Dallas Cowboys' Marcus Dixon 'to make an impact'

IRVING, Texas -- Marcus Dixon (Hampton University) knows all about wanting -- and waiting -- to prove himself. After spending parts of his first two seasons on the practice squad, the Dallas Cowboys defensive end has high hopes to make it on the 53-man roster. "He's really reshaped his career as a football player," coach Wade Phillips said. "The first day he came in, two years ago, he couldn't run one lap without collapsing. Now he's on special teams runs and he's up to 294 now, and he was 270 when he came in."

Dixon will have steady competition for an end spot that is occupied by starters Marcus Spears and Igor Olshansky. The backups are Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen. Spears, Hatcher and Bowen are currently in the final year of their contracts. It's something Dixon has noticed. "My mindset is it's got to be my year," Dixon said. "This is a league of 'What have you done for me lately?' I know the coaches and the owner like me and they kept me, but it's still a league of 'What have you done for me lately?' I've been here. I got to show them something. I got to get this done and stay healthy, and I got to showcase my talents because I want to be here."

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Coach Nickelberry Lands at Howard University

Howard University Bison head basketball coach, Kevin Nickelberry.

Over the past two months, Coach Kevin Nickelberry has been the hottest coaching commodity on the Division I basketball circuit. The former Hampton University head men's basketball coach had been offered assistant coaching positions by incoming head coaches Gib Arnold at the University of Hawaii and Oliver Purnell, DePaul University. After all things considered, Nickelberry had to say no--for a better offer as the new head men's basketball coach at Howard University, in his hometown of Washington, D.C.

This is probably the best hire Howard University has made since the legendary Willie Jeffries was named the coach of Bison football. In our opinion, Coach Nickelberry is just that good and is an expectional recruiter of Division I talent. It will be interesting to see how soon Nickelberry can get the Bison back on the winning track and compete with Morgan State's Coach Todd Bozeman for the wealth of basketball talent in Washington D.C., Prince George's and Baltimore Counties. We expect a battle of public school (Morgan State) vs. private school (Howard) in this MEAC race. More importantly, Howard University has made a very serious statement with this hire -- the Bison are now serious about winning in basketball and making it to the big dance.

Coach Nickelberry replaces Gil Jackson, who was fired after five consecutive 20-loss seasons, including a 7-25 record last season.

No doubt, the Coach Nickelberry hire is definitely a strong upgrade for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference coaching ranks. Add to the mix -- coaches Todd Bozeman (Morgan State), Horace Broadnax (Savannah State), Tim Carter (South Carolina State), Greg Jackson (Delaware State), Ron "Fang" Mitchell (Coppin State), Jerry Eaves (North Carolina A&T) and LeVelle Moton (North Carolina Central), the conference is moving in the right direction to become a mid-major force.

Now, the rest of the story...

Kevin Nickelberry Named Head Men's Basketball Coach at Howard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kevin Nickelberry, who helped UNC Charlotte and Clemson to four postseason appearances, has been named head basketball coach at Howard University."We are pleased to have a coach with the distinguished career and success of Kevin Nickelberry lead our men's basketball program," said Charles Gibbs, Director of Athletics. "This is an exciting day, not only for Howard University, but for our alumni and loyal supporters. We look toward the future under Coach Nickelberry's direction as we take the steps necessary to propel our program to a new era of excellence.”

Nickelberry, a native of Washington, D.C. and no stranger to Howard, spent the last year as the head coach of the Libya National Basketball Team. He was the head coach at Hampton University from 2006-2009. During his three years with the Pirates, Nickelberry helped guide his teams to 20 non-conference wins. He collected 49 Division I wins during his tenure, which ranks second among MEAC schools.

"This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me to be able to return to the sidelines at Howard because of its rich tradition, heritage and a strong academic dimension,” Nickelberry said. “I look forward to getting to know each of the players, building a staff and making sure that we put things in motion for the upcoming academic year."

Nickelberry began his coaching career as the head women’s basketball coach at Columbia Union College in 1991 and moved to Howard University for four seasons, from 1994-1998. During his time in the coaching ranks, Nickelberry worked in all areas including recruiting, fundraising, marketing and public relations. The 45-year-old has been a major part of every aspect, especially during his three-year tenure at Clemson from 2003-2006 when he recruited nine players on the Tigers’ 2007-08 and 2008-09 NCAA Tournament teams.

Nickelberry was the assistant coach at UNC Charlotte for two seasons. Over this period in 2001-03, he helped develop Eddie Basden, the second player in Conference USA history to win Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. He also contributed to successful programs at Holy Cross and Monmouth. For his efforts, Nickelberry was rated among the Top 25 “Up-and-Coming” college basketball coaches by The Sporting News and Hoopscooponline.com in 2008.

