Nine Southern University players on All-SWAC

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A year ago at this time, Bryant Lee was preparing for a preseason camp battle with Warren Matthews to see who would be Southern’s starting quarterback. Now, Lee is the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s preseason offensive player of the year. Winning the starting job wasn’t a stretch, because Lee finished the 2006 season as the starter. Then a redshirt freshman, he was Southern’s MVP of the Bayou Classic

After holding off Matthews in the preseason, Lee went on to become a second-team All-SWAC pick last season. Despite ankle and knee injuries and ultimately a broken thumb, he threw for 2,326 yards and 23 touchdowns, with just four interceptions and a 65.7 completion percentage. He also ran for 274 yards and four more TDs.

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Jackson State, Grambling are top picks again in SWAC

BIRMINGHAM — If the preseason poll is correct, fans of the Southwestern Athletic Conference can expect a repeat of last year's championship game featuring Jackson State and Grambling.

But, while coaches admit it's a great honor to be chosen as the favorites, they are not putting much stock in it. "The game is decided on the field, always has been and always will be," said Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow. "Preseason polls and honors are great, but you have to work hard between the lines week in and week out."

Jackson State was selected by league coaches, sports information directors and selected media members to claim the Eastern Division title, receiving 105 points and an overwhelming 17 first-place points. Jackson State was followed by Alabama A&M with 92 points and five first-place votes, Mississippi Valley State (51), Alabama State (49) and Alcorn State (33).

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Former FAMU coach hired to DSU football staff

Dover, DE - Delaware State University Head Football Coach Al Lavan has announced the appointment of Renato Diaz as running backs coach for the Hornets.

Diaz, who has more than 12 years of college coaching experience, most recently served as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) rival Florida A&M the past three years, under former head coach Rubin Carter.

“Coach Diaz brings a wealth of coaching and administrative experience, in addition to familiarity with the conference, to our staff,” Lavan said. “He has enjoyed success at every stop in his career, and we are fortunate to have someone of his caliber join our team.”

During the 2007 season, Diaz was credited with the success of Florida A&M freshman tailback Philip Sylvester, who was named MEAC Rookie-of-the-Year after rushing for nearly 900 yards and leading the league in all-purpose yards (164.3 ypg).

“Coach Lavan is doing a tremendous job at Delaware State, and I’m honored to join his staff,” Diaz said. “I’m extremely impressed with the university, and its commitment to its teams. I’m looking forward to working with the staff to continue the success the Hornets have enjoyed the last few years.”

Diaz began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Fla. (1996-1998), where he was an assistant to the offensive coordinator.

Photo: Coach Diaz and the entire Rattlers football staff of head coach Rubin Carter was fired by incoming A.D. William "Bill" Hayes in January 2008.

In 1998, Diaz was promoted to tight ends coach for USF, and also served as coordinator for recruiting and special teams. That season, the Bulls led the nation in total punt return yards and was seventh in net punting, limiting opponents to 2.1 yards per return. During the 1999 season, South Florida was eighth in the nation in net punting and 12th in kickoff returns.

Diaz also served as running backs coach at Columbia University in New York during the 2000 season. At Columbia, Diaz coached Johnathan Reese, the school's first 1,000 yard rusher, who was an All-Ivy League First Team selection after leading the conference with 1,330 yards rushing.

From 2001 to ’03, Diaz was running backs coach at Florida International University. FIU’s Rashod Smith was a Division I-AA All-Independent First Team selection at running back in 2001.

In the summer of 2003, Diaz did a brief stint with the NFL’s New York Jets during training camp, working with the offensive staff in all phases of preparation for the season.

Diaz was running backs coach and special teams consultant at Widener University in Chester, Pa. in 2004. That season, the Division III Pioneers were 11th in the nation in kickoff returns (23.3 ypr).

Diaz earned a bachelors in geology from South Florida in 1983. He is also a 2005 graduate of the NCAA Advanced Coaches Academy.

Courtesy: DSU Athletic Media Relations

McBride under microscope at Eagles camp

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — One of just four receivers in camp so far, Shaheer McBride knows every play in which he's involved gets noticed – especially the ones he'd like to forget. The former Delaware State receiver made a nice catch in traffic across the middle in 7-on-7 drills in today's morning session of training camp, but had the ball jarred from his grip after he came crashing to the ground.

"You gotta squeeze it," barked coach Andy Reid as McBride ran back to the huddle. Reid later praised McBride during his press conference, but the dropped pass still lingered for the Chester, Pa., native. "You can't just be able to process it and be done with it.," McBride admitted. "Someone tells you that they'd be lying to you."

