Alabama State Hornets cater to new football philosophy

Somewhere near the end of the 2008 season, Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow came to a decision. Win or lose, Bar­low decided he was going to run the ASU program the way he felt was best. He had a specific offensive system he liked, and he was will­ing to fire his second coordina­tor in two seasons in order to find a guy who shared his be­liefs. He also had a specific de­fensive plan he felt would work best, and he was willing to fire a popular and successful defen­sive coordinator in order to run it.

Last Wednesday, Barlow and his staff signed a class that re­flected those new philosophies. And in terms of filling needs, it was a successful signing day. ASU welcomed in 28 players, almost all of which addressed a hole created by a graduating senior or a change in philoso­phy. Offensively, for example, Barlow's game plan is to create a hybrid-style offense that uses el­ements of the spread offense's short passes and the pro forma­tion's power rushing attack.

As the Hornets learned last season, when they employed the spread, quick, agile receivers are a must. Without them, the short passes in the spread are just short passes. In one game, ASU completed 23 pass attempts for only 136 yards. To address that issue, the Hornets signed six receivers in this year's class. All of them have good speed and four of the six were signed specifically be­cause of their ability to run after the catch.

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Make the most of opportunity, no matter where it is

UAPB Coach Monte Coleman signs a potentially great possession receiver in LaDarius Eckwood.

High school football players in the state should take note of Arkansas' 2009 recruiting class. Razorbacks Coach Bobby Petrino and his staff used their connections to recruit players from all over the country, from California to Florida. Of the 30 players who signed, only six are from Arkansas. Petrino will still go after the very best in Arkansas, but he'll quickly look elsewhere if he can't fulfill his needs at home. That's good for the Arkansas program, but maybe not so good for a few more kids who dream of being a Razorback.

Springdale receiver LaDarius Eckwood had visions of playing for the Razorbacks since hearing stories about his great uncle, Jerry Eckwood, who was a top running back at Arkansas in the 1970s. LaDarius Eckwood had a standout senior season with 108 catches for 1,505 yards, including a school-record 19 catches for 305 yards against Fort Smith Northside. Still, Arkansas only showed little interest, and Eckwood signed with Arkansas-Pine Bluff after also considering Arkansas State and Central Arkansas.

View LaDarius Eckwood Video: Ladarius Eckwood

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UAPB Coleman targets offense in second recruiting class

The Arkansas-Pine Bluff offense ranked in the bottom half of the Southwestern Athletic Conference in several statistical categories last season. Considering that fact, finding players who can provide immediate offensive help was UAPB’s main focus this recruiting season. And when UAPB coach Monte Coleman announced his second recruiting class as coach on Wednesday, he feels most of those needs were addressed.

Eleven of the 17 players who signed national letters of intent on Wednesday are expected to play on the offensive side for the Golden Lions. That includes six wide receivers, two quarterbacks, two running backs and an offensive lineman. Another wide receiver signed a letter of intent at a ceremony at his school on Wednesday, but as of Wednesday evening, Coleman had not yet received it. “There is a focus on that part of the ball,” Coleman said. “We needed receivers, quarterbacks and offensive (linemen).”

UAPB’s emphasis wasn’t put toward the offensive line as much as when it signed 10 players to those positions last year but directed more toward players at the skill positions. The Golden Lions, who finished 3-9 in Coleman’s first season as coach, were eighth in the SWAC in scoring offense, ninth in total offense and 10th in passing offense.

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The 2009 Signers to UAPB Golden Lion Football

Name: Pos. Height Weight Hometown/High school

1. Parker Taylor WR 6'5" 198 Brownwood, TX/ Brownwood High School
2. Kaci Robinson LB/DE 6'3" 260 Little Rock, AR/ Independence Jr College
3. Quinn Franklin WR 6'2" 215 Monticello, AR/ Warren High School
4. Joshua Boudreaux QB 6'4" 210 Baton Rouge, LA/ Sacramento Jr College
5. Raphael Hendrix FS 6'2" 190 Marshall, TX/ Marshall High School
6. Justin Billings TB 5'9" 205 El Dorado, AR/ El Dorado High School
7. John Toney TB 5'10" 210 El Dorado, AR/ El Dorado High School
8. T.Q. Mims QB 6'1" 190 Minden, LA/ Minden High School
9. Chris Bolton WR 5'11" 185 Monroe, LA/ Quachita High School
10. Hardie Ezell DL 6'3" 265 Gautier, MS/ Gautier High School
11. Arthur Washington DT 6'2" 270 Dallas, TX/ Dallas Skyline High School
12. Jeffrey Amey DT 6'3" 275 Helena, AR/ West Helena Central High
13. Jarvis Webb SS 5'11" 190 Pine Bluff, AR/ Pine Bluff High School
14. Cordara Frazier WR 6'3" 195 Pine Bluff, AR/ Pine Bluff High School
15. Damien Lee DT 6'3" 250 Little Rock, AR/ Little Rock Central High
16. Ledarius Eckwood WR 6'2" 180 Springdale, AR/ Springdale High School
17. Nicholas Clary WR 5'11" 180 Fordyce, AR/ Fordyce High School

Texas Southern 2009 Football Recruits

Texas Southern Media Relations

Houston, Texas – The Texas Southern Fighting Tigers are bringing a new group of playmakers into the football program. This is a new TSU and these young men exemplify the top quality student-athletes that we are recruiting. “We accomplished what we wanted in this recruiting class,” said football head coach Johnnie Cole. “We went after Texas kids and older kids to fill some voids and we believe we got them.”

Coach Cole got some new fuel for his high octane big play offense. Cole’s impact-players include quarterback Arvell Nelson from Iowa, wide receiver Ricky Dixon from LSU, wide receiver Chip Gregory from Arkansas and offensive lineman Ernest McCoy from LSU. “These guys are play-makers and that’s what we were missing. They are big time players who played in the big leagues,” Cole said. “And adding McCoy upfront should make our offensive line one of the best in the conference.”

When the last form is faxed in, Cole expects to have at least 35 new faces on the team… including 11 top players from Texas…nine of them from the Houston area.
“These kids will take care of business on the field and in the classroom. We are not where we want to be, but we are off to a good start,” said Cole.

2009 Texas Southern Football Signees & Transfers

NAME POS HT WT CL HOMETOWN (Previous School)

Day 1 Announced Recruits
* Jared Benton OL 6-3 320 FR Houston, TX (North Shore HS)
* Justin Coleman DL 6-2 285 JR Schulenburg, TX (Navarro College)
* Chip Gregory WR 6-4 225 Jr Carrollton, TX (Arkansas)
* Vontray Sellers OL 6-2 300 JR Dillon, SC (Feather River CC)
* Jordan Curtin TE 6-4 270 JR Manistee, MI (Eastern Arizona JC)
* Edward Collins DL 6-5 295 FR Chaneyville, LA (Northeast HS)
* Arvell Nelson QB 6-5 210 JR Cleveland, OH (Iowa)
* Antonio Bassett DB 6-0 200 JR Cincinnati, OH (Iowa Central)
* Michael Griggs FB 5-11 225 FR Southfield, MI (Valley Forge Military Academy)
* Gordi Metezier DB 6-2 190 SO Margette, FL (Dodge City CC)
* Ernest McCoy OL 6-6 330 SO Belle Glade, FL (LSU)
* Ricky Dixon WR 6-2 210 JR Reserve, LA (LSU)

Day 2 Announced Recruits
Marvin Hollie OL 6-3 320 Fr Houston, TX (Madison HS)
Kingsley Akinwole DL 6-3 330 JR Allen, TX (Trinity Valley JC)
Alvin Samuel RB 6-0 215 FR Clute, TX (Brazoswood HS)
Sean Spears DL 6-0 260 FR Baton Rouge, LA (Clinton HS)
Jonathan Ellis OL 6-4 325 Fr Houston, TX (Spring Westfield HS)
Tyrrell Jones FS 6-2 200 FR Channelview, TX (Channelview HS)

Day 3 Announced Recruits
Dedric Shipman DB 6-2 200 FR Lawrenceville, GA (Meadow Creek HS)
Eloes Whitaker LB 5-10 200 FR Houston, TX (Westbury HS)
Andrew Franklin LB 6-2 195 FR Memphis, TN (Mitchell HS)
Danny Wash OL 6-2 265 FR Memphis, TN (Mitchell HS)
Serigne Sarr OL 6-3 320 FR Houston, TX (St. Pius X HS)

* Players currently enrolled in school

New HU assistant has 'unbelievable heart'

One thing is certain about Hampton University's new recruiting coordinator: He knows how to keep a clear head. On Dec. 6, Stephen Field, then in his second season as a graduate assistant at the University of Miami, was driving near a busy interchange with I-95 when he saw a car smashed into a tree. He broke the car's windshield with a hammer and pulled the driver, a man whose identity was not released, free of the smoking car. So the coach now charged with convincing recruits to come to Hampton can tell them he's a bona fide hero, right?

