Southern University to kick off 2010 football season in Orlando

SU to kick off 2010 football season in Orlando

Stump Mitchell’s new office overlooks the playing field at A.W. Mumford Stadium, but his first game as Southern’s new football coach won’t happen there. It’ll be 798 miles away. Mitchell and the Jaguars will kick off their season at Orlando, Fla., in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge — the first of six games on the road in 2010, according to the schedule released by the university Thursday. Athletic Director Greg LaFleur confirmed that Southern had been tabbed as the SWAC’s representative for months. The MEAC hasn’t officially settled on its participant, though LaFleur expects the announcement will come by the end of this month. Attempts to reach Patricia Porter, media relations director for the MEAC, were unsuccessful.

SOUTHERN RELEASES 2010 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

BATON ROUGE, La. - Nine Southwestern Athletic conference games, six games inside the state and the first meeting with Arkansas-Monticello highlight Southern's 2010 football schedule, which all adds up to what should be another exciting year of Southern Jaguar Football.

Southern will open the 2010 season in the sixth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando, Florida on September 4th. The SWAC earned its first and only MEAC/SWAC Challenge trophy in 2007 when the Southern Jags defeated Florida A&M, 33-27. SU will return home the following week to face the Boll Weevils of Arkansas-Monticello for the first time on September 11th. After the Jags first open week, Southern will then hit the road for Huntsville, Alabama to take on Alabama A&M on September 25th. The Bulldogs are back on the SU Jags schedule after a two-year hiatus.

Southern University 2010 Football Schedule

Sept. 4 SWAC/MEAC Challenge Orlando, Fla. TBA
Sept. 11 Arkansas-Monticello Baton Rouge 6 p.m.
Sept. 25 at Alabama A&M Huntsville, Ala. TBA
Oct. 2 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Baton Rouge 6 p.m.
Oct. 9 Mississippi Valley St. Baton Rouge 6 p.m.
Oct. 16 at Jackson State Jackson, Miss. TBA
Oct. 23 at Prairie View Houston TBA
Oct. 30 at Alcorn St. Lorman, Miss. TBA
Nov. 6 Texas Southern Baton Rouge 6 p.m.
Nov. 13 Alabama St. Baton Rouge 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 27 x-Grambling St. New Orleans 1 p.m.
Dec. 11 SWAC Championship Birmingham, Ala. TBA

x-Bayou Classic
Note: game times are subject to change

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Keys: Mitchell has interesting mix on staff
Complete 2010 Southern University Football Schedule in PDF Format
Southern’s new staff lands 34 recruits

NOTE TO FANS: Here are some facts to limit Jaguar speculations on the MEAC opponent for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge...

• Florida A&M opens its season on Thursday, Sept. 2 at the University of Miami (Sun Life Stadium) in a $600,000 money game. As much as Rattlers fans would love to steamroll the Jaguars, don't expect the Rattlers to walk away from the big money Miami is offering nor break its pact with Bethune-Cookman. Both agreed in principle to not complete against its own Florida Classic in Orlando's Citrus Bowl, the site of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Although attendance fell in 2009, the FAMU vs. Bethune-Cookman, Florida Classic was the highest attended HBCU game of the season with 59,418. Last year Challenge with Grambling State vs. South Carolina State drew only 21,367 to the same Citrus Bowl.
• 2-Time MEAC Champions South Carolina State Bulldogs are scheduled to play a money game with ACC Champions -Georgia Tech on Sept. 4 at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta. The payout for the Bulldogs is $400,000.
• The Hampton Pirates will open their season at Central Michigan on Sept. 2 in another much needed money game in a down economy.
• North Carolina A&T opens their season against arch-rival Winston-Salem State at Aggie Stadium on September 4. The question is will the Aggies forego a home date with a hated rival with a guaranteed 21,000+ Rams/Aggie fans--for a little ESPNU television time? Not likely with the higher costs for travel and lodging.
• Norfolk State is the best candidate for this game. The Spartans finished '09 in 3rd place at 7-4, behind S.C. State and FAMU. The others--Howard (2-9), Morgan State (6-5) and Delaware State (4-7) averaged less than 4,000 fans to home games last season. Delaware State is still in our doghouse for forfeiting a conference game with N.C. A&T last season, to play at Michigan on the same date. They are the very last team I would want representing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. However, expect the ESPNU brass to select Morgan State--playing off the fact that Southern's new coach Stump Mitchell previously coached at Morgan State (1995-98). In Florida, who cares? Count this as just another Southern "home game" for the JaguarNation with 16,000 -20,000 in attendance to watch the Human Jukebox do their thing.
• Either way-- Norfolk State or Morgan State will steamroll the Jaguars! The Howard Bison are not ready for prime time, although we love the Howard "Showtime" band.

-beepbeep

Hampton Pirates Signs a Load of Football Talent

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University football team, under the direction of second-year head coach Donovan Rose, welcomed in a new class of Pirates on Wednesday, National Signing Day. The Pirates signed eight transfers, as well as 12 other recruits. Four of Hampton’s recruits hail from the Hampton Roads area – including two athletes who went to high school in the city of Hampton. Five transfers are coming to Hampton from FBS (Formerly Div. I-A) schools, and the Pirates’ high school recruits have won a combined five state championships and six all-state honors.

“I feel really good about this class as it is my first full class as a head coach,” said Rose. “We are trying to get back where we once were here at Hampton and with these additions I feel that we can get there. It was not that long ago when Hampton won the MEAC and made it to the playoffs year after year and it is my task to get us back there and this is a major step in that direction.”

Hampton University Football Class of 2010 Signees

FBS Transfers
1. Jamal Lewis (Sr., OG, 6’4”, 310, Huntsville, Ala.): transfer from Middle Tennessee State; an All-Metro and All-State selection in high school.
2. Rafael Vazquez (Jr., OT, 6’6”, 320, Orlando, Fla.): transfer from Tulane University; All-District and All-County in high school.
3. Jeremiah Swartz (So., RB, 5’11”, 238, Orlando, Fla.): transfer from Iowa State University; rushed for 264 yards on 71 carries in 2009, averaging 3.7 yards per carry.
4. Marell Evans (Jr., LB, 6’3”, 230, Richmond, Va.): transfer from the University of Michigan; two-time All-State, Player of the Year in high school.
5. David Luckett (So., OC, 6’2”, 270, Waldorf, Md.): transfer from Winston-Salem State University; All-County, All-Conference and All-State in high school.
6. Nu’Keese Richardson (So., WR, 5’10”, 170): transfer from the University of Tennessee; caught eight passes for 102 yards and a touchdown in 2009 for the Volunteers – including three receptions for 54 yards and a score against Memphis.
7. Donte’ Davis (Sr., WR, 6’1”, 185, Chantilly, Va.): transfer from Syracuse University; caught 24 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown in 2009; named All-Big East as a freshman.
8. Lance Hawkins (R-Fr., DL, 6’2”, 315, Virginia Beach, Va.): All-state selection who redshirted as a walk-on for the Pirates.

