Optimism abounds for Southern University baseball

Optimism is an important ally for any coach in the weeks before his or her season is set to launch. It was certainly a handy companion for LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri and Southern University counterpart Roger Cador on Wednesday when the two men spoke to the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge at its weekly luncheon.

With the college baseball season pushed back to a common start date (Feb. 22) this season, the Tigers and Jaguars both have two more full weeks of practice before they take the diamond for real.

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The Jaguars will again be in a battle for the SWAC championship with Prairie View A&M. However, before the Jags can think about traditional opponents, they must face LSU in a televised game ( Feb. 26, CST Network/Cox Cable Channel 37 at 6:30 p.m.), UCLA, Southern Cal and Tulane. Ouch!

Gladness finds happiness at Alabama A&M

Photo: Alabama A&M University NBA pro prospect Mickell Gladness, 6-11/205 forward, Sylacauga, AL, Lawson State CC .

Center's love of hoops may lead to a pro career

Mickell Gladness arrived at Alabama A&M three years ago with little fanfare. He will leave with a whole lot more. Scouts and agents have come from near and far to get a look at Gladness, who has improved his scoring ability to go along with his shot blocking and rebounding skills.

"My dream has been to play beyond college," Gladness said Thursday before practice. "I love basketball, and I would love to play and get paid for it." Gladness'love for the game has been obvious lately. Over the last six games, the 6-foot-11, 205-pound senior has played as well as he's played during his career. During that stretch, Gladness is averaging 14.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.5 blocks while shooting 60 percent from the field.

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Hampton Pirates hoping Justice is served

HU might have a replacement for Kendall Langford in Jalal Gee.

Can Richmond-area lightning strike again for Hampton University? New coach Jerry Holmes thinks Jalal Gee of John Marshall High can become the program's latest Capital City bolt from the blue. Gee, a 6-foot-4, 275-pound defensive tackle, signed to play for the Pirates on Tuesday to little fanfare. Gee, who carries a 3.0 grade-point average, chose Hampton over Old Dominion.
He bench-presses 370 pounds and runs a 5.0-second 40-yard dash. His other attributes are similar to those Langford brought to HU. "He has good footwork and an explosive first step." "He'll clog up some holes and tackle whatever comes through them. "He's that quick and he's that strong."

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Diversity Rule Goes to College

I-A Football Adopts NFL Hiring Practice

A version of the minority-interviewing rule that was the catalyst for the NFL to diversify its head coaching ranks has been adopted by major college football.

A written policy stipulating that any division I-A football program with a head coaching vacancy will interview at least one minority candidate was sent just more than three weeks ago to athletic directors at the 120 schools. The two-page document details what it calls "acceptable standards" regarding diversity in interviewing and hiring practices, and was distributed by the Division I-A Athletic Directors' Association.

The policy does not include a mechanism for punishing a school that does not comply with the requirement.

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Light Jazz from Howard University

The Flutes of Howard University - "A' Bientot"


Andrew White! Giant Steps and Hey Sexy Chocolate! With the Howard University Jazz Ensemble.


Afro Blue @ A Night Of Vocal Jazz at Howard University in the Blackburn Gallery Lounge - "Oh Freedom"

UMES Lady Hawks sting DSU Hornets 61-55

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. -- Maryland-Eastern Shore scored the last six points to earn a 61-55 victory over Delaware State University in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women's basketball Wednesday. The score was tied 55-55 with 34 seconds remaining when UMES freshman Casey Morton started the 6-0 run by hitting a short jumper and a free throw to give the Hawks their first lead of the second half. Morton added two more free throws with 13 seconds left and Queenique Tyler hit one with one second remaining.

The Hawks won their school-record sixth straight to improve to 13-8, 6-2 in the MEAC.

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Johnnie Cole signs 27 recruits for Texas Southern

Texas Southern coach Johnnie Cole signed a group of 27. Seven members of the Tigers' class came from Mitchell High School in Memphis, Tenn., including quarterback Kenyan Torry, who accounted for nearly 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns last season.

TSU also addressed its needs at receiver and in the secondary, bringing in three wideouts and five defensive backs. Perhaps the biggest defensive pickup was defensive back Kydarian Wilkins of Dallas South Oak Cliff. Wilkins fell off many recruiting charts because of his 5-8, 165-pound size but is a potential shutdown corner. "Our coaching staff did a great job," Cole said. "We came in behind the eight-ball, but they hit the ground running. We wanted to build a foundation of Texas kids."

Texas Southern 2008 (27) Signees

Stephen Owens QB/TE 6-4 220 Alvin, Texas Alvin

Robert Hersh K 5-11 210 Pearland, Texas Pearland

Marc Ellis WR 6-4 200 Missouri City, Texas Willowridge

Samuel Gordy LB 6-1 200 Denton, Texas Denton Guyer

Christian Benard DL/FB 5-9 245 Denton Guyer

Donald Holloway OL/DL 6-3 270 Memphis, Tenn. Mitchell

Kenyan Torry QB 6-2 175 Memphis, Tenn. Mitchell

Darius Green DL 6-4 295 Memphis, Tenn. Mitchell

Lewis McCaster DL 6-3 255 Memphis, Tenn. Mitchell

Justin Toliver DB 6-0 185 Memphis, Tenn. Mitchell

Antonio Harris FB 5-10 210 Memphis, Tenn. Mitchell

Ashton Rucher OL 6-6 315 Memphis, Tenn. Mitchell

Joshua Robinson QB 6-4 200 Clinton, La. Clinton

Ian Williams OL 6-7 330 Pensacola, Fla. Pensacola

Ricky Williams LB 6-0 215 Pensacola, Fla. Pensacola

Wayne Ingram TE 6-3 230 New Orleans, La. John Curtis

Kydarian Wilkins DB 5-8 165 Dallas, Texas South Oak Cliff

Demarcus Washington DB 5-8 160 Dallas, Texas Lincoln

Montgomery Jackson DB 6-0 175 Okl. City, OK. Northeast

Joseph Igboeli DB 6-2 165 Grand Prairie, TX, South Grand Prairie

Andrew Phorne OL 6-6 335 Dallas, TX Carter

Chivas Belton DL 5-10 270 Houston, TX Klein Forest

Harry Brown QB 6-2 175Port Arthur, TX, Memorial

Brian Arnwine LB 6-0 190 Grand Prairie, TX South Grand Prairie

James Davis WR 6-3 200 Lufkin, TX Lufkin

Coach Billy Joe's Miles College Golden Bears signs 12 football student-athletes

Photo: College Football Hall of Fame coach William "Billy" Joe, Miles College.

I know, I know--NCAA Division II Miles College is not a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference or Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Golden Bears are a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), where former FAMU head football coach William "Billy" Joe is in his first season as Papa Bear.

This hall of fame coach has been our long time favorite coach, especially when it comes to recruiting philosophy and his ability to snatch a blue chip player or two.

Coach Joe will be one of five persons enshrined into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Hall of Fame during a reception on Thursday, March 13, 2008 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Marriott Crabtree Valley Hotel in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Joe has always be an entertaining ball coach, doing the unthinkable like coaching from the Press Box or saving scholarships for the late July rush of Division I transfers to help his teams. It will be interesting to look in on Coach Joe from time to time, to see how he's doing and his success in rebuilding the Miles College Bears.

Billy Joe signed 12 players on national signing day. The surprise was he nabbed (transfers) former Florida A&M University players Richard Koonce, OT, 6-7/315, Lantana, FL; Dan Henderson, OG, 6-4/330 Columbus, OH; and Carlton Hill, QB, 6-4/210, University of South Florida, Monticello, FL. These guys will be starters in Coach Joe explosive no huddle spread offense and are Division I level players.

