AD search back on for FAMU

President James H. Ammons, Ph.D., Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

The search for an athletics director at Florida A&M is back to square one. FAMU President James Ammons said Thursday he has decided to extend the search by continuing to take applications for a permanent AD. Ammons also shot down reports that interim athletic director Mike Smith will be named the permanent replacement, although he said Smith could apply for the position.

Ammons' announcement during an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat came almost two months to the day in February when he told staff at an athletic department meeting that he'd have a decision within a week. He has since reconsidered but didn't make a statement until Thursday, when he said advertising for the position will resume.
"I want to make certain that we have reached all the talent for this position," Ammons said. "I just want to make sure I have a pool that is broad enough and rich enough to make this important decision."

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WSSU Rams' Davis thinking NBA Draft

Paul Davis, a 6-9 junior center at Winston-Salem State, has decided to put his name into the NBA Draft but has not hired an agent. Davis, who was named to the All-Independent second team last season, led the Rams in scoring at 10.9 points and rebounding at 7.8 a game. Davis, who was one of the Coach Bobby Collins' top recruits, was a three-year starter who shot a team-leading 58 percent from the field last season. Of his 129 made field goals, 42 of them were dunks. He also had 50 blocks last season and is the all-time leader in school history. Davis, from Clio, S.C., is hoping to get a chance to work out for NBA scouts in the next three weeks.

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SSU not rushing to hire AD, football coach‎

Savannah State University has not begun advertising for an athletics director or football head coach, and SSU Vice President for Administration Claud Flythe said there is no rush to do so. Bart Bellairs, who was paid $110,000 annually, resigned Nov. 23 as athletics director, a position he held for 18 months. Robby Wells, who was paid $90,000 annually, resigned Jan. 28 as football head coach, a position he held for two seasons.

"There is no deadline because, I'll be candid with you, I knew at the university I have two good people who can move us along," said Flythe, who oversees athletics. "There is no doubt in my mind." Flythe appointed Marilynn Suggs, SSU's assistant athletics director and senior woman administrator, to interim athletics director the day after Bellairs resigned to become athletics director at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La. Suggs appointed defensive coordinator, Julius Dixon interim head coach, the day Wells resigned.

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University of Houston Speaks with PVAMU Coach Cooper-Dyke‎

HOUSTON, TX - FOX 26 Sports has learned that University of Houston officials contacted Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Prairie View A&M University women's basketball coach, as part of the process to find a new coach for the Cougars. College basketball sources told FOX 26 that UH officials conducted a preliminary interview with Cooper-Dyke on the phone. The sources said that the university has also spoken with other candidates in a similiar fashion and that UH is in the early stages of the process.

The Cougars' job opened when Joe Curl resigned because of health issues. Cooper-Dyke was announced on Monday as one of the newest members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. It is the highest individual honor that a player or coach can receive in the sport of basketball. As a player, Cooper-Dyke did it all leading the University of Southern California to a pair of national championships, winning Olympic gold and leading the Houston Comets to four consecutive WNBA championships. And as a coach, Cooper-Dyke is doing a sensational job at Prairie View A&M.

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Southern U preps for busy home sports weekend

A big athletic weekend is on tap on the bluff, as the Southern track and field, baseball, softball and tennis teams will all be in action. The 51st Annual Davenport/Milburn Pelican Relays will be held on Friday and Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium on Roscoe Moore Track. Friday events kick off at 4 p.m., and Saturdays events start at 9 a.m. Five collegiate women's and men's teams, along with 10 high school girls and boys track teams are set to participate in this annual event at Southern University. Cost for the event is $5 for adults, and children under 10 are free.

It is Throwback Weekend at Lee-Hines Field, as the Southern Jaguars will battle in-state rival Grambling State in a three-game series. Southern has hosted Grambling for its annual throwback weekend in every year but one, and the weekend has grown to include vendors, exhibits and visits from the likes of the legendary Negro Leaguer Buck O'Neil.

