WSSU's receivers told to be aggressive going after the ball

By John Dell, JOURNAL REPORTER

When the Winston-Salem State Rams passed the ball last season, the results weren’t all that great.

There’s no statistic to get the exact number, but the Rams had plenty of dropped balls from their wide receivers. Nick Calcutta, the new offensive coordinator, has seen the films of last year’s games.

“We’ve tried to improve on that all preseason and for the most part they have done very well in that department,” Calcutta said.

The Rams are hoping to be more balanced, but to do that the receivers must catch the ball a lot better. The top four receivers from last season all exhausted their eligibility, which means that this season’s receivers are very inexperienced.

Despite the youth, Calcutta is optimistic.

“They are catching the ball a lot better, making the tough catches and they are all going after the ball,” Calcutta said. “Nobody is waiting for the ball to come to them and they are taking care of it when they do catch it.”

The expected starters will be sophomore Michael Scarbrough, who missed all of last season with a broken leg, senior Brent Thomas, who had three catches last season, and Bryant Bayne, a sophomore who saw little playing time last season.

Scarbrough has the chance to be one of quarterback Monte Purvis’ top targets.

“We worked on that over the summer because there were some dropped balls last season,” said Scarbrough, who has four career catches. “And we did a lot of ball-control things in camp as well.”

The Rams threw the ball 155 times last season, an average of 14 a game. That average is expected to go up this season.

Also hoping to add to the production is Jonathan Kinzer, a sophomore who had eight catches last season but fell out of the rotation late in the year. Freshman Avyd Baldwin, who has an eye infection and has missed practice time, could also play a big role.

Thomas has the most experience of the wide receivers, but he has four career catches. He will likely be Purvis’ possession receiver who can get open in the middle of the field.

“Everything has been going great in practice,” Thomas said. “The new offense is looking good for the wideouts and we are excited about it.”

Even though the receivers will be called upon to catch more, they also will have to take their turns blocking. It’s a premise that Kevin Downing, the wide receivers’ coach, has been stressing.
“They are responding very well to everything,” Downing said. “Some of the things we can’t control if they do drop some balls, but we can control our blocking so we’ve been focusing on that.”

Said Thomas: “Blocking is still something we need to do. We are working on that with making moves upfield and other things.”

If the Rams are going to be more of a balanced team instead of relying on their running game, it’s up to the receivers to respond.

“We’ve been working on seeing the ball all the way in,” Downing said. “I’ve loved working with those guys and we are pleased with how things are going.”

Calcutta has three scrimmages to base his judgment on how the receivers have fared, but he hopes that when the lights come on Saturday night against N.C. A&T the receivers will be ready.
“I’m sitting here with my fingers crossed, but we’ve been blessed with the way the receivers have picked up what we are trying to do,” Calcutta said. “They are trying to master it and we are going to play a lot of those receivers because we are always going to be moving.”

Hornets enjoy the challenge of a top opening opponent

By KRISTIAN POPE, The News Journal

DSU hopes to set tone vs. Coastal Carolina

DOVER -- Delaware State doesn't believe in taking the easy way out when opening the football season. Not since 2002, anyway.

Starting in 2003, the Hornets have played their first game against all types of opponents, but none of them could be considered a "gimme."

Instead of a struggling NCAA Division I-AA team or a mediocre foe from Division II, DSU has faced teams who have presented a significant challenge.

There have been nationally ranked powerhouses, seemingly unknown playoff contenders and even rivals from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

This season, DSU again must exit the starting blocks by going against the wind.

At 7 p.m. Saturday at Alumni Stadium, the Hornets face three-time defending Big South Conference champion Coastal Carolina, a team burning to make the Division I-AA playoffs for the second year in a row.

"It's not up to us," DSU senior kicker Peter Gaertner said of the schedule. "It's a game like any other, really."

Oh, really?

One must go back to 1986 for DSU's last season-opening win over a nonconference Division I-AA foe, a 21-14 victory at Southern University.

Since 2003, DSU has opened against Bucknell, Massachusetts and Florida A&M twice.

DSU, 8-3 last year, reached No. 23 in The Sports Network poll for one week before the Hornets bowed out of the MEAC race and missed the playoffs. While playing nonconference games against high-caliber opponents can boost a team's chances of making the postseason, suffering a loss at the start can have lingering effects.

DSU's recent opening games are a lesson in living up to the standards coach Al Lavan has set for his program.

Photo: RB Kareem Jones

"The conference is tough enough for us, but if you want to grow the program, you have to step up your level of competition," Lavan said. "It's as simple as that."

Coastal Carolina, which started its football program in 2003, continues DSU's history of bold season openers.

The Chanticleers beat the Hornets 24-6 in 2005, the only other meeting between the schools. CCU wide receiver Jerome Simpson was chosen a preseason All-American by the College Sporting News.

"In the case of Coastal Carolina, it's a win-win situation for us," Gaertner said. "If we win, we'll be in great shape. We might even be ranked. If we lose, well, it's a nonconference game. A loss always hurts, but it wouldn't have the same effect as a conference loss."

Last season, DSU finished one victory short of a share of its first MEAC title since 1991. A loss at Howard in DSU's final game gave Hampton the championship outright.

Senior linebacker Russell Reeves believes this season could play out differently, especially if the Hornets perform well against Coastal Carolina.

"In the winter and summer, I think these kinds of games are in the backs of everyone's minds, and they get us to prepare harder for the season," Reeves said.

"When you go to college, you want to play the best competition. You don't come to play Division II schools. You want to play the best."

Hornets buzz

Running back Kareem Jones, a transfer from Syracuse, appears to have earned the starting job for the opener. Senior Lennox Norville is expected to back up Jones. ... Coastal Carolina is scheduled to arrive by plane at Dover Air Force Base today. ... As of Wednesday, about 2,000 tickets had been sold. ... DSU has planned a memorial service before the game to honor the three students killed in Newark, N.J., this month.

UAPB Golden Lions wants another shot at SWAC title

By RONNIE TURNER, For The Chronicle

Arkansas-Pine Bluff ready to shine; Golden Lions want another shot at SWAC title

Last season was a surprising one in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, with traditional powers Grambling State and Southern each failing to crack the .500 mark.

Instead, Arkansas-Pine Bluff ran through the league with a 7-2 mark before falling to Alabama A&M in the SWAC championship game.

Alabama A&M returns 15 starters, including eight to a defense that led the SWAC in scoring defense (19.5 points per game). Arkansas-Pine Bluff placed eight players on the All-SWAC preseason team, none more notable than quarterback Chris Wallace, the 2006 SWAC Offensive Player of the Year. Last season, Wallace threw for 2,023 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Hard to read
Texas Southern faces tough non-conference matchups against defending Conference USA champion Houston and UTEP, with both games on the road. On top of that, TSU must travel to meet defending SWAC champion Alabama A&M, Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State.

Picture books
Alcorn State will host Grambling State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alabama A&M, three of the league's better teams, while traveling to face Alabama State and Texas Southern, who figure to be two of the league's worst teams.

Plot twist
Prairie View A&M over Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Nov. 3). The Panthers barely missed taking down the defending Western Division champions in a 28-21 home loss last season. However, Prairie View's improved passing game could make a difference.

Compelling reads
• Texas Southern at Grambling State (Oct. 27): TSU pulled off a stunning 33-28 upset when these two met last season, and Grambling State won't be able to live down the embarrassment of that loss until it returns the favor.
• Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alabama A&M (Oct. 18): The league's top two teams from a year ago will meet up in what could be a preview of this season's SWAC championship game.
• Southern at Grambling State (Nov. 24): The winner of this matchup could wind up representing the Western Division in the SWAC title game.

