year, Johnnie Cole and his staff know it’s going to be a hard fought season to repeat as champions, but they believe the Tigers are up for the challenge.

“We know the target is on our backs,” Cole said. “So we must work harder and smarter than everyone else. Champions are built in the off season and it starts now.”

Over the next four weeks, the Tigers will practice three days and scrimmage once at TSU’s Durley Stadium. The Maroon and Gray game is schedule for Saturday, April 16th at Durley Stadium.

Practice starts at 4:00pm. There will be a Coaches Clinic on April 9th and the Johnnie Cole Golf Tournament on April 14th. The Football Championship Ring Banquet is on April 17th.

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Prairie View to play football in Shreveport

2009 SWAC champions Prairie View A&M has signed a two-year agreement to play a football game in Shreveport's Independence Stadium during the 2010 and 2011 football seasons, The Times has learned. The Panthers will play Southern University this fall and Jackson State next fall on the opening weekend of the State Fair. This year's game is set for Oct. 23.

"We are very excited to bring this event to Shreveport and Bossier City," Prairie View athletic director Fred Washington said. "We currently play Grambling during the Texas State Fair and draw in excess of 40,000 people for that. We're hoping for that type success here with all of the support we've already received." The contract is a three-way partnership between the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority, Prairie View and the State Fair of Louisiana. SRSA executive director Mary Ann Tice said the contract can be renewed for two more seasons with Prairie View playing the same two schools.

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Texas Southern releases tenative 2008 schedule

Texas Southern University announced its tentative schedule Thursday, with the Tigers playing four of their five home dates at Alexander Durley Field, including a Nov. 15 game against Grambling. The school's Nov. 8 homecoming contest against Mississippi Valley State is at Delmar Stadium.

TSU will play Shaw (N.C.) University on Sept. 13 in Sacramento, Califorinia, and the Tigers will close out the season in Dallas against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 29. This will Coach Johnnie Cole first season as head of the football program.

TSU 2008 football schedule

Aug. 30: vs. Prairie View (Reliant)
Sept. 13 vs. Shaw (Sacramento, Ca.)
Sept. 20 vs. Texas College (Waco)
Sept. 27 vs. Concordia
Oct. 4 vs. Langston
Oct. 11 at Southern
Oct. 18 vs. Jackson State
Oct. 25 at Alcorn State
Nov. 8 vs. Miss. Valley St. (Delmar Stadium)
Nov. 15 vs. Grambling
Nov. 29 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Dallas)

Alabama State's Coach Barlow says NFL can wait

Photo: Coach Reggie Barlow interviewed for Denver Broncos receivers coaching postion on Monday in Denver.

Reggie Barlow said Tuesday that he expects to return as Alabama State's head coach next season and will not accept a possible job offer from the Denver Broncos. Barlow spent Monday in Denver interviewing with head coach Mike Shanahan for a job as the Broncos' receivers coach, but said Tuesday that he didn't think now was the best time to make the jump to the NFL.

"Do I ultimately want to coach in the NFL? Yes," Barlow said. "But I just don't think right now is the time for that. I've brought in some good coaches here, and I sat in a lot of living rooms and made promises to kids. It's a very, very tough decision. But I think I'm content here at Bama State. That's what I told my wife. That's what I've told (ASU officials)."

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Prairie View A&M University signs 20 on national signing day

Photo: Prairie View A&M University head football coach Henry Frazier III.

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – After the first day of signing football players to National Letters of Intent, the Prairie View A&M University list of commitments currently sits at 20. The Panthers have inked 16 student-athletes from high school, three junior college transfers and one division one transfer.

“As a staff we’re extremely pleased with our 2008 recruiting class, said Prairie View A&M head coach Henry Frazier III. “As a team we were able to address many of our needs. We were able to bring in a solid group of student-athletes that will be the foundation of Panther football in years to come.”