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Title is right up UMES Hawks' alley

University of Maryland Eastern Shore Coach Sharon Brummell holds the NCAA National Championship trophy earned by the 2008 Lady Hawk Bowling Team. The Lady Hawks are seeking another championship; however, they must get past 2010 MEAC Champion, Delaware State University Lady Hornets that are also in the NCAA Bowling Championship Tournament.

PRINCESS ANNE -- The top-ranked University of Maryland Eastern Shore women's bowling team is prepared to make another run at a national title this week. Starting today, in North Brunswick, N.J., the Hawks will make their seventh consecutive appearance at the seventh annual NCAA championship. The Hawks, who finished second to Vanderbilt in 2007 before winning a national title in 2008, are looking to recapture their winning ways after placing seventh in last year's championship.

"We've worked so hard at just doing well this year," UMES coach Sharon Brummell said. "We've had a good year, so were back in the tournament -- now the pressure is on us to do well here. Our main concern is making sure that we are still bowling on Saturday."

The tournament features eight teams (Arkansas State, Central Missouri, Delaware State, Fairleigh Dickinson, Nebraska, New Jersey City, Vanderbilt and UMES) squaring off in five-person regular team games to determine seeding. The teams then will be seeded for play Friday based on their win-loss record during qualifying. A double-elimination format then will determine which two teams are still alive Saturday to play for a national title, which will air live on ESPNU at 8:30 p.m.

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WSSU Rams exit MEAC with strong promise for return to CIAA

The Rams 2009-2010 basketball season will leave a lasting impression as Winston-Salem State exits Division I and the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference play. WSSU began with a 0-3 start in Eugene, Ore. at the BTI Tournament Tip-Off in mid-November, but bounced back winning two of their next three games at home. The Rams defeated Atlanta Christian 94-57 Nov. 20 and Milligan 85-59 Nov. 30. The 76-52 loss came from Atlantic Coast Conference powerhouse Wake Forest Nov. 24.

During the win over Atlanta Christian, the Rams recorded 12 scorers, five in double-digits, and three with double-doubles. By halftime, 10 of the 12 players to score had put points on the board. Junior Shelton Carter scored 17 points and snatched 10 rebounds. Junior Paul Davis added 13 points and 11 rebounds, as junior McIntoche Alcius tossed in 10 points and led the Rams in rebounds with 12. The contributions from the trio were the first time in five years that three WSSU players contributed a double-double. Senior Brian Fisher also added a personal mark to his collegiate resume earning his 1,000th point in the 37-point victory.

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Norfolk State Spartans 0, Norfolk Tides 6

Brandon Snyder collected four hits and seven Tides relievers held Norfolk State to two hits in a 6-0 win in front of 8,509 fans Tuesday night at Harbor Park. Snyder singled four times to pace Norfolk's 11-hit attack, while Josh Bell singled and added an RBI triple. Lou Montanez, Scott Moore and Miguel Abreu each added an RBI single for the Tides, while Joey Gathright added two stolen bases and a run scored. Seven Tides hurlers combined on the two-hit shutout, with Ross Wolf striking out the side in a perfect inning of work.

The contest was the first between the two teams and benefited the Norfolk State University baseball program. Brandon Hairston and James Taylor each singled for Norfolk State, who continue their MEAC schedule on Saturday with a doubleheader against Maryland Eastern Shore. The Tides open up their regular season on Thursday night against the defending International League Champion Durham Bulls, with first pitch slated for 7:15 pm.

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Absences giving coaches look at developing JSU Tigers

Jackson State has dealt with limited numbers this spring as the team goes through practices with many expected starters out due to injuries or grades. And you'd think that would be a concern for coaches like defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes, whose secondary has been without Anthony Johnson (toe), Jalil Johnson (academics), Qua Cox (academics) and Jeremy Keys (work obligations). The 15 NCAA-allowed drills are crucial to player development, but Hayes isn't stressed and sees an upside.

