Prairie View women roll past visiting TSU

Photo: Prairie View A&M University head women basketball coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke has led the Lady Panthers to a 10-0 SWAC record (15-7 overall) on the first half of their schedule.

PRAIRIE VIEW — After a flat start, Prairie View's Lady Panthers proceeded to flatten Texas Southern University. A 20-6 run midway through the first half at the William Hicks Building was the spark Prairie View needed to rout TSU 75-46 on Saturday and remain undefeated in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Prairie View (15-7, 10-0 SWAC) won its 12th straight game behind a suffocating defensive effort that limited TSU (6-14, 4-6) to just 31 percent shooting.

"We weren't as focused as we should have been at the beginning," said Prairie View coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, whose team wore pink uniforms to promote "Think Pink Day" and raise breast cancer awareness. "Once we got going, we did some good things, especially on defense."

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NCA&T 2nd half sinks FAMU Lady Rattlers

Photo: Coach Debra Clark's Lady Rattlers have gone into a nose dive after a 9-1 start and have lost 10 of the past 11 games. Is it the players or the coaching leaders and what will the published excuse be next week?

The second-half collapses continued for the Florida A&M women's basketball team Saturday afternoon as the Lady Rattlers fell to the first-place North Carolina A&T Lady Aggies 69-53 at Gaither Gymnasium.

The Lady Rattlers, sporting their new pink uniforms in support of the "Think Pink" breast cancer awareness initiative, trailed by just a point in the first half but were outscored 41-26 in the second half. The woes sent FAMU to its 10th loss in 11 games.

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FAMU loses to N.C. A&T in two OTs

It was Thomas Coleman, however, who left Tallahassee with the last laugh Monday evening after he sank two free throws to lift his North Carolina A&T Aggies past the Rattlers 80-78 in double overtime. Coleman was fouled by FAMU senior guard Leslie Robinson with 1.1 seconds left in double overtime.

Thomas, who was 0 for 2 on his previous trip to the line, including the air ball, swished both shots to give his team the lead. The Rattlers, who at one point in the first half led by as many 16 points, tried to get off a desperation shot, but junior Joe Ballard's long inbounds pass was picked off by Aggies guard Steve Rush.

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Southern women trounce Grambling

GRAMBLING — Grambling scored the most points of any Southwestern Athletic Conference team against Southern all season. Not that it mattered. Southern, which has struggled on offense all season, scored a season-high for the second time this season against the Lady Tigers, who had 39 turnovers, in an easy 83-61 victory Saturday at the Assembly Center.

Deidra Jackson had 14 points and five assists to lead four players in double figures for SU (9-10, 7-3 SWAC), which won its fifth straight game.

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DSU Hornets seniors savor revenge over Hampton

DSU wipes out streak of four losses to Pirates

Burbage, Collier and Palmer combined for 22 points and Selena Galloway had a team-high 13 points to give DSU (11-12 overall, 6-3 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) the win. The threesome bonded in the way seniors do, with an unofficial pact to defeat the Pirates, a task they deftly handled in a 58-36 victory at Memorial Hall.

"It feels good," said Burbage, a Seaford High product. "I knew we were up for the challenge."

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Delaware State aces crucial test over Hampton U.

Victory over Hampton keeps Hornets in running for MEAC title

DOVER -- It's been a while since Delaware State's men's basketball team was faced with a game it had to win. That opportunity arrived Saturday.

The Hornets responded to the fate of their schedule, beating Hampton 67-58 in the only regular-season meeting of these schools before 1,231 at Memorial Hall. Over the past three seasons, in which DSU won each Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season championship, it had lost a collective eight league games. This season has been different. The Hornets entered Saturday's game with three MEAC losses.

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Southern loses at Grambling State Tigers

GRAMBLING – The red-hot scoring duel between Grambling State’s Andre Ratliff and Southern University’s Andre Davis was ultimately decided by a guy who didn’t even have a point for the first 37 minutes.

Grambling freshman Duran Diaz, who got all 12 of his points in the final 2:30 of regulation and overtime, scored the game’s final five points, lifting Grambling to a 79-76 overtime win Saturday at Memorial Gymnasium.