Also signed were:

1. Josh Maxwell OC 6-3/305 Nashville, TN Stratford High School Accomplishments: All Region, All Metro and Rival Top 50

2. Steven Randlerson LB 6-0/205 Lake Worth FL Lake Worth High School, Accomplishments: All Area and All Star.

3. Lucius Wade, Jr. RB 5-8/161 Monticello FL Jefferson Co. High School Accomplishments: 2007 All State All Star.

4. DeMarcus Starks QB 6-3/190, Midfield AL Midfield High School,
Accomplishments: 2007 All Metro

5. Cedric Pendeleton OL 6-2/300 Jackson, MS Hinds C.C.

6. Aquantis Mobbley DB 5-10 180 Monticello, FL Gulf Coast C.C.

7. John Wilson DE 6-3 210 Graceville, FL Edward Waters College

8. Larry Johnson DE 6-3 250 Clinton MD West Hill C.C.

9. Justin Chapman OLB 5-9 210 College Park, GA Banneker High School
Accomplishments: Carter School Record, 367 Tackles All Region and All SW Metro

Have you noticed that Michael Strahan and Coach Joe both won Super Bowls with teams that were not given a prayer of a chance of winning. Coach Joe played on the 1969 Jets that won Super Bowl III with Joe Namath at quarterback, who guaranteed the win due to the lack of respect given by Baltimore Colts fans. Sounds familiar--so is the gap that Strahan and Joe's have in their similes. When they smile, you cannot help it but smile too, which is great for the soul. They both have a tremendous sense of humor that will keep you laughing.

The 67 year old coach has a game scheduled with 1-AA new Southern Conference member Samford University on September 6, 2008. Let the Coach Billy Joe era begin or better, the scheduled opponents should get ready for some major beat downs given by the Miles College Golden Bears and the second winningest coach in HBCU football history.

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

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

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

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

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

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2008 PVAMU FOOTBALL SIGNEES

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

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

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

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

Elton Holmes LB 6-0 225 Bryan, TX Bryan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Duriel Harris WR 6-5 205 Channelview, TX Channelview

Thaddeus Wesley OL 6-4 310 Houston, TX Nimitz

UAPB Coach Coleman targets offensive linemen

Monte Coleman is a former Washington Redskin with three Super Bowl rings and plenty of name recognition. That combination certainly helped as he worked to secure his first recruiting class in his first season as Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s head coach.

The Golden Lions signed 22 players Wednesday on the first day of the national signing period, including six from Arkansas. Coleman said he expects to sign 30 players before the signing period ends. “ I am extremely pleased with this class, ’’ said Coleman, who served as UAPB’s defensive coordinator for two seasons before taking over head coaching duties for Mo Forte in November.

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MVSU Delta Devils close day one of national signing day with 22

Itta Bena, Miss.--- Mississippi Valley State head football coach Willie Totten was elated at the end of day one of national football signing day as the Delta Devils inked 22 freshman and transfer student-athletes to mark the largest first day under Totten’s reign.

“I'm very pleased at the turn out, but the best thing is they will all be eligible,” Totten said. “No doubt these are the best numbers since I've been here and we're expecting a couple more junior college guys (today).

“I really want to commend the coaches for getting out there and beating the bushes and getting what we need,” Totten added. “The numbers are a good sign that the program is moving forward.”

2008 MVSU Football Recruits

1. Sandon Nelson LB 6-0 195 Little Rock, Ark. Robinson H.S.

2. Nathaniel Gaines OT 6-3 280 Fayette, MS Jefferson County H.S.

3. Karlos Richardson OT 6-4 310 North Little Rock H.S./Oak Grove H.S.

4. Armon Williams DB 6-0 181 Little Rock, Ark. J.A. Fair H.S.

5. Bruce Nix LB 6-3 220 Jackson, MS Raymond H.S.

6. Jonathan Wilson OL 6-0 260 Batesville, MS South Panola H.S.

7. Cordarrius McMurry OL 6-2 320 Batesville, MS South Panola H.S.

8. Marquis McFadden DB 5-11 180 Little Rock, AR Robinson H.S.

9. Anthony Ester DL 6-2 285 Memphis, TN Whitehaven H.S.

10. Chris Coby DE 6-3 235 Pinson, AL Clay Chalkville H.S.

11. Edmond Box DE 6-2 230 Pinson, AL Clay Chalkville H.S.

12. William Woodard OL 6-4 310 Birmingham, AL Woodland H.S.

13. Oscar Dudley WR 6-4 210 Coffeyville, MS North West C.C.

14. Nicholas Sherman OL 6-1 280 Birmingham, AL Huffman H.S.

15. Johnvonta Brooks OL 6-1 285 Winona, MS Holmes C.C.

16. Joshua Shipp LB 6-1 185 Batesville, MS South Panola H.S.

17. Aaron Encalade QB 6-3 225 Hamilton, LA Coahoma C.C.

18. Javaris Fritz DL 6-1 220 Tarrant, AL Tarrant H.S.

19. Andre Berry QB 6-3 210 Tarrant, AL Tarrant H.S.

20. Cordarius Williams DL 6-5 270 Olive Branch, MS DeSota County H.S.

21. Kealon Kellybrew DB 6-1 190 Little Rock, Ark. Little Rock Central H.S.

22. DeKoven Burrell LB 6-1 210 Birmingham, AL Wenonah, H.S.

32 Sign Letters of Intent to Become AAMU Bulldogs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alabama State's Barlow Announces 19 New Hornets

Photo: Head football coach Reggie Barlow, Alabama State University.

Offensive and defensive line form core of signing class

Montgomery, Ala. - Alabama State head football coach Reggie Barlow announced 19 student-athletes have signed national-letters-of-intent to play football for the Hornets. "I am very excited by this class," Barlow said. "We added a lot of talent to our team, and made ourselves much deeper at some very important positions."

12 of the signees are either offensive or defensive lineman, a point Barlow emphasized.

"We really wanted to improve our team on both sides of the ball," Barlow said. "We have good players returning, but we were able to bring in a great deal of size and talent with this group."

The Hornets are only losing seven starters from last year's team, which for Barlow means he'll have two things going for him: experience and competition.

"That (competition) is always great," Barlow said. "The guys here are working very hard with Matt Turner, our new strength and conditioning coach. So I expect them to be in great shape and ready to go. And they should be, because the new players coming in here will be definitely committed to challenging for playing time right away."

The Hornets open spring football practice on March 11.

2008 Alabama State University Football Signees

Jerome Adams WR 6'0 185 St. Jude Montgomery, Al
Explosive receiver that picked up almost 2,000 yards during dynamic high school career. 43 receptions for 733 yards and 9 touchdowns as a senior. Back-to-back All-State selection. Led state with 9 interceptions on defense - including three for touchdowns - as a junior. Also, made All-Metro as a basketball and baseball player.

Charles Alford DL 6'1 218 Valdosta Valdosta, Ga
Speed rusher terrorized quarterbacks in one the nation's most competitive high school conferences. Accounted for 9 ½ sacks as a senior and 18 in his career. Named 1st team All-Region as a senior. Honored by coaches as most dedicated player.

Nicholas Andrews WR 5'9 170 Maplesville Maplesville, Al
Dynamic wide receiver with game changing ability. Outstanding prep career included more than 2,500 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns. Also had 21 interceptions - including two for TDs - on the defensive side of the ball. 4-sport star whose accomplishments include 1,000 points in basketball, North-South All-star in baseball and second place as a long jumper in the state track meet. Maintained a 3.9 grade point average. Younger brother of current ASU receiver John Andrews.

Brandon Butler DE 6'2 230 Northview Dothan, Al
Dominant pass rushing defensive end from traditional powerhouse Dothan-Northview. Selected as team captain and team defensive most valuable player. Bryant-Jordan Award nominee. Turned down scholarship offer from Louisville to attend Alabama State.

Kynjee Cotton DL 6'0 260 Daphne Daphne, Al
Powerful pass rusher that piled up six sacks and 63 tackles as a senior. Picked to the Mobile Press-Register All-Region and the Alabama North-South all-star team. Led team to two region titles and an appearance in the state championship game. Tied strength record set by former Alabama star Kenny King with 625 pound squat. Nominated as Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year.