"I get the opportunity to see other guys play other positions that you wouldn't normally have them play," Hayes said. "Those (returnees) have played in game situations and they'll be here all summer. "It's those guys who haven't been in the thick of the battle - you don't know how they're going to react. Spring tells you if a guy's going to get gun-shy." There isn't much concern about Anthony Johnson, Jalil Johnson or Keys, who combined to play 25 games in 2009, but Cox saw action just once.

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Southern Jaguars salvage split with Texas Southern Tigers

Late in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader at Lee-Hines Field, Southern first baseman Frazier Hall disappeared into foul territory, jogging toward a small cranny between Texas Southern’s dugout and bullpen. Unaware teammates soon found him near the wall, doubled over, writhing in apparent pain. It seemed that the 83-degree temperature, grouped with humid air, a sunny sky and no wind, made for bad conditions in Hall’s stomach. He overheated and lost his breakfast. Undeterred, however, Hall declined to leave the game.

Contrary to a theory that floated through the stands, Hall wasn’t nauseated by the Jaguars’ play — even though they were fairly sloppy in a split with the Tigers, losing the first game 6-4 and winning the second game 9-3. In two games, they committed nine errors, stranded 13 runners and hit .258 as a team, showing lack of discipline in many at-bats.

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SSU sweeps NC Central in baseball‎

The Savannah State University baseball team pounded out 28 hits Saturday en route to sweeping a home doubleheader from winless North Carolina Central (0-25), 11-1 in eight innings, and 11-6 in seven. The Tigers (13-13) had 15 hits in Game 1, as right fielder Dexter Kelley was 3-for-4 with two RBIs, three runs scored and one double. Third baseman-shortstop Joseph McCrary was 4-for-4 with one RBI, one run and one double. Michael Allegretti (7 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K) earned the win.

In Game 2, Kelley was 2-for-4 with three RBIs, and McCrary was 2-for-3 with three runs scored. Blake Lee was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and three runs. Mark Sherrod (5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K) was credited for the win.

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Commentary: Mississippi Valley coach must be scratching his head‎

MVSU head coach Karl Morgan: "I am very positive and optimistic about where we can take this program." Last Wednesday, four of Valley players, including the potential starting quarterback and a offensive lineman, were charged with the sale of marijuana on a school campus, arrested and expelled with 11 others.

Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. That old saying could easily apply to new Mississippi Valley State head football coach Karl Morgan although he says that's not the case at all. It's been a rough couple of first months since he was hired in January to replace Willie Totten. First, he didn't receive an overwhelming reception from the majority of Valley fans who wanted the school to hire MVSU alumnus Sam Washington, one of the five finalists for the job.

Second, Morgan was called out by some fans after not signing any players on National Signing Day after getting an extremely late start in the recruiting process. He was hired just three weeks before signing day. When Totten stepped down just a couple of weeks after the 2009 season, recruiting probably wasn't a priority for the assistant coaches who, knowing they weren't going to be retained by the new coach, were more worried about feeding their families than recruiting for another coach. So when Morgan came on board in mid-January, he probably had little to work with in recruiting.

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SU football coach Mitchell focused on players' grades

Wednesday night, as he drove through Baton Rouge from one errand to the next, Southern football coach Stump Mitchell discussed priorities for the offseason. Nearly three months have passed since he took over, and in that time, he hired a staff of assistants, evaluated the current roster, instituted a winter workout program, signed 34 recruits and navigated the Jaguars through 15 sessions of spring practice — most of which happened before sunrise.

Nearly four months stand between now and the start of preseason training camp. Still, Mitchell said his No. 1 priority — improving the players’ grades — hasn’t changed. “We’re settling in now as coaches, and we’re getting an opportunity to learn these young men. They’re learning us, too. I think that’s more important,” Mitchell said. “These guys understanding that they’re going to get an education first. We’re not going to allow them to just get by so we can win a football game. It doesn’t mean that much to me.” Of course, winning football games still means quite a bit to Mitchell, and for the players, it’s not all about exams and research papers.