"There were, like, 1,000 articles, and that's what they said," said Field, who didn't want to say much else about the rescue. Clint Hurtt, the Hurricanes' defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, wasn't as reticent."It didn't surprise me. That's the kind of heart he has," Hurtt said. "When Coach Field first got the GA job down here in Miami, he didn't have a place to stay, so I let him come stay with me. He's a great person, a great guy with an unbelievable heart. ... He's the kind of person, if you call him at 2 o'clock in the morning and you have an issue, he's going to roll right out of bed to do whatever he can to help you out."

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Hampton signees

STEVEN ROBINSON RB 6-2 220 Georgia Military/Milledgeville, Ga. Second-team All-American had more than 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in two years at Georgia Military.

DARYELL WALKER DE 6-5 225 Bethel High School/Hampton. Second-team all-district pick had 50 tackles and two sacks as a senior.

LANCE HAWKINS DT 6-2 310 Atlantic Shores High School/Virginia Beach. First-team all-state as a senior and as a junior.

ANTONIO McCLOUDE RB 5-7 175 Glades Central High School/Belle Glade, Fla. All-state pick and team MVP as a senior; played in the Outback Steakhouse all-star game.

RAY RIJOS OG 6-2 330 Bayside High School/Virginia Beach. Second-team All-Tidewater pick as a senior; two-time All-Beach District selection.

DENZEL BONNER C 6-2 305 Godby High School/Tallahassee, Fla. Second-team all-area and all-state pick; played in the Florida-Georgia Border War all-star game.

VINCENT HARPER FB 6-0 260 Glades Central High School/Belle Glade, Fla. All-area pick voted "Toughest Player in the Area"; had 50 pancake blocks as a senior.

GABRIEL SMITH FB 5-11 250 Friendship Collegiate High School/Washington, D.C. All-conference pick and an all-independent-school selection by The Washington Post.

JORDAN DAVIS QB 6-0 180 William Penn/York, Pa. County player of the year and all-state honorable-mention selection.

JAMIE SLAUGHTER DT 6-3 280 Hazelwood East High School/St. Louis. First-team all-state selection in Missouri.

B-CU Wildcats Sign 32 To National Letters Of Intent

Bethune-Cookman University Head Football Coach Alvin Wyatt, Sr. and his coaching staff announced Wednesday the signing of 32 high school student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to attend B-CU in the fall of 2009 and to play football for the Wildcats. B-CU also announced two transfers who will be joining the football program in 2009.

"I am very excited with the recruiting class," said Coach Alvin Wyatt on Wednesday. "It is the largest class in numbers we've ever had here and it is a great recruiting class. For the first time - we were able to recruit 12 offensive lineman and we added size and strength on both the offensive and defensive lines."

Coach Wyatt added that he was very pleased with the four QB recruits. "We signed four quality quarterbacks and we will have 7 quarterbacks competing at the position in the fall," said Wyatt. "We need them all and there will be a lot of talent at the position. We also helped ourselves signing two of the best high school kickers in the State of Florida."

Listed below are the 32 high school players (in alphabetical order) who signed National Letters of Intent with Bethune-Cookman University on Wednesday and the two Division I college transfers.

1. Michael Adams Quarterback Fr - HS - 6-1/180 Riverdale, Georgia (Riverdale High School)
2. J. J. Adams Defensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-2 - 240 Orange Park, Fla. (Ridgeview High School)
3. Phillip Bailey Linebacker Fr. HS - 6-1 - 210 Daytona Beach, Fla. (Spruce Creek High School)
4. Kenneth Bishop Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-2 - 275
Sunrise. Fla. (Piper High School)
5. Cory Clarke Defensive Back Fr. HS - 5-10 - 170 Miami, Fla. (Miami Central High School)
6. Benjamin De La Cruz Quarterback Fr. HS - 6-1 - 195 Deltona, Fla. (Pine Ridge High School)
7. Darrell Wilson Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-3 - 245 Jacksonville, Fla. (First Coast High School)
8. Gabriel Encarnacion Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-3 - 305 Hollywood, Fla. (MacArthur High School)
9. Corey Ferguson Quarterback Fr. HS - 5-10 - 180 Orlando, Fla. (Evans High School)
10. Jarkevis Fields Linebacker Fr. HS - 5-11 - 215 Sanford , Fla. (Seminole High School)
11. Markeil Floyd Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-4 - 235 Tampa, Fla. (Tampa Bay Tech High School)
12. Kevin Grier Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-4 - 295 Spring Hill, Fla. (Brooksville Central High School)
13. Sven Hurd Kicker Fr. HS - 6-0 - 190 Pensacola, Fla. (Pine Forest High School)
14. Pedro Neiva Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-4 - 310 Miami, Fla. (Coral Reef High School)
15. Isidore Jackson Running Back Fr. HS - 5-11 - 180 Crestview, Fla. (Walton High School)
16. Shelby Jackson Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-2 - 270 Rockledge, Fla. (Rockledge High School)
17. Javaris Johnson Wide Receiver Fr. HS - 5-10 - 170 Gretna, Fla. (Florida High HS)
18. Kory Kowalski Kicker Fr. HS - 6-3 - 180 Rockledge, Fla. (Rockledge High School)
19. Nixon LaRoche Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-4 - 315 Miami, Fla. (Archbishop Curly High School)
20. Nesly Marcellon Linebacker Fr. HS - 6-1 - 210 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Stranahan High School)
21. Deonte McDowell Defensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-3 -265 Avondale Estates, Georgia (Avondale High School)
22. Alexander Monroe Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-4 - 305 Jacksonville, Fla. (First Coast High School)
23. Shyler Morgan Running Back Fr. HS - 5-10 - 180 Mayo, Fla. (Lafayette City High School)
24. Jacoby Nelson Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-3 - 280 Lauderhill, Fla. (Piper High School)
25. Jacob Palmer Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-5 - 310 Deltona, Fla. (Pine Ridge High School)
26. Greg Ross, Jr. Quarterback Fr. HS - 5-10, 170 Daytona Beach, Fla. (Mainland High School)
27. Marquell Rozier Defensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-7 - 345 St. Pauls, N.C. (Ft. Union Military School)
28. Greg Smith Linebacker Fr. HS - 6-0 - 215 Hollywood, Fla. (Hallandale High School)
29. Barry Stafford Defensive End Fr. HS - 6-0 - 240 Atlanta, Georgia (Chamblee High School)
30. Javaris Sutton Defensive End Fr. HS - 6-1 - 240 Lake Wales, Fla. (Lake Wales High School)
31. Dennell Wesley Offensive Lineman Fr. HS - 6-2 - 280 Hastings, Fla. (Menendez High School)
32. Erik Williams Defensive End Fr. HS - 6-4 -230 Plantation, Fla. (Stranahan High School)

JSU football inks 28 on initial signing day

Comegy's Georgia talent raid bears recruiting fruit

The Jackson State coaching staff may have narrowed the geographical reach of its recruiting efforts this year, but it certainly didn't shrink its out-of-state success. Only seven of 28 signees were Mississippi natives, with seven coming from the Atlanta area of Georgia alone. "We went in there as teams and covered a lot of Georgia," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "Georgia had the gold mine this year. I think we got some of the best out of that state."

The Tigers sent four coaches to comb Georgia and walked away with, arguably, the two best players in the class from the same high school. Linebacker Milton Patterson (5-foot-11, 230 pounds) earned a three-star ranking from Rivals.com, two stars from Scout.com and received early attention from Mississippi State. Athlete Alfred Moreland (5-7, 180) was a three-star recruit according to Scout.com and originally committed to Ole Miss. The duo played at Banneker High School.