Pop-up book
Prairie View A&M. The Panthers dropped five games by seven points or less a season ago but appear to be close to turning the corner. With 14 returning starters and even more confidence, Prairie View should be on its way to recording its first winning season since 1976.

Make book on it
Eastern Division: 1. Jackson State; 2. Alabama A&M; 3. Alcorn State; 4. Mississippi Valley State; 5. Alabama State.

Western Division: 1. Arkansas Pine-Bluff; 2. Grambling State; 3. Prairie View A&M; 4. Southern;. 5. Texas Southern.

Stout defense lifts chances for revival for PVAMU

By CHRIS ELLIOTT, For The Chronicle

After close calls in 2006, Panthers expect turnaround

They can feel it. There's an aura of confidence radiating from the Prairie View A&M players that wasn't there in previous years, and it's so evident that even coach Henry Frazier III said he has begun to take notice.

Frazier said he's noticed the greater effort players are putting into practices. He's noticed how few disciplinary problems he's been faced with. And he's taken particular notice of the awareness of the players' potential. Despite finishing with a 3-7 record in 2006, most of the players believe the Panthers will win the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.

"It was a tough year last year, but it was a process you go through with turning a program around," Frazier said. "And those are some of the growing pains you're going to have to go through. We lost five ballgames by seven points or less.

"What's important to me is that the players now realize that if we had put forth better effort on about seven plays last year, we would have been 8-2. They were able to see that. We've got the feeling that we're much better than our record indicated."

Prairie View will return seven starters on each side of the ball. Those seven defensive starters could make the difference in the Panthers' quest for their first winning season since 1976.

Prairie View finished with the SWAC's top defense last year, allowing a conference-low 266 yards per game. Sophomore strong safety Anthony Beck said this defense can be just as stingy.

"We've got an older defense," Beck said. "We're much more mature than last year. We didn't lose a lot of seniors. So we know what we're doing, and we're moving faster. I think that's going to make us a better defense overall."

If Frazier and his staff get the offense and special teams to operate as efficiently as the defense, Prairie View will be in good shape. Though the Panthers rushed for a SWAC-high 180.6 yards per game, they could muster only a dismal 69.2 passing yards per game.

Frazier will look to senior quarterback Chris Gibson, who has been known more for his legs than his arm, to turn the offense around.

SU soccer team to open season

Photo: Divinity Bradley, Goal Keeper, Freshman, 6-1, Fairfield HS, Fairfield, CA
The Southern University soccer team opens its home season at 7 p.m. today, facing the University of Louisiana at Monroe at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

It’s the season opener for ULM. Southern lost its opener at William Carey last week.

“The young ladies played real hard at William Carey,” coach John Knighten said. “They’ve been practicing hard and are really excited about playing at home.”

True freshman Divinity Bradley, in her first collegiate game, recorded 15 saves off of 33 attempts.

“Divinity played a great game considering it was her first time in goal on the college level,” Knighten said.

Britnee Matthews, Miriam Akinfosile, Renell Reid and Olyvhia Essien all the team’s four seniors who will be participating in their final home season opener.

Following the SCSU Bulldogs

By Thomas Grant, T&D Blog

Time to get to business
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
4 PM
After checking in, the offenses and defenses separate for team meetings prior to a 5 p.m. practice at Air Force Academy High School. It’s the first opportunity for many of the players to test themselves with the altitude. By the way, the temperatures are in the low 80s with some clouds hovering over the mountains.

So far, so good
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
The plane is about 90 minutes away from Colorado Springs. For the most part, there have been no commotions or jitters shown by first-time flyers like offensive lineman Jake Johnson. As the plane descends, Assistant Athletics Trainer Stephanie Troscinski is serenaded with ‘Happy Birthday’ and also receives a cake. Can’t tell what the time is since all cellphones are turned off the entire flight. As it turns out, we land at 4:10 Eastern Time. Next stop, the Antlers’ Hilton.

Off in the air
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
1:10 PM - Finally, the proper weight and balance is achieved and the plane is ready to depart. More good news comes in the fact that the pilot will not have to make a fuel stop, insuring the two-hour, 57-minute trip will be non-stop and should keep the Bulldogs right on schedule.

‘Smells like a Lockerroom’
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
12:36 PM

Departure time is still 24 minutes away and the inside of the airplane feels like a sauna. The pilot has yet to start the plane as the luggage carriers continue to work towards loading the plane. Needless to say, water is in high demand and some have resorted to use the exit seating instructions as a fan.

“It smells like a lockerroom and feels like hell,” one Bulldog party member was heard saying.

We later learn the carriers are having trouble balancing the weight of some luggage (I hope he wasn’t talking about me).
More water!

Ready to fly
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
12:03 PM

Word of advice to future travelers. Certain deodorants can possibly set off a metal detector. After three attempts through the security check, I was allowed to board the plane. The players grab a Chick-Fil-A bag and board an sky blue, white and gold Alligient Air aircraft. The craft apparently seats as many as 150 people and just about every seat is taken. Once aboard, I take the long walk to the rear of the plane and plant down at Row 35, Seat D. It’s a window seat, but much of the view is obstructed by one of the wings. The wait begins.

John Edwards ‘reunites’ with SCSU
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
11:20 PM

The Bulldogs’ buses arrive at Eagle Aviation 10 minutes early. In what had to be a sheer coincidence, Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards has just landed for more than likely a campaign stop in the capitol city. He had virtually no interaction with the team, save for accidentally bumping into one of the members of the Bulldogs’ travelling party on the way out. It never ceases to amaze me how smaller politicians look in person.

As SCSU head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough departs the bus, he does a brief interview with WLTX. During the interview, he said Saturday’s game was ‘real special for the program. It’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time.” He also said the Bulldogs ‘we’re going out there to compete.”

Moving day
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
9:15 AM

Today is moving day for the South Carolina State football team. The team is currently eating breakfest at Truth Hall and are about an hour and 15 minutes away from leaving Orangeburg for Eagle Aviation. They are scheduled to depart for Colorado Springs at 1 p.m. with the flight lasting close to three hours. Once the Bulldogs settle in, they will waste little time getting down to business. A team meeting will take place at 6 p.m., followed by practice a half-hour later at Air Force Academy High School.

Hopefully, there will be no reports of players or school officials getting sick or passing out on the airplane. As for myself, I’ve only flown cross-country once back in 1995 to New Mexico. I understand the rules have become more stringent in regards to what is acceptable on board and when you can use a cellphone, DVD or CD player. As long as use of such items are still limited to takoff and landing, no one will have to worry about boredom.

Getting ready for Colorado
Wednesday, August 29th, 2007
8:12 p.m. Eastern Time

I’m still at the newspaper getting last-minute instructions from team officials and the higher-ups. Like the Bulldog players, this is definitely a business trip where I hope to provide exclusive game coverage of the Bulldogs.

For the first time, Lee Enterprises has given us the tools and capability to cover SCSU football like never before. Fans will be able to access this blog and the website for interviews, previews and game updates pertaining to Orangeburg’s only college football team. As the season progresses, we hope to have video footage showcasing the sights and sounds which make up Bulldog football. This is an ambitious challenge the newspaper has decided to undertake, but as SCSU aspires to reach another level in football, we hope to do the same with our coverage.

SCSU Bulldogs hit the ground in Colorado

By THOMAS GRANT JR., T&D Senior Sports Writer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Last time quarterback Cleveland McCoy practiced in long sleeves was during spring practice.

On Thursday, he and his South Carolina State teammates were greeted in Colorado Springs by temperatures more cooler and comfortable than the ones they left behind in Orangeburg. With the Rocky Mountains serving as the background, the Bulldogs held a light two-hour workout at Air Academy High School located on the grounds of the United States Air Force Academy. Much of the workout on the thick grass was spent on special teams. At times, the Bulldog players found themselves having to avoid automatic sprinklers which kept popping out of the ground at random.

