COMMENTARY : Small schools can produce big-time players

Photo: Hampton University's DE, Kendall Langford #98 was selected in the 2008 NFL Draft 3rd Round by Bill Parcell to help rebuild the Dolphins defense. Here he crushes Norfolk State's QB Casey Hansen in backfield for another sack.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Hampton, Georgia Southern and Idaho. What is this ? Ohio State’s 2007 nonconference football schedule ? Delaware, Maine and Montana. Must be the top of the NCAA Division I-AA hockey poll, right ?

OK, you’ve probably figured it out by now. All of these low-profile schools, plus Portland State and Toledo, are represented on the Miami Dolphins’ new roster as part of Bill Parcells’ brawny draft weekend haul.

The guy from Hampton (enrollment 6,000 ) is defensive end Kendall Langford, the 66 th overall pick in the NFL Draft, and he’s just one of four Miami draftees from non-Bowl Championship Series schools.

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South Florida loaded with RB talent

As we get ready for this month-long spring practice, Miami Killian's Lamar Miller and Palmetto running back Jaamal Berry aren't the only Class of 2009 running backs to watch. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach is loaded with quality runners.

In the Miami area, Northwestern boasts a pair of game breakers in Daquan Hargrett (5-9, 180) and Tyresse Jones (5-9, 185). Branden Oliver (5-7, 185) out of Southridge and Darian Mallery (5-8, 170) from Gulliver are also rising athletes.

In Broward, Deshaun Sands (5-9 175), the son of former St. Thomas and University of Kansas standout, ''Tuxedo'' Tony Sands, is one of the area's best .....

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FCS (1-AA) Football: A major road to the NFL

When Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was taken as the 16th pick of the NFL draft on Saturday, it was a fitting culmination of a journey that began on what might have looked like a bumpy, unpaved road to nowhere. Rodgers-Cromartie wasn't on the college radar when he was graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School in 2004. He decided to play for Tennessee State University, a Division I-AA program in Nashville.

Not a bad choice. Division I-AA may not be the big time, but it has a long history of pumping star players into the NFL. Many of the cornerbacks that signed with Division I-A schools that year will be watching Rodgers-Cromartie play football on Sunday this fall.

Doesn't matter where you play your college ball. As the list of Division I-AA alumni in the NFL proves, talent is a difficult secret to keep.

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Bethune-Cookman Corrals USF Bulls, 10-3

Photo: BCU Coach Mervyl Melendez.

Wildcats improve winning streak to five games

Tampa, Fla. - José Lozada was 4-for-5 at the plate including a homerun to push Bethune-Cookman University past the University of South Florida, 10-3 on Wednesday night in a non-conference baseball contest at Red McEwen Field in Tampa, Fla.

After dropping a month's worth of midweek contests, B-CU (30-17) is back in full gear as they were in the beginning of the year ... injury free, and looking to roll into the upcoming Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament as the three-time defending champs. And they look every part the champs of old, if not better.

Junior pitcher Chris Chapman toed the rubber on Wednesday for the Wildcats and he was a stud--as preseason reports predicted, as he limited the Bulls of USF (25-21) to just three runs on seven hits in six frames on the bump. He evened his record at 2-2 on the campaign.

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MEAC Track and Field Championships Return to Morgan State May 1-3

BALTIMORE, Md. - Morgan State University will host the 2008 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Track and Field Outdoor championships this weekend at Hughes Stadium on Thursday, May 1 through Saturday, May 3 at Hughes Stadium on the campus of Morgan State. The championships will host some of the best athletes in the country as 51 individual, and 9 relays are nationally ranked.

On the men’s side, Norfolk State will try to pursue its third straight outdoor title and fifth overall. The Spartans are led by Marlon Woods, whose leap of 7-feet in the long jump ranks him in the top five, while his jump of 25-feet in the high jump ranks 10th in the nation. Woods is also ranked in the top five in the triple jump. Also headlining the men’s individual events will be North Carolina A&T’s Calesio Newman, who is ranked fifth and seventh nationally and #1 ranked in the MEAC in both the 100 and 200 meter dashes.