High School Signees
9. Courtney Hunter (LB, 6’3”, 215, Middleton HS, Tampa, Fla.): Hillsborough County All-Star.
10. Andre Griffin (WR, 5’11”, 175, Phoebus HS, Hampton, Va.): played on three state championship teams, including the last two.
11. Leron Thomas (QB, 6’2”, 185, Belle Glades Central HS, Belle Glades, Fla.): All-State, All-County and All-Conference, 26-1 as a starter, threw for 70 career TDs and 6,791 yards.
12. John Dougherty (DE, 6’2”, 230, Milford Academy, Harrisburg, Pa.): All-State and All-Conference.
13. Greg Reese (TE, 6’6”, 220, Woodview Wilson HS, Camden, N.J.): All-Conference.
14. Delbert Tyler (LB, 5’11”, 225, Gateway HS, Pittsburgh, Pa.): All-Conference.
15. Norman Booker (OL, 6’2”, 265, Berkmar HS, Atlanta, Ga.): Preseason All-State selection.
16. John Rose (ATH, 5’10”, 190, Holy Cross HS, Jamaica, N.Y.): All-League CHSFL.
17. Rodrigo Hernandez (K, 6’1”, 155, Miami Springs HS, Miami Springs, Fla.): Second Team All-County.
18. Lorenzo Shinhoster (WR, 5’7”, 170, Miami Northwestern HS, Miami, Fla.): state champion as a sophomore, caught 33 passes for 655 yards and eight scores in 2009.
19. Robert Copeland (DL, 6’3”, 220, Bethel HS, Hampton, Va.): Second Team All-District, Second Team All-State.
20. Donte Dotson (ATH, 5’9”, 170, Deerfield HS, Deerfield, Fla.): named All-State, also set the 4x100-meter relay national track record.

Alabama State Signs a Solid 25 for Depth, Size and Speed

MONTGOMERY, AL. – The Alabama State University football program signed 25 players Wednesday to national letters-of-intent to play for the Hornets this fall. "This is always an exciting time of year," said ASU head coach Reggie Barlow. "We feel like we've signed a very solid class of players that will not only provide us depth but also produce some impact performers for our program. With this class, we were focused on adding some depth on both the offensive and defensive lines and we feel like we accomplished that goal. We also were looking to bring in some size at wide receiver and we did that too. Overall, I feel like the staff did a great job of finding players to fit our schemes and our needs."

The incoming 2010 class features 14 players on the offense and nine defensive players. In addition, all but one of the players in this year's class comes from the high school ranks. James McIver joins the Hornets after playing at the College of the Sequoias. ASU signed five wide receivers including a pair of players listed at 6-3 or taller. With the loss of three starting offensive linemen from the 2009 roster, the Hornets were also able to reload along the frontline signing five prospects in this class including four players listed at 300 pounds or more.

Read Player Capsules

ASU Hornets 2010 National Signing Day Class

1. Derrick Billups DT 6-2 310 Carrollton, Ala.
2. Jaron Bush DL 6-1 300 Mobile, Ala.
3. Andrew Dougherty WR 6-1 185 Blue Springs, Mo.
4. Cornelius Fenderson WR 6-3 175 Prattville, Ala.
5. Charston Gandy RB 6-2 195 Bay Minette, Ala.
6. Chris Gilzeane LB 6-0 230 Stone Mountain, Ga.
7. Chad Griffin TE 6-2 250 New Orleans, La.
8. Carlton Jones DE 6-3 230 Shreveport, La.
9. Julius Jones WR 6-4 190 Athens, Ala.
10. Charlie Long DE 6-0 230 Millbrook, Ala.
11. Jordan McFadden WR/PR 5-8 160 Gainesville, Fla.
12. James McIver OL 6-5 320 Atlanta, Ga.
13. Quendarius McKibbons RB 5-10 195 Jackson, Ga.
14. Trei Mitchell OL 6-3 300 Baton Rouge, La.
15. London Pitts IV CB 5-9 165 Montgomery, Ala.
16. Kenneth Preston OL 6-4 300 Villa Rica, Ga.
17. Demetric Price QB 6-3 195 Birmingham, Ala.
18. Jamarius Ragland LB 5-10 210 Englewood, Tenn.
19.Dominique Roberts WR 6-1 200 Ormond Beach, Fla.
20. Khalid Smith DB 6-0 185 Jacksonville, Fla.
21. Terrence Swift OL 6-5 315 Birmingham, Ala.
22. Kyle Tippins RB 6-1 200 Conyers, Ga.
23. Marcel Walden OL 6-3 290 Alcoa, Tenn.
24. Doral Willis DT 6-0 295 Pahokee, Fla.
25. Deion Woods QB 6-0 215 Memphis, Tenn.

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Bethune-Cookman recruits South Florida; Gets a few Bluechips

Bethune Cookman University head football coach Brian Jenkins signs highly regarded QB Tim Smith and safety Jabari Cargill, Fort Pierce Central to first recruiting class.

Fort Pierce Central High School athlete Tim Smith, who originally committed to Rutgers, signed to play quarterback at Bethune-Cookman, where his recruiter from Rutgers is now head coach, and teammate Jabari Cargill will join him as a defensive back. Smith said he felt good about Rutgers, but “things started to change” when wide receivers coach Brian Jenkins left for Bethune-Cookman. The relationship he had built with Jenkins was the biggest draw to Rutgers, and he liked what he saw when he visited Bethune-Cookman about two weeks ago.

“I just felt good about the environment, and the coaches there and everything about,” Smith said. At Rutgers, Smith was going to play receiver and some Wildcat quarterback, but at Bethune-Cookman he could play quarterback, which was his original position before a suspension at the beginning of the season changed his role to more of an athlete position. Smith said he didn’t care which position he played and was confident he would still be sought out despite the disciplinary issue. He had received offers from Iowa State, Purdue, South Florida, Tennessee and several other Division I schools.

Bethune-Cookman University Head Football Coach Brian Jenkins has been a busy man since being named new coach December 21. Along with Tim Smith, the Wildcats announced signing 20 student-athletes to attend B-CU and play football for the ‘Cats and Jenkins in the 2010 season. "This recruiting class will always be special because it was my first one," said Coach Jenkins. "We recruited players who were high in character and high in integrity and we didn't just recruit anybody. This is a special group we will bring to Bethune-Cookman University and I am excited with the signees. I am thankful to basically four coaches who were relentless and worked long hours and pulled off this recruiting class in a short amount of time."

Bethune-Cookman University National Signing Day Student/Athletes

Offense
1. Andrew Ferris OL/LS 6-2, 250 Daytona Beach, Fla. (Mainland HS)
2. Angelo Cabrera RB 5-8, 175 Dunnellon, Fla. (Dunnellon HS)
3. Anthony Jordan RB 6-1, 215 Atlanta, Georgia (North Atlanta HS)
4. Anthony Reagan OL 6-4, 340 Ocala, Fla. (West Port Ocala High)
5. Brett Kremer TE 6-2, 215 Daytona Beach, Fla. (Seabreeze HS)
6. Brian Dorsey OL 6-4, 355 Jacksonville, Fla. (Ribault HS)
7. David Blackwell QB 6-2, 225 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Iowa Western CC)
8. Javoris Johnson WR 5-10, 170 Tallahassee, Fla. (Florida High)
9. Pat Harris WR 6-0, 180 Ft. Pierce, Fla. (Treasure Coast HS)
10. Jazz Moss WR 5-9, 175 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Plantation HS)

Defense
11. Arlen Nibbs DE 6-0, 260 Atlanta, Georgia (North Cobb Christian HS)
12. Dion Hanks CB 5-10, 180 Miami, Fla. (Edison HS)
13. Isiah Corbett DE 6-1, 240 Belle Glades, Fla. (Glades Central HS)
14. Jabari Cargill S 6-3, 205 Ft. Pierce, Fla. (Ft. Pierce Central HS)
15. Marcus Farley LB 6-0, 215 Miami, Fla. (Miami Central HS)
16. Michael Ross LB 6-1, 200 Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington HS)
17. Tevin Toney DE 6-2, 230 Sebring, Fla. (Sebring HS)
18. Tim Burke CB 5-8, 180 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Plantation HS)
19. Jackie Wilson Athlete 6-1, 210 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Boyd Anderson HS)
20. Tim Smith Athlete 6-2, 210 Ft. Pierce Fla. (Ft. Pierce Central HS)

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Baltimore QB Jerry Lovelocke leads Prairie View A&M Class of 20

Edmondson QB Lovelocke headed south

Baltimore (Md.) Edmondson-Westside High School quarterback Jerry Lovelocke will play his college football in Texas. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound rocket-armed senior signed with Prairie View A&M, Red Storm coach Dante Jones said today. “It was within the last couple days,” Jones said. “After he took the visit, Prairie View was the highest on his list. Jerry wanted to get away from home. He went on the visit and they play a good brand of football. They won the [Southwestern Athletic Conference] last year. So a lot of things weighed into his decision.”