Christopher Dunning OL 6'2 315 Pine Forest Pensacola, Fl
Team captain on Florida Class 3-A state runner-ups. Anchored an offensive line that produced three of the top 10 rushers in the region. Named 2007 Pensacola News-Journal Super Senior and All-State, as well as played in the North-South Florida All-Star game.

DreQuay Everett OL 6'1 260 Peach County Fort Valley, Ga
Leader on dominant offensive line that captured back-to-back state championships, and three consecutive region titles. Team was top offensive unit in the region, averaging more than 40 points and 430 yards per game. Outstanding student as well as athlete.

Christopher Forney OL 6'3 280 Hightower Houston, Tx
Tough lineman whose quickness and strength will allow him to play inside or at tackle. Excelled against some of the nation's top talent. Equally adept at run and pass blocking.

Saterro Hardy LB 6'0 220 Eufaula Eufaula, Al
Sure tackler who was a member of the state's most electrifying defensive units. Can cover sideline-to-sideline. Has speed and savvy to play multiple positions on the college level.

David Hate, Jr. OL 6'2 290 Rutherford Panama City, Fl
Anchored offensive line with superior run blocking skills. Named All-County in 2006 and 2007. Also awarded All-District in junior and senior seasons. Earned All-Nike Camp honors at Florida State in 2007. Voted team's most valuable offensive lineman in 2007.

Bernard Key DB 6'0 195 University of Memphis Montgomery, Al
Impressive athlete that will make immediate impact in the defensive backfield. Regarded as potential "shut-down" cornerback. Returning home to Montgomery; had excellent high school at Sidney Lanier high school.

Jake King K 5'11 185 Tyler Community Tyler, Texas
Extremely accurate place kicker. Made 12-13 field goal attempts and 21-22 extra point attempts in 2007. Excellent in kickoffs, with ability to directionally place the ball.

Lionel Mapp OL 6'7 360 Georgia Military College Milledgeville, Ga
Massive size allows him to simply overwhelm defenders. However, is athletic enough to handle outside speed rushers at left tackle position. Rejected several offers from FBS (formerly Division 1-A) for Alabama State.

Donovan Masline DB 5'8 160 Raines Jacksonville, Fl
Speedy, ball-hawking cover corner who totaled 10 interceptions in 2007. Showed versatility by returning four kicks for touchdowns. Named to the All-Gateway Conference and All-Northeast Florida teams. Honored as a student-athlete of the month by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame's "Play it Smart" program.

Timothy Moore OL 6'3 285 Georgia Military College Milledgeville, Ga
Center and leader of offensive line. Fires off ball extremely quickly and is a student of the game. Has thorough understanding of each offensive lineman's responsibilities, allowing him to coordinate and change protections.

Courtney Senior OL 6'4 320 Edgewater Orlando, Fl
Huge offensive lineman named All-Central Florida, All-Florida District and All-Academic teams. Described as a powerful blocker who creates "daylight" for runners. Played tackle in high school, but talented and mobile enough to move inside as well.

Aaron Wheeler OL 6'4 305 Georgia Military College Milledgeville, Ga
Will immediately challenge for starting right tackle. Powerful and agile, especially in the run game. Outstanding athlete for his size, and can play number of positions.

Jakari Wilcoxson DE 6'4 250 East Gadsden Quincy, Fl
Explosive pass rusher who earned All-County honors in 2006 and 2007, picking up six sacks and 11 tackles for loss during his senior season. Equally strong again the run, Wilcoxson totaled 55 tackles in 2007. Also earned 1st team All-Big Bend in talent rich north Florida.

Vernon Williams LB 6'1 180 Gadsden Gadsden, Al
Hard-hitting linebacker that wreaked havoc on opposing defenses. Totaled an amazing 113 tackles in senior season. Strong blitzer that made 20 sacks in 2007. Also forced four fumbles.

Southern University Jaguars ink 19 for 2008 on NSD

2008 SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL SIGNEES:

1. Chris Browne (6-3, 275, OL) Shaker Heights, OH/Shaker Heights HS
All-District selection
All-League pick
Scholar-Athlete Award

2. LaQuinton Evans (6-1, 180, WR/DB) Mansfield, LA/Mansfield HS
1st Team All-District WR
2nd Team All-District DB
All-Area Honorable Mention
Offensive MVP
All-Academic 2004-08
Member of National Honor Society
3.5 GPA
Senior season: Offense: 37 catches for 741 yards and 10 touchdowns; Defense: 42 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 12 pass deflections and 1 defensive touchdown.
Junior season: 32 catches for 536 yards and 1 touchdown; Defense: 35 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 15 pass deflections.
Sophomore season: Defense: 15 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 8 pass deflections

3. Demetrius Bentley (6-0, 222, RB/LB) Akron, OH/Akron East HS
Five sport high school athlete
1st team All-City
2nd team All-Northeast Inland team (Ohio)
Greater Akron Touchdown club All-Star
2-year Academic All-Star team

4. Jeremy Robinson (6-4, 330, OL) Evergreen, AL/Greenville HS
Four-Year Letterman
As a senior, had 48 pancake blocks
Also only allowed 2 sacks in senior season
Power cleans 270lb, 315lb bench press & 430lb squat

5. Darian Prentiss (5-9,165, CB/QB/Ath) Point Coupee , LA/Catholic High-Point Coupee
As a quarterback, led team to District 6-1A championship
Threw for 2,265 yards and 30 touchdowns, while also rushing for 478 yards and 5 touchdowns
As a cornerback, had 10 interceptions over his junior & senior seasons
As a senior: Offensive District MVP, honorable-mention All-State
As a junior: All-District as a defensive back & on special teams
Academic All-State

6. Darryl Scott (6-2½, 225, TE) New Orleans, LA/OP Walker HS
All-District 10-4A
18 receptions for 461 yards and 2 touchdowns
47 tackles, 6 sacks & five tackles for losses

7. Tim Berry (5-10, 185, DB) West Feliciana, LA/West Feliciana HS
1st team All-District 8-3A as a DB
2nd team All- District 8-3A as a WR
Four-Year starter
Had 17 receptions for 456 yards and four touchdowns as a senior
On defense had 69 tackles, including 3 for losses, and 7 interceptions

8. Lee Almanza (6-4, 310, OT) Houston, TX/Madison HS
A three-year starter and a post player on the basketball team
Selected as a All-District 20-5A first team player as a senior
Selected as a All-District 20-5A second team player as a junior

9. Tyrus Harris (6-2, 240, TE) Lutcher, LA/Lutcher HS
Senior season: 1st team All-District TE
1st team All-District DE
LSWA & LFCE All-State TE
River v. Bayou All-Star Game
1st team All-River Parishes Team
Times-Picayune All-Metro team
2007 stats: 24 catches, 461 yards, 2 TD's
Junior season: 1st team All-District TE
1st team All-River Parishes Team
1st team All-Metro Team
LFCA 2nd team All-State
2006 stats: 23 catches, 321 yards, 2 TD's

10. John Dees (6-1, 210 FB/LB) Evergreen, AL/Hillcrest HS
Scholar Athlete
Honorable-mention class 4A-5A All-Region as a junior
Honorable-mention class 4A-5A All-Region as a senior
Honorable-mention class 4A-5A All-State as a senior
Defensive Player Award
Linebacker Award
Four-Year Letterman
78 tackles, 9 tackles for Loss, including 4 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries in junior and senior seasons

11. Justin Fletcher (6-2, 208, LB/SS) Missouri City, TX/Thurgood Marshall HS
Defensive Player of the Year
Most single game tackles (20)
Most solo tackles
Team tackle leader with 119 total tackles

12. Ryan Broussard (6-2, 175, WR) Lafayette, LA/Northside HS
Named Class 4A All-State honorable mention as a senior and as a junior
Senior season: Finished the regular season with 50 catches for 818 yards and 6 touchdowns
Junior season: Had 42 catches for 726 yards and 2
Also a member of state semifinals basketball team last season