Coming out of Decatur, Ga., Richard Hughes (6-0, 185) is a physical safety who earned one star from Scout.com and second-team all-state honors."These are guys that have got big-time talent," said Yancy Porter, Mississippi scout for Scout.com. "Overall it's probably the top class, or one of the top classes, in the SWAC this year." Porter said both Moreland and Patterson possess SEC-type skill sets.

JSU 2009 Recruits

1. Alfred Moreland, ATH, Banneker HS (Atlanta, GA) 5-7, 180 pounds

2. Milton Patterson, LB, Banneker HS (Atlanta, GA), 5-11, 230 pounds

3. Akeem Williams, CB, SWMS CC (McComb, MS), 6-2, 190 pounds

4. Richar Hughes, FS, SW Dekalb HS (Decatur, GA), 6-0, 185 pounds

5. Todd Wilcher, ILB, Westlake HS (Atlanta, GA), 6-1, 220 pounds

6. Tobias Williams, ILB/RE, Stephenson HS (Lithonia, GA), 6-2, 245 pounds

7. DeAndre Davis, OT, ML King HS (Decatur, GA), 6-4, 300 pounds

8. Darius Mitchell, OG/C, Westlake HS (Atlanta, GA) 6-2, 320 pounds

9. Ameer Townes, OG, Converse-Judson HS (San Antonio, TX) 6-1, 300 pounds

10. Chris Holmes, DT, Grand Rapids CC, 6-3, 300 pounds

11. Jonathan Archie, DE, Starkville HS (Starkville, MS) 6-2, 230 pounds

12. Antowan Westry, OT, Montgomery HS (Seemes, AL) 6-2, 295 pounds

13. Antonio Brame, CB, Trinity HS (Eulies, TX) 6-1, 170 pounds

14. Jonathan Billups, DT, Picayune HS (Picayune, MS) 6-1, 305 pounds

15. Reginald Bailey, LB, Picayune HS (Picayune, MS) 6-3, 210 pounds

16. Rico Richardson, WR, Natchez HS (Natches, MS) 6-0, 185 pounds

17. Jerel Walker, C, Lackawanna CC, 6-2, 285 pounds

18. Aristacus Forster, OT, Verbum HS (Los Angeles, CA) 6-3, 305 pounds

19. Cardell Turner, WR, Reedley CC (Fresno, CA) 6-3, 190 pounds

20. Milton Thomas, DT, Auburn HS (Auburn, AL) 6-2, 295 pounds

21. Derrick Jean , C, Miami Central HS (Miami, FL) 6-3, 255 pounds

22. Jordan Miller, OT, Miami Central HS (Miami, FL) 6-2, 260 pounds

23. Quatavis Parks, ATH, Maplewood HS (Nashville, TN) 5-10, 185 pounds

24. Stephen Capler, C, Ridgeland HS (Ridgeland, MS) 6-2, 280 pounds

25. Nathan Simms, CB/ATH, Arkansas Baptist CC , 6-1, 190 pounds

26. Mike Hill,LB, Murrah HS, Jackson, MS, 6-0, 185 pounds.

Recruits Overview

* Cardell Turner, WR Reedley CC in California (Fresno CA) 6-3, 190 pounds - played one season of varsity football at Edison High School ... was a track star in high school ... originally signed with Fresno State coming out of high school ... played at Reedley CC and finished the 2008 season with 16 rec. for 233 yds and 4 TDs ... had a two TD, 160 receiving yard game against Sierra CC ... named to the California JUCO All-State 1st team and a JUCO All-American ... son of Diana Smith.

* Milton Thomas, DT Auburn HS (Auburn, AL) 6-2, 290 pounds - son of former New England Patriots All-Pro Ben Thomas ... Milton was an All-District performer at Auburn HS ... parents are Ben and Sharlyne Thomas.

* Steve Capler, C Ridgeland HS (Ridgeland, MS) 6-2, 280 pounds - state power lifting champions ... named to 1st team all-region, as well as a 2nd team All-Metro and 2nd team All-State performer .. rated a one-star center by Scout.com.

* Milton Patterson, LB Banneker HS (College Park, GA) 5-11, 230 pounds - rated a three-star performer at middle linebacker by Rivals.com ... as a senior recorded 122 tackles, 10 sacks and three interceptions ... totaled 120 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception in junior season... named 1st team All-Region and 2nd team All-State ... also played baseball and was a member of the wresting team ... son of Milton, Sr. and Tiffany Patterson.

* Quatavius Parks, ATH, Maplewood HS (Nashville, TN) 5-11, 180 pounds - named All-City and All-District ... was a finalist for the 2008 William E. Hume Award (for scholarship, sportsmanship, value to the team and individual performance).

* Derrick Jean, C Miami Central (Miami, FL) 6-3, 246 pounds - A two-star prospect according to Rivals.com ... all-state and all-district performer... played in the Dade/Broward all-star game.

* Jordan Miller, OT Miami Central (Miami, FL) 6-3, 260 pounds - All-District player ... played in the Dade/Broward All-Star game.

* Mike Hill,LB, Murrah HS (Jackson, MS) 6-0, 185 pounds. - 1st team All-District.

* Nate Simms, DB/ATH, Arkansas Baptist CC, Booker T. Washington HS (Tuskegee, AL) 6-1, 190 pounds - named MVP of the Texas JUCO League ... named to the President's List ... also played basketball and baseball in high school ... named team MVP in high school ... son of Gale Simms.

* Jonathan Billups, DT, Picayune HS (Picayune, MS) 6-1, 305 pounds - 1st team All-State selection ... played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game.

* Alfred Moreland, ATH, Banneker HS (Atlanta, GA) 5-7, 180 pounds - a small, but speedy running back ... in junior season rushed for 990 yards with eight rushing touchdowns and 200 receiving yards ... as a senior he was named to the 5-AAAA all-region 1st team by the Fayette Citizen after a season in which he totaled almost 1,900 all-purpose yards (1,213 rushing) and 15 touchdowns ... he was also a track standout for the Trojans ... he is Bannaker's all-time leading rusher ... parents are Alfred, Sr. and Angela Moreland.

* Akeem Williams, CB, SWMS CC (McComb, MS), 6-2, 190 pounds - played two season at Southwest Miss. CC ... had eight interceptions and 87 tackles.

* Richard Hughes, FS, SW Dekalb HS (Decatur, GA), 6-0, 185 pounds - named to 1st team All-Region, 2nd team All-State ... had four interceptions, 48 tackles and ten pass break-ups during his senior year ... also played basketball at SW Dekalb ... son of Richard Hughes, Sr. and Rachelle Savage.

* Todd Wilcher, ILB, Westlake HS (Atlanta, GA), 6-1, 220 pounds - named to the All-Region team, All-Dekalb County team... made the honor roll all four years of high school ... favorite recording group is Outkast ... parents are Todd, Sr., and Deena Wilcher ... father played football at Morris Brown in the early 1980's.

* Tobias Williams, ILB/RE, Stephenson HS (Lithonia, GA), 6-2, 245 pounds - named an All-Region, All-County (Dekalb) performer ... a four-year letterman at Stephenson ... as a senior recorded 95 tackles, five sacks, 22 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles ... in his best game recorded 12 tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss ... parents are Shelia and Lawrence Williams.

* DeAndre Davis, OT, ML King HS (Decatur, GA), 6-4, 300 pounds - named to the All-AAA Region team, All-Dekalb County and 2nd team All-State ... participated in the Dekalb County All-Star game ... son of Gerald and Stacie Davis.

* Darius Mitchell, OG/C, Westlake HS (Atlanta, GA) 6-2, 320 pounds - named to the All-Region and All-County teams.

* Ameer Townes, OG, Converse-Judson HS (San Antonio, TX) 6-1, 300 pounds - named a 1st team 5A All-State selection as senior ... earned all-district honors as a junior ... was named a top-50 prospect by Texas Prep Insider.com ... Nickname is Rashad ... was also a member of the Converse-Judson track and field team (shot put) ... Favorite recording artist is Lil Wayne ... parents are KC and Lorraine Townes.

* Chris Holmes, DT, Grand Rapids CC, Maryville HS (Maryville, Ohio) 6-3, 300 pounds - played in the JUCO All-American ... ranked No. 10 among defensive tackles in JUCO ... son of Yolanda ... raised by aunt and uncle Richard and Angie Leach.