Lovelocke is a Rivals.com two-star QB and selected the PVAMU Panthers over Kent State, Morgan State, Norfolk State, Akron, Central Michigan, Temple, Towson and Rhode Island. When he [Lovelocke] came into the program we knew we had a special kid," Jones said. His stature and poise in the pocket is remarkable." Though Lovelocke has all the physical tools, his best trait could be mental. "He has strong pocket presence," Jones said. "He has no problem taking a hit. He will stand there until the last minute to complete the throw." Lovelocke finished the 2008 season with 2,496 yards passing, 25 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. ESPNRise.com Scouting Report says: "Jerry Lovelocke could be the best player that's ever come out of this state (Maryland) if everything works out for him."



Prairie View A&M University 2010 Football Signees

1. Idreis Augustus RB 5-9 190 Fr. Springfield, Va. (Lee)
2. Christopher Barrick PK 6-4 180 Fr. Copperas Cove, Texas (Copperas Cove)
3. Shawn Brisker S 5-11 170 Fr. Monroeville, Pa. (Gateway)
4. Danny Brownell LB 6-0 230 Fr. Houston, Texas (Elsik)
5. Blake Dixon LB 5-11 205 Fr. Arlington, Texas (Mansfield Timberview)
6. Stephen Eggins ATH 5-9 170 Fr. Garland, Texas (Naaman Forest)
7. Omarr Finn OL 6-3 280 Fr. Monroeville, Pa. (Gateway)
8. Tre Glover OL 6-3 275 Fr. Waskom, Texas (Marshall)
9. D’Cody Harris WR 5-11 180 Fr. Dallas, Texas (Bryan Adams)
10. JohnMark Henderson CB 5-11 190 Jr. South San Francisco, Calif. (Syracuse)
11. Joshua Holguin DE 6-2 220 Fr. El Paso, Texas (El Dorado)
12. Keith Hutchins S 5-11 180 Fr. Upland, Calif. (Upland)
13. Jeremy Johnson DE 6-3 260 Jr. Chicago, Ill. (College of Dupage)
14. J’marcus Joubert LB 6-1 205 Fr. Houston, Texas (Eisenhower)
15. Jerry Lovelocke QB 6-5 210 Fr. Baltimore, Md. (Edmonson)
16. George Moore WR 6-2 180 Fr. Houston, Texas (Aldine)
17. Jacquez Polk ATH 6-2 185 Fr. Bellville, Texas (Bellville)
18. Jamichael Rozier RB 5-9 200 Fr. Spring, Texas (Klein Collins)
19. Jordan Turner DT 6-2 260 Fr. Las Vegas, Nev. (Canyon Springs)
20. Krystopher Watkins FB 5-11 250 Jr. Lombard, Ill. (College of Dupage)

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

Howard Bison signs Tap-dancing DL/OL Khalid Jordan

Tap-dancing, Howard-bound lineman Khalid Jordan first from Arts High (N.J.) to earn full athletic scholarship

Khalid Jordan doesn’t look nimble. He’s 6-5 and weighs 330 pounds — and plays offensive and defensive line. His arms and body swallow nearly everyone he hugs. But Jordan isn’t just a hulking football player who uses his giant-size fingers to wipe away his mother’s tears of happiness. His alter-ego is the step master for a dancing fraternity, The Kudo’s. When he was younger, he used to tap dance. “I never thought the dancing would help,” Jordan said. “But now I use that to my advantage.”

His active, light-footed agility was born on the dance floor but has earned him a spot on the college football field for the next four years. Wednesday, the Arts High senior signed a national letter of intent to play football for Howard University this fall, becoming the first player in Arts history to sign on for a full athletic scholarship.

Jordan played offensive and defensive line for Shabazz High’s program because Arts doesn’t field a team. He is the only football player from Newark to sign with a Division 1 program this season. “I told him, ‘With your size and your personality, you will not have to pay for college,’” said Ian Scott, who played at Newark East Side and Norfolk State and mentored Jordan throughout his football career. “He’s not a lazy, big guy. He’s a big, active guy.”

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Bison Coach Carey Bailey will eventually sign 22 new recruits and at least three transfers in an effort to improve on last season's 2-9 record. Bailey has a career record of 7-26 as a head coach (all at Howard).

Howard University Bison 2010 Football Signees

NAME POS HT WT High School/CC/Hometown
1. Daniel Mendoza FB 6-1 232 Colonial HS/Hudson Valley/ Orlando, FL
2. Ibrahima Kalil Kebe DL 6-2 275 Wilson HS/ Washington, DC
3. Lucious Ray DL 6-1 310 Columbia HS/Decatur, GA
4. Cameron Alston DB 6-0 180 North Augusta HS/N. Augusta, SC
5. Jabril Ezell DB 6-0 185 Friendship Collegiate/Washington, DC
6. Julian David DB 5-11 190 American Heritage HS/Plantation, FL
7. Thomas Jordan OL/DL 6-3 300 Richland North East HS/Columbia, SC
8. Nathaniel Coleman OL/DL 6-3 292 Livonia Franklin HS/Livonia, MI
9. Malcolm Rutledge OL/DL 6-3 300 Southfield HS/Southfield, MI
10. Khalid Jordan OL/DL 6-5 330 Malcolm X Shabazz HS/Newark, NJ
11. Montario Hunter WR 6-2 175 Ahoskie HS/Ahoskie, NC
12. Stephen Sims, Jr. RB 5-9 210 Norview HS/Norfolk, VA
13. Bryan F. Jackson, Jr. P 6-0 200 Southern Univ. Lab School/Baton Rouge, La
14. Joshua Matthews OL/DL 6-3 285 Bethune Bowman HS/Bowman, SC
15. Markee White LB 6-3 220 Ahoskie HS/Ahoskie, NC
16. Brandon Summers 5-11 170 Inglewood HS/Inglewood, CA
17. Shahid Jones 6-2 225 Ribault HS/Jacksonville, FL

Southern Jaguars signs monster class for Stump

Coach Stump Mitchell signs 34 newcomers to the JaguarNation to replace 18 seniors that ended their eligibility with the Coach Pete Richardson era.

Growing up in Baton Rouge, Tara running back Dallas Fort often found himself in A.W. Mumford Stadium watching Southern games. He now plans to play in those games. Fort is set to sign with the hometown Jaguars at noon today, the opening day of college football’s early signing period. He chose Southern over Alabama State. “When I went there on my visit, it felt like home,” said Fort, who committed to Southern last week.