Highlighting the list of transfers and recruits is Russell Ball a 5-9, 170 pound transfer from Florida State University. Ball's presence in the Panthers backfield should provide an immediate impact.

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2008 PVAMU FOOTBALL SIGNEES

Deon Jones DT 6-1 285 Garland, TX North Garland

Damon Grant LB 6-1 225 San Antonio, TX Robert Cole

Anthony Wilson OL 6-2 260 Flower Mound, TX Flower Mound

Langston Patterson OL 6-2 300 Houston, TX Langham Creek

Elton Holmes LB 6-0 225 Bryan, TX Bryan

Randle Cole OL 6-2 260 Katy, TX James E. Taylor

Ryan Love DT 6-1 310 Houston, TX Langham Creek

Christopher Stanley OL 6-3 280 Jacksonville, Fla. Sandalwood

Antonio Morales OL 6-2 312 Galena Park, TX Galena Park

Spencer Nelson ATH 5-9 170 Jonesboro, Ga. Lovejoy

Marquis Hollie ATH 5-9 175 San Antonio, TX Earl Warren

Joshua Mack LB 6-3 230 Visalia, Ca. College of Seqouias

Anthony Banks OL 6-1 280 Baton Rouge, La. Glen Oaks

Dwayne Chappell DL 6-1 260 Washington, D.C. Dunbar

Charles Alston Jr. DE 6-4 280 Visalia, Ca. College of Seqouias

Russell Ball RB 5-9 170 La Marque, TX Florida State

Jermaine Bluford OL 6-3 320 Compton, Ca. Compton CC

Leighland Koonce WR 6-2 200 San Diego, Ca. St. Augustine

Duriel Harris WR 6-5 205 Channelview, TX Channelview

Thaddeus Wesley OL 6-4 310 Houston, TX Nimitz

32 Sign Letters of Intent to Become AAMU Bulldogs

Alabama A&M head football coach Anthony Jones announced today that 32 future student-athletes have signed an NCAA National Letter of Intent to play football at Alabama A&M University. Jones said he expected this to be one of his most talented and deep pool of recruits since he came to Alabama A&M six years ago. In 2006, Jones and his staff signed 30 players, which was the largest class until today's signing group.

"My staff did a great job of keeping focus on our needs for the upcoming season. We wanted to stress both the offensive and defensive lines, and we did that."

Of the 32 signees, 14 are listed as linemen on either side of the ball. Those numbers split to eight offensive linemen and six defensive. Jones said another key focus for his staff was on the linebacker corps. The Bulldogs signed three linebackers to this year's recruiting class.

As for skill position players, the 2008 class includes two quarterbacks, five running backs, four wide receivers, and one tight end. The class is rounded out with three defensive backs.

Jones added that the 2008 squad will continue to develop throughout spring drills, which begin Friday, February 22.

Here is a look at the 2008 Alabama A&M football recruiting class (a special thanks to Reggie Benson of the Huntsville Times for biographical information).

Terrell Badie • RB, 5-7, 200, Palm Beach, FL/Santaluces HS Was a four-year starter. ... Was the second-leading rusher in Palm Beach County this season with 1,013 yards and 10 TD. ... Was named All-Conference and was an honorable mention All-Area selection. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Citadel.

Antonio Barrett • DB, 6-0, 200, Jonesboro, GA/Mt. Zion HS Was a three-year starter. ... Had 119 tackles this season, including 71 solos, two sacks, three INT and returned one for a TD. ... Also was a two-year starter at FB. ... Was named All-Southern Crescent, All-Clay County and honorable mention All-Atlanta-Journal Constitution. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Georgia Southern, Southern, Tennessee State, Alabama State and Mississippi Valley State.

Jared Bing • OL, 6-3, 240, Augusta, GA/Cross Creek HS

Jamari Brady • QB, 5-11, 160, Mobile, AL/Murphy HS Rushed for 702 yards on 102 carries and 5 TD as a senior. ... Threw for 1008 yards and 5 TD before season-ending injury in game six of his senior season.