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WSSU signs 4 more to complete recruiting class

For the first time in the past 11 years of recruiting, Coach Kermit Blount of Winston-Salem State did not sign a local player. The Rams completed their class of 14yesterday with the addition of four players. The four signees announced yesterday included two teammates from Georgetown Prep in Washington, D.C. - Edgar Sheppard, a 6-4, 305 offensive lineman, and Jimmy Johnson III, a 6-3, 230-pound tight end.

Johnson, is the son of Jimmy Johnson II, a former NFL player who is the tight-ends coach for the Minnesota Vikings. Also signed was defensive end Akeem Ward, 6-4, 260, from Holly Springs, N.C. and Stephen Young of Woodbridge, Va., a 6-3, 260, defensive end and a state champion in wrestling in the heavyweight division for Gar-Field High School and has a career record of 106-22.

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Signing period's buzz absurd

Each year at this time, the South exacts revenge on the rest of the nation for losing the Civil War. Officially, it's known as the national signing period for college football recruits, but obviously, greater forces are at work. How else to explain why the first Wednesday in February is dedicated to teenagers who can barely diagram a sentence holding press conferences to announce where they will go to school to play a game 12 times a year?

Or adults tailgating at the university athletic complex and taking the day off of work in order to track recruits who land at their favorite — or least favorite — programs? Signing day essentially has become a national holiday for college football fans. Not to be confused with local football holidays that include the home opener, the spring game, fan appreciation day and the battle for the Commonwealth Cup or the Old Oaken Bucket or the Iron Bowl or whatever.

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Florida A&M University releases 2008 Football Schedule

Photo: Gregory Clark, RS Sophomore, 5-8/180 Corner back, Tampa, FL Durant H.S., runs back ball against Hampton University in November 2007 game.

The Joe Taylor era of Florida A&M football will debut at Bragg Memorial Stadium Aug. 30 against Alabama State. The Alabama State game is one of five home games the Rattlers have on their 2008 football schedule released Friday afternoon.

"It's a competitive schedule and features a nice mixture of home and road games," Taylor said. "With three of the six away games on neutral sites, I would say it is a competitive, but balanced schedule."

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2008 FLORIDA A&M FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

August 30 ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY, @ Tallahassee, FL

September 6 at *Delaware State @ Dover, DE

September 13 Bye

September 20 at *Howard University@Franklin Field, Philadelphia, PA

September 27 vs. Tennessee State at Georgia Dome (Atlanta Football Classic), Atlanta, GA

October 4 Open

October 11 *WINSTON SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY @ Tallahassee, FL

October 18 *SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY @ Tallahassee, FL

October 25 at *Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA

November 1 *MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY (Homecoming) @ Tallahassee, FL

November 8 at *North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC

November 15 *HAMPTON UNIVERSITY @ Tallahassee, FL

November 22 *Bethune Cookman University @ Orlando, FL - Citrus Bowl (Florida Classic)

Bold: home game; * MEAC game


Joe Taylor should go undefeated in his first season as head of the Rattlers program. The most critical game that will determine this outcome will be September 6, at Delaware State. Not that we are taking any of the MEAC opponents for granted, but a Joe Taylor coached team will come prepared to play and will be well conditioned.

The greater disappointment here are no games with Football Bowl Championship programs, no Southern Jaguars game and no game with a ranked Football Champion Subdivision program. Teams are permitted to play twelve games this season and FAMU has decided to fore go a potential home game payday on September 13 or October 4. Why?

MEAC fans will have to satisfy their thirst for David versus Goliath by watching the South Carolina State University games vs. University of Central Florida and Clemson; or Norfolk State University at University of Kentucky and Delaware State at Kent State.

Florida A&M has not signed one football or basketball player from the Atlanta area in the past five years, so what is the reason the Rattlers continue to play Tennessee State at this NFL venue? It certainly has not helped the Rattler recruiting efforts for student-athletes.

Tennessee State University home games are played at the Tennessee Titans venue, LP Field, which seats approximately 68,798 fans. It's time for the FAMU athletic director to work a deal for a home and Florida neutral site (home) game with the Tennessee State Tigers for 2009.

More importantly, FAMU athletic director Bill Hayes need to understand that Rattler Nation is not satisfied with having the dean of black college coaches, Joe Taylor, playing a typical cupcake schedule with no diversity and no Football Championship Subdivision (1-AA) powerhouses on the schedule. Why make Joe Taylor the highest paid football coach in HBCU football ($237,000 annually) if you are not moving the program towards national supremacy?