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All-American Vasquez hired as FAMU's special-teams coach

What was just an idea for former FAMU kicker Juan Vasquez is now a reality after several years of volunteering as a special-teams coach. "After a while of being successful, I started thinking, 'Wow, I could really do this for a living,'" Vasquez said Tuesday. "What a better way to do something that you like to do as a livelihood."

He got his opportunity to do nothing but coach for a living when head coach Joe Taylor hired him as kicking coach. An official announcement of his hire was delayed until the process was recently completed. "This is a dream come true," he said. "I didn't know this would really happen, and I want to thank coach Taylor for giving me the opportunity. I've put in a lot of hard work, but you never know when the opportunity is going to come."

Coach Vasquez has been successful in mentoring former Rattlers All-American kicker, Wesley Taylor, #20.

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SWAC Q&A: First-year commissioner Duer Sharp talks league’s future

As the Southwestern Athletic Conference holds football media day, we check in with first-year commissioner Duer Sharp. A former interim athletic director at Grambling, Sharp previously served as the SWAC’s assistant commissioner and had a previous tenure in the Big Ten Conference. He replaced Robert Vowels in January.

Question: Any surprises so far?
Answer: Coming from the Big Ten to the SWAC, you see that we have a long way to go. You are in here early, and you work late. But we feel like we’ve made a lot of advances. It took some time, but we’re partnered with corporate sponsors now like Russell and State Farm. If we continue to work with member institutions as a team, and the conference office stays ahead of the curve, we can continue to have a voice.

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A&M Jones at ease entering 7th year

A&M coach confident as season nears

BIRMINGHAM - There was a time when Alabama A&M football coach Anthony Jones was a little apprehensive about dealing with the media. He was in a new position. He was in a new city. And he didn't know how the media would treat him. "Dealing with the media is just like any other type of relationship," Jones said. "There has to be a level of trust involved. Over the years, the level of trust has heightened and increased."

As a result, Jones, now entering his seventh season at A&M, has become somewhat of a media darling. "The longer you do something the more comfortable you're going to become," he said. "I didn't want to come out when I first got here and make a bunch of statements because I had a bunch of new players and some new coaches that I had never been in the fire with and we had to grow together.

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Leon's McSayles to play for ex-FAMU head coach

Photo: Miles College head football coach, William "Billy" Joe

In college football recruiting, courting the student-athlete's parents can be just as important as wooing the student-athlete. Take cornerback Jared McSayles, for example. The recent Tallahassee Leon High graduate will head to Miles College in Birmingham, Ala. to attend school and play football. At Miles, he will play under first-year head coach Billy Joe, who was inducted into Florida A&M University's Hall of Fame last year.

McSayles, 18, cites two major factors in his decision to select the NCAA Division II school in Alabama:

Hearing from the Miles coaching staff that he would receive the opportunity to play college football as a freshman;

His mother's comfort with the Miles coaching staff.

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WSSU's Hayes, Titans agree to contract

Defensive end William Hayes, a fourth-round draft pick of the Tennessee Titans and a former star at Winston-Salem State, has agreed to a four-year contract. Hayes, a High Point native and the first Rams' draft pick since 1993, was hoping to be signed before training camp for the Titans opens on Saturday. Hayes will report to training camp on Friday.

"I'm actually signing (on Tuesday) but the deal is done," Hayes said Monday afternoon just as he was about to work out at Winston-Salem State with former teammate, Jason Holman. "I guess my celebration is I'm working out to get ready for the start of camp."

Hayes, 23, said that the details of the contract have been hammered out over the last few days. He didn't know how much the deal was worth but it's believed to be a total package of...

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Bethune Cookman's Ash finishes 3rd in 110m hurdles

TOLUCA, Mexico -- Bethune-Cookman rising sophomore Ronnie Ash finished third in the 110-meter hurdles at the North America, Central America and Caribbean Under-23 Track & Field Championships.

The 19-year-old All-American finished in 13.72 seconds behind winner and fellow American Jason Richardson. Ash, who is recovering from a strained hamstring, also finished third to Richardson, who attends the University of South Carolina, in last month's NCAA Track and Field Championships.

"I'm happy with him coming off the aches and pains," B-CU track and field coach Garfield Ellenwood said. "He hadn't actually raced since the NCAAs. It's been a great year for him."

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JSU's Gorden reaches top with Hall of Fame induction

SOUTH BEND, IND. — They showed W.C. Gorden around Notre Dame Stadium this weekend. He took a long look at Touchdown Jesus. Stood in the stadium Knute Rockne built. Strolled in the grass where guys like Paul Hornung, Joe Theismann and Tim Brown became legends.

