NSU men win 4th MEAC track title in row; women take second

LANDOVER, Md - Norfolk State's men's track team, led by Marlon Woods, captured their fourth consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference track and field title Saturday with 150 points at the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex. Morgan State was second with 103 points. Woods was named the Outstanding Performer by winning the high jump and triple jump and finishing second in the long jump.

"I'm really proud of my team," Woods said. "We haven't had the best of weather to practice in, but our whole team came together to get the win." Katie Wright, NSU's pole vaulter, set a MEAC record by clearing 3.36 meters and helped the Spartans finish second to Hampton in the women's competition. Hampton outscored NSU 148-107.

NSU's Kenneth Giles was named the Outstanding Coach for the 15th time.

Final Results
Men's Heptathlon
Women's Pentathlon

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WSSU's 31% athletic fee increase rejected

WSSU pays $15,000 per game to rent Bowman Gray Stadium and $3,500 to rent the Coliseum or the Coliseum Annex. Shouldn't the alleged "revenue sports" have generated some revenue before officials committing to a move to Division I?

RALEIGH, N.C. - Winston-Salem State University was dealt another setback yesterday in its bid to join Division I athletics. The university wanted to substantially raise the athletics fee that students pay to raise money for more scholarships, more coaches and other requirements of Division I. But the fee increase was rejected by the UNC board of governors, which met to approve tuition and fees at all 16 campuses in the UNC system.

The board approved tuition and fee increases that were generally smaller than what most schools had requested. Overall, average in-state tuition and fees for undergraduates in the UNC system will go up 3.9 percent, or $162, in the school year that will begin this fall. Specific increases vary from school to school. Those rates still must be approved by the General Assembly. Erskine Bowles, the president of the UNC system, said that it is especially important to avoid dramatic tuition increases during a recession. "In these times, it's really hard to raise tuition, because we know that families are suffering, that they're hurting, and we want to keep this university accessible and affordable," Bowles said.

Bowman Gray Stadium is the home of the Winston-Salem State Rams and has been hosting stock car races every saturday night during summer since 1949 (this is the minor leagues of NASCAR) on a 1/4 mile oval track surrounding the football field.

At WSSU, in-state tuition will go up by 4 percent, to $1,769 for a full-time undergraduate. The athletics fee, however, will remain the same, at $579 for a full-time student -- and that will make it difficult for the school to close a $1.5 million deficit in its athletics budget. If the school can't raise money for athletics some other way, it will be much tougher for the school to meet the standards that the NCAA requires of Division I programs.

"That question of moving on to Division I is still up in the air," WSSU Chancellor Donald Reaves said in an interview yesterday. "It was a big percentage of the funding that's needed to close the gap, and without it, it will be difficult." WSSU is in its third year of a complicated transition that is supposed to end in 2011 with the university joining the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. It is currently classified as a Division II program.

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A victory for students was snatched from jaws of conceit

UNC President Erskine Bowles and board members demonstrated far more concern for the students than some WSSU officials whose heads were swollen by pipe dreams of big-time athletics success.

With a precious few free minutes to squeeze in some extra study time before an exam at Winston-Salem State University, Cynthia Tart was focused Friday morning on the heavy textbooks weighing down her oversize bag and not the potential lightening of her wallet being considered by the UNC board of governors 80 miles away in Chapel Hill. "I heard about it, but I haven't had a lot of time to think about it," Tart said shortly after leaving an early class. "I'm barely covering my bills as is, so it'd be another strain, that's for sure."

"It" was the whopping 31.3 percent increase in the student athletics fee that university officials had sought from the board of governors to support an ill-advised move to Division I. The proposal would have raised WSSU's athletics fee to $760, up from the current $579 that is built into the (roughly) $3,800 annual bill for in-state tuition and assorted fees. "It'd be a terribly big bite for me and people like me," said Tart, 53, who is a full-time student who's studying gerontology. "What about the people who don't participate or don't have the time to participate? It just doesn't excite me. I have a job to keep up with, too."

Maintaining focus

Forcing students such as Tart to support an athletics program that's running a deficit would have been a crime in this economic climate. In addition to carrying 12 classroom hours a week this semester, Tart works three 12-hour overnight shifts as a health-care worker. She couldn't care less whether WSSU's teams compete in the Division I MEAC, the Division II CIAA or any of the other athletics alphabet-soup leagues. Tart enrolled at WSSU to learn and to improve her standing in the job market by getting the bachelor's degree that she has been coveting for years. "Education has always been my No. 1 thing," she said. "Even after I dropped out of high school to go to work, I knew I had to get back to school."