Overall, the Bulldogs seemed to be effected little by the altitude and the lower temperatures. In fact, McCoy came away even more optimistic about the Bulldogs ability to perform in the altitude.

"I wasn’t expecting it to be this cool," he said. "The main thing, it seems like an even swap. We came from Orangeburg where it was hot. We got a little tired. We come up here, it’s cool, the air is a little thin, but it’s not as bad as Orangeburg."

Thursday’s practice capped a long and somewhat frenetic day for the Bulldogs. The team arrived at Eagle Aviation at around 11:20 a.m. Before boarding the plane, SCSU head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough talked about the historic matchup for SCSU in facing a Football Bowl Subdivision team for the first time.

"We are going out there to compete," Pough said. "If we go out and win, that’s great. But, more importantly what we have to do is go up and play the best that we can and if we do let the chips fall where they may."

The flight took just under three hours, much to the relief of SCSU offensive lineman Jake Johnson who was making his first trip on a plane.

"It went alright," said Johnson, who chewed gum for most of the trip. "It went a lot better than I thought. After we got into the air I was good."

The trip to the practice field took longer than expected due to a traffic accident on Woodman Road which leads to Air Force Academy. With no lights on the soccer field where practice was scheduled to be held, SCSU spent the final 15 minutes of the workout in near darkness.

The Bulldogs are scheduled to work out again today, this time at Falcon Stadium, site of Saturday’s contest with Air Force Academy. Prior to the practice, the Bulldogs will receive a tour of the Academy and also visit some of Colorado’s famous sites such as the Garden of the Gods and the US Olympic Facility.

Alabama A&M's McCants hopes for grand ol' homecoming

By REGGIE BENSON, Times Sports Staff

Bulldog grew up in Nashville following Tennessee State

Growing up in Nashville, Kevin McCants rooted for Tennessee State. He lived 10 minutes from campus and attended most of the Tigers' big games. He believed he was going to be a Tiger.

But when it came time to go to college three years ago, McCants picked Alabama A&M over TSU.

"My family and I both made the decision," McCants said. "We met the coaches and we really liked the program and the atmosphere."

Saturday night, McCants will be back in Nashville as A&M's starting fullback when the Bulldogs visit the Tigers in the John Merritt Classic in the season opener for both teams. Kickoff is at 6 at LP Field.

A 5-foot-10, 201-pound redshirt sophomore, McCants played mostly on special teams in last year's game. He had one carry for 4 yards as A&M won 27-20. McCants hopes to play a bigger role this year.

"I'm very excited," he said. "This is what I've been waiting for since I came to A&M. I looked at the schedule and saw Tennessee State on there and that's a team I've been watching for years.

"I never thought I'd be playing against them ... let alone in Nashville. I've got so many high school teammates and friends that play for them, and I'm ready to go out there and compete against them."

McCants follows a long line of outstanding fullbacks for the Bulldogs. Over the past five years, Jonathan Rowland, Jacques Pyant and Trevis O'Neal have played major roles in A&M's offense.

"I know how good those guys were," said McCants, who will split time with redshirt freshman Generion McWhorter. "I want to keep the production going. There's a legacy there and we've definitely got to keep it rolling."

Nobody knows the importance of the fullback better than A&M coach Anthony Jones.

"Without a good fullback, we're not going to be very successful," he said. "Our fullbacks have been key components to us having success. They don't get a lot of publicity because it's not a glamour spot, but they play an important role on our football team."

Jones says McCants has put in the time to become a good player. He's eager to see how he responds.

"McCants is a kid that has always worked hard," he said. "He comes from a family that has spent some time with his upbringing and now it's time to turn all of that into being a good football player. Each one of the fullbacks we've had brought a little something different to the table, and what McCants has to do is understand what he can do to help this football team and do that.

"Is he going to be a big bruising fullback? No. He has to understand what he can do and do that to the best of his ability and make sure he's ready to perform at a high level."

McCants says he's ready.

"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "I know the

B-CU walk-on gets his chance to run

By BRENT WORONOFF, Staff Writer

DATONA BEACH -- Senior Justin Brannon has patiently waited four years to become the starting running back for Bethune-Cookman University, and it's hard to determine who's more excited about it, the player or his coach.

"He's going to be our workhorse," said B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt. "He's built low to the ground, he's strong in the legs, holds onto the football and he has that burst of speed. He's going to make a difference for us."

Brannon, whose first game as a starter will be in the Wildcats' season opener against Jacksonville on Saturday at Municipal Stadium here, is grateful to finally have a featured role four years after deciding to walk on to the team.

"You've got to pay your dues," he said. "I've had people here in front of me, people who were recruited out of high school on scholarship. Being a walk-on I had to work a little harder, but it wasn't a problem."

As a high school junior at Jacksonville Englewood, Brannon knew he wanted to play football at B-CU, and he knew his coach, Lamonte Jones, would help get him there.

"I had been (to B-CU) for some of the high school camps they hold, and I knew this was where I wanted to play," Brannon said. "My name wasn't very big, but the coach I had, he could get you into school."

But Jones left Englewood before Brannon's senior season, and the running back fell through the cracks. He enrolled at B-CU on his own and showed up unannounced at the field for spring practice during his freshman year in 2004.

"You've got at least 50 walk-ons coming out every spring, and I believe it was just me and one other guy who made it to (preseason) camp," Brannon said. "To be singled out of that large a number, somebody had to be on my side."

Brannon believes coach Jeff Fagan, then the running backs coach who now coaches B-CU's offensive line, was instrumental in getting him invited back that summer. From there, Brannon did all the work himself, steadily moving up the ladder.

"He's paid his dues," Wyatt said. "He's been very patient, and I think he's going to have a great year for us."

As a third-string running back last season, Brannon rushed for 222 yards and three touchdowns on 39 carries (5.7 ypc). He was second on the team in rushing behind quarterback Jimmie Russell (427 yards).

With the Wildcats committed to returning to the option this year after passing for an unusually high 2,230 yards last season, Brannon will be counted on to provide what had been the missing ingredient.

"We haven't had a consistent runner out of that B-back position since Jay Rogers was here (1998-2002)," Wyatt said. "You look at the great Georgia Southern teams of the 1990s, they had Adrian Peterson rushing for 1,600 yards out of that position."

Running the same kind of option offense, the Wildcats' quarterbacks have always carried the load running the ball. This year B-CU is looking to spread the ball around more, but the B-back is always the first option.

"We need to feature Justin, it's the only way we're going to have success," Wyatt said.

Said Brannon: "I hope to be the guy that receives a lot of carries and has that workload on my back. I feel like I can handle that."

Jumbo Williams shores up JSU O-line

The moment mammoth freshman offensive lineman Terrael Williams stepped on Jackson State's campus, there were plenty of guesses regarding his weight.

The Jackson State media guide lists him at 6-foot-8 and 350 pounds. Coach Rick Comegy says it's closer to 390. Williams says it's probably somewhere in between.

Whatever it is, Williams has shown a good enough combination of strength and agility to be listed as a starter for JSU's opener at 6 p.m. on Saturday against visiting Delta State.

"It's certainly a thrill, but I'm not trying to be a big shot," Williams said. "I'm just glad the coaches feel I can help the team by being on the field."

The offensive line has been in a state of flux all month, but the first team has become clearer over the past few days. The most recent depth chart had Michael Smith listed at left tackle, Eric Jones at left guard, Lorenzo Breland at center, Mikael Harshaw at right guard and Williams at right tackle.