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FAMU'S Green Team wins 27-0 in Orange and Green Game

Defensively, the Rattlers Green Team was led by linebacker Jerod Brisbon, who finished with five tackles (4 solos, 1 asst) and one tackle for a loss of four-yards. The former Hillsborough High standout was arrested (Booking No. 10007525) on February 14, 2010 in Tampa and charged with allegedly possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest without violence. All three charges are misdemeanor offenses and Brisbon posted a $1,500 bond with the Hillsborough County Sheriff Office and was released. The 5-foot-11, 208-pound Brisbon signed with FAMU last spring and despite coming in as a true freshman, earned a starting spot at linebacker by the end of the season.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Florida A&M University Football team held their Annual Orange and Green game on Saturday, April 3 at Bragg Memorial Stadium with the Green Team winning 27-0, over the Orange Team. Trevor Scott gave the green team a 3-0 lead as he connected on a 22-yard field goal with 4:21 to go in the first quarter. He would then connect on another 22-yard field goal to increase the Green’s team lead to 6-0 with 11:04 left in the second quarter. Anthony Shutt scored the Green’s team first touchdown of the game on a 46-yard interception return with 4:46 to go in the half, giving them a 13-0 lead.

Lavontae Page scored the Green’s team first offensive TD of the game on a two-yard run with 14:52 left in the fourth quarter, making the score 20-0 in favor of the Green Team. James Owens would score the Green’s team final TD on another two-yard run with 1:10 left in the contest for the 27-0 win. The Green team finished the game with 305 yards of total offense with 124 yards on ground and with 181 yards through the air.

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MVSU football coach sees progress in first scrimmage

Karl Morgan wasn't blown away by his team's performance, but he did see progress. "I saw some things to be excited about, but we still have a long way to go," said the new Mississippi Valley State head football coach after his team's first scrimmage of spring training Wednesday at Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena. "I thought our effort was decent. We're still a work in progress."

The Delta Devil offense ran 60 plays against the defense and struggled early with timing and pre-snap penalties. The offensive unit did, however, gather momentum late in the scrimmage and find the end zone a couple of times. "The offense came back at the end with a couple of drives and big plays," said Morgan, who was hired in January to replace Willie Totten, who stepped down following the 2009 season. "Our running backs ran harder as the scrimmage went on, but they did put the ball on the ground too many times. And I think our offensive line showed some progress."

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Mississippi Valley expels 15 arrested in sweep; includes four football players‎

Valley football coach Karl Morgan, who was hired in January, says football players Eddie Ivory (QB), Kyle Hurt (DE), Keldrick Hooks (DE) and Nicholas Dwayne Sherman (OL) were arrested and have been expelled from the University.

Mississippi Valley State University has expelled 15 students, including four football players, arrested in a drug sweep Wednesday morning. Sixteen people were arrested in a collaboration between several law enforcement agencies, including Valley police and the North Central Narcotics Task Force. Valley confirmed that 15 of those arrested were students. MVSU Police Chief Robert Sanders said he believes the bust nabbed a substantial amount of the drug activity on campus.

“We are continuing to put our officers out,” he said. “We are stepping up patrols and asking students, staff and faculty to be involved with reporting suspicious activity.” A six-week investigation culminated in 11 felony and five misdemeanor arrests by the narcotics task force. Commander Gordon Ward said about seven ounces of marijuana, $4,700 in cash and two vehicles were confiscated.

The arrests were made in dorm rooms, Sanders said. It was not clear if the expelled students had left the campus, but only two remained incarcerated as of this morning. “There is a policy in place that we do not tolerate any sort of drug activity on campus,” Sanders said. Ward said the task force had captured video evidence of the marijuana sales. The bust involved about 40 officers. The sweep involved the MVSU Police Department, Leflore County Sheriff’s Office, Greenwood Police Department, U.S. Marshals, Parchman K-9 Unit and the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

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SU Cador hopes fish tale helps spark Jaguars‎

Late Tuesday night, sometime after the Southern baseball team outlasted Nicholls State and returned from Houma, longtime coach and part-time motivational speaker Roger Cador found himself transfixed on a television nature show. It detailed the life cycle of the salmon — how they start in Alaskan rivers, swim downstream into the Pacific, grow into adults, then swim upstream to lay eggs in the same Alaskan river ... only to die a few weeks later.