* Jonathan Archie, DE, Starkville HS (Starkville, MS) 6-2, 230 pounds - received and All-District honorable mention ... finished senior season with seven sacks, 70 tackles, a forced fumble and fumble recovery ... parents are Barbara and Daniel Kinder.

* Antowan Westry, OT, Montgomery HS (Seemes, AL) 6-2, 295 pounds - named 1st team All-State ... played in the Alabama -Missisisppi All-Star game ...

* Antonio Brame, CB, Trinity HS (Euless, TX) 6-1, 170 pounds - was a two-year starter on the No. 1 ranked high school team in the nation ... invited to play in the Army All-American game ... finished senior season with 57 tackles and two interceptions ... also ran the 4x400 meter relay and the 300 meter hurdles ... son of Carla Brame.

* Reginald Bailey, LB, Picayune HS (Picayune, MS) 6-3, 210 pounds - named 1st team All-State as a junior and 2nd team All-State as a senior.

* Rico Richardson, WR, Natchez HS (Natches, MS) 6-0, 185 pounds - named a Clarion Ledger top 125 player ... 1st team All-Region, 1st team All-Metro and 2nd team All-State ... set a Natches HS receiving mark with 3,500 yards ... as a senior he recorded 46 receptions for 891 yards and seven TDs ... had a season high seven receptions for 111 yards and two TDs ... also rushed for 442 yards and six TDs on 42 carries... was the a Class 5A state champion in the triple jump (46 feet, 11 inches) ... also played basketball in high school ... his nickname is Tarzan ... favorite recording artists are Lil Wayne and Ludacris ... parents are Alvin Smith and Valarie Richardson.

* Jerell Walker, C, Lackawanna CC (Prince George, MD) 6-2, 285 pounds - named 1st team All-Conference.

* Aristacus Forster, OT, Verbum HS (Los Angeles, CA) 6-3, 305 pounds - named 1st team All-District.

* Ortiss Robinson, OLB, South Panola HS (Batesville, MS) 6-1, 200 pounds -

* Xavier Lee, ATH, South Panola HS (Batesville, MS) 5-8, 179 pounds - named to the Clarion Ledger top 125.

JSU Office of Athletic Media Relations

New A&T coach Lee likes first recruits

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Alonzo Lee seemed more relaxed Thursday than when he first took over three weeks ago as N.C. A&T's new football coach. Gone was the urgency and anxiousness to beat the bushes for bodies. Lee seemed more at ease - at times ecstatic - with the 22 players the Aggies signed on Wednesday, the first day high school and junior college players could sign national letters of intent.

"It's a very deep, very talented class for us - even more so when you think about the time we had to get everything together," said Lee.Lee, who promised to tap into the Triad's football market when he was introduced last month, made good on that promise. He signed five players from Guilford County, including all-state players Ricky Lewis and Chris Neal from Dudley. Besides filling some obvious holes, Lee believes the Aggies sent a message to football players and coaches throughout Guilford County.

Click Here to view NCA&T 2009 Recruiting List

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Duke, N.C. Central to meet in football

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke University and North Carolina Central University have scheduled a football game between the schools for Sept. 26, 2009 at Duke’s Wallace Wade Stadium.

“My hat goes off to the representatives from both athletic departments that approached this idea and finalized the details,” Duke Vice President and Director of Athletics Kevin White said. “We know the inaugural football game between the two Durham-based colleges will draw a great deal of fanfare and we're very excited to be hosting what will be an outstanding event for the City of Durham.”

“Having an opportunity to play Duke University in football is extremely exciting,” said NCCU Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree. “North Carolina Central University is looking forward to continuing the efforts by Chancellor Nelms, President Brodhead, Coach Rison and Coach Cutcliffe on collaborating to bring these two outstanding institutions closer together.”

The Blue Devils return 33 lettermen and 12 starters off of last year’s squad that finished 4-8 in Coach David Cutcliffe’s first season. The Eagles, who are in their second year of reclassification to the Football Championship Subdivision, posted a 4-7 overall mark last season.

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SCSU gets ‘The Rock,’ begins building next generation

Back in 2004, head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough put together a signing class which provided major pieces to the championship foundation he’s built at South Carolina State. Center Raymond Harrison and tackle Nygel Pearson on offense and cornerback Terrance Allen, defensive end Cedric Lloyd (recruited originally as a tight end) and linebacker Tony White on defense were the main stalwarts of a class which produced 33 victories during their Bulldog careers and a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title this past season.

With all five players having completed their eligibility at S.C. State, Pough and his coaching staff set their goals on recruiting a “next generation” of Bulldogs hungry to maintain their predecessor’s success. The end result was the signing of 22 players on Wednesday targeted specifically to address immediate and future needs.

“I’m excited (about this year’s class),” Pough said. “I think our coaching staff did a fantastic job in identifying high level prospects and getting them to sign with S.C. State.” The Bulldogs received good news early on Sunday after receiving a letter of intent giving them a piece of “The Rock” the next four years. In Timberland running back Rockarius King, S.C. State gets a back that’s fifth in the state all-time in rushing yards with 6,343 yards and a potential heir apparent to senior tailback Will Ford.

S.C. State's 22 Football Signees

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. High School Hometown

Trent Barnes TE/DL 6-3 242 Dublin Dublin, Ga.
Tristan Bellamy OL 6-3 285 Strom Thurmond Johnston
Jerico Brown DL 6-0 255 Glenn Hills Augusta, Ga.
Pat Burris DB 5-11 180 South Pointe
Cedric Chisolm OL 6-5 270 West Ashley Charleston
Richard Cue QB 6-2 190 Wilson Florence
LaQuan Gilliard WR 6-3 186 Pinewood Prep Summerville
Mason Harris DB 5-11 175 First Colonial Virginia Beach, Va.
Thomas Hart OL 6-2 301 O-Wilkinson Orangeburg
Cortney Ingram LB 5-11 200 Baldwin County Milledgeville, Ga.
Erskine Johnson OL 6-3 270 Conway Conway
Rockarius King RB 5-7 170 Timberland St. Stephen
William Kirkland OL 6-5 280 Lancaster Lancaster
Marcus Lloyd WR 6-3 185 Manning Manning
Donovan Malloy DB 5-10 190 Hartsville Hartsville
Darius Nelson OL 6-5 250 Baldwin Milledgeville, Ga.
Cedric Proctor QB 6-0 175 Chesnee Chesnee
Malcolm Reed DL 6-4 250 Fayette County Fayetteville, Ga.
Leon Smith DL 6-1 285 James Island James Island
Javon Weston DL 6-2 270 Crestwood Dalzell
Devin Wherry RB 6-0 220 South Pointe Rock Hill
Rashad Hampton, LB, 6-2, 215, Airport High, West Columbia

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Grambling adds 20 prospects to its roster

Grambling's 2009 football recruiting class comes with high credentials for coach Rod Broadway.

Michael Boone DE 6-1 220 Anniston, Ala. (Anniston) Helped guide team to the state playoffs after a five-year hiatus… high school teammate of GSU offensive lineman Quint Roberts…named defensive player of the week by The Anniston Star…earned all-county honors and a one-star rating by Scout.com.

Jacarde Carter LB 6-0 230 Lafayette, La. (Northside) Selected to the 2008 Class 4A LSWA All-State Team…named as one of the top linebackers in Louisiana by Jim Stefani’s Class of 2009 Underclassmen Recruiting Blog…earned a one-star rating by Scout.com…logged over 140 tackles and 3.5 sacks during his senior campaign.

Jonathan Drake LB 6-1 215 Birmingham, Ala. (Minor) Helped lead team to 9-3 record and berth in the state playoffs…continues the long line of talented players from the state of Alabama.
Cedric Goins DB 6-1 190 Monroe, La. (Richwood) Two-star recruit by Rivals.com…played wide receiver in high school but projects as a defensive back on the collegiate level…earned District 1-3A First Team Honors.

Elon Grinstead WR 6-2 200 Ball, La. (Tioga) Received Class 4A LSWA All-State Honorable Mention honors in 2007 and 2008…caught 39 receptions for 782 yards and 10 touchdowns…named as the 18th best prospect in the state by Dandy Don’s Top Louisiana Prospects preseason poll…played in the inaugural Sportsman's Paradise All-Star contest… earned District 3-4A First Team Honors…also plays baseball.