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Tuition increases

Leaders of the UNC system approved yesterday an average 3.9 percent increase of in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at its 16 campuses:

■ Winston-Salem State University: 4 percent, from $3,338 to $3,471.
■ UNC School of the Arts: 4.2 percent, from $5,015 to $5,227.
■ Appalachian State University: 3.5 percent, from $4,274 to $4,424.
■ UNC Chapel Hill: 4.4 percent from $5,228 to $5,456.
■ N.C. State University: 4.9 percent, from $5,143 to $5,396.
■ UNC Greensboro: 2.5 percent, from $4,084 to $4,186.
■ N.C. A&T University: 2.5 percent, from $3,512 to $3,600.
■ Western Carolina University: 3.1 percent, from $4,085 to $4,214.
■ East Carolina University: 1.7 percent, from $4,149 to $4,220.
■ UNC Charlotte: 3.1 percent, from $4,226 to $4,356.
■ N.C. Central University: 3.5 percent, from $3,729 to $3,861.
■ UNC Pembroke: 3.6 percent, from $3,527 to $3,655.
■ UNC Asheville: 3.7 percent, from $4,174 to $4,329.
■ Elizabeth City State University: 3.8 percent, from $2,920 to $3,031.
■ Fayetteville State University: 4.4 percent, from $3,020 to $3,152.
■ UNC Wilmington: 9.7 percent, from $4,441 to $4,873.

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UM announces 2009 football schedule

Excerpt:

Greensboro, N.C. – The Atlantic Coast Conference released the 2009 football schedule today and the University of Miami football team will again play one of the toughest schedules nationally in head coach Randy Shannon’s third season. The Hurricanes will play six homes games at Dolphin Stadium including a match up with BCS National Championship Game participant Oklahoma. Miami opens its season with a nationally televised game at instate rival Florida State on Labor Day night. Game times have yet to be announced.

Eight of Miami’s 12 opponents played in postseason games in 2008. The Hurricanes, annually one of college football's top television ratings draws, have two games already scheduled for national telecast – a Labor Day Monday night meeting with instate rival Florida State on Sept. 7 to open the season and a Thursday night home meeting with Georgia Tech on Sept. 17. For the first time since joining the ACC in 2004, UM opens the season with three consecutive games against ACC opponents. Besides the season opener against Florida State and week two match up with Georgia Tech, Miami will travel to defending ACC champion Virginia Tech on Sept. 26.

The Hurricanes will host Florida A&M on Saturday, Oct. 10 in the eighth meeting between the schools. Miami has won all seven previous meetings. The two teams last met in 2006, a 51-10 victory for Miami. Last season, the Rattlers finished 9-3 and second in the MEAC conference. Florida A&M is the only Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team on the UM schedule in 2009.

Day/Date Opponent (2008 Record) TV ’08 Polls 2008 Bowl Game
Mon., Sept. 7 at Florida State* (9-4) ESPN 21/23 Champs Sports Bowl (W, 42-13)
Thurs., Sept. 17 Georgia Tech* (9-4) ESPN 22/22 Chick Fil-A vs. LSU (L, 3-38)
Sat., Sept. 26 at Virginia Tech* (10-4) TBD 15/14 Orange vs. Cincinnati (W, 20-7)
Sat., Oct. 3 Oklahoma (12-2) TBD 5/5 BCS National Title Game vs. Florida (L, 24-14
Sat., Sept. 10 Florida A&M (9-3) TBD
Sat., Oct. 17 at UCF (4-8) TBD
Sat., Oct. 24 Clemson* (7-6) TBD Gator vs. Nebraska (L, 21-26)
Sat., Oct. 31 at Wake Forest* (8-5) TBD EagleBank vs. Navy (W, 29-19)
Sat., Nov. 7 Virginia* (5-7) TBD
Sat., Nov. 14 at North Carolina* (8-5) TBD Meineke Car Care vs. WVU (L, 30-31)
Sat. Nov. 21 Duke* (4-8) TBD
Sat., Nov. 28 at USF (8-5) TBD Magic Jack St. Petersburg vs. Memphis (W, 41-14)

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How soon they want to forget...One of the most notable wins in FAMU football history came when the Rattlers defeated the University of Miami in the series opener (16-13) in 1979. Following a perfect season in 1977, Rudy Hubbard’s Rattlers won the first-ever Division 1-AA national championship en route to a 11-1 season in 1978. You cannot erase history...