The women’s team title is going to be a cat fight as favored Hampton will compete for its third straight MEAC Outdoor title and sixth overall, however North Carolina A&T, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Morgan State are all capable of dethroning the champs. The premier events should be the women’s 100 hurdles, as the top five competitors are only separated by 2/10 of a second, the 400, and the 4x400 relay, which the host Lady Bears are currently No. 1 ranked.

Thursday’s competition will begin at 10 a.m. with the women’s heptathlon and the men’s decathlon events. Friday’s competition will begin at 10 a.m. with the conclusion of the women’s heptathlon and men’s decathlon events and will continue with field events along with the 5,000m run. Semifinal races will wrap up Friday’s action.

The MEAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships will resume on Saturday at 10 a.m. on the field with the men’s and women’s triple jump, men’s shot put, men’s pole vault and women’s discus. Teams will move back to the track for the 110m hurdles, 400m, 100m, 800m, 400m hurdles, 200m, and 3,000m steeple chase finals. The championship will conclude with the women’s and men’s 4x400m relays. In case of rain, Sunday, May 4, has been designated as the rain date. A complete schedule of events is available on http://www.meacsports.com/ .

Admission for the 2008 MEAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships is $3 for children, students and senior citizens and $5 for adults. Tickets may be purchased at the Hughes Stadium box office the day of the event.

This release is courtesy of the Morgan State track and field office and meacsports.com

HU wins nationally televised softball game during sweep

In softball Wednesday, Hampton University swept host Norfolk State 5-4 and 10-7 on a day in which Game 1 was televised nationally on ESPNU.

Game 1 winner Amanda Black pitched a complete game and went 2-for-4 with a run and two RBI for HU (28-15), which scored the winning run on a throwing error in the sixth inning. HU's Angela Balser was 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI.

In Game 2, HU had several offensive contributors and overcame a 5-2 deficit with a five-run fifth. Poquoson's Evelyn Garcia was 1-for-2 with a run and two RBI, Britta Davis was 2-for-4 with three runs and three RBI, and Tiffa Brents was 2-for-3 with a run and two RBI.

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Coppin State Earns Split With Georgetown, Lose 14-2, Win 10-8

Washington, D.C. - The Georgetown University baseball team split a doubleheader with Coppin State on Wednesday, losing the first game, 10-8, and winning the second contest, 14-2, at Shirley Povich Field. The Hoyas fought back from a six-run deficit to make things interesting late in game one and used a nine-run second inning to coast in game two. Sophomore Billy Concannon earned his first win as a Hoya and eight players recorded multi-hit games during the nightcap.

Game 1
Trailing 8-2 going into the top of the seventh inning, the Hoyas mounted a comeback that almost saw them draw even. With one out, junior Greg Pustizzi singled to left field and sophomore Tom Elliott was hit by a pitch. After a fielder's choice resulted in the second out, sophomore Chip Malt singled to right field to bring home one run, while an errant throw by the Coppin State rightfielder resulted in a second run crossing the plate.

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Update: MEAC/SWAC - NFL Free Agent Signings

Photo: Morgan State University All-American RB, Chad Simpson signs a free agent contract with the Colts.

The 2008 NFL Draft is not an exact science; the reason for all the free agency signings after the big two day draft party. Like always, the majority of the MEAC and SWAC players that are provided an opportunity to make the league are picked up on the cheap at the day after signing party. This year is no different than prior years, with the exception that a few of these players will make the final rosters.

The 2008 free agent signings that will be reporting to mini-camps are:

Jacksonville Jaguars
Clyde Edwards, WR; Grambling State University
Brian Witherspoon, CB, Stillman College**

Arizona Cardinals
Thaddeus Coleman, T, Mississippi Valley State University
Jason Banks, DT, Grambling State University

Seattle Seahawks
DeMichael Dizer, CB, Grambling State University

Dallas Cowboys
Marcus Dixon, DE, Hampton University

Indianapolis Colts
Curtis Johnson, DE, Clark-Atlanta University**
Chad Simpson, RB/KR, Morgan State University

Cleveland Browns
James Lee, OT, South Carolina State University
DeShawn Baker, RB, South Carolina State University

Detroit Lions
Rudy Hardie, DE, Howard University
Bobbie Williams, DB, Bethune Cookman University
Jeremy Breath, OL, Delaware State University

Philadelphia Eagles
Shaheer McBride, WR, Delaware State University

Buffalo Bills
Jason Jones, WR, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

St. Louis Rams
Vernon Bryant, DT, Hampton University

Washington Redskins
Bryan Wilson, LB, Morgan State University

Tennessee Titans
Eddie Williams, WR, Lane College**

San Diego Chargers
Lamar Divens, DT, Tennessee State University

New York Giants
Kelly Rouse, DE, Delaware State University

Cincinnati Bengals
Russell Reeves, LB, Delaware State University

New Orleans Saints
Cleve McCoy, WR, South Carolina State University
(Has contract offer from Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a QB, his college position. CFL Team approved tryout with Saints).