"I'm sure there will be some growing pains with Terrael, but he's been too good to leave off the field," JSU coach Rick Comegy said.

WILL HULL BE ELIGIBLE?

Eligibility concerns continue to surround senior running back Cody Hull, who has also occasionally worked out at receiver during fall practice.

JSU running backs coach Greg Ruffin said he hoped to hear from the NCAA today about a ruling for Saturday's game.

"That's a guy we'd really like to have," Comegy said. "He's running the ball maybe the best out of anybody on this team."

INJURY REPORT

Fullback Edward Lee (ankle) practiced on Thursday, but coaches said he'd be used sparingly on Saturday.

- David Brandt

Tenneessee State University sneak peek

Ohio Valley Conference capsules

COACH: James Webster (8-14 in 2 seasons, both at TSU)
2006: 6-5, 5-2 OVC.

RETURNING STARTERS: Seven on offense and five on defense.

KEY STORYLINE: The Tigers are making the type of progress Webster had in mind when he began his rebuilding process three years ago.
REVEALING STAT: Antonio Heffner (passing and rushing) and Javarris Williams (rushing) combined for 3,073 yards and were responsible for 25 of TSU’s 30 TDs last season.

KEY RETURNEES
QB Antonio Heffner: Can be a playmaker if he overcomes shoulder injury.
RB Javarris Williams: One of TSU’s best ever wants another 1,000-yard season.
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: An exceptional athlete who was third in the nation with six interceptions last year.

TOP NEWCOMER
WR Jonathan Moore. Former Maplewood standout already has impressed coaches with his intense work ethic.

SCOUTING QUICK-HITTERS
Rodgers-Cromartie could be one of the nation’s best cornerbacks. The offensive line welcomes back tackle Avern Alexander from an ankle injury, but lost three key contributors. LB Kalvin Baker had 47 tackles last year.


— MIKE ORGAN

FAMU Backup QB Camel gets a strange shave

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Senior quarterback Leon Camel is one of the smallest players on the team, but he made a big statement with his haircut at Thursday's practice.

Camel, who is the unofficial team barber, had the school's Rattler head logo design cut into the back of his head.

"I guess he got a design based on his personality," FAMU coach Rubin Carter joked at Thursday's practice. "He's a barber, but I don't think he did it himself with mirrors. Then again, it kind of looks like he did it with mirrors. It adds a little spice to his life.

"I want the players to have fun as long as it is not anything that is degrading. It looks like a road map from where I'm standing. He must have went on the Internet and got some directions to Birmingham and got somebody to put it on his head. "

Photo: QB Leon Camel

Making an adjustment

Redshirt sophomore Joseph Wims has been moved from defensive end to tackle. Wims, 6-5, 250 pounds, came to FAMU two years ago from Miami City Carol High School as a physical specimen.

Coaches had high hopes that Wims would make an instant impact as a pass rusher at end, but a knee injury derailed his freshmen year.

Last year Sims was a reserve at end, but was unable to work his way into one of the starting spots.

"We put Wims inside to put him in a spot where he would feel more comfortable and allow him a chance to use his natural ability," Carter said. "Joe has adjusted extremely well to the position itself. He's getting better."

Eligibility and injuries

Defensive back Donovan Johnson, linebacker Bryan Parker, defensive end Marquis Mathews and receiver Ronald Wright will not play in Saturday's game because of eligibility issues.

Defensive tackle Demetris Lane (finger) and running back Anthony Edwards (conditioning) will not play in Saturday's game because of injuries.

FAMU Chester should be ready

Photo: FAMU QB Albert Chester II--#2

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

It looks like Florida A&M will have its starting quarterback for Saturday's season opener against Southern. The same can not be said for one of the Rattlers' starting cornerbacks.

Redshirt-senior quarterback Albert Chester II participated in all of Thursday's practice after complaining of a painful tingling sensation in his right arm, which forced him to sit out the second half of Wednesday's practice.

While the news appears good for Chester, it wasn't so good for sophomore cornerback Donovan Johnson, who did not make the trip to Birmingham with the team Thursday afternoon.

Carter said Johnson, a starter last season as a true freshman from Miami Booker T Washington High School, wasn't cleared to play before the team left Thursday.

Johnson is one of a handful of players who won't be traveling to Birmingham with the team because of eligibility issues.

Carter said those players may still be able to return to the team if they can get their eligibility issues resolved.

"The thing is we're not alone in this type of thing occurring during this time of the year," Carter said. "Usually you have an extra day. You don't leave on Thursday.

"That allows you to have until Friday to be able to assess your team and for the kids to get issues resolved academically. We're a day short and this is what has occurred with our football team. We'll weather the storm and get ready for the game Saturday."

Redshirt-sophomore Gregory Clark, and freshmen Qier Hall and Curtis Holcomb, are the top candidates to step in for Johnson across from sophomore cornerback Michael Creary, who has missed the last two practices with a hip flexor.

Creary, a preseason All-MEAC first team selection, is expected to start against Southern.

"Mike is making progress and it appears that he will be ready to go," Carter said. "He's a fierce competitor and he wants to be out there for the first game of the season."

FAMU, Southern have long history

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Florida A&M and Southern had two of the premier programs in Black College Football during the mid to late '90s.

When those teams faced each other then, sparks flew and the scoreboard lit up. Some of the classic battles during that era include Southern's two wins during the 1995 season, a 52-38 win in Tallahassee and a 30-25 win at the Heritage Bowl in the Atlanta Georgia Dome.

Then there was the 50-48 shootout at Southern, when the Rattlers escaped with a victory in 1998. The Rattlers repeated the feat in 2000, escaping Baton Rouge, La. with a 50-49 victory.

Florida A&M and Southern haven't played each other since the 2001 season, meaning the history of this series may be lost on the current players who are set to face each other Saturday at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.

"I really don't think they understand," said Southern head football coach Pete Richardson about his current players' understanding of the history of this series. "We haven't played FAMU in fives years. This game means a lot to each school and the fans."

This game also means a lot to both programs - which are in rebuilding modes. This is year three in the rebuilding process for FAMU under head coach Rubin Carter, while Southern is trying to pick up the pieces from a 5-6 finish in 2006.

"I think their coach (Carter) has built their program back up and they appear ready to go," Richardson said. "They have some outstanding receivers and they have a huge offensive line as usual. Defensively, they are attacking. They also have an All-America kicker. Those are going to be the challenges for us."

Like most head coaches, Richardson is more concerned about what his team is or isn't doing than what the opponent has waiting for them.

One of Richardson's concerns heading into Saturday's game is the state of the Jaguars' running game.

"That was our nemesis last year," Richardson said. "I think running the ball will be important for our quarterback. He is young and we want to take some of the pressure off of him."

Last year's leading rusher Kendall Addison is gone, leaving redshirt-sophomore quarterback Bryant Lee as the Jaguars' leading returner (302 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns).

Senior Darren Coates, who rushed for 119 yards and one touchdown in 2006, is listed as the Jaguars' starting running back.

If you think Carter has any sympathy for Southern's rushing issues, think again - especially after seeing his defense give up more than 250 yards rushing a game in 2006.

"We definitely want to make sure it doesn't happen on us," Carter said about Southern running the ball. "I believe we'll be more organized as far as the schemes are concerned defensively against the run.

"The players will be more in sync with a year of experience. We had a lot of young players that didn't understand their responsibilities or their roles. They were just trying to make plays."

Walk-on player helps anchor Florida A & M defense

#28 Jason Beach defends pass in practice.

BY PERRY GATTEGNO, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

South Florida players help Rattlers stop run and pass

Florida A&M is looking to improve on a seven-win season and will rely on a number of South Florida players who can't wait to play.