-beepbeep

Southern Conference announces cost-cutting measures for 2009-10

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- The Southern Conference will cut all conference baseball series from three days to two for the 2009-10 year, part of a move to cut $120,000 from its budget. Other budget-cutting moves include:

l increasing the use of teleconferences instead of in-person meetings for head coaches and select administrative committees.
l reducing the number of teams qualifying for Conference tournaments in the sports of women's soccer, volleyball, men's soccer, softball, men's tennis and women's tennis to the top four teams.

l eliminating football and basketball media days.

l eliminating printed media guides next year, as well as staff travel to regular-season contests, televised games and conventions.

"We are all faced with some difficult choices right now," said UNCG Director of Athletics Nelson Bobb. "This isn't limited to small schools or big schools, athletic departments or academic departments. While different institutions are affected in different ways, no one is immune to it at this time. "Everyone is taking a hard look at expenditures and methods of operation at a tough financial time," he said. "Hopefully, the choices that we are all having to make are just for the short term."

The conference will review these measures in January 2010 to determine the financial play for the 2010-11 season.

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The SoCon is cutting costs to save $120,000 as the MEAC continues to move games away from the home campus to classic promoters who promises wealth, but all the teams are going broke. It's time for schools like FAMU to cut loose those high paid ($90,000- $140,000) athletic department marketing stiffs that are a drain on the budget. This is not the time for wasteful spending with the economic outlook bleak for the coming months.

Florida A&M athletics $4.2 million in red

William "Bill" Hayes is fast becoming an expert on deficit spending without a realistic game plan for balancing the Rattlers athletic budget.

Florida A&M University athletics officials face a grueling climb from a deep hole to correct problems identified during a Thursday board of trustees meeting. Athletics has a $4.2 million deficit — almost double what it was one year ago. In addition, a department employee was fired after being accused of misdirecting funds, according to university administrators. It is unclear if the deficit was further exacerbated by the employee's alleged actions. Either way, FAMU Chief Financial Officer Teresa Hardee has been overseeing the financial side of the athletic department since January, FAMU attorney Avery McKnight said.

Albert Smith was fired in early December, McKnight said. A warrant was issued for his arrest and Smith turned himself in. Smith, who worked with ticketing, is contesting the termination, McKnight added. "An internal investigation revealed the misdirection of funds by one individual and the matter is currently before the State Attorney's Office for appropriate action," said Trustee Karl White in reading Thursday from the audit committee's report. A 26-page financial audit also shed light on problems plaguing the department. "The program concluded one of its most successful football seasons in recent years, " FAMU's Athletic Director William Hayes and Erica Wilcox, assistant director of athletics for business management, wrote in an overview letter included with the financial report.

However, the financial success of the program is still having difficulty balancing the cost of competition with its anticipated revenues. The overall decline in revenues coupled with the increased cost of operating expenses has resulted in the deficit." No red flags or findings were highlighted by the independent auditor. However, it's unclear how long the athletics department has been operating in the red. The audit covers from July 2007 to June 30, 2008. Athletics made nearly $8.1 million during that time. But department expenses exceeded $9.7 million, creating nearly a $1.7 million deficit. That deficit only added to the $2.61 million deficit detailed in the report that covered July 2006 to June 2007.

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MEAC vs. SWAC: ESPN ‘strongly considering’ SCSU-Grambling matchup

Fans who wished conference champions South Carolina State and Grambling could settle the debate over the 2008 black college football championship could get the next best thing. ESPN spokesperson Tilea Coleman confirmed Thursday that the network was “strongly considering” pitting the Bulldogs against the Tigers in this year’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The fifth annual contest, which matches up a team from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and Southwestern Athletic Conference for bragging rights in Football Championship Subdivision black college football, is tentatively scheduled for Labor Day Weekend at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

Neither ESPN, S.C. State nor Grambling officials have confirmed or denied talks about the possible matchup. However, Alcorn State sports information director LaToya Shields said Wednesday the school was told not to schedule Grambling for its Sept. 5 season opener because of the Tigers’ expected involvement in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The two schools were reportedly in negotiations to move the contest, which would not count against Grambling in the SWAC standings.