Darius Brown • OL, 6-2, 290, Stockbridge, GA/Stockbridge HS Was a two-year starter. ... Was named second-team All-Area. ... Was recruited by Tennessee Tech, Winston-Salem State, North Carolina Central, Tuskegee, West Georgia and Savannah State. ... Has qualified academically.

Markeith Cliatt • LB, 5-11, 225, Phenix City, AL/Central HS Was a two-year starter. ... Had 104 tackles this season, including 61 solos. ... Was named to the All-Region team. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Alabama State, Tuskegee and Missouri Southern.

Rashad Daniels • WR, 6-2, 180, Carrollton, GA/Carrollton HS Was a three-year starter. ... Played WR, SS and CB during his career. ... Earned All-Area honors this season after recording 800 yards in receptions and 10 touchdowns. ... Led Carrollton to an 11-2 record this season and a 44-6 record during his career. ... Helped Carrollton win the 6AAA championship three times.

Mark Dunn • TE, 6-3, 230, Huntsville, AL/Russellville HS

Willie Fuller • LB, 5-11, 205, Lithonia, GA/Lithonia HS Was a four-year starter .... Led the DeKalb County with 164 tackles and played in the All-Star game this season. ... Was an All-Region and All-County selection this season. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Old Dominion, Tennessee State and Alabama State.

Roberto Gonzales • OL, 6-8, 325, Manchester, TN/Coffee County HS Was a three-year starter. ... Led team to a 7-3 record and a berth in the state playoffs this season. ... Consistently graded out in the high 90s. ... Was an All-Region and All-State selection. ... Was rated one of the top 12 players in the state by The Tennessean. ... Was recruited by Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia, Mississippi and Mississippi State.

Lewis Graham • LB, 6-0, 220, Ozark, AL/Carroll HS Was a four-year starter. ... Finished the season with 101 tackles and four sacks. ... Was named All-Area and was a Super 12 honorable mention. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Alabama State, Florida A&M and Stillman.

Richard Jean-Louis • OL, 6-3, 245, Nashville, TN/Pearl Kohn HS Started both ways as a senior. ... Led team to an 11-3 record and to the semifinals of the Class 3A state playoffs. ... Was an All-Region and All-City selection. ... On defense, recorded 60 tackles with five sacks. ... On offense, graded out in the high 80s. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Jackson State, Howard and Charleston Southern.

Trent Johnson • RB, 6-1, 200, Scottsboro, AL/Scottsboro HS Was a three-year starter. ... Only RB in school history to post three straight 1,000-yard seasons. ... Finished his career with 3,874 yards rushing and 42 touchdowns. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Jacksonville State, Harding and West Alabama.

Jamaal Johnson-Webb • OL, 6-6, 310, Atlanta, GA/Mundy's Mill HS

Kaderius Lacey • RB, 6-0, 220, Calera, AL/Calera HS Was a two-year starter. ... ran for 1,400 yards as a sophomore. ... Was the team's leading receiver as a junior and caught 14 touchdowns as a senior. ... Can also played LB. ... Considered one of the top three players in Shelby County. ... Helped team to a 12-2 record and the Class 3A semifinals where it lost to eventual state champion Cordova. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Southern Miss and Arkansas State.

Kyle Lacy • QB, 5-11, 170, Atlanta, GA/Lovejoy HS

Regis Laister • DE, 6-4, 200, Maplesville, AL/Maplesville HS Was a three-year starter. ... Also played some TE and OL. ... Led Red Devils to a 12-1 record and to the Class 1A semifinals before losing to eventual champion Sweet Water. ... Finished the season with 85 tackles, nine sacks and five tackles for loss. ... Recorded 212 career tackles to go along with 20 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, caused seven fumbles and recovered four. ... Was recruited by Southern Miss, Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Tennesse Tech, Stillman and Huntingdon.