2008 NFL - HBCU Draft Picks

Arizona Cardinals
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State University
1st Round, #16

Miami Dolphins
Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton University
3rd Round, #66

Tennessee Titans
William Hayes, DE, Winston Salem State University
4th Round, #103

Minnesota Vikings
Jaymar Johnson, WR/KR, Jackson State University
6th Round, #193

Cleveland Browns
Alex Hall, DE/OLB, Saint Augustine's College*
7th Round, #231

* CIAA
**SIAC

DSU players to attend NFL minicamps

DOVER, Delaware -- Kelly Rouse, meet Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. And welcome to the NFL. Rouse, a former Delaware State defensive end, has an imposing task ahead -- making an impression on the Super Bowl champion New York Giants at next week's minicamp.

"Anytime you're going to camp, it's tough," Rouse said, "but I'm going to a Super Bowl team where there's a Pro Bowler [Umenyiora] and future Hall of Famer [Strahan] ahead of you. I just have to stay humble and get it done."

Rouse was among three former DSU players to be invited Tuesday to NFL minicamps. Linebacker Russell Reeves is heading to the Cincinnati Bengals and offensive lineman Jeremy Breath will get a shot with the Detroit Lions. Wide receiver Shaheer McBride signed a free-agent contract Monday with the Eagles and will report to minicamp Friday.

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SCSU tennis teams hope for happier ending at Chapel Hill

The postseason plans for the South Carolina State tennis teams might as well been scripted by a wedding planner - something old, something new and something (powder) blue.

On Thursday, the men’s and women’s teams learned their reward for winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles was another trip down Tobacco Road to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. For the second time in three years, the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs will face the University of North Carolina on its homecourt at the Cone-Kenfield Tennis Center next weekend.

The SCSU women (13-3), will face the 15th-seed Lady Tar Heels (17-8) on May 9 starting at 10 a.m. The following day, the SCSU men (18-3) will face 12th-seed UNC (19-5) at the same time.

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Coppin State Lady Eagles reloads with Endia Word

Photo: Endia Word (photo: courtesy Danville Register & Bee)

CHATHAM, Virginia — Chatham’s Endia Word has found her new family. A day after teammate Kelly Montgomery committed to Gardner-Webb University to play softball, the second of the Cavaliers’ five senior basketball players put pen to paper on Wednesday. Word signed a full scholarship to play basketball for Coppin State University in Baltimore.

The 6-foot-2 center averaged 11 points and eight rebounds per game and blocked 41 shots for Chatham in 2007-08. And now she takes her size and low post ability to the Eagles (23-12), who were knocked out of the first round of the NCAA tournament last month by Maryland. “I am elated,” Word said. “This has pretty much been all excitement for me.”

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Grambling signs Missouri's Darwin Price

Photo: Normandy's Darwin Price competes in the 1600-meter run at last Saturday's Marion Freeman Invitational. (photo: Paul Kopsky/STLtoday Prep Sports)

It's hard to know where to start when writing an article about Saint Louis, Missouri Normandy High School senior Darwin Price.

Price, one of the top amateur boxers in the country, is competing in track and field. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's dominating track and field - at least the long-distance events.Heading into this past weekend, Price, the North Suburban Journals Athlete of the Week, had the best St. Louis area times in the 800 meters (1:54.57), 1600 meters (4:17.50) and the 3,200 meters (9:24.66).

His next big challenge will be college. Thanks to his 3.875 grade point average, Price earned a scholarship to Grambling State University in Louisiana, where he plans to compete in cross country, track and field and somehow also try to keep his boxing skills up. "I'm very excited," he said of going to Grambling. "I'm ready to go. No offense to my family, but I'm ready for something new."