The Rattlers are ready to contend in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and need their young defense, anchored by Deerfield Beach cornerback Michael Creary and Hollywood defensive tackle Demetrius Lane, to grow up quickly.

Coming off a 7-4 record that included a loss to Miami, the Rubin Carter-led squad returns 20 starters.

But FAMU hopes players such as Creary, a walk-on, and Lane, who was almost converted to offensive line because of a lack of "urgency," according to Carter, will allow a program like FAMU's to win.

"The job description is to be able to work with young men, to develop their skills and to teach," Carter said. "They're not going to come to our program as polished athletes. The other institutions will get those players. We're usually in development mode."

Creary is a sophomore Carter's staff found on campus. At 5 feet 9 and 180 pounds, he does not look the part of a traditional physical cornerback. Carter, though, was impressed by Creary's agility and athleticism and invited him to the team. "I think it's his ability to cover," Carter said. "He's an excellent one-on-one cover corner. He also has the physical attributes to hit receivers. He's a good tackler. He can balance and wrap up on his tackling. Those are assets you have to have."

Photo: Michael Creary prepares to defend WR.

Creary started nine games in 2006 and had 31 unassisted tackles and two interceptions. He is one of five players out of nearly 200 who tried to walk on in 2006 and one of only two — Miami's Donovan Johnson, another cornerback, is the other — to start. He said he has "some pretty high goals" that include winning the national title and becoming an All-American.

"I have to give 110 percent [and] work on my technique and fundamentals," he said.

Creary and all-MEAC free safety Jason Beach lead a secondary that allowed only 141.4 yards passing per game. It was the rushing defense that was primarily responsible for giving up almost 30 points a game, allowing an average of 215 yards. That's where redshirt junior Lane comes in.

Carter called the 6-2, 295-pound Lane a "late bloomer" who didn't initially have the speed and energy to play defensive tackle. And then?

"Overnight the light just came on," Carter said, "and he said, 'I can play this position.'"

Lane credited his ascent to a new mindset that calls for focusing, preventing repeated mistakes and attacking, as well as hard work.

"[I was] doing things I didn't want to do," Lane said about his offseason workouts. "I just wanted to make a mark on the university."

Lane played in only five games in 2006 but had three tackles for loss for a defense with only linebacker Dannel Shepard, hitting double digits in that category.

On offense, quarterback Albert Chester II and running back Anthony Edwards replace graduated wide receiver and return man Roosevelt Kiser. "I think you're going to see a lot of energy and effort out of our kids," Carter said. "They're going to play until the very last seconds remain on the clock, and anytime you do that, there's usually positive results.

SU's Richardson coy about QB rotation

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

When Bryant Lee edged Warren Matthews in a duel of sophomore quarterbacks this month in preseason camp, Southern University coaches said they’d plan to use both.

Asked how that would translate to the season opener, against Florida A&M on Saturday in Birmingham, Ala., SU coach Pete Richardson didn’t offer an exact plan, being perhaps expectedly coy so soon before kickoff.

Richardson wouldn’t reveal if the staff had scripted the alternation of quarterbacks.

“It all depends on how the game is going,” Richardson said. “I don’t think you can play scenarios on quarterbacks.

“Lee is our quarterback. He’s a young individual. He’s learning. Hopefully, we can get some help around him, so all the pressure is not on him.”

Injury, of course, is always a possibility and forced SU into three different starting quarterbacks last season.

With Southern’s quarterback expected to run more and thereby be exposed to more hitting, Lee, Richardson and SU offensive coordinator Mark Orlando talked much in the preseason about having Matthews ready.

Matthews has never played in college. A nonqualifier in 2005, Matthews joined the team last fall. He then developed rapidly in the spring and continued that progress in preseason camp to challenge Lee.

Lee started the final two games last season and went 1-1 while leading another victory when he came off the bench for an injured J.C. Lewis.

Lewis, a fifth-year senior who was the team’s No. 1 quarterback the last two seasons, is third on the depth chart. He has the most accurate arm of the three, but he has the least mobility.

George on Buchanan list

Southern senior free safety Jarmaul George is among 16 seniors on the Buck Buchanan Award watch list announced by The Sports Network. The award named for the former Grambling great goes to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA).

George is the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s preseason Defensive Player of the Year and has been a first-team all-SWAC member in his two other seasons at Southern. George had 51 tackles, five interceptions and 10 pass breakups last season.

Photo: #16 QB Bryant Lee vs. ASU '06

West Virginia ties

Richardson said the staffs of both Southern and FAMU visited West Virginia over the summer. Richardson and staff used to visit West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez when Rodriguez was the head coach at Tulane. Calvin Magee, West Virginia’s assistant head coach/offensive coordinator and running backs coach, is also a former All-American and three-time All-SWAC tight end who is already in the Southern’s athletic hall of fame.

“It’ll be interesting to see which one can matriculate and operate it (better),” Richardson said.

Richardson said the FAMU and SU offenses are similar, depending on a quarterback who will run.

“It’s almost a mirror copy of what we do offensively,” Richardson said.

“They run basically the same thing we see every day in practice,” George said of the Rattlers.

Introductions necessary?

Though Southern and FAMU had black college football’s longest non-conference rivalry, running from 1946 to 2001, no current players have been in one of those games and the Rattlers have a new coaching staff.

“I’ve been in Baton Rouge, but I really haven’t heard too much about the rivalry,” said SU defensive end Vince Lands, of Glen Oaks High School.

While the rivalry seemed to be turning bitter toward its final seasons, Richardson said he’s happy to see the game back on the schedule.

“You’re talking about a rivalry that goes a long way back. I’m real excited about playing them again, because it’s a rivalry that’s surely needed between two great institutions,” he said.

Said FAMU coach Rubin Carter, who played at Miami, “There’s a great level of excitement going into the game. We want to represent the (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) well.”

Lagnniappe

The playing gear for SU sophomore center Ramon Chinyoung and junior running back Kendrick Smith was packed onto the team’s bus and went ahead of them as the Jaguars left Thursday, but Chinyoung and Smith did not travel, because they have yet to be cleared to play. If one or both get cleared by today, they could drive to Birmingham for Saturday’s game, SU spokesman Kevin Manns said. Southern’s defensive line has worked with its traditional four-man front as well as doing a lot of three-man looks in preseason camp (mostly because of a lack of depth). “However the situation plays out, we’ll be ready,” Lands said.

SU VIDEO: http://media.swagit.com/s/wbrz/The_Advocate_Sports/08302007-13.high.flash8.html

FAMU: A few more steps to go

By Izzy Gould, St. Petersburg Times

The Rattlers, steadily improving under coach Rubin Carter, look to catch the MEAC's elite this season.

Rubin Carter said he's feeling the pressure in Year 3.

The Florida A&M coach can only blame himself for exceeding expectations since his arrival. His Rattlers have endured everything from their coach's late hire in 2005 to scholarship limitations to the attempted jump to Division I-A.

FAMU's record has continued to improve each season from 6-5 in '05 to 7-4 in '06, including consecutive victories in the Florida Classic against rival Bethune-Cookman.

The scholarship sanctions handed down by the NCAA because of improprieties before Carter took over won't go away until 2009. That hasn't stopped him from bringing in the talent and depth he wants.

With one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and 18 returning starters, this could be the season FAMU contends with the likes of Hampton, South Carolina State and Delaware State - three teams Carter has not defeated - for the conference crown.

"Certainly we've had to overcome some adverse situations prior to my arrival and after my arrival my first year," Carter said. "We were able to overcome those and still go out and play with a lot of enthusiasm from our players and show perseverance through those adverse situations."