13. Byron Williams (5-10, 190, RB) Clinton, LA/Clinton HS
Senior season: Williams rushed for 1,169 yards with 23 TD's
Also had 626 yards receiving yards and 5 TD's
Member of The Advocate's All-Metro team (Class 3A-2A-1A)
Offensive MVP in District 8-2A
1st team All-District 8-2A at DB
Also finished 2nd in the 110 hurdles at the Class 2A, Region 2 track meet

14. Roderick Banks (6-2, 185, WR) Shreveport, LA/Evangel Christian Academy
A three-year starter at one of Louisiana's prep powerhouses
Senior season: Banks had 50 catches for 800 yards and 9 touchdowns
Chose Southern over Nebraska, Louisiana Tech and Arkansas Tech

15. Odell Pippins (6-4, 285, OL) Houston, TX/Madison HS
A 2nd team All-District 20-5A selection

16. Jerry Joseph, II (5-11, 203, RB) Ville Platte, LA/Ville Platte HS
As a freshman: rushed 180 times for 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns
Named to All-District, All-Parish & All-Acadiana teams
As a sophomore: rushed 65 times for 600 yards and 6 touchdowns
Named to All-District, All-Parish teams
As a junior: rushed 80 times for 700 yards and 7 touchdowns
Named to All-District & All-Parish teams
As a senior: rushed 200 times for 1,550 yards and 23 touchdowns
Named to All-District, All-Parish & All-Acadiana teams
Also named to All-Cenla and All-Daily World Team
LSWA honorable mention All-State
LSCA 2nd team All-State

17. Ron Ferdinand (6-1, 240, DE/LB) New Orleans, LA/JS Clark HS
The Defensive MVP of District 11-3A as a senior
A four-year starter
Has played on both sides of the ball -- offensive tackle and guard and defensive end and tackle
All-Orleans Parish
All-District 11-3A
Orleans Parish All-Star

18. Byron Jones (6-4, 305, OL) Shawnee Mission, KS/Shawnee Mission HS/Garden City CC (KS)
Started all 10 games
1st team KJCCC All-Conference
Prepped at Shawnee Mission HS in Kansas
Can play either guard or tackle

19. Kennon Bradford (6-3, 285, OL) New Orleans, LS/McDonogh 35
2 year starter and letterman
2006 All-District 9-4A
2007 All-District 10-4A
Played in Orleans vs. Northshore All-Star Game

Grambling State signs 21 football standouts

Photo: Grambling State University head football coach Rod Broadway.

by Grambling State Sports Information

Grambling State University head coach Rod Broadway announced today that a total of 21 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play football for the Tigers next season.

GRAMBLING, La. – Grambling State University head coach Rod Broadway announced today that a total of 21 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play football for the Tigers next season.

With a focus of recruiting in the state of Louisiana during the offseason, the coaching staff went out and signed 10 recruits from the state. Grambling State continued its presence in the state of Alabama and nabbed six standouts in addition to signing three players Georgia and one each from Texas and Virginia. Several players in the class are also highly decorated as eight of the 21 signees earned all-state honors.

Broadway said additional players will be signed through the duration of the signing period.

Sanford Banks OL 6-5 303 Columbus, Ga. (Carver)
Anchored the offensive line on a team that captured the Class AAA State Championship with a 15-0 record…named to the News3 All-Area High School Football Team…earned a one-star rating by Scout.com.

Chris Bearden OL 6-7 330 Stone Mountain, Ga. (Towers)
Participated in the DeKalb County Coaches Association All-Star Football Game…earned a one-star rating by Scout.com…one of two signees from the state of Georgia.

Nico Brown WR 6-1 173 Hodge, La. (Jonesboro-Hodge)
Named Honorable Mention All-State by the LSWA…caught 48 receptions for 479 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior.

Brendan Crawford QB 6-5 205 El Paso, Texas (Chapin)
All-State performer who transferred into Chapin High School before the start of the 2007 season and made an immediate impact…passed for 2,207 yards and 20 touchdowns…also rushed for 266 yards and nine touchdowns and averaged 40.6 yards per punt with a long of 64 yards.

Maurice Crawford DL 6-2 245 Smiths, Ala. (Glenwood)
Selected to the Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State First team…participated in the AISA All-Star Game…a finalist for the ASWA Mr. Football honor…also a member of Glenwood’s basketball team.

Elijah Duzart WR 6-1 195 Alexandria, La. (Peabody)
Earned back-to-back honorable mention LSWA All-State honors…a member of the school’s nationally ranked basketball team…finished the 2007 season with 38 catches for 500 yards…also scored nine touchdowns.

Michael Harris DE 6-2 240 Bastrop, La. (Bastrop)
Hails from one of the most successful football programs in the state of Louisiana…helped his team capture three consecutive Class 4A Louisiana State Championships…recorded 72 tackles and three sacks as a senior.

Justin Higgins QB 6-2 185 Rayville, La. (Rayville)
One of the top athletes in the state of Louisiana who’ll play quarterback for Grambling State…named to the 2007 Class 3A LSWA All-State Team as an athlete…named as the LSWA’s Outstanding Offensive Athlete as a junior in 2006…passed for over 6,000 yards, rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and surpassed the 60-touchdown mark in his high school career...also was a standout linebacker in high school.

Myron Hobbs WR 6-3 195 Marrero, La. (John Ehret)
Named a 2007 Class 3A LSWA All-State honorable mention…hails from one of the most dominant programs in the state of Louisiana…earned a No. 13 ranking and a six star Super Combine Freak rating by Maxemfingerrecruiting.com…recorded 732 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns during his senior campaign.

Devyn Hyrd DL 6-2 260 Pineville, La. (Pineville)
Named a 2006 Class 4A LSWA All-State honorable mention… earned special mention honors on Jim Stefani’s Class of 2007 Underclassmen Recruiting Blog…hails from a strong high school program.

Sirderrick Landreth DL 6-2 310 Huntington (Shreveport HS)
Earned a one-star rating by Scout.com…one of three players to sign with Grambling State from the city of Shreveport…helped lead his team to the LHSAA Class 5A Playoffs.

Stephan McCord DB 6-2 180 Mobile, Ala. (McGill-Toolen)
Starter on the state’s top-ranked defense…earned honorable mention all-region honors last season in which he returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a single game…a special teams standout and also plays basketball…brother of current GSU defensive back T.J. McCord.

Greg McGrue OL 6-8 260 Birmingham, Ala. (Huffman)
Massive offensive lineman who earned All-State, All-Metro and All-City honors by the Birmingham News…earned a two-star rating by Scout.com and national ranking of 88… named as one of 10 players who could emerge as a major college player and Class of 2008 Sleeper by the Birmingham News.

Donovan Moss TE 6-4 240 Irondale, Ala. (Shades Valley)
High school teammate of fellow signee Van Phillips…a key member of his school’s basketball team…projects as a blocking tight end for the Tigers…continues the long line of talented players from the state of Alabama.

Van Phillips WR 6-2 205 Irondale, Ala. (Shades Valley)
Four-sport athlete…caught 56 passes for 731 yards and six touchdowns in his senior campaign…continues the long line of talented players from the state of Alabama…began his high school career as a tight end before switching to wide receiver…earned All-Metro and All-City honors by the Birmingham News…named as one of 10 players who could emerge as a major college player and Class of 2008 Sleeper by the Birmingham News.

Rodale Pippen ATH 6-0 185 South Boston, Va. (Halifax County)
Athletic player who played both quarterback and wideout…dual threat athlete who’ll play all over the field for Grambling State…recorded nearly 5,000 yards of total offense throughout his career with 2,000 yards passing in 2006.

Demetrius Porter OL 6-5 280 Marksville, La. (Marksville)
Named to the 2007 Class 3A LSWA All-State Team…participated in the 2007 Baton Rouge NIKE Rivals.com Combine…ranked as the 37th best prospect in Louisiana by Dandy Don’s Football Recruiting web site.

Quint Roberts OL 6-6 325 Anniston, Ala. (Anniston)
A member of one of the top offensive lines in the state of Alabama…continues the long line of talented players from Alabama… participated in the 2007 Atlanta NIKE Rivals.com Combine.