At least three more area prospects are expected to sign with new Southern coach Stump Mitchell, who took over for the fired Pete Richardson last month. Mitchell also has pledges from defensive back Stephan Henderson and linebacker Stanley Williams, who are Zachary teammates, and Central offensive lineman Aaron Hall. Fort, 5-foot-9, 200 pounds, expects Mitchell to waste little time returning Southern to the top of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. “There’s no rebuilding plan,” Fort said. “We want to start winning right away.”

2010 SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL SIGNEES - 2/4/2010

Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School/JUCO
1. William Waddel WR 6‐4 205 Houston, TX/Booker T. Washington HS
2. Johnathan Preston OL 6‐3 280 Pearland, TX/Dawson HS
3. Jordan Rose S 5‐11 185 Pearland, TX/Dawson HS
4. Rashaad Hoyle CB 5‐10 180 Roswell, GA/Roswell HS
5. Julius McGee OL 6‐1½ 290 Monticello, MS/Copiah‐Lincoln CC
6. Detrane Lindsey LB 6‐0 210 Houston, TX/Booker T. Washington
7. Christopher Colwell S 5‐10 195 Pearland, TX/Manville HS
8. Travis Clark FB 6‐1 210 New Orleans, LA/Edna Karr HS
9. Charles Barkins OL 6‐2 285 New Orleans, LA/O. Perry Walker HS
10. Todd Mabry CB 5‐11 190 Amite, LA/Amite HS
11. Jamal Williams ATH 5‐9 180 Rosenburg, TX/Lamarque Consolidated HS
12. Jaleel Richardson WR 6‐0 180 New Orleans, LA/Warren Easton HS
13. Stanley Williams, Jr DE 6‐2 230 Zachary, LA/Zachary HS
14. Stepfan Henderson CB 5‐10 180 Zachary, LA/Zachary HS
15. James McKinley SS/RB 6‐0
16. Kesean Peterson LB/TE 6‐2 210 Folkston, GA/Charlton County HS
17. D’Vonn Brown TE 6‐2 245 Rosenburg, TX/Lamarque Consolidated HS
18. Dallas Fort RB 5‐10 200 Baton Rouge, LA/Tara HS
19. Virgil Williams ATH 5‐9 160 Shreveport, LA/Evangel Christian HS
20. Javon Allen LB 5‐11 205 New Orleans, LA/Edna Karr HS
21. Wynton Perro QB 6‐2 205 Houston, TX/Booker T. Washington HS
22. Dwayne Houston OL 6‐4½ 305 Lafayette, LA/Northside HS
23. Christopher Bernard RB 6‐0 225 Houston, TX/Westbury HS
24. Darius Deloach RB 5‐10 200 Ft. Myers, FL/Dunbar HS
25. Aaron Hall OL 6‐4 295
26. David Henderson OL 6‐7 345 Vicksburg, MS
27. John White LB 5‐10½ 225 Boutte, LA/John Curtis HS
28. Dray Joseph QB 6‐1 190 Edgar, LA/West St. John HS
29. Kedy Enabulele DL 6‐1½ 280 Crosby, TX/Kilgore JC
30. Franchot West LB 6‐1 215 Stone Mountain, GA/Stephenson HS
31. Jordan Bilbo WR 5‐10 175 Houston, TX/Lamar HS
32. Roosevelt Wright WR 6-1 195 Baton Rouge, LA/Capitol HS
33. Artis Sullivan OL 6-2 275 Memphis, TN/Coahoma JC
34. Chris Little OL 6-6 350 Twiggs County, GA/NW Mississippi CC

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

North Carolina A&T Aggies goes defensive, Inks 18 players

GREENSBORO, N.C. – For two seasons, the North Carolina A&T defensive line was anchored by Detroit natives Tyre Glasper, Adam Beal and Jarrell Herring. In 2009, the trio combined to make 28 ½ tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including eight sacks as Herring earned All-MEAC honors. But their eligibility ended in 2009, leaving the North Carolina A&T football program with huge holes to fill along the defensive front four. Second-year head coach Alonzo Lee and his staff filled those gaps by signing three defensive linemen, including two defensive ends as part of their 2010 Signing Day class.

In total, Lee announced the signing of 18 players to national letters of intent on Wednesday. Three of those players are from area high schools. “Our goal is to make each class better than the previous,’’ said Lee. “We definitely feel like our class last season was excellent, but this class is really going to challenge that class in terms of talent. I think we took care of our own backyard again, which is crucially important to me in recruiting.”

One of those Triad players is defensive end Daniel McNeil (6-2, 210) out of Greensboro. McNeil led Ragsdale to back-to-back conference championships by recording 117 tackles, 28 sacks and three fumble recoveries over the final two seasons of his career. The other defensive linemen signees include defensive end Dontrail McDaniel (6-2, 225) out of Richland Northeast in Columbia, S.C.; and Derrius Hamlet (6-4, 265) out of Fairfield Central in Columbia.

“We definitely replenished ourselves on the defensive line,’’ said Lee. “I feel like we really enhanced our pass rush with this class. We’ve got some guys with speed that can really come off the football and make things happen.” Lee, who coached five different defenses to top 15 national rankings during his tenure as a defensive coordinator, knows an outstanding defensive line is made by putting solid linebackers behind it. Just as pressing as its need for defensive linemen, the Aggies coaching staff felt it needed a similar push to sign an outstanding class at linebacker.

Greensboro Dudley linebacker Major Bryant is one of five linebackers Lee signed. Bryant runs a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash, and he is a two-time All-State performer. He posted 135 tackles, had 14 sacks, forced four fumbles and recovered five during his senior season. He will join the five other Dudley graduates Lee signed in 2009. The other 2010 Aggie linebacker signees include Marcus Arline (5-11, 225) out of Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Fla.; Christian Insley (6-0, 215) out of Ashbrook in Gastonia, N.C.; Dareon Mays (5-11, 225) out of Union Grove in McDonough, Ga; and Recco Wilson (6-2, 210) from Carman-Ainsworth in Flint, Mich.

“We really needed to step up and sign some big-time talent at the linebacker position, so we can do some things with our (defensive line) front,’’ said Lee. “We signed some heavy hitters. We’ve got some guys that are really going to make you feel it when they hit you.” The Aggies staff went after immediate help along the offensive line as well. Lee believes the Aggies made significant upgrades at the offensive line positions because the four he signed were all being pursued by major Division I schools.

William Robinson III, who attended Riverdale Baptist High and is from Clinton, Md., stands at 6-4 and weighs 290 pounds. He was selected for two all-star games, including the Prince George’s County vs. SMAC All-Star Game. Robinson did not allow a sack his senior season. Center Ronald “RJ” Canty (6-2, 270) out of Chester High in Chester, S.C., really has the coaching staff excited, while Westlake’s Nathan Isles’ (6-5, 285, Atlanta, Ga.) late commitment meant the staff signed the top four linemen on its list. Kortlan Jackson (6-3, 280, St. John’s College HS) out of Upper Marlboro, Md., also signed with the Aggies.

“They are going to have a great opportunity to compete for starting jobs this season,’’ said Lee. “We’re talking about two-and-three star athletes here. Our offense just became a whole lot better with these four guys.” Two defensive backs signed with N.C. A&T, including Jamie Smith (5-10, 170) out of High Point Andrews. Defensive back Travis Crosby (5-11, 180, Charlotte), who attended Victory Christian and West Charlotte High Schools as a prep standout, made the North Carolina Independent Scholastic Athletic Association All-State team as a senior.