Oshae Hamilton LB 6-1 210 Mesquite, Texas (Mesquite) Two-star recruit by Rivals.com…earned District 11-5A First Team Honors at linebacker and second team honors at tight end…received Dallas Morning News’ SportsDay Honorable Mention honors as a junior…logged over 200 tackles during his high school career…also a member of Mesquite’s basketball team.

Ari Johnson PK 5-11 160 Mira Loma, Calif. (Roosevelt) Scored 44 total points and connected on 32 PATs with four field goals as a high school senior…holds the school record for field goals made…also holds school record for extra points made in a game (8), season (36) and career (95).

Clint Marsh OL 6-3 360 Prichard, Ala. (Blount) Graded out at 92% and racked up 18 pancake blocks during his senior season…named as a Star of Alabama by ScoutSouth.com after recording four pancake blocks and grading out at 95% for his performance against Mary Montgomery High School…earned a one-star rating by Scout.com…named to the 2008 Reebok Alabama Phenom Offensive Second Team after recording a 4.9 40-yard dash over the summer.

Edward Martinez RB 6-2 215 El Paso, Texas (Clint) Earned District 4-3A First Team Honors…played both running back and linebacker in high school…rushed for 486 yards on 78 carries and scored seven touchdowns during his senior campaign on offense…logged 36 tackles and a sack on defense.

Jordell McCoy DB 6-1 180 Baton Rouge, La. (Woodlawn) Selected to the 2008 Class 5A LSWA All-State Team…amassed 106 tackles and six interceptions during his senior campaign…named the Defensive MVP of District 5-5A…earned first team honors on defense and as a return specialist…participated in the 2008 Red Stick Bowl.

Terry McGill WR 5-9 160 New Orleans, La. (McDonough 35) Helped lead team to 7-4 record and appearance in the playoffs…caught 10 passes for 297 yards with three touchdown receptions…also runs track.

Curtis McGregor RB 5-10 190 Houston, Texas (Eisenhower) Tabbed as a three-star recruit and ranked 33rd nationally among all-purpose backs by Rivals.com…ranked 51st nationally by Scouts, Inc…also earned a three-star rating by Scout.com…named District 19-5A Offensive MVP…rushed for 907 yards on 109 carries and scored 15 touchdowns…averaged 8.3 yards per carry…caught seven passes for 165 yards.

Cori Middleton C 6-0 275 Arlington, Texas (Arlington) Named to the District 4-5A First Team…played center in high school…helped lead team to the third round of Texas High School State Playoffs.

Ledavius Perry ATH 6-2 180 Arcadia, La. (Arcadia) Guided his team to a 9-3 mark and an appearance in the LHSAA Class 1A playoffs…combined to throw over 5,300 yards and 50 touchdowns along with earning all-district honors over his final two seasons.

Andre Sanford OL 6-5 305 Monroe, La. (Richwood) Top lineman on a team that amassed over 4,000 yards of total offense…received Class 4A LSWA All-State Honorable Mention honors as a senior…also earned All-Northeast and District 1-3A Honors.

Arthur “Trey” Williams LB 6-0 185 Birmingham, Ala. (Shades Valley) Earned Player of the Week honors by McCarty Ford as a senior…high school teammate of current GSU players Donovan Moss and Van Phillips at Shades Valley…continues the long line of talented players from the state of Alabama.

Deonte Flemings DB 5-10 170 Erie, Pa. (Strong Vincent) Versatile prospect who played both sides of the field in high school…named to the Erie Times-News All-District 10 Team and Region 6 Offensive First Team…two-time AP Pennsylvania Class AAA All-State member…earned a two-star rating and ranked 89th nationally among cornerbacks by Scout.com…played quarterback last season and rushed for 798 yards on 90 carries with 18 touchdowns…passed for three touchdowns, picked off five passes and logged 49 tackles…began his high school career at Parker High School in Birmingham, Ala. where he earned Super All-State and Super All-Metro honors as a freshman.

James Holloway DB 6-3 180 Houston, Texas (Booker T. Washington) Earned a two-star rating and ranked nationally among safeties by Scout.com…also picked up a two-star rating by Rivals.com…named to the 2008 Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Preseason Class 4A All-State Team and earned District 22-4A First Team Honors.

Aaron Jackson OL 6-3 270 Madison, Miss. (Holmes JC) Earned Mississippi Association of Junior Colleges North Second Team Honors…blocked for an offensive unit that compiled over 3,000 yards of total offense.

Christopher Ramsey DL 6-2 230 Oldsmar, Fla. (Naval Academy Prep School) Spent the 2008 season as a member of the Naval Academy Prep School football team…played high school football at Countryside High School in Clearwater, Fla…selected to the 2007 St. Petersburg Times All-Pinellas County Second Team…played in the 2007 Pinellas County All-Star Football Classic…named to the Pinellas County Athletic Conference Team.

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Cy Alexander is fired as TSU basketball coach

Dismissal comes after 67-106 record

Tennessee State fired men's basketball Coach Cy Alexander yesterday after more than five seasons, during which the Tigers program went 67-106. "I'm very close to Coach Alexander," TSU Athletics Director Teresa Phillips said. "I hired him six years ago. He and I both had big visions for the program. … We've had success off the court. Our young men are graduating. … (But) somewhere in here we have to have the on-the-court success and that just has not happened."

Alexander will be replaced on an interim basis by assistant Mark Pittman, who will be on the sideline for today's 7:30 p.m. home game against UT Martin. A message left for the outgoing coach at his home was not returned Friday. Alexander, a native of Winston-Salem, N.C., took the job on April 1, 2003, after 16 seasons at South Carolina State. He led the Bulldogs to five Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles and five NCAA Tournament appearances.

He went to the Orangeburg, S.C., campus in 1987 after working 11 years as an assistant coach at Howard. In his first year at South Carolina State, Alexander took over a team that had seen nine straight losing seasons and turned them into a winner with a 16-13 mark. The following year, the Bulldogs went a school-record 25-8, won the MEAC title and played in their first-ever NCAA Tournament game.

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PVAMU Frazier brings in stellar 2009 football signing class

PRAIRIE VIEW, TX - PVAMU Head Coach Henry Frazier III has set the precedent for excellence for the football program bringing another outstanding recruiting class to “the hill”.

The highlight of this year’s class is Quarterback Kenneth Black. Black transferred to PVAMU from Western Kentucky University after being named the starter in 2008 as a sophomore. KJ split time in all 12 games in 2007 and threw for 1,007 yards with eight touchdowns. “KJ is a guy who can go head-to-head with Jay Bluford but he will go into spring camp #2,” said Frazier. “Jay is a fifth year senior who knows our offense and a very capable signal caller that’s not going to just hand over the job.”















The Panthers accomplished their primary goal of filling voids at critical positions where key players were lost such as All-American LB Zack East. The team added three blue chip linebackers with high hopes of developing a core group that will eventually be able to lead the defense. “We definitely did a great job recruiting three safeties and three linebackers,” said Frazier. “Our coaching staff did an excellent job of addressing the needs of our program.”

Coach Frazier has had the luxury of being able to redshirt the past two freshman classes; but three players in this class who are physically ready to play right now are OL Aneus Ruiz, LB Marcus White and LB Raheem Cardwell. Ruiz is a physically dominating and intelligent offensive lineman that registered 40 pancake blocks. White registered 104 tackles and was a highly recruited local talent (Jones HS) who chose the Panthers over TSU, ULL and Kentucky while Cardwell hails from nationally ranked (Dematha HS - MD) where he was the team’s defensive MVP tallying 90 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and an interception. “Ruiz, White and Cardwell are physically ready to play at this level right now,” said Frazier. “When it’s all said and done all of these recruits are going to have the opportunity to come here and compete.”