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FAMU's Joe Taylor announce expected football starters

Photo: FAMU head football coach Joe Taylor.

Potential players are still calling FAMU football coach Joe Taylor, but they'll have to wait in line unless they bring what it takes to upend projected starters. But for now, Taylor is comfortable with the two players he's determined fit the play each position on defense and offense.

On Tuesday, Taylor released a two-deep chart which he hopes will stay intact when his players return in August (see below). "I'm excited," he said. "When you see them bonding and pushing each other that's a sign that they're making progress.

He also said there are about 35 players who are attempting to join the team. Most of them will be competing for just under three remaining scholarships this fall.

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FAMU’S TWO-DEEP TEAM CHART

Offense

LT -(a) #51 Kwame Akkebela, 6-4/255, JR, Orlando, FL - Jones HS
(b) #76 DeWayne Lanier, 6-7/315, RS JR, Aurora, CO - Grandview HS

LG -(a) #60 Anthony Collins, 6-3/355, RS JR, Miami, FL - Pace HS
(b) #78 Franklin Carter, 6-3/370, SO, Orlando, FL - Dr. Philips HS

C - (a) #64 Steve Brazzle, 6-4 /328 SR, Coatesville,PA - Coatesville HS
(b) #51 Kwame Akkebela, 6-4/255, JR, Orlando, FL - Jones HS

RG – (a) #61 Javier Wallace, 6-3/270, SR, Austin, TX - LBJ HS
(b) #79 Gerald Poke, 6-6/270, RS SO, Orlando, FL - Boone HS

RT – (a) #75 Robert Okeafor, 6-4/295, JR, Jacksonville, FL - Wolfson HS
(b) #73 Christopher Sands, 6-8/315, RS SO, Tallahassee, FL - Leon HS

X – (a) #80 Isaac West, 6-2/200 SO, Tallahassee, FL - Lincoln HS
(b)#15 Javares Knight, 6-4/190 RS JR, Tallahassee, FL - FAMU DRS

QB- (a) #8 Eddie Battle, 6-2/215, RS SO, Titusville, FL - Astronaut HS
(b) #6 Robert Love, 5-11/190 RS SO, Pahokee, FL - Pahokee HS

Z – (a) #5 Kevin Elliott, 6-3/195, SO, Orlando, FL - Colonial HS
(b) #87 Adrian Smith, 6-2/175 RS JR, Lakeland, FL - Kathleen HS

TB – (a) #30 Philip Sylvester, 5-10/185, SO, Marianna, FL - Marianna HS
(b) #23 Demitric Henry, 5-9/175, JR, Gifford, FL - Vero Beach HS

FB – (a) #43 Mykel Benson, 6-0/240, JR, Palm Bay, FL - Bayside HS
(b) #39 Kalum Harris, 5-10/215, SR, Miami, FL - Southridge HS

TE –(a) #82 Taj Jenkines, 6-4/225, SR, Jacksonville, FL - Clarksville HS
(b) #11Tobias Lee, 6-4/215, SO, Troy, AL - Pike County HS


Defense

DE – (a) #99 Joseph Wims, 6-5/250, RS JR, Miami, FL - Carol City HS
(b) #81 Max Purcel, 6-2/240, SO, Orlando, FL - Edgewater HS

NT – (a) #71 Cameron Houston, 6-0/285, SO, Rockledge, FL - Rockledge HS
(b) Ronald Jackson

OT – (a) #63 Demetris Lane, 6-2/295, RS JR, Hollywood, FL - Pace HS
(b) #93 Lymon Reed, 5-11/271, RS JR, Tampa, FL - Chamberlain HS

DE – (a) #97 Kendrick Washington, 6-5/245, SO, Sebastion River (HS), FL
(b) #91 Marquiste Ramos, 6-5/245, JR, Bayside, FL - Bayside HS

CB – (a) #1 Qier Hall, 6-2/175, SO, Cocoa Beach, FL - Cocoa HS
(b) #18 Gregory Clark, 5-8/180, RS SO, Tampa, FL - Durant HS

S – (a) #57 Bryan Parker, 6-3/220, RS JR, Randlestown (HS), MD - Ariz. Western JC
(b) #94 Dozell Varner, 6-1/225, RS JR, Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Plantation HS