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RECRUITMENT: Director, Intercollegiate Athletics

Our Alma Mater needs help... please pass this vacancy announcement on to any "top shelf" qualified candidates that you may know in the profession that is looking for a fresh career start.

Director, Intercollegiate Athletics

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is one of eleven state-supported universities in Florida. The University is governed by a 13-member Board of Trustees and is a member of the State University System governed by the Florida Board of Governors. FAMU is an 1890 land-grant Comprehensive/Doctoral University, which was established by the Legislature in 1887 in the capital city of Tallahassee. The University currently has an enrollment of approximately 12,000 high achieving students and over 700 faculty members who provide instruction, research, and service through six colleges, seven schools, and an Environmental Science Institute. In addition to 62 outstanding baccalaureate programs, FAMU offers 42 master's level programs, several professional programs, including a College of Law, and 11 Ph.D. programs. The University has been an historic leader in recruiting National Achievement Scholars and has been number one in the production of African American baccalaureate graduates.

The University is seeking applications of individuals with a strong academic, and/or administrative background for the position of Director, Intercollegiate Athletics.

QUALIFICATIONS: A master's degree or professional degree from an accredited university in an appropriate area of specialization and six (6) years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited university in an appropriate area of specialization and eight (8) years of appropriate experience. Preference will be given to applicants with evidence of significant senior leadership in athletic administration and/or coaching, preferably at the NCAA Division I collegiate level, a comprehensive understanding and extensive knowledge of NCAA bylaws, rules and regulations, successful fund-raising efforts and absolute commitment to the philosophy of the student athlete including academic excellence and sportsmanship.

The deadline to apply is May 31, 2010. Applicants should submit a completed FAMU employment application to:

Office of Human Resources
Florida A&M University
211 Foote-Hilyer Administration Center
Tallahassee, Florida 32307-3200
Telephone: (850) 599-3611
Fax: (850) 561-2080

Salary: Salary is based on educational requirements, experience and knowledge, skills, and abilities.

NOTE: Successful completion of a background investigation is a condition of employment.

Alcorn State Claims 2010 SWAC Softball Championship Title‎

The (Alcorn State University) Lady Braves started the day with an 11-2 rout over Grambling State to secure a place in the championship game against the six-time defending champion (Mississippi Valley State University) Devilettes. In the first inning of the title game, MVSU’s first two batters, Ashley Hobbs and Angelica Wade hoisted home runs out of the park, giving Alcorn State an early 0-2 deficit. However, the Lady Braves answered back at the top of second with a Jennie Hatch homer that drove home two runs. The game would remain knotted at two all for the next five innings.

After a brief rain delay at the top of the eighth inning, Alcorn State returned from the hiatus re-energized as the Lady Braves rattled off three hits while scoring four runs to take the 6-2 lead. The Devilettes looked poised for a scoring surge of their own after an Angelia Jones homer at the bottom of the eighth. However, MVSU wasn’t able to score again, halting a six-year conference championship win streak. Alcorn State was led by Rachel Morris who was 2-for-4 in the game while Haleigh Eubanks led the way for the Devilettes, going 3-for-4.

This is Alcorn State’s first conference championship since 1997, when they were co-champions with Grambling State. With the win, the Lady Braves are automatic qualifiers for the NCAA regional tournament. The softball selection show is set for Sunday, May 16 at 9 p.m. (CT) on ESPNU.

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Anthony's decision boosts GSU's hopes‎

GRAMBLING, LA — As Grambling's Black and Gold Spring Game was wrapping up last Saturday, so was the final day of the 2010 NFL Draft. GSU defensive end Christian Anthony very well could have heard his name called in the draft had he chosen for forego his final year of eligibility with the Tigers. But his mother had other plans. "The first thing I did after the Bayou Classic was I sat down and talked with my mom, and we had a little discussion," Anthony said. "She wanted me to finish school, and then go on from there. What's another six or seven months?"

Grambling State’s star defensive end Christian Anthony (#90) chose to forego the NFL Draft and return to GSU for his senior year to graduate.

It sounds like Anthony's motivations for returning for his senior year extend beyond academics. He also wants to finish his athletic career on a high note. He was a key player on a GSU defense that paved the way to a SWAC championship in 2008, but the Tigers had a disappointing 2009 season, including mid-season loss to Prairie View A&M that essentially knocked the Tigers out of title contention. "That's all I need is motivation," Anthony said. "There's always motivation, especially with Prairie View." At 6-foot-3 and 277 pounds, Anthony certainly looks the part of an NFL draft pick.