Grambling State University Coach Rod Broadway

S.C. State athletics director Charlene Johnson would only state Thursday the school was waiting on an announcement from ESPN in regard to the matchup. The same stance has also been taken by both commissioners Dennis Thomas of the MEAC and Duer Sharp of the SWAC. The Bulldogs are slated to open the 2009 campaign Sept. 5 at Benedict College. Neither school has indicated whether discussions have taken place between them about the possibility of postponing the game in order to make the Bulldogs available.

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Not a game S.C. State should play...A loss to Grambling State will knock the Bulldogs out of an at-large berth in the '09 1-AA playoffs, as the FAMU Rattlers are expected to win the MEAC. Coach Rod Broadway has a way of getting the GSU Tigers ready for a big game. Too bad the SWAC does not participate in the 1-AA playoffs, as that SWAC championship game--sucks like the MEAC/SWAC (made for second tier cable) Challenge. The Bulldogs should take a pass on the 10 thousand fans at the Citrus Bowl and limited ESPN2 exposure and go schedule the home contest with rival Division II, Benedict College.

It high time that HBCUs stop selling themselves cheap to ESPN and demand $600,000+ EACH for this neutral site game. A better match up is Richmond vs. SCSU and Grambling vs. Montana in a double-header at the Citrus Bowl. Now, that's worth the cost of the trip to Orlando and what I would want to see. Now that's a MEAC-SWAC Challenge worth playing--not this Negro league garbage.

Time to give the paying fans what they want--an exciting match up! GSU and SCSU have been beating each other for 100 years. Time to do something different! Make it happen ESPN, SWAC Commissioner and MEAC Commissioner.

-beepbeep

Vinston's NCAA-best long jump of year sparks Norfolk State to lead at MEAC indoor track meet

LANDOVER, Md. - Norfolk State junior Corey Vinston, a Phoebus High graduate, broke his own meet record in the long jump, leaping a national-best 25 feet, 9 ½ inches to win his second straight title in that event at the 2009 MEAC Indoor Track & Field Championship at the Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex on Friday. The Spartans, who are seeking their fourth consecutive conference indoor championship, are in first place through six events, with 55 points. Morgan State is second with 33.

Vinston, who was ranked ninth in the nation coming into the day with a season-best leap of 25-1 ¼, tied the meet record last year by leaping 24-7 ¼. He easily topped that mark Friday, and also bettered LSU's Will Coppage (25-7), who had the nation's top long jump heading into this weekend. Vinston's mark automatically qualifies him for next month's NCAA Indoor Championship. Teammate Marlon Woods (Norfolk, Va.), who was ranked second in the nation in the long jump heading into the weekend, placed second behind Vinston, at 25-1 ¾.

The Spartans capped the day on the track with a first-place finish in the distance medley relay. The team of Keenan Harris (Norfolk, Va.), Darryl Brickhouse (Suffolk, Va.), Carlton Phipps (Lynchburg, Va.) and Dominic Luka (Marietta, N.Y.) finished in 10:15.37, just more than one second ahead of runner-up Hampton. NSU's other top finish Friday came via Brett Dodd (San Antonio, Texas) in the pole vault. Dodd, who won the conference indoor title last season, cleared a school-record 14-11 on Friday to take second place.

MEAC Track and Field Indoor Championships-Day Two Results

Click here for 09 MEAC Indoor Results (.pdf)
Click here for 09 Men's Hep (.pdf)

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University of Iowa conference to look at black athletes

An upcoming conference at the University of Iowa will explore the role black athletes play in athletics. "The State of the African American Athletes, Coaches and Administrators in the 21st Century" will be today at the Iowa Memorial Union. All sessions are free and open to the public. All sessions will take place in the Indiana Room at the Iowa Memorial Union except the keynote address and public forum, which will be in the IMU's Richey Ballroom. Today's events are:

• 9:30 a.m., Maureen Smith of California State University at Sacramento will present "When and Where I Enter: African American Female Athletes in College Athletics, Post Title IX."