The Aggies added to their great group of running backs that includes MEAC Rookie of the Year Michael Mayhew by signing Christopher “CJ” Frederick (5-10, 195, Garner, West Johnston). At the start of the season, rivals.com had him ranked as the No. 1 running back in the state, the 28th ranked athlete in the nation and the 54th ranked running back nationally. Frederick ran for nearly 3,000 yards and scored 43 touchdowns over a two-year span. Fullback Devin Moore (6-2, 245) could be the heir apparent to current fullback Justin Kearney. Moore is out of Charlotte, and he attended East Mecklenburg High.

Harold “DJ” Clower (6-2, 180) is the only quarterback who signed with the Aggies thus far. The Dade City, Fla., native led Pasco High to a 9-2 record and the school’s third straight district championship during his senior season. He threw for 1,617 yards and 15 touchdowns in the process. Braddie Ellison (6-3, 230) is the only tight end in the class. He is out of Brooksville, Fla., and attended Nature Coast Tech. Four of his 10 receptions last season went for touchdowns.

















Coach Alonzo Lee: “We really feel good about this class. Yes, we addressed some needs, but we also brought some guys in here who are ready to compete for playing time right away. That’s what we want. We want guys who are willing to put in the hard work it takes to get on that field and play on Saturdays.”

2010 Aggies Student/Athletes Signed

1. Marcus Arline LB 5-11 225 Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland
2. Major Bryant LB 5-10 210 Greensboro, N.C./Dudley
3. Ronald “RJ” Canty OL 6-2 270 Chester, S.C./Chester
4. Harold “DJ” Clower QB 6-2 180 Dade City, Fla./Pasco
5. Travis Crosby DB 5-11 180 Charlotte, N.C./West Charlotte
6. Braddie Ellison TE 6-3 230 Brooksville, Fla./Nature Coast Tech
7. Christopher “CJ” Frederick RB 5-10 195 Garner, N.C./West Johnston
8. Derrius Hamlet DT 6-4 265 Columbia, S.C./Fairfield Central
9, Christian Insley LB 6-0 215 Gastonia, N.C./Ashbrook
10. Nathan Isles OL 6-5 285 Atlanta, Ga./Westlake
11. Kortlan Jackson OL 6-3 280 Upper Marlboro, Md./St. John’s College HS
12. Dareon Mays LB 5-11 225 McDonough, Ga./Union Grove
13. Dontrail McDaniel DE 6-2 225 Columbia, S.C./Richland NE
14. Daniel McNeil DE 6-2 210 Greensboro, N.C./Ragsdale
15. Devin Moore FB 6-2 245 Charlotte, N.C./East Mecklenburg
16. William Robinson III OL 6-4 290 Clinton, Md./Riverdale Baptist
17. Jamie Smith DB 5-10 170 High Point, N.C./Andrews
18. Recco Wilson LB 6-2 210 Flint, Mich./Carman-Ainsworth

From Aggies Press Release

University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Releases 2010 Football Schedule

The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Athletics Department has released its 2010 football schedule which features a total of eleven contests highlighted by two classics and four home games. The Golden Lions will open their 2010 campaign traveling to El Paso, Texas to square off against the University of Texas-El Paso Miners. Arkansas-Pine Bluff will then get set to open Southwestern Athletic Conference play on road against Alabama State on Sept. 11.

After facing the Hornets, the Golden Lions will have a bye week before traveling to St. Louis to participate in the Gateway Classic on Sept. 25 against Clark Atlanta. UAPB will take on SWAC West rival Southern on October 2nd in Baton Rouge. The Golden Lions will then host their home opener on October 9th against Prairie View A&M (Sponsored by Tyson Foods). The following week Arkansas-Pine Bluff will host Alabama A&M on October 16th (Wal-Mart Community Day) before traveling to face Alcorn State on the road on Oct. 23.

The Delta Classic for Literacy featuring UAPB versus Grambling State will take place in Little Rock at War Memorial Stadium on Oct. 30. Homecoming 2010 has been slated for Nov. 6 as the Golden Lions will take the field against SWAC East rival Mississippi Valley State. UAPB's home finale will take place the next week on Nov. 13 against Jackson State (Senior Day). Arkansas-Pine Bluff will close out its regular season on the road in Houston, Texas against the Texas Southern Tigers on Nov. 20.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF
2010 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
(TENTATIVE)

9/4 University of Texas El Paso Away 8:05pm
9/11 Alabama State University * Away TBA
9/18 BYE
9/25 Clark Atlanta University St. Louis, MO 3:00pm
Gateway Classic
10/2 Southern University * Away TBA
10/9 Prairie View A&M University * Home 6:00pm
Tyson’s Food
10/16 Alabama A&M University * Home 6:00pm
Wal-Mart Community Day
10/23 Alcorn State University * Away TBA
10/30 Grambling State University * Little Rock, AR 2:30pm
Delta Classic 4 Literacy
11/6 Mississippi Valley State University * Home 2:30pm
Homecoming
11/13 Jackson State University * Home 2:30pm
Senior Day
11/20 Texas Southern University * Away TBA

(*) Denotes Southwestern Athletic Conference Game
Head Football Coach Monte Coleman

U N I V E R S I T Y O F ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF
DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS
Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr., Chancellor
• Louis B. “Skip” Perkins, Jr., Athletics Director
1200 North University Drive, Mail Slot 4891 • Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601
Phone: (870) 575-8675 · fax: (870) 575-7880
Ticket Office (870) 575-8601
www.UAPBLionsRoar.com

Prairie View A&M Picks Up the #14-Ranked Football Player in Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada -- Canyon Springs High School defensive tackle Jordan Turner (6-0/263), a member of the Nevada Top 15, is headed to play in the SWAC. "I gave a commitment to the SWAC Champions, Prairie View A&M this morning, (February 1)" said Turner. Prairie View A&M picks up the #14-player in Nevada, a two-star by Scout.com. "I decided to go with Prairie View over New Mexico State, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois and a few others," said Turner. Turner said he's long felt like he was heading to play in the SWAC.



"In my heart, I always knew I kind of wanted to play in the SWAC, because of their tradition and their long history of putting guy's in the NFL, plus Prairie View felt perfect. They are getting ready to build a big new stadium, locker rooms, weight room, and football offices. The coaches were great, they were all as easy to talk to as talking with my high school coach, Hunkie Cooper. I felt like it's a place I can mature and become something special."

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Turner To Take Time
Turner Takes In Junior Day

Florida A&M Rattlers Re-loads with majority Sunshine State Talent

FAMU Rattlers head football coach Joe Taylor -- "Man does not decide his future. Man decides his habits. And his habits decide his future."

FAMU finds nice fit in new recruits

Aram Wynn, an offensive lineman at Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, found exactly what he'd been looking for at FAMU and has committed to becoming a Rattler. "It was a nice, family friendly environment," said Wynn, 6-foot-5, 280 pounds. "The coaching staff seemed very excited about what they are doing about changing a boy into a man." He visited FAMU on Saturday and announced his commitment during a telephone interview Sunday. He was among 18 high school players who visited during the weekend.

"When I came to FAMU, it just grabbed my attention," he said. "I'm very excited. I'm looking forward to being around a good football program." Highly-touted Cassius McDowell also visited over the weekend, but said Sunday night that while he's leaning toward FAMU, he might not decide until Wednesday when the national signing period begins. Toledo, the University of Connecticut and Florida Atlantic University have also shown interest in McDowell, who said he's visited all three schools.