Darius Rose OL 6-6 250 Shreveport, La. (Captain Shreve)
One of two players from Captain Shreve to sign with Grambling State…earned All-District 1-5A Honorable Mention honors for his performance after the 2007 campaign.

Naquan Smith SS 6-1 185 Atlanta, Ga. (Mays)
Named Honorable Mention All-Area by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution…tallied 54 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a senior…also nailed 7-of-8 PATs.

Julian Wyndon OL 6-3 315 Shreveport, La. (Captain Shreve)
One of two players from Captain Shreve to sign with Grambling State…earned All-District 1-5A honors for his performance after the 2007 campaign…helped lead his team to the LHSAA Class 5A Playoffs.

Alcorn State releases 2008 Football Schedule

Alcorn State, MS —The Alcorn State University Athletic Department has released its 2008 Football Schedule. The Braves will host five games on the Academic Resort, starting with the August 30th, season opener against Southeastern Louisiana. Alcorn State will play all Southwestern Athletic schools in the upcoming season although the SWAC does not mandate this action.

The Braves will open with FCS opponent Southeastern Louisiana University of the Southland Conference and will play a FBS game at Troy University.

2008 Alcorn State University Football Schedule

Date Opponent Site Time

August 30 Southeastern Louisiana Alcorn State, MS 1 PM
September 6 *Grambling State University Grambling, LA 6 PM
September 13 Troy University Troy, AL 6 PM
September 20 *University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Alcorn State, MS 6 PM
September 27 *Southern University Alcorn State, MS 1 PM
October 4 OPEN
October 11 *Mississippi Valley State University Itta Bena, MS TBA
October 18 *Alabama A&M University Huntsville, AL TBA
October 25 *Texas Southern University Alcorn State, MS 2 PM
(Homecoming)
November 1 *Alabama State University Alcorn State, MS 1 PM
November 8 OPEN
November 15 *Prairie View A&M Prairie View, TX TBA
November 22 *Jackson State University Jackson, MS TBA
(Capital City Classic)
December 13 SWAC Championship Birmingham, AL TBA

Bold print indicates home contests

* Denotes SWAC Conference Games

Coach Ernest T. Jones-Head Coach (1st Year)
Dr. George Ross-President
Mr. Wiley F. Jones-Interim Athletic Director
Ms. LaToya M. Shields-Sports Information Director

Alcorn State Announces 2008 Recruiting Class

Photo: Alcorn State University head football coach Ernest T. Jones.

Alcorn State, MS—With the first home game a little over six months away, Alcorn State has announced its 2008 recruiting class. The Braves have recruited three (3) linebackers, one (1) middle linebacker, five (5) offensive linemen, three (3) defensive ends, two (2) defensive backs, two (2) quarterbacks and one (1) running back. Alcorn State also has four mid-year recruits from community colleges and universities. This is the first class of recruits for Coach Jones.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY 2008 SIGNEES

NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN PREVIOUS SCHOOL

1. D’Angelo Buckner DB 6’0 185 Clinton, MS Clinton HS.

2. Josh Cragin* LB 6’2 225 Fort Walton Beach, FL Arizona Western CC.

3. Artis Evans LB 6’2 220 Pahokee, FL Pahokee HS.

4. Cedric Everson* DB 6’0 175 Detroit, MI University of Iowa.

5. Nathan Fears OL 6’5 240 Arlington, TX Bowie, HS.

6. Shavikia Gaines MLB 6’3 230 Fayette, MS Jefferson County HS.

7. John Hughes DE 6’3 225 Tuscaloosa, AL Northridge HS.

8. Obie James DE 6’1 225 McComb, MS McComb HS.

9. Stephen Johnson OL 6’4 265 Crystal Springs, MS Crystal Springs, MS.

10. Antoine Mason DB 6’1 190 Oak Park, MI Oak Park HS.

11. Brandon Morris DE 6’2 240 Arlington, TX Sam Houston HS.

12. Michael Mosley* TE 6’1 240 Cleveland, MS MS Gulf Coast CC.

13. Kenny Roby LB 6’2 225 Macon, MS Noxubee County HS.

14. Ke’onn Rutley RB 5’10 180 Tuscaloosa, AL Northridge HS.

15. Willie Ryas OL 6’4 285 Indianola, MS Gentry HS.

16. Jerry Salas OL 6’3 265 Arlington, TX Sam Houston HS.

17. Aaron Shavers QB 6’0 185 Detroit, MI Inkster HS.

18. Michael Simmons* WR 5’10 185 Jackson, MS Northeast MS CC.

19. Percy Turner QB 6’1 185 Fayette, MS Jefferson County HS.

20. Kavon Tyson LB 6’2 200 Delray Beach, FL Atlantic HS.

21. Isaac Williams OL 6’2 280 Clinton, MS Clinton HS.

* Denotes Mid-year Signees

New contract, new QB make JSU Comegy happy

Photo: Jackson State University head football coach Rick Comegy.

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

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

CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE AND TO VIEW JSU UPDATED LISTING OF FOOTBALL SIGNEES.

Savannah State announces Coach Wells first recruiting class

Photo: Savannah State University head football coach Robby Wells

SAVANNAH, Ga.- First year head football coach Robby Wells completed his recruiting class at Savannah State Wednesday with the announcement of 23 National Letter of Intent signees.

The jewels of the class could be athlete Kurvin Curry (6-2, 200) and Deron Talley (6-1, 175). During the 2007 season, Curry passed for 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, rushed for 1,575 yards and 15 touchdowns and was voted most valuable player in 2006 and 2007. In 2007, Talley recorded 36 receptions for 626 yards.

Savannah State Tigers 2008 Recruiting Class 2/6/08.

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. High School/Hometown 2007 Stats/Honors

1. Travis Alston DE 6-3 210 Cedar Grove/Ellenwood, Ga. Two-year starter.

2. Jared Brunson OL 6-2 290 Maynard Evans/Orlando, Fla. Graded out at 82% for the season with 48 pancake blocks and 27 knock downs.

3. Chris Bush WR 6-0 185 Bainbridge/Bainbridge, Ga. 52 receptions for 618 yards. 612 kick return yards and 10 touchdowns. 4x100 State Champion.

4. Cedric Chambers WR 6-0 185 Kendrick/Columbus, Ga.

5. Kurvin Curry QB/Ath 6-2 200 Hart County/ Hartwell, Ga. Passed for 3,000 yards with 30 Touchdowns, rushed for 1,575 yards and 15 touchdowns in two years. Team MVP in 2006 and 2007.

6. Jamal Davis OLB 6-3 195 South Aiken/Aiken, S.C. 48 receptions for 680 yards. Region 4-A Player of the Year. 182 tackles and three sacks.

7. Stephen Dorn LB 6-1 200 Apopka/Apopka, Fla. 68 tackles with five TFL along with four sacks and two hurries. One touchdown and one blocked punt.

8. McKeaver Edwards OL 6-2 300 Stephenson/Stone Mountain, Ga. Graded out at 88% with 20 pancake blocks. All Region 5-A. 25 key blocks.

9. Edward Endem OLB 6-0 190 North Clayton/Atlanta, Ga. Two-year starter.

10. Quintez Hayes DL 6-3 260 Thomasville/Thomasville, Ga. 76 tackles, 10 sacks and two pass break-ups.

11. Demetrius Holmes WR 5-11 195 Stockbridge/Stockbridge, Ga.

12. Johnny Howard DT 6-2 255 Dublin/Dublin, Ga. 54 tackles, 37 assists and four sacks. All-State selection and 2006 State Champion.

13. Tametrick Hunt DT 6-0 290 Hart County/Hartwell, Ga. 35 TFL, 15 sacks and team Most Valuable Defensive Lineman.

14. Thelmore Jackson OL 6-6 298 Tri-Cities/Atlanta, Ga. Two-year starter.

15. Timothy Jackson RB 5-7 170 Lovejoy/Hampton, Ga. Three-year starter.

16. Stephan Meyers DL 6-1 275 Camden County/St. Mary’s, Ga.

17. Alex Miller RB 5-11 190 Salem/Conyers, Ga. 183 carries for 1,008 yards and 12 touchdowns. 10 receptions for 145 yards. Team Offensive Player of the Year.