MLB –(a) #44 Vernon Wilder, 6-0/248, RS SR, Miami, FL - Carol City HS
(b) #41 Alvis Graham, 6-2/225, SO, Orlando, FL - Colonial HS

MLB – (a) #55 Alphonso Walker III, 6-2/215, SO, Eustis, FL -Eustis HS
(b) #51 Darious Nobles, 6-2/210, JR, Lynn Haven, FL - Mosley HS

CB – (a) #24 Curtis Holcomb, 5-10/170, SO, Miami, FL - Southridge HS
(b) #12 Donovan Johnson, 5-11/181, SR, Miami, FL - B. T. Washington HS

FS – (a) #38 Fabian Wilson, 5-11/180, SR, Bushnell, FL - South Sumter HS
(b) #48 Victoriano Arboleda, 5-10/190, SR, Tampa, FL - Middleton HS

SS – (a) #31 Greg Harvey, 5-10/185 SO, Largo, FL -Largo HS
(b) #21 Michael McCreary, 5-9/180, JR, Deerfield Beach, FL - Deerfield Beach HS


Rattlers fans: Each player class ranking shown is projected for Fall 2008. We are currently seeking information on NT Ronald Jackson as he is not showing on previous Rattlers football rosters. This should give you a little more insight on our size for next season for the (a) starters and (b) back ups.

-beepbeep

Atlantic hoops star, C.J. Reed to play for father at BCU

PORT ORANGE, Florida -- The son has officially joined his father's program.

C.J. Reed, the three-year starting guard from Atlantic's boys basketball team, signed to play for Bethune-Cookman. He will suit up for his father, Clifford Reed, who just happens to be the Wildcats' head coach. The younger Reed's final decision came down to either B-CU, Wofford or Mercer.

"It had nothing to do with staying home, it was just that I wanted to help my dad win and put (Bethune-Cookman) over the top," C.J. Reed said. "I would love the idea of being the first Cookman team in history to win the MEAC and make the NCAAs."

While visiting Wofford, Reed had a chance to watch some of Davidson's run through the NCAA tournament. Since Wofford actually plays in the same conference as Davidson -- and its national star, Stephen Curry -- it was tantalizing to Reed, but in the end, family ties helped make the decision for him.

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Bethune Cookman signs N.J. combo guard, Stanley Elliot

Stanley Elliot had lost some promising offers for unspecified reasons, but never lost hope. His faith and persistence will be rewarded today when the the 6-3 guard from Science Park in Newark signs a national letter of intent to attend Bethune-Cookman in Daytona, Fla., on a basketball scholarship.

Elliot, a forward at Science Park but projected as a combo guard in college, had been passed over in recent months by the likes of LaSalle, Bowling Green, Hofstra and LIU. Elliot chose Bethune-Cookman ahead of Central Arkansas, Western Illinois and Lock Haven after making an official visit to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference school last weekend.

Elliot averaged almost 12 points a game last season to help Science Park (29-3) win the Group 1 championship and reach the Tournament of Champions final, where it bowed to St. Anthony of Jersey City. Colleges likely backed off once they'd signed bigger guards and forwards. But once Bethune-Cookman coach Clifford Reed saw tapes, he continued to reach out to Elliot because of his versatility and athleticism.

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NFL After-Party Signings

Photo: Morgan State University All-American RB, Chad Simpson signs a free agent contract with the Colts.

The 2008 NFL Draft is not an exact science; the reason for all the free agency signings after the big two day draft party. Like always, the majority of the MEAC and SWAC players that are provided an opportunity to make the league are picked up on the cheap at the day after signing party. This year is no different than prior years, with the exception that a few of these players will make the final rosters.