FAMU Rattlers Football 2010 (28 Full-Scholarships Available)

Mid-Year Transfers:
1. Joshua Newkirk, LB, 6-2/240, Winston Salem State, Wallace Rose H.S., Wallace, North Carolina
2. Saf Ahmad OL, 6-3/260, Florida International, Miami Norland H.S.
3. Shelly Anthony, LB, 6-1/290, Western Kentucky; Sandy Creek H.S., Georgia
4. Eric Watts, LB, 6-1/220, Illinois, Jacksonville Wolfson H.S.
5. Steven Robinson, OL, 6-3/306, U. Central Florida, Tallahassee Lincoln H.S.
6. James Poe, TE/FB, 6-4/237, U. Central Florida, GA Military College, Orlando Freedom H.S.
7. Jarien Moreland, OL, 6-5/313, U. Central Florida, Glades Central H.S.

Verbal Commitments for National Signing Day, February 3, 2010

1. Aram Wynn, OL, 6-5/280, St. Petersburg Lakewood H.S.
2. Chris White, DE/LB, 6-4/220, Gainesville Newberry H.S.
3. Brandon Rogers, OL, 6-5/315, Jacksonville Trinity Christian
4. Dennis Hall, WR, 5-9/170, Pahokee H.S.
5. Shawn Brown, OL, 6-3/290, Miami Central H.S.
6. Dontae Black, RB, 5-8/170, Dunnellon H.S.
7. Rodney Johnson, RB/WR, 5-9/180, Tampa Hillsborough
8. Michael Ethridge, TE, 6-3/215, Tallahassee Godby
9. Terry Johnson, DB, 5-11/180, Tallahassee Rickards
10. Kevin House, OL, 6-3/315, Jacksonville Ed White
11. Patrick Davis, FB, 6-1/240, Gainesville Eastside H.S.
12. Lynnworth Lennon, WR, 5-10/175, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson H.S.
13. Davonnie Coard, OL, 6-4/305, Orlando Evans H.S.
14. Brandon Green, LB/DE, 6-3/245, Hargrave Military Academy (VA), Tampa Catholic H.S.
15. Jordan Stanley, RB, 5-11/185, FAMU H.S., Tallahassee (Academic Scholarship)

Tampa Catholic grad Brandon Green commits to Rattlers

Brandon Green, a 2009 Tampa Catholic grad who spent a season at prep school, has committed to the Florida A&M football program. “I just felt comfortable with FAMU -- the coaching staff and everything,” Green said. “I believe I can go there and mature as a player and mature as a young man.” FAMU is recruiting the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder to play LB and DE. Green was a three-year starter for the Crusaders and helped the team earn a spot in the state finals as a junior.

Last fall, he played at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, which is considered to be one of the country’s elite prep schools for football. “I believe that helped me a whole lot,” Green said. “Hargrave helped me mature.” During the recruiting process, Green also had interest from USF and FSU. Brandon is the older brother of TC QB Christian Green, who made an official visit to FSU last weekend.

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE

Looking forward to National Signing Day and a Rattler roster with few, if any, JUCOs. Let's close the deals. beepbeep...

Hampton Pirates adds Old Dominion, Central Michigan to 2010 Football Schedule

Hampton University Pirates second year head football coach Donovan Rose faces new opponents Old Dominion and Central Michigan in 2010.

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University football team, under second-year head coach Donovan Rose, will play an exciting schedule of games next fall that will include four marquee home games and two new opponents. HU officials released the school’s 2010 football schedule on Saturday, noting that the school has entered into a two-year contract to play Old Dominion University of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and a one-year pact with Central Michigan University of the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

“This will be a challenging and exciting schedule for Hampton,” said HU athletics director Lonza Hardy Jr. “Playing ODU fits in well with our goal of playing more NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams in our region. Our vision is to play more CAA teams as well as forging relationships with other conferences, such as the Ivy League, the Atlantic 10 and the Big South. Adding Central Michigan gives our team the chance to step into the Bowl Subdivision arena and showcase our program.”

The Pirates will open the season on Sept. 2, when they head to Mount Pleasant, Mich. to face Central Michigan. From there, Hampton will head to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 11 to take on Howard in its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) game of the year. Hampton’s first home game of the season will come on Sept. 18, when the Pirates take on North Carolina A&T at Armstrong Stadium at 6 p.m. as part of Parents’ Weekend, Alumni Day and Military Appreciation Day.

The Pirates will have a bye on Sept. 25. After a trip to Dover, Del. on Oct. 2 to face Delaware State, the Pirates will head to Durham, N.C. for a non-conference game against North Carolina Central. The Pirates will then return to Armstrong Stadium for the annual Battle of the Bay Classic, held Oct. 16 against Norfolk State at 1 p.m. From there, the Pirates head to Orangeburg, S.C. on Oct. 23 to face defending MEAC champion South Carolina State.

The Pirates will close out October with its second annual Hall of Fame Game, which will be Oct. 30 against second-year program Old Dominion. Kick-off will be 2 p.m. at Armstrong Stadium. Hampton’s home schedule will conclude on Nov. 6, when the Pirates face Bethune-Cookman for homecoming at 1 p.m. Hampton will close out the season with a pair of road games -- Nov. 13 at Florida A&M and Nov. 20 at Morgan State.

“I think playing Central Michigan is a great opportunity for us to not only play a Bowl Subdivision team, but it also gives us added incentives to work out hard this spring,” said Rose. “It’ll also help us to see where we are as a program and to see how to measure ourselves. The guys and the staff are all excited. “Playing ODU will be great in that it’ll bring the whole community together,” added Rose. “ODU did a great job of getting its program started back last season. Playing teams like this outside the conference, in addition to our conference opponents, will hopefully help us in taking our program where we want it to be.”

Hampton finished last season at 5-6 overall and 3-5 in the MEAC and qualified for the I-AA/FCS play-offs five times in its history, including a three-year run in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Hampton University Pirates 2010 Schedule

9/2 at Central Michigan, Mt. Pleasant, MI
9/11 at Howard University, Washington, D.C.
9/18 North Carolina A&T, Hampton, VA
9/25 OPEN
10/2 at Delaware State, Dover, DE
10/9 at North Carolina Central, Durham, N.C.
10/16 Norfolk State, Hampton, VA
10/23 at South Carolina State, Orangeburg, S.C.
10/30 Old Dominion, Hampton, VA
11/6 Bethune-Cookman, Hampton, VA (Homecoming)
11/13 at Florida A&M, Tallahassee, FL
11/20 at Morgan State, Baltimore, MD
11/28 NCAA FCS Division I Playoffs

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

2010 Honda Battle of the Bands

ATLANTA, GA - Set against a colorful backdrop of dynamic performances by eight of the nation’s top Historically Black College and University [HBCU] marching bands, a reverent marching band tribute to the late music icon Michael Jackson, and all the hype of a live performance from hip-hop artist, Ludacris, the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase had a crowd of more than 55,000 “shaking their bodies down to the ground.”

In the end, the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands concluded with the message of unity for humanity, evident in much of the “King of Pop’s” music and in several marching band dedications to the Haitian relief effort. The 1,800 student musicians and 55,000plus fans were inspired to reflect on the role they play in making the world a better place. HBCU friends, fans, students and alumni traveled from all over the United States to enjoy the 2010 Honda Battle of the Bands, the lineup of which included:

Albany State University “Marching Rams” (Albany, Georgia)
Clark Atlanta University “Mighty Marching Panthers” (Atlanta, Georgia)
Florida A&M University “Marching 100” (Tallahassee, Florida)
North Carolina Central University “Marching Sound Machine” (Durham, North Carolina)
Prairie View A&M University “Marching Storm” (Prairie View, Texas)
Southern University “Human Jukebox Marching Band” (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Tuskegee University “Marching Crimson Pipers” (Tuskegee, Alabama)
Virginia State University “Trojan Explosion Marching Band” (Petersburg, Virginia)

The multi-faceted show was a virtual musical menagerie, blending the latest chart-topping R&B and Hip-Hop, pop, rock, funk and more. And, as a special treat, Atlanta-native and award-winning Hip-Hop artist and actor Ludacris was a featured special guest, performing his latest single “How Low”, from his highly-anticipated new album, Battle of the Sexes, before his hometown crowd.