Like any lifelong football man, Gorden was emotionally moved. After all, the history of the Fighting Irish is maybe the most celebrated in the sport. Some of the greatest football games on Earth were played in this very spot. But don't get things misconstrued. Even though Gorden was impressed by the sights of South Bend, he was far from jealous. In fact, the 78-year-old is more than comfortable with the career path sent his way.

"I've already been to the mountaintop," said Gorden with a grin. "I've been the coach of Jackson State University's football team."

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Southern QB ready to get back in the flow

Southern quarterback Bryant Lee is ready to get going — really going — for the first time since late November. Held out of contact drills during spring practices after breaking a thumb in the Bayou Classic, the junior will join his teammates in returning to campus July 31. The Jaguars start practice Aug. 2.

“I’m ready to get back into the flow of it now,” Lee said. Now that the thumb is good, SU, 8-3 last season, needs Lee to get back where he was — and continue to improve. “We’re taking it one step at a time,” Lee said. “(SU strength and conditioning coach Thomas Hall) has us working extra hard in the weight room. And as players we’re taking it as a responsibility for us to get the job done.”

SU lost wide receiver Gerard Landry and running back Darren Coates, who completed their careers last season. As the top playmaker returning, Lee is a key piece in SU’s success or failure.

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Q&A: ASU men's basketball coach Lewis Jackson: Hornets coach endures tumultuous offseason

The life of a college basketball coach -- even one in the middle of the offseason -- is rarely a walk in the park. If you doubt that, spend a few minutes with Alabama State head coach Lewis Jackson. Since his team's season ended with a shocking upset loss to Jackson State and a trip to face Arizona State in the National Invitation Tournament, Jackson and his assistants have endured the death of a player, the signing of four highly-touted new players and the departure of their most promising young stars.

They've also spent weeks on the road recruiting and some time working on next season's schedule. Jackson, who was still out recruiting, took a little time this week to talk to the Montgomery Advertiser about all of it.

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Tennessee State offense not a problem

Offensively, the Tigers return 10 of 12 starters, including the OVC's leading passer, senior quarterback Antonio Heffner. Heffner completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,486 yards and 10 touchdowns before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in the seventh game of the season.

One of Heffner's favorite targets, senior receiver Chris Johnson, grabbed 41 passes for 740 yards and four touchdowns last year. He'll be a key part of the Tigers' effort to end an eight-year OVC title drought. "We always had the pieces, but we didn't have the mental toughness to do what we needed to do," Johnson said. "But now since we have matured, we believe we can break a lot of school records and we'll make a deep playoff run."

Photo: TSU QB Antonio Heffner is back for his senior campaign to lead the big blue Tigers.

TSU travels to Normal, Ala., for its first test of the season against Alabama A&M. The Tigers then return to LP Field to face Southern in the 10th annual John Merritt Classic, a game that honors the Tigers' late coach and helps raise scholarship money for TSU students.

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Quarterback to transfer to Tennessee State from Missouri

Dominic Grooms, a backup quarterback last season for Missouri, is transferring to Tennessee State. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound native of Tampa, Fla., said he wanted to be closer to home and since he is transferring to a Football Championship Subdivision team, he will be eligible to play this fall.

"There wasn't a problem (at Missouri) at all," Grooms told the St. Petersburg Times. "I had to get closer to home. I feel like being closer to home is best for the family. And I have some other family (in Nashville). That kind of makes it more of a home-like situation."

He was listed third on Missouri's depth chart this past spring behind Heisman Trophy finalist Chase Daniel and Chase Patton.

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Here is what Mizzo had to say about Grooms...

2007 SEASON: Did not see playing time but was a valuable member of the offense throughout the year in practice, and spent the entire season as the team's No. 3 signal caller depth-wise.-+

2006 SEASON: Redshirted in his first season in the program, working as part of the practice squad.

HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year starter at QB who was rated as the No. 24 dual-threat QB in the nation, according to Rivals ... Had a very successful senior season, that saw him compile 1,600 yards and 16 TDs passing, and he added 512 yards and 8 TDs on the ground ... Transferred to Middleton High School for his senior year, and he led the Tigers to a 7-4 record in 2005 and to the 4A quarterfinals ... Played his first three years of ball at Tampa Bay Tech, where he exploded on the scene as a sophomore, when he threw for 1,928 yards and 18 TDs, and ran for 382 yards and 3 TDs ... Missed 5 games due to a foot injury as a junior, but still amassed 1,010 yards passing and 6 TDs, and ran for 212 yards and 2 TDs ... Started his first game late in the year as a freshman at Tampa Bay Tech and had 492 yards passing (3 TDs) and 120 yards rushing (1 TD) ... Also competed in track at Middleton ... High school coach - Harry Hubbard.