PVAMU FOOTBALL TRANSFERS & SIGNEES

Kenneth Black,* QB, 6'4/220, Western Kentucky Univ. - Transfer-Louisville, KY
Michael Benson,* WR, 5'10/175, College of Sequoias, Houston, TX
Michael Robinson ,TE , 6'1/220, Steele HS - TX , Scherts, TX
Gabriel Young, TE, 6'4/220, Jones HS - TX, Houston, TX
Marcus White, LB, 6'0/205, Jones HS - TX, Houston, TX
Aneus Ruiz , OL, 6'4/300, North Forest HS-TX, Houston, TX
Christopher Townsend, LB, 6'0 /220, Bishop McNamara HS - MD, Ft. Washington, MD
Jared Williams, DB, 6'1/180, Bishop McNamara - MD, Bowie, MD
Davion Green,TE,6'3/230, Kimball High School - TX,Dallas, TX
Amir Smith,QB, 6'5/200, Lackey HS - MD, Port Tobacco, MD
Eric Moore,S, 6'4/215, City Coll.of San Fran. - CA - Transfer,San Bruno, CA
Raheem Cardwell, LB, 6'2/215, Dematha HS - MD, Alexandria, VA
Breon Johnson,S,6'0/180, Ozen High School - TX,Beaumont, TX
Adrien Grant,S,6'4/187, Carman Ainsworth - MI, Mt. Morris, MI
Marquis Holliie*, Ath, 5'10/175, Warren HS - San Antonio,San Antonio, TX

*Students currently enrolled at Prairie View A&M University

Coach James Webster happy with Tennessee State class

Coach James Webster summed up Tennessee State's recruiting class in just four words.
"I like big guys,'' he said Wednesday after the Tigers signed 19 prospects, including nine big linemen, on the first day of the NCAA national signing period. The Tigers lost several linemen from last year's team, including three starters on offense.

Among the biggest offensive players were Deamarde Dean (6-foot-3, 350 pounds), who is originally from Memphis but played last season at Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Miss.; Jonathan Martin (6-5, 320) from Carver High School in Columbus, Ga.; and James Lewter (6-3, 305) from Ballou High School in Washington, D.C. "Martin is a man right now,'' Webster said. "I think Dean is going to come in and contribute right away and we got Lewter out of D.C. who I think is an excellent player. I was really surprised we were able to go into D.C. and get him."

Lewter is a two-star prospect, according to Rivals.com, who also received offers from Howard and Grambling. TSU also signed Deonte Newsome, a 6-3, 300 pound, offensive lineman from Maplewood who was also offered a scholarship from Mississippi Valley State; and Tyson Kemp (6-2, 290) from Colonial High School in Orlando, Fla.

TSU signees

James Lewter…OL…6-3…305…Washington, DC…Ballou
Jonathan Martin…OL…6-5…320…Columbus, GA…Carver
Michael Murphy…DL…6-4…285…Lewisburg, TN…Marshall Cnty
Ronald Bright…LB…6-4…240…Sarasota, FL…Riverview
Devin Wilson…WR…6-3…190…Nashville, TN…Pope John Paul
Kyrie Harris…DL…6-3…260…McMinnville, TN…Warren Cnty
Calvin Roberts…WR…6-1…190…Nashville, TN…Whites Creek (Scottsdale CC)
David Van Dyke…DB…6-0…185…Miami, FL…Booker T. Washington
Tyson Kemp…OL…6-2…290…Orlando, FL…Colonial
Cory Hall…DL…6-4…280…Chattanooga, TN…Brainerd (Southwest CC)
Terrance Lewis…RB…6-4…235…East Dublin, GA…East Laurens
Teandre Fisher…WR…6-3…190…Nashville, TN…Stratford
George Pulley…LS…6-0…220…Nashville, TN…Hillsboro
Deamarde Dean…OL…6-3…350…Memphis, TN…Ridgeway (Coahoma CC)
Jeremy Pryor…WR…6-3…180…Memphis, TN…Whitehaven
Jarron Guthrie…LB…6-1…210…Nashville, TN…Hunters Lane
Deonte Newsome…OL…6-3…300…Nashville, TN…Maplewood
Donte’e Nicholls…DL…6-3…300…Pompano Beach, FL…Univ. of South Carolina
Toney Gurley…QB…6-1…180…Gurley, AL…Madison Cnty

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FAMU 's National Signing Day Recruits

Head Rattler, Coach Joe Taylor is poised for a championship '09 season with a talented incoming class.

RATTLER RECRUITING RECAP: Florida A&M signed 15 players in their 2009 recruiting class, 13 of whom are from the Sunshine State....... Six (6) of the players are transfers, including five I-A imports from East Carolina, Marshall, South Carolina, Florida State and Illinois - all of whom originally hail from Florida.

COACH JOE TAYLOR COMMENTS: "We used a three-prong approach in our recruiting - Division I-A and junior college transfers, high school prospects, as well as looking within at redshirts already within the program - to give scholarships to....

"We ended up with about 15 or so newcomers total and we are satisfied that we met our needs, particularly on our offensive and defensive lines.... Since we lost only five seniors, we didn't have many pressing needs, but we felt that getting some experienced hands (from I-A ranks) could only be a plus for us....

"We still place a lot of emphasis on high school recruiting, which is the backbone of any successful program, and it is especially important for us to develop and maintain relationships with the high school programs in the state and region."

2009 Florida A&M Football Newcomers

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Class. Hometown/High School/College or JUCO
Chirstopher Atkins DE 6-5 260 r-So. Quincy, Fla./E. Carolina
Corey Atkins RB 5-11 193 Fr. Madison, Fla./Madison HS
Jerod Brisbom LB 6-1 215 Fr. Tampa, Fla./Hillsborough HS
Jay Culpepper LS 6-5 290 r-Jr. Madison, Fla./Florida State
Brandon Curry OT 6-6 320 r-Fr. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Marshall
Brandon Davis OL 6-3 290 r-So. Jacksonville, Fla./Illinois
Jonathan Ferrell LB 6-1 200 r-Fr. Tallahassee, Fla. / FAMU DRS
Trevon Fleshmon TE/DE 6-2 235 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla./Forrest HS
Bobby Jackson OLB 6-2 225 Fr. Miami, Fla./Miami Jackson HS
Rodeshawn Joseph CB 6-1 170 Fr. Ft Lauderdale, Fla./Boyd Anderson HS
Abraham Muhieze S 6-1 205 Jr. San Diego, Calif./Grossmount College
Jamil Parris DE 6-5 230 r-Jr. Vero Beach, Fla./Kentucky
Harrison Sweeting LB 6-4 235 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla./Ed White HS
Daniel Walker P 5-11 180 r-So. Wakulla , Fla./Wakulla HS
Jerry Willis DL 6-4 280 So. Chicago, Ill.

Recruiting Class Profile

Name Pos Ht Wt Hometown / Previous School
Chris Atkins DE /LB 6-5 255 Quincy, Fla./East Carolina
Transfer from East Carolina. Graduate from West Gadsden where he was a five-sport letterman and versatile athlete playing S, LB and DE. HS Career totals: 380 tackles, 43 sacks, 114 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two block punts.

Corey Atkins RB 5-11 193 Madison, Fla. / Madison HS
This Madison HS standout has blazing speed and a power clocking 4.4..rated a three star recruit by Scout.com. Atkins rushed for over 1700 yds, 24 Touchdowns and was Second-Team all state in Class 2A.

Jerod Brisbom LB 6-1 215 Tampa, Fla. /Hillsborough HS
This Hillsborough HS product was their top LB for three consecutive seasons… Recorded over 100 tackles for three straight seasons… career stats 316 tackles, 13 sacks, 7 FF…Recruited by Iowa State, Bethune Cookman University, FIU.

Jay Culpeper OL/LS 6-5 290 Madison, Fla. /Florida State
This Madison county high school graduate and was on the state championship team. Versatile offensive lineman and Long Snapper with a great upside considering size….Culpepper will compete in Special Teams for snapping duties in 2009… four-year letterman at Madison HS… played two seasons at FSU, Criminal justice major.

Brandon Curry OL 6-6 305 Lauderdale, Fla. / Marshall University
Transfer from Marshall University. HS: Sun Sentinel & Miami Herald First-Team All County both Jr and Sr Year. First-Team All-State class 6A as a senior. Rated # 14 recruit out of broward county, no sacks allowed for two consecutive years, Army vs Navy all American game, selected for Dade vs broward all star game in 2007.

Brandon Davis OL 6-4 285 Jacksonville, Fla./Illinois
Highly touted offensive lineman from Jacksonville Fl. 4 star recruit, selected to play in Shrine Bowl, All Conference, Captain of Shrine Bowl, Top 5 offensive lineman in Florida. Recruited by FSU, Miami, Illinois, Tennessee, Ole Miss, WVU, FIU and FAU.