We now take you to the Georgia Dome, Atlanta for yestersday's big show. Enjoy!

Jackson State Tigers get pledge from Yazoo City's King

JSU Coach Rick Comegy is snatching his share of blue chip players on the "must have lists" of 1-A programs.

Jackson State landed a TKO on Thursday night. No, really. Yazoo City linebacker Taurice King, nicknamed "TKO" for his vicious hits, visited the JSU campus in the afternoon and had verbally committed by the time the day ended- giving the program its biggest name of the recruiting season. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder will bring 4.5 40-yard dash speed to the rover position. The second-team All-State selection chose JSU over Alabama, Memphis and Alcorn State (where his dad played basketball). Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Southern Miss had offered scholarships.

"The school compares to a (Division I) SEC school to me," King said. "(I go) sideline to sideline and hit hard. "TKO, baby. They call me the 'Gridiron King' around here." King was given a three-star rating by Scout.com and received two stars from Rivals.com. He finished the season with 132 tackles and played in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic.

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

JSU Tigers 2010 Commitments
1. Taurice King, LB, 6-2/230, 4.5/40 dash, Yazoo City, MS 3-Star
2. Torrey Harkness, QB, 5-11/186, Los Angeles Southwest Junior College
3. Chris Gilzeane, LB, 5-11/225, Stone Mountain High School, Georgia
4. Thurman Byrd, Jr., DT, 6-2/263, 5.36/40 dash, Seminole High School, Sanford, Florida (Ranked No. 35 in the Orlando Sentinel's Central Florida Top 100). Byrd collected 52 tackles and a season high nine during a 21-20 win against Mainland Sept. 25. Seminole (9-3) advanced to the 6-A region semifinals where it lost a 31-10 contest to Winter Park.
5. William Golston, WR, 6-3/185, 4.4/40 dash, Murphy High School, Mobile, AL

Tennessee State 2010 Football Schedule Announced

TSU head football coach Rod Reed














The Tennessee State University football team will return to the Circle City Classic at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN for the 2010 season. TSU will be matched against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) foe North Carolina A&T University. The Aggies will replace Southern University on the Tigers 2010 schedule. TSU’s last appearance in the Circle City Classic was in 2005 when they dropped a16-3 decision to North Carolina A&T in the RCA Dome.

The Tigers will again participate in four “Classic” games against traditional rivals from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Coupled with their seven game Ohio Valley Conference schedule, the Big Blue will play an eleven-game schedule including four games on their home turf, LP Field in Nashville, TN.

The “Classic” match-ups begin on Labor Day Weekend, September 4th with the John Merritt Classic in Nashville, TN against Alabama A&M (SWAC), then on to Memphis, TN, Sept. 11th against Jackson State (SWAC). On September 25th the Tigers travel to Atlanta, GA to face off against Florida A&M (MEAC) and on October 2nd to Indianapolis, IN to battle North Carolina A&T (MEAC).

In Ohio Valley Conference play, TSU will host Austin Peay State on September 18th in the annual Bikers’ game. Road trips to Southeast Missouri State and Jacksonville State follow on October 9th and 16th respectively. The Tigers end the month of October hosting Tennessee Tech on October 23rd, followed by an open date on October 30th. The Big Blue finishes their regular season schedule hosting Eastern Illinois for Homecoming on November 6th and finishing with road games at Tennessee Martin and Murray State on November 13th and 20th respectively.

Tennessee State University -Tentative 2010 Football Schedule
Date Opponent Location Time
9/4 Ala. A&M Nashville, TN 6 pm John Merritt Classic, LP Field
9/11 Jackson State Memphis, TN 6 pm So. Heritage Classic, Liberty Bowl
9/18 Austin Peay Nashville, TN 6 pm Bikers’ Classic, LP Field
9/25 Florida A&M Atlanta, GA TBA Atlanta Classic, Georgia Dome
10/2 N.Carolina A&T Indianapolis, IN TBA Circle City Classic, Lucas Oil Stadium
10/9 SEMO* Cape Girardeau, MO TBA
10/16 Jax State* Jacksonville, AL TBA
10/23 Tenn. Tech * Nashville, TN 6pm LP Field
10/30 O P E N
11/6 Eastern Illinois * Nashville, TN 5 pm, Homecoming, LP Field
11/13 Tenn.-Martin* Martin, TN TBA
11/20 Murray State * Murray, KY TBA

Savannah State Football Coach Robby Wells Resigns

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Robby Wells announced that he is resigning from his position as head football coach at Savannah State University for personal reasons. Wells’ resignation will be effective immediately. “I have decided to resign as head football coach at Savannah State University for personal reasons,” Wells said. “At this point I have to think about my family and my health before I can think about anything else. I wish the players well as they pursue their dreams on and off the field. My thoughts and prayers will be with them as they continue to progress in their collegiate career.”



Marilynn Suggs, interim athletics director, has appointed Julius Dixon to serve as interim head football coach. Dixon served as the Tigers defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the past two seasons. He was recently moved to defensive line coach. “SSU’s athletics department has accepted Coach Wells’ resignation and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Suggs said. “We are confident that Coach Dixon will do a great job in the interim as we begin our search for a head football coach. Coach Dixon will have the full support of the athletics administration as we move forward into signing day and spring practice.”

Wells became SSU’s 21st head football and compiled a 7-15 record over the span of two seasons. The Tigers finished with a 5-7 record in 2008 and a 2-8 record in 2009. Wells came to SSU after serving as defensive coordinator and football marketing director for one season at Benedict College in Columbia, S.C. Prior, Wells served as the General Manager for the Augusta Spartans Arena Football Team in 2006. Wells got his first coaching job at an HBCU in 2002, serving as the defensive coordinator at South Carolina State University from 2002-2005. SSU will begin a nationwide search to find a replacement immediately.

Opinion on Robby Wells' departure

"The Ayatollah" -- SSU Vice President for Administration, Dr. Claud Flythe

I think Savannah State University Vice President for Administration Claud Flythe made a good decision. I don't know the specific reason behind Robby Wells' resignation as SSU's football head coach Thursday after two seasons at the helm. Wells is saying it's for personal reasons, and that he's going to focus on his health.But read between the lines. Flythe is supporting Wells' explanation. But I believe with all of my heart that Wells was given a choice to either resign or be fired. Theo Lemon was given the same choice. He told SSU to fire him.

I believe Wells sealed his fate when it was revealed publicly last Friday night that 28 players will not participate in spring practice (15 players quit the team, 13 players are ineligible). Once Flythe (whose nickname is "The Ayatollah") learned about this, I believe he offered Wells the choice of either resigning or being fired.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Opinion on Robby Wells' departure
Savannah State football coach Robby Wells resigns after two seasons
SSU football coach Robby Wells resigns after 2 seasons

Gaither, Galimore Among Black College Football Hall of Fame Inductees

Former Black College football standouts Walter Payton and Jerry Rice and coaches Eddie Robinson and Jake Gaither are among the 11-member inaugural induction class of the Black College Football Hall of Fame. The Black College Hall of Fame, established last year by former quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to honor the greatest players and coaches from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), will honor the inaugural class at its first enshirement ceremony Feb. 20, 2010 in Atlanta. The class of eight players, two coaches and one contributor was selected from a field of 260 nominees and 35 finalists.