Somehow, in Cador’s ever-expansive mind, he saw how the story applied to his own team, which heads into the meaty part of its Southwestern Athletic Conference schedule this month. The salmon and the Jaguars. Who knew they had anything in common? Southern (8-9, 5-1 Western Division) kicks off a three-game series against second-place Texas Southern (13-14, 4-2) with a doubleheader that begins at noon today, and two days before the first pitch, the Jaguars gathered around their 26th-year coach for story time. Cador spoke of the salmon — about how they adapt from freshwater to saltwater, about how they swim against raging rapids and sometimes even leap waterfalls, just to return to the place where they mate.

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Spring Game: Florida A&M QB battle is on‎

Today's Orange and Green football game means one thing to the three Florida A&M quarterbacks who are competing for the starting job: showtime. Nothing that Eddie Battle, Martin Ukpai and Austin Trainor have done since spring practice began two weeks ago will mean as much as what they deliver in Bragg Stadium. It will be as close as they'll get to a real game situation before the season begins in September.

r-Senior QB Eddie Battle #8 has the experience and patience to be the Rattlers leader for 2010. Come out and see for yourself at the ORANGE AND GREEN SPRING GAME, Today: 5 p.m., at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

"It's going to weigh heavily and we're going to really grade this one," FAMU coach Joe Taylor said. "We should do better. It's one thing to play, but it's another thing to know the game and the more we can put them in a game-like siPublish Posttuation it gets them ready for the game." Each of the quarterbacks has very distinct styles that they have to make work in Taylor's spread offense. Battle and Trainor have a penchant for the pocket, whereas Ukpai has shown an ability to run if he has to. Of the three, Ukpai is more a situation-type player who strives on moving the offense with his arm as much has he does with his feet.

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NSU Spartans, Suffolk native to play vs. Norfolk Tides‎

Head Coach Claudell Clark and the Norfolk State Spartans will play an exhibition game against the Norfolk Tides, the triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, on Tuesday, April 6 at 7:15 pm at Harbor Park. Tickets for the event are $5.00, ($3.00 for students) with all proceeds from the contest going towards the NSU Spartans baseball program.

When Norfolk State’s baseball team gets to play the Norfolk Tides in an exhibition game at Harbor Park Tuesday night, it’ll be just one more reason why Suffolk native John Rasberry’s happy he’s worked and played his way to Norfolk State and the Spartan baseball squad. Rasberry was a standout outfielder and pitcher at Lakeland until transferring to Greenbrier Christian in Chesapeake as a junior.

With the Gators, Rasberry was a two-time all-Tidewater Conference and All-State (Virginia Independent Schools) player and on a state-championship Greenbrier club while hitting .475 in his senior season. Rasberry went to college and played ball for two years at Delaware Tech Community College before being recruited and coming to Norfolk State. Getting the chance to play Division I baseball was certainly one goal. Coming back close to home is a huge bonus.

“I’ve been away the past couple years. It’s great now playing in front of faces I know basically every home game. People who, for my whole life, have been cheering me on, are able to watch me play. It’s really fun,” Rasberry said. As the starting leftfielder and leadoff hitter for the Spartans, Rasberry’s hitting .371 (26-for-70) with 18 runs, three doubles, two homers, six stolen bases and 12 RBI.

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QUOTES:

"We are really excited to welcome Norfolk State to Harbor Park for this exhibition game" said Tides President Ken Young. "This is a great opportunity for fans to catch their first glimpse of the 2010 Tides in action, and hopefully this is the start of a long-term relationship with an institution that is very important in the Hampton Roads community."

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to compete against the Norfolk Tides," Norfolk State head baseball coach Claudell Clark said. "The game will give our baseball program greater exposure in the Tidewater area as well as serving as a key fundraiser for us. We look forward to making the event a success each year."