Parker Marino • DE, 6-2, 245, Mobile, AL/Mary G. Montgomery HS Only started one year and is considered a late bloomer. ... Was recruited by Southern Miss and Memphis. ... Qualified late academically.

Akeem Moore • OL, 6-4, 305, Selma, AL/Southside HS

Clarence Morris • DB, 5-8, 160, Prattville, AL/Prattville HS Played a key role in helping Prattville win back-to-back Class 6A state championships. ... Finished the season with 26 tackles and a fumble recovery. ... Limited Foley High and Alabama commitment Julio Jones to --- catches as Prattville eliminated Foley from the playoffs. .... Was named to the All-Autauga County first team. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Illinois State, Alabama State and Furman.

Preston Nelson • DL, 6-4, 275, Bessemer, AL/McAdory HS Only started one season. ... Led team to a region title and a 10-1 record. ... Was recruited by Ole Miss.

Devron Ownsby • FB, 5-11, 205, Carrollton, GA/Carrollton HS Was a two-year starter at FB/DE. ... Rushed for 737 yards this season, averaging almost six yards per carry. ... Led Carrollton to an 11-2 this season and a 44-6 mark during his career. ... Was named All-Area by the Times-Georgian. ... Helped Carrollton win 6AAA championship three times. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Tuskegee, West Alabama, Stillman and Shorter.

Mike Partridge • OL, 6-1, 270, Riverdale, GA/North Clayton HS Named the team's Outstanding Offensive Lineman as a senior despite only starting one season. ... Consistently graded out in the high 80s. ... Played as a freshman before leaving the team for two seasons before returning as a senior. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Tuskegee, Albany State and Savannah State.

Jordan Peppers • DE, 6-3, 235, Dallas, TX/Labelle HS Was a first-team All-District selection each of the last two seasons. ... Averaged eight sacks per year during his career. ... Has been timed 4.8 in the 40-yard dash and has a 3.0 grade point average. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Rice University, Brigham Young, Texas Tech, Utah State and Buffalo.

Rico Porch • DB, 5-11, 180, Phenix City, AL/Central HS Was a three-year starter. ... Finished the season with 57 tackles, including 36 solos and eight INT. ... Holds career record with 16 INT. ... Named first-team All-Bi City. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Memphis State, Missouri Southern, Alabama State and Tuskegee.

Christopher Smith • OL, 6-5, 335, Gadsden, AL/Gadsden City HS

LaBrodrick Smith • FB, 5-9, 235, Odenville, AL/St. Claire HS

Torey Smith • WR, 5-11, 170, Birmingham, AL/Midfield HS Was a three-year starter. ... Caught 78 passes for 1,248 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. ... Also returned punts and kickoffs. ... Earned All-County and was an honorable mention All-Metro selection. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Samford, Miles and Stillman College.

Tim Tillman • DL, 6-1, 300, Augusta, GA/Evans HS Was a three-year starter. ... Led team to a 9-3 record and a berth in the state quarterfinals. ... Earned All-County and All-Region honors. ... Picked Alabama A&M over Valdosta State, West Georgia and Savannah State.

Randy Underwood • WR, 6-4, 210, Jasper, AL/Walker HS

Gerald Williams • DL, 6-2, 315, Pelham, AL/Pelham HS Finished his senior season with 43 tackles and five sacks.

Eric Young • WR, 6-3, 210, Miami, FL/Florida Christian HS

New contract, new QB make JSU Comegy happy

Photo: Jackson State University head football coach Rick Comegy.

The Jackson State football community got a double-dose of good news on Wednesday's National Signing Day. Head coach Rick Comegy pulled in a recruiting class that he rated an 8.0 on a scale of 10 - a class that includes standout quarterback Dominick Britt.

He also received a contract extension through the 2011 season, pending IHL approval. His original four-year deal was set to expire after the 2009 season. Comegy led the JSU to its first SWAC title since 1996. Athletic director Bob Braddy would not release the details of the contract. "I was really pleased and honored," Comegy said. "It brings some security and stability."

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