Winning will hinge heavily on the offense and the arm of Albert Chester II. The senior quarterback threw for 1,986 yards and 18 touchdowns with just five interceptions last season. He also rushed for 320 yards and four touchdowns.

"He's got to be a young man that leads us and guides us on the field," Carter said. "He's shown his ability to be able to do that. He's won some big games for us."

Chester is 12-5 as a starter, and to improve on that record he'll have to do it without Roosevelt Kiser, who was among the top receivers in 2006 with 63 catches for 647 yards and five touchdowns.

The receiving corps is still solid with Willie Hayward leading the way; he had 49 receptions for 674 yards and five touchdowns last season. Receivers Derek Williams and Ronald Wright combined for 679 yards and five touchdowns in 2006.

Success on the ground is up to Demetric Henry and Anthony Edwards, who combined for 896 yards and seven touchdowns last year. They'll run behind a line anchored by 6-foot-2, 328-pound tackle Justin Delancy.

Injuries hampered a defense that gets 10 starters back including top tackler Vernon Wilder, who had 89 tackles at middle linebacker, and outside linebacker Dannel Shepard, who had 14.5 tackles for losses.

"We had some problems stopping the run," Carter said. "That's a priority for us."

The secondary has a pair of leaders in safety Jason Beach 70 tackles, four interceptions and Michael Creary (39 tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups).

And the line is highlighted by defensive ends Tyrone McGriff and Carlos Rolle.

FAMU also boasts one of the top kickers in the MEAC in Wesley Taylor (Riverview), who was 14 of 22 for field goals, 27 of 29 extra points and an punting average of 41.3 for first-team all-MEAC honors.

"This year is certainly going to be a very important year for me," Carter said. "It's the third season for me and I want to be able to show we've made some improvement in a lot of areas.

"We're starting to develop our program to where it really needs to be. We're doing things that are consistent for a Division I program."

Stakes High In B-CU Vs. Jacksonville

Photo: BCU Coach Alvin Wyatt, SR.

By BILL FAY, Tampa Tribune correspondent

The stakes surrounding Saturday's season opener between Bethune-Cookman University and Jacksonville University will be higher than either side dreamed when this contract was signed a year ago.

That's because former University of Florida quarterback Kerwin Bell has taken over as JU's head coach, bringing credibility and vision to a program that had neither its first nine years of existence (35-54 record).

Bell led Ocala Trinity Catholic to a state football championship in 2005 and runner-up finish in 2006.

Although the program competes in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-AA), it offers no scholarships and there are no plans to change that. Still, Bell thinks he can get the Dolphins competitive.

"I love challenges," Bell said. "I have a passion for doing things people say can't be done."

B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt likes the sound of Bell's aspirations. The current contract is only for two years, but if Bell is successful at quickly upgrading JU's program, this game could be the start of an annual series that would be profitable for both programs.

"I hope this does develop into a rivalry," Wyatt said. "That's going to mean a lot more people in the stands, a lot more interest in the game and I like being involved in games like that."

SU Richardson speaks on job security

The Southern Jaguars will open their season this Saturday against Florida A&M. Southern Head Coach Pete Richardson held his first press conference of the season on Wednesday and spoke briefly about his job security.

VIDEO: http://media.swagit.com/s/wbrz/The_Advocate_Sports/08292007-17.high.flash8.html

SU pair awaits NCAA ruling

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Southern sophomore center Ramon Chinyoung and junior running back Kendrick Smith have yet to be cleared to play Saturday in Southern’s season opener against Florida A&M in Birmingham, Ala.

Chinyoung is not listed on the team’s two-deep chart as of Wednesday, but Smith is, as the backup to senior Darren Coates.

“I haven’t received the paperwork back, and if I haven’t received it by the time we leave, those individuals will not take part in the first game,” Southern coach Pete Richardson said.

Southern leaves by bus this afternoon.

Chinyoung practiced Monday but not Tuesday and Wednesday.
Smith has practiced throughout the week, and Richardson said the school feels Smith will be cleared. The question is when.

“We’re in a situation now trying to get Smith straight from the NCAA,” Richardson said. “We feel confident from that aspect.”

Chinyoung, a Class 5A All-State selection as a schoolboy in Texas, emerged as the starting center during last season.

His development allowed Demarcus Stewart, who started the opener at center, to move to guard. Now, however, Stewart has slid back to center.

Meanwhile, Smith, who starred at Patterson High and Coffeyville Community College, sat out last season under NCAA transfer rules (because he had signed with Southern Illinois, a Division I-AA school like SU).

“They have parts of it,” Richardson said. “Hopefully, we can get parts of it straightened out.”

Richardson said he’s confident in Stewart.

“I feel comfortable with him, because he played center for us last year,” Richardson said. “He’s been playing center (in preseason camp) since we knew we had an issue at that spot.”

Starting right tackle Myles Williams, and sophomore Daniel Stephens, ineligible last season, are the other options.

Two-way Harry?

Junior Frank Harry, a transfer from South Florida in the spring, joined the offensive line, leaving his role as defensive tackle for cross-training at guard.

Richardson said Harry went back to the defense for brush-up work Wednesday.

“It’s a possibility (Harry plays on offense and defense),” Richardson said. “He played on offense in high school. We put him on offense to learn the system. We’re going to bring him back to defense (Wednesday) for our basic defense. He understands that.

“I’m not calculating he will play both ways, but that means he can.”

Welcome back

Besides the return of wide receiver Gerard Landry on Tuesday, SU had others return.

Alec Hawkins, the director of sports medicine, came back Monday. He had been out since Aug. 13, with Carl “Doc” Williams taking over in his place, for the birth of Hawkins’ son, Myles Sutton Hawkins. Hawkins said he’ll have to stay on campus for other activities this weekend and won’t make the trip.

Also, true freshman defensive tackle Calvin Cunningham (shoulder) returned Tuesday.

And junior quarterback C.J. Byrd at least wore practice gear — shirt and shorts but no shoulder pads like the rest of the team — for the first time Tuesday. He was in an automobile accident at the end of July.

Richardson, however, on Wednesday said again Byrd might miss this season.

“There’s a possibility we’ll probably have to redshirt him this year,” Richardson said, “because it looks like they may have to operate on his leg.”

Notes

FAMU is celebrating two anniversaries this season. The Rattlers went 11-0 and won the black college national championship in 1977 (a year before going 12-1 and winning the first Division I-AA championship along with another black college national crown). And they were 9-0 and won the black college national championship in 1957. FAMU leads the series 33-24-1. SU has practiced in at least some light rain Monday through Wednesday. The forecast for Saturday, according to weather.com as of Wednesday evening, was for scattered thunderstorms, a 50-percent chance of rain and a high of 83 degrees.

Tonight's game: Savannah State at Morgan State

Matchup: Savannah State (0-0) at Morgan State (0-0)

Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT

Site: Hughes Stadium (10,000)

LIVE AUDIO BROADCAST VIA WEB:

mms://streamer.morgan.edu/wmtencoder/weaa
(cut and paste address above to your browser)

LIVE FOOTBALL STATISTICS: http://livestats.internetconsult.com/morgan/football/

Outlook: Morgan is 4-0 against Savannah State, scoring a total of 100 points in the past two games, including a 55-26 win in 2005. The Bears would like a breakout night for their offense. They'll lean on RB Chad Simpson and the running game behind a big offensive line. QB Mario Melton has a nice combination of speed and possession receivers but needs to improve his accuracy. The Bears will play pressure defense and must improve in pass coverage, where they were especially weak in 2006. The Tigers, who play as an independent, went 2-9 last season, including a 55-6 loss at Bethune-Cookman.