• 10:30 a.m., Anthony Grant of Millersville University will speak on the lack of diversity in key leadership positions within college sport and how social network characteristics contribute to that phenomenon.

• 11:30 a.m., Dana Brooks of West Virginia University will discuss the educational and professional achievements of black athletes who participated in the NCAA Degree Completion Program at her university.

• 1:30 p.m., Michael Oriard of Oregon State University will provide an overview of "three decades of out-of-control commercialization and failed academic reform in Division I-A football," emphasizing the impact on black athletes.

• 2:30 p.m., Gary Sailes of Indiana University examined the opportunities, productivity and hiring practices of NCAA Division I head football coaches and stratified the data by race (blacks and whites).

• 3:30 p.m., George Cunningham of Texas A&M University points out that while blacks represent 25 percent of all athletes -- and a majority of athletes in revenue-generating sports -- they are underrepresented in coaching and leadership positions.

• 4:30 p.m., Todd Crosset of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, reviewed recent high-profile sexual assault cases, exploring the developmental risk young black male athletes face when they transition from black high schools to historically white institutions.

• 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., public forum on blacks in athletics moderated by Charlotte Westerhaus, vice president of diversity for the NCAA.

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"The State of the African American Athletes, Coaches and Administrators in the 21st Century" conference has not one speaker from an HBCU institution. Dam shame!!

Courtesy press-citizen.com

WSSU fires athletics director of 9 years

On Friday, the board of governors of the University of North Carolina system will vote on WSSU's request to increase student athletics fees. That vote could determine whether WSSU continues to Division I or returns to Division II and the CIAA.

Dr. Percy "Chico" Caldwell, the athletics director at Winston-Salem State since 2000, was fired yesterday by Chancellor Donald Reaves. Caldwell, who was hired by former chancellor Harold Martin, had been instrumental in steering the Rams athletics program to NCAA Division I status. The program is in its third year of transition after having left Division II and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. When reached yesterday by phone and asked why he was fired, Caldwell said: "I don't know -- that's what I'm trying to find out."

Reaves, who was hired in February 2007, did not return a phone call to discuss his decision but said in a prepared statement that it was time for "new leadership." "A stated goal in my short tenure as chancellor is to implement a talent strategy that has the right people in the right position at the right time," Reaves said in the statement. "The university, including its athletics program, is at a critical transition point where fresh ideas and approaches are needed, and in keeping with my commitment to the talent strategy, I believe that the athletics program and our student-athletes will benefit from new leadership."

Reaves named Tonia Walker, the associate director of athletics and senior women's administrator, as the interim AD. She has been at the school since August 2000, when she was hired as the volleyball coach and assistant AD after spending eight years as the director of public relations for the CIAA. Walker, a two-sport athlete in college, received a bachelor's degree from Hampton in 1993 and a master's degree from Old Dominion in 1998. At WSSU, she has twice been named the CIAA senior women's administrator of the year.

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Note: The Winston-Salem Journal reports the candidates to replace Caldwell include Tim Grant, a former basketball player and assistant coach at WSSU, and Dee Todd, a former basketball player at WSSU and former AD at N.C. A&T. Please! You're $1.5 million in the tank heading to athletic purgatory and your top candidates are "unequipped retreads" with no fundraising skills. Time for the Rams to move away from X-HBCU retreads.

Only wish one president would make the same move at FAMU--Bill Hayes.

-beepbeep

ASU Hornets hit the jackpot

Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow figured some­thing must be wrong with George Washington Carver High School running back An­drew Pitts. In his prep career, Pitts had more than 2,600 yards and 36 touchdowns. He looked good on film. His grades were in order.But Pitts was getting very little interest from Division I colleges. So, Barlow put in a call to an old NFL buddy who was coach­ing at the University of Miami and asked what he thought of Pitts.

"The guy said, 'If we didn't have our backs already, we'd of­fer him,' " Barlow said. "That's exactly the way we felt. I'll tell you this -- I think he's going to make a lot of people regret not offering him. We're absolutely ecstatic to have him." Pitts was one of the stand­outs in a 27-player class signed by ASU on Wednesday. The group included 11 in-state players, seven tri-county standouts and four Carver stars. Joining Pitts from a Wolverines squad that finished a game short of the Class 5A finals are Terre­nce Walters, Edmond Davis and Therell Tyus.