Jonathan Ferrell S 6-0 195 Tallahassee, Fla./FAMU DRS
Gray shirt sophomore from FAMU high school. Recorded 112 tackles his sr year along with 3 int, 2 ff and 7 sacks. Versatile player who can also line up at LB, was Second-Team All State in 2007 and also led the baby rattlers to 2007 state championship.

Trevon Fleshmon TE/DE 6-2 235 Jacksonville, Fla./Forrest HS
First-team TE shrine bowl, First-team all county selection, nominated for Army vs Navy all star game, First-team all state selection.4.5 speed TE with Career stats totaling 67 receptions, 17 TDs, 43 pancakes blocks; on defense 63 tackles, seven sacks…considered one of the top wrestlers in Florida, Fleshman only loss three matches in High School…Recruited by East Carolina, FIU, UCF and Arkansas State…Criminal justice major.

Bobby Jackson OLB 6-2 225 Miami, Fla. / Miami Jackson HS
Recorded 103 Tackles, 18 sacks (school record), 4 FF, 2 Ints, Miami Dade All Dade team. Sr season defensive captain, boasts 4.5 speed, honor student with 3.5 gpa….interests by East Carolina , Marshall, FIU and FAU.

Rodeshawn Joseph CB 6-1 170 Ft Lauderdale, Fla./Boyd Anderson HS
Aggressive player and lock down corner with great upside. Selected Broward county all star team, and played in Dade vs Broward game. Recorded 73 tackles, 4 int. Defensive captain during senior season….top 100 athlete in state of Florida... Business Management major.

Abraham Muhieze S 6-1 205 San Diego, Calif./Grossmont College
Juco transfer from Grossmont college in CA where he was the team captain and recorded 136 tackles, seven int , one ret for td, two FF, three blocked punts in one game Totaled five blocked punts in his career at Grossmont.. In HS, was versatile athlete who played QB/S… career stats Passed for 4,000 yds and 1300 yds rushing (which is a CA record for total yardages) 56 total touchdowns 43 passing and 13 rushing. At Safety, recorded 118 tackles, 10 Ints (3 returned for a TD)…First-Team All American, First-Team All State, Red Zone Player of the Year…recruited by Idaho State, Montana State, Texas State Major in Kinesiology.

Jamil Paris DE/LB 6-5 245 Gifford, Fla./Kentucky
Transfer from University of Kentucky where he played as a true freshman where he recorded 4 sacks, 23 tackles…recorded sack versus Chris Leak in Music city Bowl 2006…HS Sabastian River High where he was the #1 Wk DE in Florida, #13 in the Nation and Florida's top 100 at # 57….career totals 31 sacks, 113 tackles, 23 tkfls in just two seasons.

Harrison Sweeting LB 6-4 235 Jacksonville, Fla. / Ed White HS
Recorded 6 sacks, 93 tackles and 1 int…career stats 167 tackles 13 sacks…honorable mention all state.

Daniel “Troy” Walker P 6-0 195 Wakulla, Fla./Wakulla HS
Grey shirt sophomore with tremendous leg power…HS 2007 Wakulla High First-Team All State, First-Team All Big Bend as a Punter averaging 42.1 yds per punt… also Rushed for seven TDs, while playing Running Back at Wakulla…Undefeated wrestling title and was First-Team All Big Bend in wrestling.

Jerry Willis DT 6-4 295 Chicago, Ill. /
Who has tremendous upside at DT. Former all conference at FB/DT…Willis also received interest from Kentucky State, Grambling and Tenn State.

Morgan State Announces 2009 Football Signees

MSU Sports Information

BALTIMORE, Md. – Morgan State University head football coach Donald Hill-Eley announced the signing of nine (9) high school and D-I transfers on National Signing Day. Overall, the nine (9) signees included three (3) linebackers, two (2) defensive backs, one (1) offensive lineman, one (1) wide receivers, one (1) running back and one (1) defensive lineman. The Bears signed seven (7) from high school and two (2) JUCO transfers.

2009 National Letter of Intent Signees

Antonio Brown 6’2 – 290, OL
Dunbar HS - Baltimore, Md.
…50 pancakes…78 tackles…7 sacks…anchored a line that won three State Championships…cleared the way for the state's premiere rusher and scorer in West Virginia-bound Tavon Austin…First Team All-State…First Team All-Metro…First Team All-Digital Sport…Black National Football Scholar of the Year.

Anthony Elliott 5’11 – 180, WR
Friendship Edison HS – Washington, D.C.
…44 receptions…785 yards…11 TDs…5 INTs…Two defensive TDs…4 TD Returns…First team All-Washington Post Independent League…Washington DC All-City Bowl.

Collin Bing 5’11 – 170, RB
Glenn Hills HS – Hephzibah, Ga.
…80 carries…700 yards…20 receptions…325 rec. yards…10 TDs…50 tackles…5 interceptions…3 forced fumbles…Second team All-Area…Three time Offensive MVP.

Zachary Harper 6’3 – 210, LB
Gwynn Park HS – Brandywine, Md.
…90 tackles…11 tackles for loss…16 sacks…4 interceptions…TD…First Team All-Prince George’s County…2009 Crab Bowl…All-Metro…All-State.

Brian Saunders 6’1 – 225, LB
Northern Iowa Community College – West Palm Beach, Fla.
…98 tackles…6 sacks…20 tackles for loss…two fumble recoveries…three forced fumbles…First Team All-Region…First Team All-Conference

Lance Simmons 6’1 – 225, LB
Carman Ainsworth HS – Flint, Mich.
…105 tackles…7 sacks…Second Team All-State…Team Defensive MVP…Ainsworth Big Stick Award.

Montique Allen 6’2 – 285, DL
John Marshall HS – Chicago, Ill.
…36 sacks…104 tackles (39 assisted)…10 tackles for loss…Three time All-City…Two time All-Conference…2008 All-State.

Derrick Kinchen 5’11 – 165, DB
Coral Gables HS – Miami, Fla.
…45 tackles…10 pass breakups…3 forced fumbles…First Team All-Miami Dade…Dade County All-Star Team.

Kirkland Davidson 5’9 – 185, DB
Northern Iowa Community College – Highland Park, N.J.
…30 tackles…5 pass breakups…800 return.

18 recruits bolster DSU on offense and defense

DOVER, DE -- Delaware State University football coach Al Lavan unveiled a list of 18 newcomers who he hopes will put the Hornets back in the mix for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title in 2009. The Hornets announced Wednesday that they have signed 13 high school seniors to National Letters of Intent and added three junior college transfers and two Division I transfers to their roster. Lavan seemed pleased with the early returns of his class, which is represented by nine different states, including four players from Virginia.

"This is the strongest class both academically and athletically that we've had," said Lavan. "This is the first year that we have had significant improvement in the quality of recruits entering this program. "We are excited about the ability to stabilize some areas on offense, defense and special teams. The mid-years [students already enrolled at DSU] will come in and add to our team. In the long run, a class like this will help strengthen many of our positions."

The Division I transfers, quarterback Chris Johnson from Boston College and running back Tahree McQueen from Cincinnati, have the promise to fight for starting jobs immediately. Both players redshirted during the 2007 season and did not play in 2008. Johnson (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) and McQueen (5-10, 200) are enrolled at Delaware State.

DSU FOOTBALL'S 2009 RECRUITING CLASS

George Bansah, defensive lineman, 6-1, 265, Potomac (Va.)
Aaron Boyd, offensive tackle, 6-5, 325, Fork Union Military Academy (Va.)
Kyle Brown, kicker, 5-10, 160, Laurel
Brandon Cunningham, center, 6-2, 260, Rancocas Valley (N.J.)
Quinton Fortes, defensive end, 6-3, 230, South Lakes (Va.)
Darryl Hicks, offensive tackle, 6-4, 300, Hudson Valley (N.Y.) CC
Geoff Hicks, wide receiver, 6-5, 200, Alfred State (N.Y.) JC
Jadira Green, defensive tackle, 6-4, 300, Oxon Hill (D.C.)
Chris Johnson, quarterback, 6-2, 215, Boston College
Kristian Johnson, tight end, 6-3, 255, Bonner (Pa.)
Ryan Langdon, tight end, 6-4, 235, Father Judge (Pa.)
Byron Lewis, defensive lineman, 6-2, 240, Tallwood (Va.)
Tahree McQueen, running back, 5-10, 200, Cincinnati
Oscar Palmer, defensive back, 5-9, 180, Pierce (Cal.) JC
Aaron Richardson, defensive lineman, 6-1, 230, St. John's (D.C.)
Ernest Robinson, defensive lineman, 6-1, 295, Gwynn Park (Md.)