Payton played at Jackson State from 1971-74 and later finished his pro career as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. Payton is already a member of the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. Rice had an All-American career at Mississippi Valley State and went on to set several receiving records in the NFL. Rice is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and a finalist for this year’s Pro Football induction class.


Chicago Bears RB Willie Galimore (Florida A&M Rattlers)

Robinson spent 56 years as the coach at Grambling State University, winning 405 games and nine Black College championships while sending more than 80 players to the NFL and AFL. The award presented annually to the top coach in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) is named in his honor. Gaither won 203 games and six Black College titles during his 25 seasons at Florida A&M. Gaither was famous for saying he wanted his players ‘agile, mobile and hostile.’

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
--------------------
From: http://www.blackcollegefootballhof.org/

WILLIE GALIMORE
Willie “Gallopin’ Gal” Galimore, as a running back at Florida A&M University from 1953 to 1956, was all-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference choice four times and was named a Black College All-America by the Pittsburgh Courier three times. The Rattlers won four conference championships while Galimore was at FAMU and one Black College National Championship. He played for the Chicago Bears from 1957 to 1963, before passing away tragically at the age of 29 in an auto accident in Rensselaer, Indiana, on July 27, 1964. As FAMU’s all-time leading rusher, Galimore averaged 94 yards per game and was the Rattler’s first 1,000-yard runner (1,203 yards in 1954).



JAKE GAITHER
Coach Alonzo “Jake” Gaither spent 24 years at Florida A&M University, from 1945 to 1969, amassing an astonishing record of 203-36-4. His teams won 18 Conference Championships and were Black College National Champions six times. In a 10-year streak, from 1953 to 1962, his teams went 87-7-1. His “split line T” offense was adopted by several major college programs, and he retired in 1969 with a .844 winning percentage, the best ever among all NCAA coaches. In 1975 he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
TU's Stevenson joins Rice, Payton in Black College Football Hall of Fame
Black College Hall of Fame finalists announced
Black College Football Hall of Fame
Plans for Black College Football Hall of Fame announced - Atlanta ...

Alabama State Hornet's Barlow shakes up staff

Alabama State football coach Reggie Barlow has again made significant changes to his coaching staff, including replacing both coordinators. Former Grambling State head coach Melvin Spears has been hired as the Hornets' new offensive coordinator. Cedric Thornton, who served as ASU's linebackers coach last season, has been promoted to defensive coordinator. Barlow confirmed the hiring of Spears, who will be ASU's fourth offensive coordinator during Barlow's three-year tenure, but said he wasn't prepared to discuss other staff changes.



















ASU Hornets head football coach Reggie Barlow.

Jo Nixon, who told the Montgomery Advertiser that he recently resigned as ASU's defensive coordinator to become the defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator at Texas Southern, said Thornton had been promoted to coordinator before his departure. Thornton becomes ASU's third defensive coordinator under Barlow. Nixon also confirmed that offensive line coach Kenneth Ray has been terminated. "I am very excited to have Melvin Spears joining our coaching staff," Barlow said in a statement released by ASU's sports information department. "He is an outstanding coach and will be a big asset to our program."

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

UAPB Hires New Assistant Coaches for 2010

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Head Football Coach Monte Coleman has announced the additions of Jerry Mack, Vernon Dean and Dennis Winston to the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff coaching staff. Jerry Mack will serve as Offensive Coordinator and coach quarterbacks at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Arkansas native spent the previous two seasons as wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator at Central Arkansas. In his first season at UCA, the Bears had one of the Southland Conference's most potent offenses and had two receivers named All-SLC Honorable Mention - including Eric Ware, who was later signed by the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL.

Dean arrives to Pine Bluff after spending last season at Fort Valley State where he coached outside linebackers. The Houston, Texas native spent seven seasons in the NFL tallying 22 interceptions and winning two Super Bowls with the Redskins. Winston spent a total of 10 seasons in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints winning two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers. The Arkansas native spent the 2009 season at Mississippi Valley State where he served as defensive line coach under former MVSU head coach Willie Totten.

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Morgan State -- Maryland Agree in Principle to Meet in 2010 Football

COLLEGE PARK, MD - Maryland and Morgan State have agreed in principle to meet in football during the 2010 season, officials from the schools said Tuesday. It would be the first time the universities - located just 36 miles apart - have played in football. The game, which would be played at Byrd Stadium in College Park, would mean that Maryland's non conference schedule would include two in-state schools. The Terps are already scheduled to face Navy next season at M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore).

Maryland is also scheduled to renew its rivalry with West Virginia next season in Morgantown. No announcement has yet been made by Maryland or Morgan State pending the signing of contracts. Reached by The Baltimore Sun, two Morgan athletic officials and a Maryland official said Tuesday that an agreement had been reached in principle and that details could be completed soon. They all said the game would be played in September.


Playing Maryland would give Morgan State, a Football Championship Subdivision team that plays in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, a chance to gain valuable media exposure. The men's basketball team upset Maryland last season and later reached the NCAA tournament. The Bears began 5-1 in football last season and finished 6-5, 4-4 in the MEAC. The team's toughest non conference game last season was against Akron, which won, 41-0. Morgan State football coach Donald Hill-Eley declined to comment. "As soon as the school has a signed contract, he'll be the first one to speak with you," Morgan State athletics spokesman Leonard Haynes IV said.

----------------
Morgan State is scheduled to play the following programs listed below in 2010. The Bears are seeking one out-of-conference money game to replace Akron. Local rival Towson is not on Morgan's schedule for 2010 and the Tigers are scheduled to play at Indiana in a Thursday night, Sept 2, money-game opener. Expect MEAC newcomer North Carolina Central University Eagles to replace Towson and to play the Bears in Baltimore. Winston-Salem State University Rams drops from the Bears schedule as they move back to the CIAA and Division II.

Morgan State 2010 Football Schedule
At University of Maryland
Home Bethune-Cookman University
At North Carolina A&T State University
At Howard University
Home Delaware State University
At Florida A&M University
At Norfolk State University
Home South Carolina State University
Home Hampton University

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Feeling of urgency grips Jackson State's Coach Comegy, staff

New recruiting class could be pivotal one for program

Rick Comegy sat at his desk Thursday afternoon surrounded by papers, binders, phone numbers and other files. The rest of his coaching staff sat in a meeting room just outside the door, phones nearby and video of players showing on a projector screen. It must be recruiting season. Comegy has cut off most contact with the outside world as he focuses on what could be the most important recruiting class of his four-year tenure at Jackson State.

An unexpected 3-6 record, 3-4 in the SWAC, in 2009 created a state of unrest around the program. Fans were irate with a scoring offense ranked No. 109 in the Football Championship Subdivision and it showed at the gate; JSU has had a lower home attendance just once since 1978. Offensive coordinator James Woody and offensive line coach Bruce Johnson were relieved of their duties.

Now, there's an unquestioned sense of urgency among the coaching staff to prove naysayers wrong. "I don't want people to misconceive what we do at Jackson State and the type of football that we have," Comegy said. "I think people look at that 3-4 record and think it's dead around there. "We're winners around here. I'm not used to losing. That's why I'm emphasizing so hard."

READ MORE, CLICK BLOG TITTLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Tigers' Johnson thrust into roles as scorer, team leader
Panthers Suffer Emotional Defeat To Jackson State
Jackson State edges Prairie View A&M 53-52

Lady Panthers Open Road Trip With Win Over Jackson State