This game supplants the annual exhibition game the Tides had played against the Old Dominion University Monarchs.

Jeffries Named South Carolina State University Head Coach Emeritus‎

"I accept this honor and role with great humility, not just for myself but for all the young men I've coached."

Former South Carolina State football coach Willie Jeffries, who attained legendary status at his alma mater before retiring nine years ago, has been named Head Football Coach Emeritus at the school where he won more football games than any other coach. A recommendation from SC State athletics director Charlene Johnson and President George Cooper to elevate Jeffries to "Emeritus" status was approved by the university's Board of Trustees at its February 26 meeting.

Not only will Jeffries wear a new title, the former Bulldog coach will also serve as a liaison between the university, its alumni and other constituents and also help market the university.

"Coach Jeffries and his wide appeal to so many of our stakeholders and other constituents provide us a great opportunity to brand and market the University," Dr. Cooper said. "He can help us frame relationships that will increase support for athletics." "Coach Jeffries is truly admired by so many," said Johnson, "Not just for his achievements in athletics, but also for his humanitarian contributions to this community, this state and society."

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HU sophomore hits four homers in one softball game

Four home runs would make a good month for many players. But for Hampton University shortstop Rebecca Magett, they came in one game -- not surprisingly, a school record. Magett, a sophomore from Grand Rapids, Mich., enjoyed the best day of her softball career in Game 2 of a home doubleheader Friday. She capped it with a game-winning two-run shot in the bottom of the seventh inning for a 10-9 victory over Maryland Eastern Shore.

Magett was 4-for-5 with four runs and five RBI, countering the five RBI produced by UMES catcher Ashley Johnson. HU overcame an 8-3 deficit. Hampton (13-21, 2-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) won the opener 9-1.Magett was 2-for-3 with a double, two runs and two RBI, Nina Ferguson was 2-for-3 with two RBI, and Jada Jefferies pitched a four-hitter with six strikeouts and four walks.

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ASU announces 2010 football schedule‎

MONTGOMERY, AL – Six home games and nine Southwestern Athletic Conference games highlight the 2010 edition of the Alabama State University football schedule. The Hornets open the season on Sept. 4 against SWAC rival Mississippi Valley State at Cramton Bowl. ASU continues its season-opening home stand Sept. 11 versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff before closing the month with a pair of road contests at Prairie View A&M (Sept. 18) and Alcorn State (Sept. 25).

The month of October brings Bama State home to start with an Oct. 2 tilt against Texas Southern. ASU visits Grambling State on Oct. 9 before earning the first of its two bye weeks of the season. Following the open date, Alabama State hosts Savannah State on Oct. 23, for the first of just two non-conference games on the schedule. ASU concludes the month Oct. 30 versus rival Alabama A&M in the 69th annual Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham. The SWAC Football Championship game is slated for Dec. 11 at Legion Field.

Alabama State University Hornets 2010 Football Schedule

DATE OPPONENT LOCATON TIME

9/11/10 Mississippi Valley State, Cramton Bowl, 7 pm

9/12/10 Arkansas, Pine Bluff, Cramton Bowl, 7 pm

9/18/10 Prairie View A&M, Prairie View, TX, 12 pm

9/25/10 Alcorn State, Lorman, MS, 2 pm

10/2/10 Texas Southern, Cramton Bowl, 7 pm

10/9/10 Grambling State, Grambling, LA, 4 pm

10/23/10 Savannah State, Cramton Bowl, 1 pm

10/30/10 Alabama A&M, Birmingham, AL, 2:30 pm

11/6/10 Jackson State, Cramton Bowl, 7 pm

11/13/10 Southern, Baton Rouge, LA, 5:30 pm

11/25/10 Tuskegee, Cramton Bowl, 1 pm

Foot race heats up as FAMU seeks starting punter‎

There is no mystery to what carries a lot of weight as special teams coach Juan Vasquez tries to find out which of two competing punters will have the edge after Florida A&M spring football practice. "We want the ball punted 40 yards, four seconds hang time," Vasquez said. "Whoever can do that more consistently is going to be it." Unlike coach Joe Taylor's first two seasons when there was little competition for the punting job, Branden Holdren is being challenged by Justin Moore. As the incumbent, Holdren came into spring practice as the one to beat.