18. Grant Newman OL 6-4 280 Jefferson County/Louisville, Ga. Graded out at 85%. 16 knockdowns.

19. Keenan Ray OL 6-3 290 Lovejoy/Hampton, Ga. Two-year starter.

20. Richie Rucker FS 6-2 185 Hart County/Hartwell, Ga. 58 tackles, five break ups, two forced fumbles and eight interceptions.

21. Deron Talley WR 6-1 175 Orange Park/Orange Park, Fla. 36 receptions for 626 yards.

22. Pat Thomas DB 5-10 180 Mays/Atlanta, Ga. Three-year starter.

23. Anthony Young DB 5-10 170 Gainesville/Gainesville, Ga. Eight interceptions, 35 tackles, 14 assists and five break-ups. Team Most Valuable Defensive Back.

Tennessee State will count on local talent to fill its football needs

Photo: Tennessee State University head football coach James Webster.

Tennessee State Coach James Webster didn't have to go far for this year's football recruiting class. Of the 20 who signed letters of intent with TSU on Wednesday's National Signing Day, 14 are from Tennessee, including eight are from Middle Tennessee.

"We've got quite a few from Middle Tennessee," Webster said. "I thought this year the state of Tennessee had more prospects (than it has) since I've been here. "I wish we had more scholarships to offer but we were limited. But there're some really good players this year."

CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE BY CLICKING ON THE BLOG TITLE.

Tennessee State University 2008 Football Signees (02/06/08 - 5:00p)

Name POS Ht Wt Hometown HS /Prev. School

1. Michael Becker QB 6-1 190 Nolensville, TN Ravenwood

2. Rogers Gaines III OL 6-7 320 Whitehouse, TN Whitehouse

3. Stevie Shelton DB 6-1 185 Nashville, TN Stratford

4. Edward Sanders Jr. DL 6-3 275 Nashville, TN Mc Gavock

5. Johntae Gleaves DL 6-0 258 Gallatin, TN Gallatin

6. Joshua Gregory TE 6-5 240 Oak Ridge, TN Oak Ridge

7. Sean Cunningham SAF. 6-2 220 Knoxville, TN Bearden

8. Orlandis Jackson DE 6-4 225 Chattanooga, TN Brainard

9. Keyron Hampton NOSE 6-1 280 Reddick, FL N. Marion

10. John Lopez KICKER 5-10 180 Nolensville, TN Ravenwood

11. Ronnie Bonham CB 6-1 190 Memphis, TN Mitchell

12. Rashawn Weatherspoon WR/DB 6-2 175 South Pittsburg, TN S.Pittsburg

13. Tracy Sims FB/LB 5-11 235 Chattanooga, TN Red Bank

14. Justin Bather DB 6-0 180 LaVergne, TN LaVergne

15. Christopher Gray WR 6-1 185 LaVergne, TN LaVergne

16. Johnny Butts, Jr. DL 6-4 265 Altamonte Springs, FL Lake Brantley

17. Deonte Kilgore LB 6-1 220 Marietta, GA Osborne

18. Travis James WR 5-11 180 Miami FL Boyd Anderson

19. Jamal Coleman CB 6-0 185 Hammond, IN Iowa Central CC

20. Marcus Broxie DE 6-3 240 Tampa, FL West Virginia (transfer)

North Carolina Central signs 17 recruits for '08 football

Photo: North Carolina Central University head football coach Mose Rison.

DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University head football coach Mose Rison announced the signing of 17 high school student-athletes on Wednesday (Feb. 6) as part of his 2008 recruiting class.

NCCU lost 13 starting seniors, including nine on defense, from last season’s squad, which posted a 6-4 record in the program’s first season of competition in the NCAA Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA). With that in mind, Rison said the focus on the recruiting trail was replenishing the defensive unit.

“When we went out recruiting, we knew we had obvious needs on defense, especially on the defensive line and at linebacker,” said Rison, who is entering his second season as head coach at NCCU. “I feel we did a great job of addressing our needs.”

Thirteen of the 17 signees are slated for defensive positions, including four linemen and four linebackers.

“We recruited not only size, but speed,” Rison added. “We’ll be a lot faster on defense. I just can’t wait to get these kids on campus to really see what they can do.” Many of them will not have far to travel to the Durham campus, since 11 of the newcomers live in North Carolina.

“When we go out to recruit, we are looking for the best students and the best football players to fill our needs,” Rison said. “We happened to find many of them right here in North Carolina.”

Rison pointed out a few of the signees that he felt would make the biggest impact:
“Dominique Moore (6-3, 285, DL, Patrick Henry H.S., Roanoke, Va.) has a chance to be a super football player for us. He is big, strong and can run. I believe he will definitely help us.”

“Jordan Sanders (6-2, 210, LB, Warner Robins H.S., Warner Robins, Ga.) had an outstanding senior year. He had 104 tackles for one of the top football programs in the state. He will be a tremendous asset to our football program.”

“We found Malcolm Rook (6-0, 300, DL, J.H. Rose H.S., Greenville, NC) early last year. He can really run as an inside guy on the defensive side of the ball. He is an outstanding student and player.”

“Geovonie Irvine (5-8, 170, WR/KR, Hillside H.S., Durham, NC) is from right in our own backyard at Hillside High School. He is built from the same mold as another Hillside alumnus Brandon Alston (NCCU’s all-time leading punt returner). He is fast and has the potential to be an exciting playmaker as a wide receiver and return specialist.”

Rison also noted that his 2008 recruiting class is not complete. He said he is expecting to receive more commitments in the near future from those wanting to be a part of the Eagles program.

2008 North Carolina Central University Football Signees (as of Feb. 6)

Name Ht. Wt. Pos. High School Hometown Other Notes as H.S. Senior

1. Donavon Harbison 6-4 300 OL Freedom H.S. Morganton, NC

2. Rickie Hubbard 5-11 175 DB Stockbridge H.S. Stockbridge, GA

3. Geovonie Irvine 5-8 170 WR/KR Hillside H.S. Durham, NC 47 recs, 972 yds, 11 TDs, 20.6 ypc.

4. Alex Johnson 6-2 300 OL Sun Valley H.S. Monroe, NC Shrine Bowl participant, 38 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed, 95% grade.

5. Lloyd Leach 6-1 185 DB North Iredell H.S. Statesville, NC.

6. Ben Martin 5-11 165 K Sanderson H.S. Raleigh, NC.

7. Dominique Moore 6-3 285 DL Patrick Henry H.S. Roanoke, VA 14 TFLs, 6 sacks, 1st Team Western Valley District Offense and Defense for 2 years.

8. Brandon Outlaw 5-11 200 LB Grady H.S. Atlanta, GA.

9. Darien Pearson 6-4 200 DB East Burke H.S. Morganton, NC 93 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 FF, 2 FR.

10. Elroy “Trey” Powell 6-0 215 LB Stockbridge H.S. Stockbridge, GA.

11. Decona Roberts 6-1 190 WR/DB Sun Valley H.S. Indian Trail, NC 54 recs; 796 yds; 8TDs, 4.45 40-yd.

12. Malcolm Rook 6-0 300 DL J.H. Rose H.S. Greenville, NC Shrine Bowl participant.

13. Jordan Sanders 6-2 210 LB Warner Robins H.S. Warner Robins, GA 104 tackles, 2 sacks, 12 FF, 1 INT, 5 PBUs, 2 blocked punts.