The 2008 free agent signings that will be reporting to mini-camps this Friday are:

Jacksonville Jaguars
Clyde Edwards, WR; Grambling State University
Brian Witherspoon, CB, Stillman College

Arizona Cardinals
Thaddeus Coleman, T, Mississippi Valley State University
Jason Banks, DT, Grambling State University

Seattle Seahawks
DeMichael Dizer, CB, Grambling State University

Dallas Cowboys
Marcus Dixon, DE, Hampton University

Indianapolis Colts
Curtis Johnson, DE, Clark-Atlanta University
Chad Simpson, RB/KR, Morgan State University

Cleveland Browns
James Lee, OT, South Carolina State University
DeShawn Baker, RB, South Carolina State University

Detroit Lions
Rudy Hardie, DE, Howard University
Bobbie Williams, DB, Bethune Cookman University

Philadelphia Eagles
Shaheer McBride, WR, Delaware State University

Buffalo Bills
Jason Jones, WR, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

St. Louis Rams
Vernon Bryant, DT, Hampton University

Washington Redskins
Bryan Wilson, LB, Morgan State University

Tennessee Titans
Eddie Williams, WR, Lane College

San Diego Chargers
Lamar Divens, DT, Tennessee State University

NCCU Basketball signs 6-10 JUCO Center

Worah-Ozimo of TCI College Nation's Fourth-Leading Rebounder in 2007

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Stevy Worah-Ozimo, a 6-10, 220-pound center from TCI College of Technology, has signed a national letter of intent to become a part of the North Carolina Central University men's basketball program.

A native of Gabon, West Africa, Worah-Ozimo ranked fourth in the nation among NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division I programs with an average of 12.7 rebounds per game during his rookie campaign at TCI (Technical Career Institute).

During his two seasons (2006-08) at TCI, located in New York, N.Y., Worah-Ozimo amassed 392 points (7.7 points per game) and 551 rebounds (10.8 rpg), while shooting 57.2 percent (170 of 297) from the field. In 51 games, he collected double-figure rebounds 37 times, including eight contests with 15 boards or more and two outings with 20 or more.

"Stevy is a blue-collar guy and a team player," said NCCU head coach Henry Dickerson. "He's a rebounder and shot blocker that can get out and run on the break. Stevy is the kind of young man that will do whatever he can to help us win. The more he plays, the better he'll get.

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Hampton's Vernon Bryant Signed by Rams

The St. Louis Rams announced on their official website Monday that they have signed Hampton University defensive tackle Vernon Bryant to a free-agent contract.

Terms of the contract were not immediately available. Bryant, 6-foot-2/285 pounder, had 47 tackles last season as Hampton went 6-5, and finished his career as a Pirate with 100 tackles and 11 sacks. He recorded a career-high nine tackles - seven assisted - in the 2007 season finale, a 45-27 loss to Southern Illinois.

The Rams had the No. 2 overall pick in the draft on Saturday, taking University of Virginia defensive end Chris Long. Should Bryant make the team, he could find himself on the same defensive line as Long and 2007 first-round pick Adam Carriker.

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Bryant is from Courtland, Virginia, Southhampton High School.

S.C. State Bulldogs McCoy has a decision to make

Most of the 25 athletes that showed up for South Carolina State’s Pro Day had ducked away into the Bulldogs’ locker room or headed home, but Cleve McCoy and a handful of receivers stayed behind.

With a New Orleans Saints scout looking on, the former South Carolina State quarterback tossed a few balls to the receivers just after noon on March 25 before they too were sent on their way. The Saints’ scout then turned to the 6-2, 225 pound McCoy and started running him through routes -- tossing him some balls. In total, McCoy hauled in around 20 passes without a drop. Flash forward to Sunday, and McCoy figured that workout was his best chance at getting a shot in the NFL. So, as the draft progressed into it’s latter stages, he waited patiently, hoping his phone would ring. It didn’t, and McCoy headed home -- a little bummed -- with the idea that he would sign an offer from the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Then, around 11 a.m. Monday, McCoy’s agent called. “He said, ‘We have us a deal,'” McCoy said.

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NFL's Bills Sign UAPB Receiver Jason Jones, to Free Agent Contract

by UAPB Sports Information

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Former University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff wide receiver Jason Jones confirmed that he will sign a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills later this week.

The Forrest City native averaged 20.8 yards per reception during his career at UAPB, setting both school and Southwestern Athletic Conference career records. He is one of only four other DI-AA wide receivers to catch at least 100 passes and average 20 yards per catch during their careers.

UAPB Jason Jones Highlights


Jones also holds the UAPB school record for both receiving yardage with 2,227 and touchdown catches with 22. His 13 TD receptions during the 2006 season set another Golden Lion record single-season record and his 98-yard touchdown reception against Southern Illinois in 2006 was another university record.