-KEN MURRAY

Morgan State rides Florida wave

Photo: Morgan coach Donald Hill-Eley recruited Miami, FL native Jerrell Guyton, who steered former high school teammates to the Baltimore campus.

By Ken Murray, Baltimore Sun reporter

With 18 players from Sunshine State, Bears are enjoying Southern exposure

Morgan State caught Jerrell Guyton on the rebound. Guyton wanted to play football for Texas Southern in Houston in 2004, but detoured to Morgan State and Baltimore after a chance meeting with Bears coach Donald Hill-Eley.

From such quirks, college football legends are sometimes made.

A native of Miami, Guyton effectively opened a pipeline to that football-rich area for Hill-Eley. When the Bears open their season tomorrow night at home against Savannah State, their roster will number 18 Floridians, the second most by state after Maryland's 24.

"Florida has been major for us," Hill-Eley said. "It's changed the team morale; it's changed the team speed."

It also gives the Bears their best chance to end a streak of three straight losing seasons.

As many as seven players from Florida could start tomorrow. An additional five or six should receive substantial playing time.

The migration essentially started with Guyton, a 6-foot, 225-pound linebacker who was dismissed as too small by Texas Southern. When he visited the Houston campus late in 2004, Morgan State was in town for its final game of the season (a 37-21 victory).

Guyton met Hill-Eley on the sideline that day, offered to send tape, "and the next thing you know, I had a scholarship," he said.

It's not as if he knew where he was going, though.

"I never heard of Morgan State. I didn't know anybody that went to school here. When I first got up here, there were two people from Florida," he said.

Guyton had starred at Miami Edison and then went to Dodge City (Kan.) Community College before arriving in Baltimore in 2005. Soon after, he played a role in helping running back Chad Simpson (South Florida), wide receiver Edwin Baptiste (Bethune-Cookman) and defensive end Clarence McPherson (Akron) transfer to Morgan. All three had played at Edison.

"All of us coming out of high school basically are family," Guyton said. "You've got to look out for each other. If you see an opportunity where your friend can step in and do some good, you're going to let him know."

Simpson was disgruntled with limited playing time at South Florida. He quit the team not once but twice.

"Guyton was saying this is a good place, the coaches are down to earth and fair," Simpson said. "That's what I was looking for."

By the fourth game of the 2006 season, Simpson was Morgan's starting running back. He totaled 795 rushing yards, including games of 192 and 178. He was voted to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's preseason first team this summer.

"I'm trying to be way better than that," he said. "I'm trying to be a new man. I've been focusing on being great, being the first 2,000-yard Morgan running back here."

After listening to Guyton and Hill-Eley, Baptiste didn't bother with a recruiting visit. He just decided to come.

"Jerrell let me know what they were trying to build here," Baptiste said. "Coach Hill wasn't selling anything. He was talking to me like a man and said the best players will play. He offered a scholarship and I came off word of mouth."

Of the 18 players from Florida, eight are transfers and 13 are from Miami. Hill-Eley, who once coached with the Baltimore Stallions in the Canadian Football League, enlisted the help of former CFL players Kwame Smith and Joe Washington to open doors in Florida.

Hill-Eley said Morgan's campus helps close the deal, especially with transfers.

"A lot of times they'll contact a bunch of different schools," he said. "We always believe if we can get them here on campus and show them our facility, we shouldn't lose a one of them, and we've been successful getting them in here."

Strong safety Gary Albury came from Orlando, transferring from Mississippi. Cornerback Darren McKahn came from Miami Miramar and Connecticut. That's half the starting secondary.
McKahn said the high number of Florida recruits attracted him to Morgan. "I didn't visit," he said. "The people who were telling me about this school, I trust."

Hill-Eley said he even won a recruiting battle with Auburn for running back Devan James from Pompano Beach. For the most part, Hill-Eley goes head-to-head with Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman for Florida recruits.

He recruits Florida himself in May and December, a key point in certain cases.

"I recruit as the head coach, so I don't need to call back to tell the head coach 'I got a kid, what do you think?'" he said. "I can make my decision on those kids right there, and sometimes you have to do that."

Hill-Eley also said he first tries to speak with the parents to present the picture beyond football.

"I don't fill the kids with the Sunday [NFL] dream," he said, "and the parents understand. When you treat them right and make sure to keep education up front, you really don't have a problem."

Florida connection

Morgan State is a haven not only for Florida players, but for transfers, too. These Florida natives all began their college careers somewhere else before arriving in Baltimore.

Player, Cls., Pvs. school, Home

SS Gary Albury Fr.* Mississippi Orlando
• Strong in run support, fast enough to cover

CB Darren McKahn So. Connecticut Miami
• Playmaker on the corner with return skills

DE Clarence McPherson Jr. Akron Miami
• Played DE, LB and TE at Miami Edison

TB Chad Simpson Sr. S. Florida Miami
• Runs with power and elusiveness

FS Willie Hardemon Jr. Temple Miami
• Adds much-needed speed to the secondary

LB Chris Williams So. Fla. Intl. Miami
• Had 13 career interceptions in high school

WR Chauncey Thompkins Jr. W. Michigan Miami
• Converted quarterback

* Redshirt

Bears At A Glance

• Coach: Donald Hill-Eley (sixth season)

• Last year: 5-6

• Conference: Mid-Eastern Athletic, Division I Football Championship Subdivision (the former Division I-AA)

• Radio: 88.9 FM

• Stadium: Hughes Stadium (10,000)

• Tickets: $20 reserved, $15 general admission, $12 senior citizens, $10 students

• Parking: Garage beside stadium, $10

• Offense: Multiple pro

• Defense: 4-3

• Outlook: The Bears need a passing game to keep defenses honest against RB Chad Simpson, an All-MEAC first-team preseason pick. Mario Melton won the quarterback job and will have to improve his .473 completion percentage. Roderick Wolfe is the go-to player in a three-receiver offense. The offensive line, led by right tackle Dakarai Grimsley, is huge, averaging 301 pounds. Offense was a weakness a year ago, when the Bears averaged 18.1 points.

They led the MEAC in run defense in 2006, defensive coordinator Alonzo Lee's first with the Bears. Transfer DE Clarence McPherson will help the pass rush, and newcomers Darren McKahn and Gary Albury will start in the secondary. The Bears allowed 17 touchdown passes last season, when they ranked next to last in MEAC red zone defense. They lost three of their last four games to finish 5-6.

AAMU: No set plan to play Atkins or Allen

Reggie Benson, Huntsville Times

Backup quarterback Kevin Atkins, a redshirt freshman, has yet to play in a game. Third stringer Stanley Allen, a redshirt junior, has played only in three games and two of those were in a mop-up role.

Even so, Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones says there is no set plan to get either one of them in Saturday's season opener against Tennessee State. The Bulldogs visit the Tigers at Nashville's LP Field at 6 p.m.

"The most important criteria is to try to win the ballgame," Jones said. "If that means there's a time I can put Atkins in there I will do so, but I'm not going to insert him into the game to get him some experience.

"I'll make a decision based on everything I'm seeing. Stanley is still not counted out of everything. If I don't like the way Kevin is handling everything, I might go with the more experienced guy."

Allen filled in admirably for much of the second half in last year's Southwestern Athletic Conference championship after starting quarterback Kelcy Luke went down with a broken leg and helped A&M rally to a 22-13 victory.

Wright to start: Even though Javarris Williams finished second in the Ohio Valley Conference in rushing last season and was named to the all-conference team, TSU coach James Webster said Tuesday that Terrence Wright will start at tailback for the Tigers Saturday night against Alabama A&M.

Wright, 5-10 and 190, rushed for just 86 yards on 24 carries last season and scored two touchdowns.