14. Eliezer Sandifer 6-0 225 LB Coral Reef H.S. Homestead, FL.

15. Leroy Vick 6-5 275 DL Fike H.S. Elm City, NC 67 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 FR.

16. Tommy Wallace 6-2 230 DL East Mecklenburg H.S. Charlotte, NC 68 tackles, 5 sacks.

17. Lamont Saffore 6-3 175 DB South View H.S. Hope Mills, NC 97 tackles, 3 INTs.

Last season's success pays off for the Norfolk State Spartans

Photo: Norfolk State University head football coach Pete Adrian.

NORFOLK, VA -Three months after Norfolk State's best football season in 23 years, the Spartans continued to reap the benefits. NSU signed 19 recruits Wednesday, including nine who received All-State recognition. Coach Pete Adrian said he expects the 2008 Spartans to be the deepest and most athletic team in the 10 years NSU has been in Division I.

"The big thing when I went into living rooms this time was I didn't have to say, 'If we win,' " said Adrian, whose incoming class includes 17 players from Virginia, one from Washington, D.C., and one from Florida. Adrian said the incoming class will allow the Spartans to be particularly deep at special teams, in the secondary and at linebacker.

CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE BY CLICKING ON BLOG TITLE.

Included among the signees are 19 high school players and two Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS, formerly I-A) transfers who are already enrolled at NSU.

Norfolk State University 2008 Football Signees

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/Previous School

1. Michael Alphonse* LB 6-0 230 Miami, Fla./Akron Univ./Norland HS
Spent three seasons at Division I FBS Akron…redshirted 2005 after suffering a knee injury…in high school, tallied 78 tackles en route to all-district and all-county honors as a senior ...made 82 stops as a junior…named All-Broward County...earned second-team all-county as a sophomore, tallying a career-best 90 tackles…has two years of eligibility remaining.

2. Markeith Brisco RB 5-11 195 Stephens City, Va./Sherando HS
First-team All-Northwestern District, All-Region II and second-team all-state Group AA as a senior…rushed 221 times for 1,726 yards and 26 touchdowns, averaging 7.8 yards per carry…led Sherando to the state Division 4 title game…also all-district as a kick returner and intercepted four passes on defense…high school teammates with fellow NSU signee Joey Christine.

3. Dennis Brown* QB 6-3 203 Miami, Fla./Univ. of Connecticut/Central HS
Attended UConn for three years…started two games (Rutgers, West Virginia) as a freshman in 2005, going 28 of 54 for 293 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions…redshirted 2006…went 5-for-12 for 48 yards and one TD as the Huskies’ backup in 2007… in high school, Brown was third-team all-state Class 6A as a senior, when he passed for 2,001 yards and 18 touchdowns…has two years of eligibility left

4. Steven Bunce DL 6-3 270 Richmond, Va./Henrico HS
Honorable mention All-Capital District pick as a senior…three-year starter and team captain…also played three different positions on offense during his career (tight end, fullback, center).

5. Joey Christine OL 6-3 300 Stephens City, Va./Sherando HS
First team all-state selection by the Virginia High School Coaches Association (VHSCA) on the offensive line and second team at defensive line… also first-team all-state (OL) by The Associated Press and Virginiapreps.com… also a two-way first-team All-Northwestern District pick and first-team All-Met by The Washington Post…rated the No. 53 recruit in the state according to The Roanoke Times…did not allow a sack his last two seasons, and helped Sherando rush for more than 3,000 yards his senior season…70 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks on defense as a senior.

6. Frank Clemmons LB 6-3 210 Chesapeake, Va./Indian River HS
Amassed 68 tackles, 27 for loss, as a senior at Indian River…helped the Braves reach the Eastern Region Division 5 championship game…played for an IRHS defense that ranked in the top 10 in the area in fewest points allowed and total defense…teammates with fellow NSU signee Terrence Pugh.

7. Marcus Cooperwood DB 5-10 180 Hampton, Va./Bethel HS
First-team All-Peninsula District at defensive back and wide receiver…also first-team Daily Press All-Star and second-team All-State Group AAA on defense…intercepted 11 passes as a senior, returning five for touchdowns…also caught 21 passes for 510 yards and four scores on offense…helped Bethel to a 10-2 record and a berth in the Eastern Region Division 6 semifinals.

8. Marquis Cuffee DB 5-10 175 Virginia Beach, Va./Kellam HS Second-team All-Beach District…posted approximately 60 tackles to go with two interceptions as a senior…also played some quarterback and running back on offense, averaging 12 yards per carry.

9. Theo Duncan OL 6-4 265 Ashland, Va./Patrick Henry HS
Three-year starter along the offensive line…named to the All-Colonial District team as a junior and senior…also all-district, all-region and all-state in the shot put

10. P.J. Hayden WR 5-11 175 Fredericksburg, Va./James Monroe HS
First-team All-Battlefield District and All-Region I at receiver, defensive back and kick returner as a senior…also a first-team All-State Group AA selection at kick returner by both the AP and Virginiapreps.com…second team all-state by the VHSCA at all three positions…had 2,302 yards receiving and 28 touchdowns in his three years on varsity…had 13 career interceptions and eight career return touchdowns…averaged better than 27 yards per kick return and 22 per punt return in his career.

11. Takeem Hedgeman RB 5-10 195 Charlottesville, Va./Monticello HS
Rushed for a Virginia High School League (VHSL) state record 51 touchdowns as a senior, leading Monticello to its first-ever state Group AA Division 3 title…ran for 2,891 yards in 14 games, the fourth-highest single-season mark in VHSL history…first-team All-Jefferson District, All-Region and All-State…Virginiapreps.com Group AA state player of the year…ran for a school-record 6,385 yards in his career, the 12th-most in state history.

12. Eric Hitch LB 6-1 230 Virginia Beach, Va./First Colonial HS
Played fullback and linebacker for the Patriots…honorable mention All-Beach District at running back his senior season…rushed for 315 yards on 50 carries (6.3 average)…scored five touchdowns (four rushing) and blocked for 1,000-yard rusher Tony Gregory, a Virginia Tech signee

13. Kenneth Johnson TE 6-5 250 Montross, Va./Washington & Lee HS
First-team All-Northern Neck District and All-Region A at offensive tackle…honorable mention all-state Group A…also plays basketball for W&L…former high school teammate of NSU receiver Jermaine Weldon.

14. Devon Lesesne OL 6-4 300 Washington, D.C./Ballou HS
First-team All-District of Columbia Intercollegiate Athletic Association East (DCIAA) East on the offensive line…two-way starter…also posted three sacks as a defensive lineman

15. Kendrick McClary TE 6-4 245 Chester, Va./L.C. Bird HS
Earned first-team Group AAA all-state, Richmond Times-Dispatch All-Metro and All-Dominion District honors as a senior…recorded 32 pancake blocks…had 15 receptions for 328 yards and two touchdowns…helped Bird finish 10 in the regular season and win the district title.

16. Blake Matthews OL 6-4 285 Manassas, Va./Osbourn HS
Second-team All-Cedar Run District on the offensive line and honorable mention all-district on the defensive line…helped Osbourn to the Group AAA Division 6 state title as a junior and to an appearance in the championship game as a senior…gave up just three sacks as a senior…posted 68 total tackles (45 solos) with nine tackles for loss and five sacks on defense.

17. Trent Porter LB 6-3 210 Dendron, Va./Surry County HS
First-team all-district, All-Region A and Group A All-State as a senior…tallied 115 tackles, recovered five fumbles and intercepted seven passes, three of which he returned for touchdowns.

18. Terrence Pugh LB 6-4 205 Chesapeake, Va./Indian River HS
First-team All-Southeastern District and All-Tidewater by the Virginian-Pilot on defense…also second-team all-district at offensive tackle…had 34 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and six forced fumbles…led Indian River to the Eastern Region Division 5 championship game.