"It means a lot to go over there with a group of guys who I've played with since we were little kids," Pitts said following a signing ceremony at Carver. "We're all very excited about going to ASU. We know about their crowd support here in the city. My mom and dad can come and see me play every game. That means a lot. It's a good fit for me." The ASU staff believes the rest of this year's class will fit nicely into the holes left by 23 seniors. The Hornets addressed immediate needs at linebacker and wide receiver and added several sought-after players.

ASU SIGNEES

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Alabma State University Stingettes

ASU 2009 Football Class

LB Demarques Taylor, 5-11, 220, Jack­sonville, Fla., Andrew Jackson HS ILB Joshua Abbott, 5-10, 220, Tifton, Ga., Tift County HS
MLB Avery Smith, 6-0, 215, Troup, Ga., Troup County HS
SS Marcus Solomon, 5-11, 193, Valdos­ta, Ga., Lowndes County HS
DE Lawrence Henderson, 6-5, 225, Jacksonville, Fla., Raines HS
LB Justin Marable, 5-10, 220, Lithonia, Ga., Lithonia Springs HS
DT Robert Harvey, 6-0, 280, Miami, American HS
OT Adam Calhoun, 6-8, 330, Newman, Ga., Newnan HS
FS Michael Green, 6-1, 185, Camden, Ga., Camden County HS
OT Jermaine Ridgeway, 6-5, 275, Adamsville, Minor HS
TE Najee Leftwich, 6-2, 220, Griffin, Ga., Spalding HS
DE Le'Andre Crawford, 6-3, 220, Troup, Ga., Troup HS
C Jaquan Bentley, 6-2, 285, Pahokee, Fla., Pahokee HS
OT Terren Jones, 6-7, 320, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Choctaw HS
OL Terrence Walters, 6-3, 270, Mont­gomery, Carver HS
C Edmond Davis, 6-1, 270, Montgom­ery, Carver HS
WR Therell Tyus, 5-9, 170, Montgom­ery, Carver HS
WR Landon Jones, 6-3, 180, Wetump­ka, Wetumpka HS
WR Raphael Poellenitz, 6-0, 177, Mur­phy, Murphy HS
RB Andrew Pitts, 5-10, 205, Montgom­ery, Carver HS
LB Leland Baker, 6-0, 200, Birming­ham, E.B. Erwin HS
ILB Maurice Tate, 6-1, 225, Linden, Linden HS
WR Demorius Beasley, 6-0, 175, Deca­tur, Decatur HS
DB Carlos Seawright, 5-11, 175, Bir­mingham, Huffman HS
Kejuan Riley,, 6-2, 185, Wetumpka, Wetumpka HS
WR Charles Payne, 5-11, 181, Mont­gomery, Sidney Lanier HS
DE Gary London Jr., 6-5, 260, Baton Rouge, La., Southern Lab HS

Alabama State University Stingettes






















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JSU-TSU rivalry set for another five years

When Fred Jones founded the Southern Heritage Classic in 1990, he modeled it after other major neutral-site rivalries. Jones looked to the Red River Shootout in Dallas between Texas and Oklahoma. He looked to the game formerly known as the World's Largest Cocktail Party between Florida and Georgia in Jacksonville, Fla. He considered the Bayou Classic -- celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2009 -- pitting Southern and Grambling in New Orleans.

"That seemed to be the model you should follow," Jones said. "Two rival teams that are evenly matched and convenient to the game's location." Confirming Tuesday that Jackson State and Tennessee State have agreed to five-year contract extensions with the SHC -- ensuring that they will continue meeting each other on the second Saturday in September at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium through at least 2014 -- Jones solidified his own growing rivalry.

JSU and TSU have met in Memphis each year since 1994, and the SHC's profile has grown leaps and bounds in recent years with major increases in TV distribution. (Jones said he has struck a deal with SportSouth to televise the SHC in HD for the second year in a row.) "We obviously have something here that works from the fans', the sponsors', the schools' and the city's standpoint," Jones said.

The SHC, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, was not initially founded as a classic rivalry with two set opponents. While TSU has participated in all 19 contests, the Tigers played Grambling and Mississippi Valley State once each in the game's early years. Now, with JSU firmly on board, the SHC can continue developing the rivalry aspect of the event. The TSU and JSU football teams and marching bands have earned their schools more than $3 million each through their participation in the SHC. The new contract gives each school the opportunity to earn $300,000 per year from 2010 to 2014 to help fund educational activities and expenses.