Williams finished with 1,233 yards on 245 carries and scored 11 touchdowns. He had 121 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown and also caught two passes for 41 yards in TSU's 27-20 loss to A&M last season.

"Terrence has earned the right to start," Webster said. "In my mind and in my heart, Javarris is still our starting running back, but every day you earn your starting position. In evaluating the running backs since last season, Terrence deserves an opportunity to start."

Afterward, Webster heaped praise on Williams.

"Javarris has worked hard," he said. "He reported to camp in good shape. He's big, strong, fast and physical. I'm excited about Javarris. I expect him to be our leading ballcarrier and lead us to victory."

Winston returns: Defensive tackle David Winston returned to practice Tuesday night and moved around pretty well, but defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns said redshirt sophomore Renaldo Askew will start Saturday night against Tennessee State.

Askew, a 6-1, 263-pounder out of Atlanta, played in five games last season and was credited with six tackles.

John Merritt Classic: Tigers tout improvement

By REGGIE BENSON, Times Sports Staff

With influx of Division I transfers, Tennessee St. coach shows optimism

Two years ago, Tennessee State coach James Webster inherited a program that had had three losing seasons in the last five years. The Tigers were devoid of talent and struggled to compete in the Ohio Valley Conference despite having won back-to-back league titles in the late 1990s under former coach L.C. Cole.

TSU went 2-9 during Webster's first season in 2005 and was among the worst teams in the country. Now, three days from beginning his third season at TSU, Webster says the Tigers are one of the more improved teams in college football.

"I think we're ahead of schedule," Webster said when asked to assess TSU's program. "You have to get your people in to see where you are. We were 2-9 my first year and last in the OVC. The last game we played last year we had a chance to share the OVC championship.

"I didn't think we could make that much progress in two years. We've upped the expectations for our fans. I really feel this program is ahead of schedule. We've got some young men that have stepped up and set high goals and standards for this program."

An indication if TSU's program is ahead of schedule could come Saturday night when the Tigers host defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Alabama A&M in the John Merritt Classic at Nashville's LP Field. Kickoff is 6.

A&M has beaten TSU the last two seasons and Webster says it's time the Tigers got back on the winning side.

"This is the most important game of the season," he said. "It's our Classic. We've lost two years in a row. We've got to get off to a positive start. With us being in our third year, it's important for us to win the football game and prove to ourselves and our fans that we've made progress."

Webster has turned TSU's program around with an influx of Division I transfers.

Last season, the Tigers had six Division I transfers in their starting lineup, including quarterback Antonio Heffner, who came from South Carolina, and linebacker Kalvin Baker, who came from Florida. Heffner was second in the league in passing, averaging just under 190 yards through the air, while Baker was one of the Tigers' top tacklers.

This season, TSU will have at least five more Division I transfers in the starting lineup, including three on defense.

Sophomore cornerback Marquez Hall came from Vanderbilt. Linebackers Kellen Woodard and Ramone Willis came from Western Michigan and Illinois, respectively. Nose guard Harold Avodele came from Coffeyville Community College.

On offense, wide receivers Kwame Patrick and Rod Evans came from UAB and Mississippi State, respectively.

"It takes time to build a program ... to get the kind of players that you want," Webster said. "We're going into our third year and we're beginning to get the kind of players we want in our program. We're catching up."

As a result, Webster believes his team will contend for the OVC championship. OVC officials picked the Tigers to finish fifth in the league's preseason poll. Webster expects his team to be a lot better than that.

"I expect us to win the OVC," he said. "I don't see anybody on our schedule, if we play well, we can't beat. I want this football team to be confident.

"I want them to feel we can win the OVC. I don't want them to question whether we can win."

ASU running back has been impeccable

By Josh Moon, Montgomery Advertiser

A few days ago, the Alabama State coaches sat down together and discussed the type of players they hoped to recruit to the school in coming years. With several new coaches, including a new head coach, on the staff and with recruiting starting to really heat up, the ASU coaches just wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page.

So, they spent a little time tossing out attributes and building the ideal ASU player. When they had finished, head coach Reggie Barlow noticed something a little strange.

"We already had our ideal player on campus," Barlow said. "It's Jay Peck."

From academics to community work to leadership, Peck is the player every coach dreams of. He's the all-star on the field, the excellent student in the classroom and an unofficial spokesman at team events.

"You can't beat Jay Peck," Barlow said. "Really, having him on this team is just a blessing. He does so much for you and sets such a great example for the rest of the players. You can take a young guy and show him Jay Peck and say, 'That's what you're shooting for.' You don't get many guys like that."

What's really odd, though, is to have a guy like that and not know it. Yet, that's exactly what happened with Peck during his first three years at ASU.

When he first joined the team in 2003, Peck was a little-known walk-on who the coaches felt deserved a chance. For the next three years, which included one redshirt season, he was the third-string running back behind two of the top rushers in the conference. Finally, in 2006, with those two backs gone, Peck was in line for the top spot.

Wrong. He opened the season as the third-string back behind a couple of freshmen. "I never stopped believing in myself," Peck said. "I knew I could do whatever they were asking of me, whatever they needed. I just needed the opportunity to prove it. But I never got frustrated really. I just worked harder."

Finally, a game into the 2006 season, after a blowout loss to start the year, Peck found himself starting. But that had less to do with the coaches' recognizing his talent and more to do with the complete ineffectiveness of the two guys in front of him. Making Peck the starter was a move made out of desperation more than anything else.

Sometimes, desperate measures work just fine.

Peck's first carry went for nine yards. His second went for 10. He finished the game with 20 carries for 130 yards and a touchdown.

"I think he just got buried behind some guys and nobody knew he was that talented," said Barlow, who was an assistant on both the 2005 and 2006 teams. "That happens sometimes. You'll get a guy who just needs that game situation to show you what he can do. When we gave it to Peck, he made the most of it."

And the Hornets made the most of him.

Over the next nine games, no back in the conference -- and few in college football -- carried more times than Peck's 229 carries. And only one back in the SWAC - Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Martell Mallet - had more total yards and touchdowns than Peck.

"People asked me if I didn't get worn down," Peck said. "But I loved it. This is what you play for."

And now, the guy few fans knew before the second game last season finds himself all over the place. He's on billboards, fliers, the team media guide and even the passes to games. He's an all-conference selection and is listed as one of the top running back prospects in black college football. When the football team participates in a public event, such as the conference's media day, Peck is Barlow's first choice.

For all intents and purposes, for his senior year, Jay Peck is the face of Alabama State football.

"It is a little surreal," Peck says, laughing. "I certainly don't mind doing any of that stuff. I'm a humble guy, so I'm not completely comfortable with the posters and stuff. But I see it all as such an honor. To think about where I was and to have all of this happening, yeah, it's pretty cool. I guess it just goes to show that if you keep working, good things will happen."


* The One Who Got Away: Barlow and the ASU coaching staff had been working this week to sign 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive lineman Matthew Hardick, who recently was released by Florida State.

But ASU admission standards got in the way.

"We had the kid. He was ready to sign," Barlow said. "He had taken some sort of remedial class or something at Florida State that we don't accept here. It wasn't NCAA rules, it was our rules. He was eligible to play. Could've been on the field this afternoon and playing in this weekend's game."

Barlow said it now appears that Hardrick will sign with Texas Southern, who the Hornets face in week two.

"I guess we'll get to see him play up close," Barlow said. "He'll be hard to miss."

Hardrick was ranked as the No. 8 offensive lineman in the country by Rivals, a recruiting Web site, two years ago and logged some playing time for the Seminoles last season. He had chosen ASU after taking visits to South Florida, Central Florida and Florida International. Because he's dropping a division to play at Texas Southern, Hardrick will be eligible to play immediately