19. Andre Purnell OL 6-5 290 Hampton, Va./Phoebus HS
Two-year starter for prep powerhouse Phoebus at right tackle…played on the Group AAA Division 5 state championship team as a junior…as a senior, blocked for the Peninsula District’s best offense, which averaged over 350 yards and nearly 40 points per game

20. Ricardo Volcin SS 6-2 200 Miami, Fla./North Miami Beach HS
First-team All-Dade County and second-team all-state by the Florida Sports Writers Association…recorded 73 tackles, 11 sacks and one interception from his linebacker position…also caught 16 passes for 307 yards and four TDs on offense

21. Tory Williams DL 6-4 250 Virginia Beach, Va./Bayside HS
A two-way starter on the offensive and defensive lines at Bayside…finished his senior season with 34 total tackles, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles…graded out at 89percent on his assignments on the offensive line

* - Denotes 4-year transfer currently enrolled at NSU for spring 2008 semester.

Howard University signs 21 to NLI

Photo: Carey Bailey, head football coach Howard University Bison

Coach Carey Bailey, who completed his first season as head coach, announced 21 recruits for the upcoming season. Howard signed seven offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, three running backs, three linebackers, one quarterback, two defensive backs and two wide receivers. The players are broken down geographically as South Carolina (6), Texas (3), Florida (2), Georgia (2), New York (2) and one each from New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, DC, Tennessee, Illinois and Ohio.

"Overall, I am pleased with the class we were able to bring in," said Bailey. "We were able to get a bunch of East Coast kids as well as some local kids. We have a combination of some older players from the JC's and other transfers who will help the maturation of some of the younger players."

Bison 2008 Signees

1. Aramide Adefemiwa DL 6-6 310 Commack, NY/Nassau CC
2. Jahmaine Rodriguez RB 5-10 190 Commack, NY/Nassau CC
3. Bruce Cabell S 6-0 190 Joliet, IL/Joliet JC
4. Davin Morris OL 6-4 315 Houston, TX/Yates HS
5.Quintin Powell WR 6-3 180 Houston, TX/Yates HS
6. Willie Carter WR 6-2 180 Denmark, SC/Denmark-Olar HS
7. Jeramen Bennette DL 6-4 280 St. Matthews, SC/Calhoun County HS
8. Kashin McElveen OL 6-4 320 Salters, SC/Denmark-Olar HS
9. DeAngelo Moody LB 6-3 225 Denmark, SC/Denmark-Olar HS
10. Terrell Hawkins OL 6-4 320 Temple Hills, MD/Friendly HS
11. D'Angelo Lucas OL 6-6 360 Washington, DC/H.D. Woodson HS
12. Brandon Drayton RB 5-9 170 Miami, FL/Northwestern HS
13. Terell Killings OL 6-4 290 Miami, FL/Northwestern HS
14. Jarad Dorsey QB 6-2 180 Ellenwood, GA/MLK Jr. HS
15. Glynn Jones LB 5-10 215 Kennesaw, GA/North Cobb HS
16. Keith Pough LB 6-2 220 Orangeburg, SC/Scotts Branch HS
17. DeCarlos Knight S 6-0 190 Nashville, TN/Pearl-Cohn HS
18. Ashton Wilder DL 6-4 290 Newark, NJ/Malcolm X Shabazz HS
19. Jarrett Ford OL 6-3 280 Cincinnati, OH/Harmony Community HS
20. Charles Brice RB 6-0 180 Columbia, SC/Keenan HS
21. Quindarole King OL 6-4 310 Texas City, TX/Lamarque HS

Bethune-Cookman signs 19 to NLI for football

Photo: Bethune Cookman University head football coach Alvin B. Wyatt

DAYTONA BEACH -- In Ronald Gaudin, Bethune-Cookman coach Alvin Wyatt saw his next great quarterback -- an athlete in the mold of Allen Suber or Pa'tell Troutman. Unfortunately, Gaudin didn't see it that way. Oh, he signed a letter-of-intent with B-CU on Wednesday. But the Miami Archbishop Curley product wants to play slotback in the Wildcats' triple-action offense. And who's Wyatt to quibble.

After signing the best group of skill players in his 11 years as head coach, Wyatt says Gaudin can play anywhere he wants."He's probably the best athlete we have on board," Wyatt said. "He has that burst of explosive speed. I wanted him to play quarterback, but he'll be just as dangerous at the slot."

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2008 WILDCATS SIGNEES

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/High School

1. Morocko Blash RB 6-0 215 Fr. Dublin, Ga./West Laurens HS

2. James Brown FS 5-11 190 Fr. Miami, Fla./American HS

3, Kenio Brown OL 6-1 286 Fr. Miami, Fla./American HS

4. Jarvis Caffey DB 5-11 175 Fr. Atlanta, Ga./Grady HS

5. Maurice Francois QB 5-10 170 Fr. Palm Bay, Fla./Bayside HS

6. Ronald Gaudin QB/WR 5-10 175 Fr. Miami, Fla./Archbishop Curley

7. Miles Harris RB 6-2 222 Fr. Gainesville, Fla./Eastside HS

8. D.J. Howard DB 5-11 175 Fr. Port Orange, Fla./Spruce Creek HS

9. Richardo Hunter SAF 6-3 210 Fr. Rockledge, Fla./Rockledge HS

10. Kevin James WR 6-1 180 Fr. Tampa, Fla./Plant HS

11. Courtney Keith QB 5-11 175 Fr. Eustis, Fla./Eustis HS

12. Ryan Lewis ILB 6-1 210 Fr. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Blanche Ely HS

13.Jameel McCloud WR 6-3 180 Fr. Gainesville, Fla./Buchholz HS

14.Trey Mallory DB/SS 6-1 195 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast HS

15.Jonathan Moment RB 5-10 220 Fr. Orlando, Fla./Lake Highland

16.Daniel C. Rhodes DB 5-11 185 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast HS

17.Eugene Soloman DE 6-4 245 Fr. Savannah, Ga./Jenkins HS

18.Eli Sprenkel DT 6-0 275 Fr. Madison, Fla./Madison County HS

19.Cornelius Wheeler DL 6-1 245 Fr. Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland

S.C. State Pough, Bulldogs happy with ‘Super’ signing day

Photo: South Carolina State University Bulldogs head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough.

Wednesday was a “Super” day for South Carolina State head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough -- and not solely for the signing of Shrine Bowl running back Lennel “Superman” Elmore. While beating out defending three-time Football Championship Subdivision national champion Appalachian State for the “Elite 11” standout was a coup on par with last year’s signing of “Mr. South Carolina Football” quarterback Malcolm Long, Pough was generally pleased with how this 16-member class fills various needs.

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S.C. State 2008 Magnificent 16

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. High School Hometown Facts

1. Lennel Elmore WR 6-0 185 Allendale-Fairfax Allendale, SC Shrine Bowl, All-State, Class A Player of the Year

2. Blake Erickson K 5-10 165 J.M Tate Pensacola, FL All-American Bowl Participant, All-State

3. Ronell Ferguson DL 6-3 245 Lincoln County Lincolnton, GA Augusta Chronicle Super 11, All-State, All-Area

4. Justin Garrick OL 6-2 285 Lower Richland Hopkins

5. Marquel Goodman DB 6-2 180 Irmo Irmo, SC

6. Garry Grace RB 6-0 225 Chattahoochee Atlanta, GA All-Fulton County North

7. Sam Hammond DL/OL 6-4 285 Union County Union, SC Shrine Bowl, Rivals Top 25, All-State, All-Region

8. Randall Hawkins WR 6-0 195 Brynes Duncan, SC All-State

9. Ronald Holiday QB 6-3 230 Douglass Atlanta, GA

10. Arnett James TE/DE 6-3 240 Pee Dee Academy Florence Shrine Bowl, All-SCISA

11. Yari King DB 5-9 170 Irmo Irmo, SC

12. Chris Merrill RB 5-9 185 Hillcrest Simpsonville All-Region, All-County, All-State (HSSR)

13. C.J Missick LB 5-11 190 Stratford Goose Creek North-South All-Star, All Low Country, All-Region

14. Larry Patterson OL 6-5 260 AC Flora Columbia, SC

15. Dyrell Porcha DL 6-4 280 Carver’s Bay Georgetown North-South All-Star, All-State

16. David Wiley QB 6-1 185 Richmond Cty Rockingham, NC Mid-Southeastern POTY