PERSONAL: Mother - Vicki Grooms ... Chose Mizzou over South Florida, North Carolina State, Clemson, North Carolina, Vanderbilt and Bowling Green, among others ...

TSU center leaves to be closer to family

Photo: James Craft, Jr., is a native of Glen Allen (Richmond), Virginia and a graduate of Mercerburg Academy.

James Craft, a 7-foot center, has decided to leave the Tennessee State men's basketball team and transfer to Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho. Craft spent only one season at TSU after transferring from Wright State in 2005-06. He sat out the 2006-07 season and then started four games for the Tigers last season.

Craft, who will be a junior this season, played in 25 games and averaged 7.5 minutes per game. He averaged 1.2 points and 1.6 rebounds while blocking 11 shots. TSU Coach Cy Alexander said Craft left so he could be closer to his fiancée, who lives in Oregon. It wasn't anything against TSU or anything negative against James," Alexander said. "He wanted to be closer to his family and I applaud him for that and wish him the best in what he is trying to do."

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SWAC to hold Luncheon and Media Day

The SWAC will hold its annual Kickoff Luncheon & Media Day on Tuesday, July 22 at 9 a.m. The media activities will be held at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame while the luncheon will take place at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex in downtown Birmingham.

The speaker for the luncheon is former Southern University and National Football League standout Aeneas Williams. During his senior season at Southern, he tied the NCAA Division I-AA record for interceptions. He went on to the NFL as a member of the Arizona Cardinals in 1991. In his rookie season, he tied the League record for interceptions. Over his career he accumulated a staggering 12 defensive touchdowns (nine interceptions and three fumbles) and 55 career interceptions.

Limited tickets are available to the public for $30 and can be obtained by contacting the Conference Office at (205) 251-7573.

SSU basketball player arrested on charges of theft

Photo: SSU star player Patrice "Nikki" Robinson.

Savannah State University women's basketball player Patrice "Nikki" Robinson, the Tigers' leading rebounder and shot-blocker last season, was arrested July 9 on a charge of theft by deception. Robinson, 24, a former Swainsboro High School star and the Savannah Morning News 2002 Player of the Year, is accused of stealing clothing valued at $114.02 from her employer, Goody's Family Clothing in Swainsboro.

Swainsboro Police Department Cpl. Craig Morris wrote in an incident report that Ellen Palmer, manager of the store at 664 South Main St., is the complainant. According to the police report, the "complainant stated that the offender (employee) stole merchandise by ringing items up and then voiding the transactions."

Robinson was arrested July 9 and released the same day. "I was told not to say anything about it," Robinson said Friday from her home in Swainsboro. Palmer said she, too, has been advised not to talk about the incident.

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READ COMPANION STORY ON "NIKKI ROBINSON": http://meacswacsports.blogspot.com/2008/02/heres-to-you-savannah-state-ms-robinson.html

HU's Vernon Bryant signs St. Louis Rams contract

HAMPTON, VA — Vernon Bryant, a graduate of Southampton High School and Hampton University, has signed a contract with the National Football League's St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent. Bryant graduated from HAMPTON UNIVERSITY in May with a bachelor's degree in sports management. Even before graduation, he was a member of the St. Louis Rams. He was approached by the Rams after April's NFL draft.

"They contacted me about 10 minutes after the draft. They called and said come on down as a free agent," Bryant said. Bryant has already attended mini-camp to familiarize himself with the plays and has been playing defensive tackle and special teams. The Rams' full training camp opens on July 25.

In 2007, Bryant, a 6-2, 285-pound defensive tackle, played in 11 games and started nine games for HU. He made 47 tackles, including nine in Hampton's final game against Southern Illinois University. During the season he also had nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, and recovered a fumble. He was ranked 45 out of 148 defensive tackles coming out of college this year by www.nfldraftscout.com.

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New Joe at FAMU

Photo: FAMU Head Football Coach Joe Taylor (Mark's Digital Photography)

Joe Taylor is three victories shy of 200 as a college football coach.

The question is whether it will take his entire debut season at Florida A&M to reach the milestone. Taylor has endured only two losing seasons in a quarter-century, the past 16 at Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Hampton University. His 136-49-1 record with the Pirates helped him earn eight MEAC championships and league coach of the year honors three times in the past four years.

FAMU is relying on Taylor, who was serving Friday on an NCAA committee in Indianapolis that conflicted with the Florida Sports Writers Association media conference at the Marriott Waterside, to restore a winning tradition in Tallahassee. The Rattlers are coming off a 3-8 season and haven't won a conference title since 2001. Bethune-Cookman coach Alvin Wyatt figures it's only a matter of time.

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