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Norfolk State adds receiver, defensive back

Norfolk State signed two more football players to its fall recruiting class Friday. Defensive back Denzel Coleman and wide receiver Derrick Demps signed with the Spartans two days after National Signing Day. NSU signed five players Wednesday. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Coleman played four years at Mays High School in Atlanta. He recorded 71 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two sacks and three fumble recoveries in his senior season. Coleman also ran sprints on the track team for the past two seasons.

Demps, 6 feet and 180 pounds, hails from Florida High School in Tallahassee. The third-team all-state Class 2A selection caught 42 passes for 743 yards with seven touchdowns last fall. Demps also returned an interception 75 yards for a score.

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Norfolk State University Spartan Legion Marching Band


National Signing Day Signees to NSU

Karl Butler, OL, 6-5/310, Fredericksburg, Va./Riverbend HS. Was an honorable mention all-district pick as a senior. Adrian says: “Butler is very athletic and comes off ball well. He is excellent in pass protection.”

Quartez Carter, TE, 6-5/250, Spotsylvania, Va./Spotsylvania HS. Two-time first-team All-Battlefield District selection at tight end…also named honorable mention All-Region I as a junior and senior…selected to the all-district second team at defensive end in his final prep season…caught 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns as a senior…also an all-district pick in basketball. Adrian says: “He has a chance to help us right away. He runs well for his size, has good hands, and is big for a tight end.”

Kevin Leatherwood, QB, 6-2/205, Charlottesville, Va./Charlottesville HS. A three-year starter at quarterback for Charlottesville…missed most of his senior season due to injury…was an all-district and all-region performer as a junior, when he accounted for 2,000 yards of total offense and 12 touchdowns…also the Jefferson District Player of the Year and an all-state selection in basketball as a junior. Adrian says: “Leatherwood is an exceptional athlete. He’s a smart player who throws the ball with good velocity and understands the game.”

Victor Martin, DL, 6-2/270, Fort Meade, Fla./Independence (Kan.) CC/Fort Meade HS. A second-team All-Jayhawk Conference selection last year…team captain…tallied 62 tackles, 12 for loss, and eight sacks…a first-team All-State Class 1A selection as a senior at Fort Meade HS, when he helped the Miners win the state title…redshirted his first year at Independence, and has three years of eligibility remaining. Adrian says: “Martin has a great ‘motor.’ He is tailor-made for our defense because he moves well and is always around the football.”

Cameron Williams, OL, 6-4/295, Alexandria, Va./St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes HS. A second-team all-state (VISAA) offensive lineman as a senior. Adrian says: “Williams is another athletic lineman who has excellent strength and movement.”

Alcorn State signs 17 players

LORMAN, MS — There will be 17 new faces on the Alcorn State football team next year. The university signed 17 high school athletes Wednesday on National Signing Day, and interim head coach Earnest Collins is excited for the future. “This is a great group of kids,” Collins said in a statement released Wednesday. “They wanted to come to Alcorn and play.” Among those signed are receivers Sam Randall, of Wingfield High in Jackson, and Tavoris Doss, of Sheffield High in Memphis, Tenn.

“Those two guys in particular fit the need that we have for getting some speed on the team,” Collins said. “They both can run, and they’re pretty shifty. They’ll come in right away and make a big impact on the return teams. They can do something special when they get out in space.” Four other Mississippians, defensive lineman Joel Clems, of Hattiesburg High, Armand Stevenson, a defensive back from Murrah High in Jackson, linebacker William Seliby, of Harrison Central in Saucier, and linebacker Robert Gainwell of Yazoo City High also signed Wednesday.

Collins said Seliby and Gainwell, along with Darryl Ward of Homestead (Fla.) High, will make a big impact on a Braves team that lost three guys off its linebacker corps this year. Also on defense, the Braves signed defensive lineman Patrick Christian, of Whitehaven High in Memphis, Elijah Young, of Bowling Green (Ky.) High and Kevaughn Williams, of W.H. Adamson High in Dallas.

To view the 2009 Signee List, click here.