No doubt, FAMU schedule should have included a Georgia Southern, Wofford, Troy University, Florida Atlantic, University of Alabama-Birmingham or University of Central Florida, schools within a short bus ride to the Rattlers campus.

This football schedule does not make a strong argument for an at-large playoff berth nor does it lay the foundation for multiple teams from the MEAC making the FCS Playoffs in 2008. We would be hard pressed to see a 9-2 FAMU team in the playoffs with this weak schedule, especially if ASU and TSU have .500 seasons. A one loss season in the MEAC should knock FAMU out of the playoffs, as Delaware State, Norfolk State and South Carolina State strength of schedule are superior to FAMU's.

An 8-3 mark is definitely a ticket to stay at home for the holidays, but a great improvement over the 3-8 Rattler record of 2007.

-beepbeep

FAMU baseball team looking for consistency

The offseason got even quirkier when former head coach Robert Lucas was named head coach again, replacing Joe Durant, who took over for Lucas when he initially left FAMU. Lucas, who led the Rattlers to three MEAC titles in 1987, 1988 and 1990, was associate head coach on the team last season after spending a number of years as a scout for the Atlanta Braves.

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Florida A&M University 2008 Baseball Schedule

Date Opponent / Event Location Time / Result
02/16/08 Alumni Game Tallahassee, FL 10:00 a.m. ET
02/22/08 at UCF Orlando, FL 6:00 p.m. ET
02/23/08 at UCF Orlando, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
02/24/08 at UCF Orlando, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
02/28/08 at Concordia Al Selma, AL 3:00 p.m. ET
03/01/08 vs. Savannah State Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
03/02/08 vs. Savannah State Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
03/04/08 at Mercer Macon, GA 4:00 p.m. ET
03/05/08 at Mercer Macon, GA 1:00 p.m. ET
03/06/08 vs. Presbyterian Tallahassee, FL 2:00 p.m. ET
03/07/08 vs. Presbyterian Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
03/12/08 at Edward Waters Jacksonville, FL 6:00 p.m. ET
03/22/08 vs. Bethune Cookman @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
vs. Bethune Cookman @ Tallahassee, FL TBA
03/23/08 vs. Bethune Cookman @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
03/25/08 vs. Alabama State Tallahassee, FL 2:00 p.m. ET
03/26/08 vs. Albany State Tallahassee, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
03/27/08 at Albany State Albany, GA 3:00 p.m. ET
03/29/08 at North Carolina A&T @ Greensboro, N.C. 1:00 p.m. ET
at North Carolina A&T @ Greensboro, N.C. TBA
03/30/08 at North Carolina A&T @ Greensboro, N.C. 1:00 p.m. ET
04/01/08 at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/03/08 vs. Concordia Al Tallahassee, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/05/08 at Savannah State Savannah, GA 1:00 p.m. ET
04/06/08 at Savannah State Savannah, GA 1:00 p.m. ET
04/08/08 vs. Mercer Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
04/09/08 vs. Mercer Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
04/10/08 at Morehouse Atlanta, GA 3:00 p.m. ET
04/12/08 at Delaware State @ Dover, DE 1:00 p.m. ET
at Delaware State @ Dover, DE TBA
04/13/08 at Delaware State @ Dover, DE 1:00 p.m. ET
04/15/08 vs. Edward Waters Tallahassee, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/16/08 vs. Jacksonville Tallahassee, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/19/08 vs. Maryland Eastern Shore @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
vs. Maryland Eastern Shore @ Tallahassee, FL TBA
04/20/08 vs. Maryland Eastern Shore @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
04/22/08 at Alabama State Montgomery, AL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/23/08 at North Florida Jacksonville, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/26/08 vs. Coppin State @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
vs. Coppin State @ Tallahassee, FL TBA
04/27/08 vs. Coppin State @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
05/03/08 at Norfolk State @ Norfolk, VA 1:00 p.m. ET
at Norfolk State @ Norfolk, VA TBA
05/04/08 at Norfolk State @ Norfolk, VA 1:00 p.m. ET
05/15/08 MEAC Baseball Tournament Norfolk, VA TBA
05/16/08 MEAC Baseball Tournament Norfolk, VA TBA
05/17/08 MEAC Baseball Tournament Norfolk, VA TBA
05/18/08 MEAC Baseball Tournament Norfolk, VA TBA

Schedule Key

@Conference Event

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.

-beepbeep

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