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Delaware State at Michigan football game set for '09

DSU Coach Al Lavan takes a giant step in facing Michigan Wolverines at Ann Arbor in '09.

Oct. 17 contest gives Michigan a 12th game

ANN ARBOR, MI -- The Michigan football team finalized its 2009 schedule with the addition of Delaware State, a historically black college. Delaware State will fill the Oct. 17 slot in Michigan's 12-game regular season, a source within the athletic department confirmed. Delaware State is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and is a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), formerly Division I-AA, team.

Delaware State's coach, Al Lavan, was an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan and also spent 18 seasons in the NFL as an assistant.

Lavan became coach at Delaware State in 2004. In 2007, the Hornets won 10 games and the MEAC championship, the school's first since 1991. Last season, Delaware State was 5-6. Delaware State will be the second FCS school Michigan has played in three years. Appalachian State stunned the Wolverines, 34-32, in the 2007 season opener.

Michigan's 12-game schedule now features nonconference games at Western Michigan in the Sept. 5 opener, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan and Delaware State, all at Michigan Stadium.

2009 U-M schedule
Date Opponent
Sept. 5 Western Michigan
Sept. 12 Notre Dame
Sept. 19 Eastern Michigan
Sept. 26 Indiana
Oct. 3 at Michigan State
Oct. 10 at Iowa
Oct. 17 Delaware State
Oct. 24 Penn State
Oct. 31 at Illinois
Nov. 7 Purdue
Nov. 14 at Wisconsin
Nov. 21 Ohio State

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The Hornets are making a helluva step-up from Kent State and Central Connecticut State, who beat, DSU 24-3 and 28-10 respectively, in '08. But how many opportunities will the Hornets get to play a $50 million BCS football program (MI 2005/06 football revenue) chock full of Rivals.com 4-5 star recruits--before 111,000 at the Big House? Michigan will pull in $5 million for this home game alone in ticket sales and that's after cutting a check for $400,000 to DSU.

You will have to make this game, as it will be one of the greatest experiences in MEAC history. The Hornets, with a student enrollment of 3,500, average less than 4,000 at their on campus Alumni Stadium that seats around 7,000 for football games.

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N.C. State one stop on long road tour for N.C. Central

Eagles learning hard lesson on road

N.C. Central coach Henry Dickerson said that if his players can get through this season, they will be able to handle just about any hurdle they face in life. In its second season of Division I basketball, N.C. Central is traveling 25,344 miles for 21 road games in 14 states, including today's 7 p.m. game at N.C. State. The Eagles have scheduled seven teams from BCS conferences, including Wake Forest, South Carolina and Miami. When injuries hit on top of everything else, a dismal record became almost inevitable for N.C. Central.

The Eagles are 2-22 and ranked last among the 347 Division I men's teams in the Sagarin computer ratings through Sunday's games. NCCU was 4-26 last season. "No matter what they go through in life, this will truly prepare them," Dickerson said of his players. "It seems to me that everybody should go through it to see what it's like." N.C. Central was hurting before it even played its opener. Projected starting forwards Lamar Pittman and Dami Sapara suffered season-ending knee injuries.

In the Eagles' most recent game against Savannah State, 6-foot-9 center Stevy Worah-Ozimo broke an arm. The Eagles are a virtually guaranteed win for many of their opponents, which enrich N.C. Central's athletics budget for playing on the road without demanding a return trip. N.C. State (11-8) will pay N.C. Central $50,000 for playing at the RBC Center in Raleigh. Dickerson said players spend so much time on buses and jets that he has to cut short practice in order for them to keep up with their school work.

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Cleveland Cavaliers Sign Trey Johnson of Bakersfield Jam

NEW YORK - The Cleveland Cavaliers today signed Trey Johnson of the Bakersfield Jam, making him the seventh GATORADE Call-Up of the 2008-09 NBA Development League season and the 126th overall since the league began play in 2001. Johnson is the first member of the Jam to earn a call-up this season. Johnson, a 6-6 guard, has appeared in and started 25 games for the Jam this season where he averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 39.2 minutes. Johnson scored in double-digits 23 times this season, including three games where he scored 30 or more points.

For his efforts this season, Johnson earned the right to play in the 2009 NBA D-League All-Star game which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14 on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by Adidas. Johnson will need to be active on an NBA D-League roster in order to participate.

A two-year contributor at Jackson State, Johnson averaged 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 35 games during his senior season (2006-07) when he was named All-SWAC Player of the Year, also earning a spot on the NABC All-NCAA District 8 1st team, and SWAC Tournament MVP honors.

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Georgetown's Gadsden- Gilliard make college pick--SCSU

One of the area's top uncommitted prospect made his college choice on the final weekend before Wednesday's National Signing Day. Georgetown standout Kinard Gadsden-Gilliard will play both football and basketball at South Carolina State, Georgetown coach Tyronne Davis said. Gadsden-Gilliard will sign a football scholarship with MEAC champion S.C. State, Davis said. The Bulldogs will allow Gadsden-Gilliard to also play basketball.

"They made him a good offer," Davis said. "Kinard really is a good football player. He can play both sports, but I think for his size, he'll be a good college football player." Gadsden-Gilliard, a 6-foot-5, 235 pounder, was the Toast of the Coast Basketball Player of the Year as a junior and was named a North-South All-Star in football as a senior. Gadsden-Gilliard will play tight end and likely forward at S.C. State.

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Former Hornet Roy Bright expected to sign with Australian Basketball League

THE Albury-Wodonga Bandits are poised to add what will be the marquee attractions for this year’s squad. The Border club is expected to announce by the end of this week the signing of US import Fernandez Lockett and possibly fellow American Roy Bright.

Lockett, a 194cm forward, averaged 10.7 points and 6.8 rebounds for Austin Peay State University last year and was the Governors’ leading rebounder during the past two seasons. Bandits coach James Madigan said Lockett was athletic and if signed, would excite fans with his explosive ability. “No one is an absolute definite right now but Lockett is the one we would like to have,” Madigan said. “I’ll be talking to the committee over the next couple of days about two imports.

“At this stage, getting some Australian NBL players is too far off. “We need to make some decisions now as the immigration process now takes a bit longer than it did before so we need to act in the next couple of days if we’re going to bring the Americans in. “One is 6-5, the other 6-6 and they can play both forward spots. Because I’m not going to bring in a whole new team, we’re going to need players who are extremely versatile.”

The other potential signing, Bright, averaged 19.1 points and 5.3 boards as a senior at Delaware State University last year. The 197cm swingman was rated highly enough to have the Philadelphia 76ers invite him to a pre-draft workout before the 2008 NBA draft. He was also the second pick in the US CBA draft by the East Kentucky Miners and has also played in the US NBDL as well as in the Dominican Republic and Latvia.

Roy Bright Highlights


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FOOTBALL RECRUITING: ASU attempts to put minds at ease about probation

Few people know more about NCAA rules than Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow. And, oh, how he wishes he knew much less. During his two years as Hornets head coach, Barlow has picked up a career's worth of compliance and enforcement knowledge, as he's guided the football program through the longest NCAA investigation in history. While neither he nor any of his coaches or players were di­rectly involved in any rules vio­lations, Barlow was still forced to get neck deep in the process in order to quell any costly miscon­ceptions that could damage the program.

Last spring, when the NCAA issued a notice of infractions that accused the school of hun­dreds of violations, Barlow acti­vely sought out media inter­views in an attempt to explain the violations had occurred un­der a previous staff and more thanfour years earlier. Since December, when the NCAA issued its final ruling that left the program on five years probation and facing a postseason ban, Barlow has been back on a mini-lecture tour. This time though, he's doing most of his explaining in the living rooms of coveted re­cruits.

"We've been forced to put out a bunch of fires," Barlow said. "You would like to think that other (coaching staffs) wouldn't use bad information, but it's ob­viously happening. We've got a lot of questions from kids and their parents. That's perfectly fine, we expected that. But some of the questions, you know someone has been filling their heads with (bad information)."

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