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ASU Braves 2009 Football Signees

NAME POS HT. WT. HOMETOWN / LAST SCHOOL
Patrick Christian DL 6'4 210 Memphis, TN / Whitehaven H.S.
Joel Clems DL 6'1 280 Hattiesburg, MS / Hattiesburg H.S.
Tavoris Doss WR 5'9 175 Memphis, TN / Sheffield H.S.
Robert Gainwell LB 6'2 220 Yazoo City, MS / Yazoo City H.S.
Terrance Green TE 6'4 210 St. James, LA / St. James H.S.
Matthew Haynes OL 6'2 255 Indianapolis, IN / Warren Central H.S.
Larry Moore WR 5'9 185 New Orleans, LA / Edna Karr H.S.
Mark Nyainda DB 6'1 185 Grand Prairie, TX / Mansfield Timberview H.S.
Donte Parker ATH 5'11 175 Arlington, TX / Mansfield Timberview H.S.
Samuel Randall WR 5'9 165 Jackson, MS / Wingfield H.S.
William Seliby LB/RB 6'2 215 Saucier, MS / Harrison Central H.S.
Armand Stevenson DB 6'0 180 Jackson, MS / Murrah H.S.
Bobby Tatum OL 6'3 250 Forney, TX / Forney H.S.
Arnold Walker RB 6'0 195 Atlanta, GA / McNair H.S.
Darryl Ward LB 6'0 200 Homestead, FL / Homestead H.S.
Kevaughn Williams DL 6'1 280 Dallas, TX / W.H. Adamson H.S.
Elijah Young DL 6'3 285 Bowling Green, KY / Bowling Green H.S.

Alabama A&M Bulldogs 2009 Football Schedule Released

Alabama A&M director of athletics Betty Austin and head football coach Anthony Jones announced Friday the release of the 2009 Alabama A&M football schedule. Along with a seven-game Southwestern Athletic Conference schedule, the lineup features three black college "Classics" and a the continuation of the in-state and regional rivalries with Tennessee State, Jacksonville State, and Tuskegee.

The Bulldogs will open the season by returning to the John Merritt Classic on Sept. 5 in Nashville at Tennessee State before coming home for the remainder of the month of September. A&M plays three straight home dates on Sept. 12, 19, and 26 against Hampton, Jacksonville State, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, respectively. The Sept. 26 date against Arkansas-Pine Bluff is both Homecoming and the SWAC opener.

The month of October will be spent on the road as the Bulldogs make a return trip to the Circle City Classic on Oct. 3 to again face Tuskegee in Indianapolis for the final non-conference game of the season. Back-to-back SWAC road games await the Dogs on Oct. 10 at Grambling and Oct. 17 at Alcorn State before a bye week on Oct. 24.

The month closes on Oct. 31 with the annual showdown with Alabama State at the Magic City Classic in Birmingham. The Bulldogs open play in November on the 7th at Prairie View A&M, and then return home for the final two games of the season on Nov. 14 vs. Jackson State and Nov. 21 vs. Mississippi Valley State. The SWAC Championship Game is set for Saturday, Dec. 12 in Birmingham.

Date Opponent Location Time/Result Details

9/5/2009 at Tennessee State Nashville, Tenn. - LP Field, John Merritt Classic
9/12/2009 HAMPTON Huntsville, Ala. - Louis Crews Stadium 6:00 PM
9/19/2009 JACKSONVILLE STATE Huntsville, Ala. - Louis Crews Stadium 6:00 PM Homecoming
9/26/2009 * ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF Huntsville, Ala. - Louis Crews Stadium 3:00 PM
10/3/2009 vs. Tuskegee Indianapolis, Ind. - Lucas Oil Stadium, Circle City Classic
10/10/2009 * at Grambling Grambling, La. - Eddie Robinson Stadium
10/17/2009 * at Alcorn State Alcorn State, Miss. - Jack Spinks Stadium
10/31/2009 * vs. Alabama State Birmingham, Ala. - Legion Field 2:30 PM, Magic City Classic
11/7/2009 * at Prairie View A&M Prairie View, Tex. - Blackshear Stadium
11/14/2009 * JACKSON STATE Huntsville, Ala. - Louis Crews Stadium 1:00 PM
11/21/2009 * MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE Huntsville, Ala. - Louis Crews Stadium 1:00 PM

SWAC Championship Game
12/12/2009 SWAC Championship Game Birmingham, Ala. - Legion Field

A&M Sports Info

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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