Holdren, who was recruited last season, was pressed into punting after Troy Walker left the program, heading off what might have been an intense showdown. Moore came in just before the start of camp last season and, instead of trying to play catch up, waited behind Holdren. So here they are, as each tries to prove that he can handle the job best. Holdren's experience makes him the front-runner, but Vasquez doesn't appear willing to stop there.

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Fred Kraiss: Back home at Hampton University

Baltimore, Maryland native Fred Kraiss is Hampton University Pirates new offensive coordinator. Coach Kraiss previously served as OC at Tennessee State University (2006-2009; 1997-1999, special teams and WR coach); Hampton University (OC, 2001-2006); 1993 special teams coach, Southern University; and Morgan State University (1992), OC, quarterback and receivers coach.

Fred Kaiss didn't want to leave Hampton University to begin with, but getting him back didn't prove to be a hard sell. Kaiss, the Pirates' former offensive coordinator who left the school in 2006 after clashing with then-coach Joe Taylor, is back on the HU sidelines for longtime assistant Donovan Rose's second season as head coach. "I’ve known him, and I’ve always been cordial with him," Rose said. "When he left, that was between him and Coach. I don’t have anything to do with that. I had no problem. His wife and my wife are friends. It was a real good relationship. I called him, and he said, 'Hey coach, I’d love to work with you.'"

It wasn't the first call Kaiss received from Hampton. "(Former HU coach) Jerry Holmes had called me numerous times, and I love (Holmes), but the timing wasn’t right," said Kaiss, who was in his second stint at Tennessee State when Rose called. "It just wasn’t right. It was imperative that I bring certain assistants with me and I get certain things promised." Those assistants - offensive line coach Charles Huff and quarterbacks coach Shannon Harris - are now at HU with Kaiss, and the new OC is expecting big things for a program that has fallen from the heights of three straight MEAC championships from 2004 to 2006.

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Early Impressions of Hampton University Spring Football

Jeremiah Schwartz, a transfer from Iowa State, is in the Pirates RB mix. The 5-11/232 redshirt sophomore had 71 carries, 274 yards (3.7 avg) and 1 reception, 30 yards in eight games with the Cyclones. He was number two on the depth chart at RB for ISU. At Orlando Edgewater High School, Schwartz rushed for over 1,700 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior, with more than 100 yards receiving ... received all-metro, all-county, and Florida Sports Writers Association first-team Class 6A all-state honors for his senior campaign ... sixth-rated back according to Scout.com ... Florida 6A Player-of-the-Year finalist ... honor roll student ... commited to Iowa State over Kentucky, Wisconsin, Virginia and Colorado.

The quarterback competition isn't much of one right now because of a lingering injury, the starting running back job is wide open, and the many new faces include a handful of transfers and a revamped coaching staff. There are plenty of questions greeting the start of spring football at Hampton University, but also a sense of optimism that filled the air like the abundant sunshine on Wednesday afternoon.

Under head coach Donovan Rose's watchful gaze, players ran agility drills on the turf at Armstrong Stadium. Quarterback Herb Bynes, who had offseason surgery on the ankle that bothered him all of last year, was on the field wearing a red jersey, but David Legree, who split time behind center last season, did almost all of the throwing. "He practices as he can," Rose said of Bynes, who threw for 987 yards and eight touchdowns after setting school records with 2,713 yards and 19 touchdowns as a sophomore.

"No hitting drills. Every now and then he’ll throw, but we don’t give him a lot. ... David right now is the guy. He’s healthy and he’s taking all the reps basically. Herb is hurt still, but I think he’ll be healthy when he comes back (in the fall). To me, the best guy plays, and I think it’s good that both of them are strong candidates." Legree, a transfer from Syracuse threw for 803 yards and seven TDs last year.

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