"The Bills were actually in touch with me before the draft was over," Jones said. "They didn't draft many wide receivers and Coach Tyke Tolbert [the Bills' wide receivers coach] told me I would have the opportunity to come in and play immediately. I leave Thursday for rookie camp and I'm excited about the opportunity. I can't wait to get up to Buffalo."

UAPB Jason Jones Pro-Day Workout 4/3/2008

Eagles sign former DSU star McBride

DOVER -- Count former Delaware State wide receiver Shaheer McBride as one of the few college football players who didn't pay much attention to last weekend's NFL draft. "I kind of thought all along I wouldn't get drafted," he said. "You know, you get a sense you won't be drafted. But all I can ask for is a tryout. I'm grateful."

The 2004 rookie of the year in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, McBride set school records last season when he finished with 201 career catches and 3,007 receiving yards. He also tied John Taylor's record of 33 career touchdown catches. McBride was the MEAC's preseason offensive player of the year in 2007 and a two-time league first-team selection.

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National Press Club: Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. (4/28/08)

Part I


Part II


Part III


Part IV - Q&A


Part V - Q&A


Part VI - Q&A


Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his elementary education in that city and then went to Virginia Union University. After three and a half years at Virginia Union, Pastor Wright left school and entered the United States Marine Corps. He transferred from the USMC into the United States Navy where he served as a cardiopulmonary technician.

After six years in the military, Pastor Wright transferred to Howard University where he completed his undergraduate studies and received his first Master’s Degree. His second Master’s Degree was from the University of Chicago Divinity School. His Doctorate was received from the United Theological Seminary under Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor. In addition to Pastor Wright’s four earned degrees, he has been the recipient of eight honorary doctorates.

UAPB’S success in Spring; Will it pay off in Fall?

Photo: The Golden Lions Schedule has only three road games outside of Arkansas in 2008, with no games against FCS powerhouses like Southern Illinois University played by UAPB in 2007.

For a team that won only four games in 2007, the players and coaches at Arkansas-Pine Bluff are excited about their chances in 2008.

Things have never been better for the UAPB football program, even if it is coming off of a 4-7 season. Keep in mind that the Golden Lions did win their final three games of the season last year. There is a thing called momentum and the returning players that are coming back from last season remember that.

With a new head coach in Monte Coleman, the Golden Lions are feeling rejuvenated these days. It helps matters that Coleman has been on the staff since 2004 and knows the players very well already. We’re not even into May yet and people are fired up for UAPB football, due to several factors, with the hiring of Coleman being one of them.

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Hampton's Marcus Dixon signs with Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys signed Hampton defensive end Marcus Dixon to a three-year deal as an undrafted free agent. Dixon spent 15 months in prison for aggravated child molestation and statutory rape before the Georgia Supreme Court ordered his immediate release in 2004.

Dixon, 6-4, 295, was a three-year captain at Hampton and was on the Dean's list. He finished his senior year with six sacks.

The Cowboys, "were the most aggressive during the day," Dixon's agent Joe Linta said. "They didn't have a seventh round pick, but they convinced me that they would've taken him had they had one.

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The mainstream media need to read the court transcript of the Marcus Dixon case before the Georgia Supreme Court. Dixon was cleared of the claimed aggravated child molestation and statutory rape charges. Moreover, he was wrongfully held in prison for 15 months due to racism by the Floyd County, GA District Attorney's Office. Read the case--these facts are not up for debate. The press need to stop slandering his character and reputation--simply add--Mr. Dixon was CLEARED of all charges by the Georgia Supreme Court. End of Story!

-beepbeep

SCSU Lee signs NFL free agent contract with Cleveland Browns

While Idaho linebacker David Vobora was being recognized on ESPN as this year’s "Mr. Irrelevant" - the final player selected Sunday in the NFL Draft - James Lee was on the telephone. It was the Cleveland Browns who were anxious to offer the South Carolina State All-American offensive guard a free agent deal.

One hour later, Lee and his agent reached a two-year agreement with the Browns, sending the 2007 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year from one "Dawg Pound" in Orangeburg to another in the Midwest. “Everybody wants to get drafted, but I’m just glad that it’s all over and I know where I’ll be spending my next two years at,” Lee said in a telephone interview.

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