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2010 UDFA Profile: Terrell Whitehead, S, Norfolk State

Norfolk State's free safety Terrell Whitehead #9 is the Spartans first-ever three-time Division I FCS All-American. How this 6-1/196 gem of a defensive player was overlooked and not drafted in 255 picks is a complete mystery to MEAC fans. (photo by Mark Sutton)

We are currently in the midst of the 2010 mini-camp for the Jaguars and unfortunately I am unable to attend. So instead I'll defer to the judgement of those that were able to attend, namely BCC's own Alfie Crow. In his last post, reviewing day 1 of mini-camp, Alfie singled out Norfolk State safety Terrell Whitehead as one of the undrafted free agents that has a chance to make the final roster:

A free agent rookie to keep an eye on is Norfolk State safety Terell Whitehead. He intercepted a Luke McCown pass during what was supposed to be one-on-one drills. Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker told him to jump the route if he could on the play, which Whitehead did, and was abruptly met with a "Hey man! Not fair!" by the intercepted quarterback.

***
Terrell Whitehead was the safety to backup Jaguars CB Don Carey at Norfolk State for three years and was a very successful one at that. Whitehead was injured for the first two games of his freshman season, found the field as a reserve for the next five games and started his last four games. From then on, Whitehead was nothing short of a superstar for Norfolk State. In both his sophomore and junior seasons he was named to the 1st team All-MEAC and the 3rd team FCS All-American teams. In his senior season, Whitehead earned a spot on the 1st team All-MEAC and the 1st team FCS All-American teams. He remains the only player in NSU history to earn spots on the All-MEAC and the FCS All-American teams in three years.

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Friend helps Pugh discover recruiting gem

Southern University Coach Sandy Pugh expects to sign one more player by the end of the late signing period.

Fresh off her trip to the NCAA tournament, Southern women’s basketball coach Sandy Pugh was scanning the country for a good recruit. She had someone specific in mind — a versatile guard who could dribble, shoot, score and play multiple positions. Someone who reminded Pugh of some of her veterans, like standouts Hannah Kador and Ashley Augerson. Just then, Pugh said an old friend called her with a tip: Check out Adrian Sanders, a 5-foot-10 guard/forward from Ridgeway High School in Memphis, Tenn.

“One of my colleagues saw her work out and said, ‘Hey, you have to get this girl.’ I looked at her on tape and we did our homework, and my friend was right,” Pugh said. “Adrian came down (last) weekend, she loved the team and the campus. ... We were lucky to get in on her this late in the game.” Sure enough, Sanders was one of two players to sign national letters of intent to play at Southern next season. She joined Adjua David, a 5-foot-10 forward from New York.

Sanders, a left-hander, averaged 16.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game during her senior. She was named to her all-district and all-region teams her senior year. David averaged 23.7 points, 17.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game this season at Boys & Girls High School in Brooklyn. She led New York’s three-tier Public School Athletic League in scoring and rebounds.

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An idea whose time has come at TSU

Few main stream sports fans know that Super Bowl Champion Michael Strahan All-American smile was developed on the playing fields of Texas Southern University, where he ruled the SWAC, recording 41.5 career sacks. The NFL's all-time sack leader and future hall of famer is a native of Houston, Texas and played 15 NFL seasons for the New York Giants.

You know the saying about not remembering history and our being condemned to repeat it? Well, Texas Southern University hopes that remembering some of its glorious football history might help it relive it. Tigers greats will gather tonight to celebrate the inaugural class of the Texas Southern Football Hall of Fame. The idea, pushed by TSU coach Johnnie Cole, a TSU legend and almost certain future inductee, is long overdue.

TSU All-American defensive tackle, the late Ernie Holmes, a two-time Super Bowl winner and an anchor of Pittsburgh's "Steel Curtain" defense, pose with Super Bowl trophy and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll. The two-time All Pro played for the Steelers from 1972-77, and spent part of the 1978 season with New England before retiring. Holmes, an ordained minister, lived on a ranch in Wiergate, Texas and died at age 59 in a car crash in January 2008. As part of a famous front four that included "Mean" Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood and the late Dwight White, "Ernie was one of the toughest players to ever wear a Steelers uniform," Steelers chairman Dan Rooney said in a statement. "At his best, he was an intimidating player who even the toughest of opponents did not want to play against."

“This is something I've dreamed about for years,” said Cole, who played quarterback at TSU from 1982-86 and returned as coach in 2008. “Over the years, a lot of former athletes had said they felt that the school had forgotten about them, and I always felt this would be one way to pay tribute.

“There are so many wonderful people, so many great football players, who have done so much for the university and so much in life that needed to be acknowledged. Before you know where you're going, you got to know where you come from.” Local sports fans are not as familiar with the grand history of TSU football as we should be. Any university would be proud to honor such a distinguished group as this first class. All 15 of the players who will be celebrated tonight at the Westin Galleria were All-Americans. The group spans five decades of TSU football.

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Former MLB star Dave Parker visits FAMU‎

"The Cobra" Dave Parker was the 1978 National League MVP and a two-time batting champion.

A larger than usual crowd waited at Rattler Field. They came for two reasons: To see former major-league great Dave Parker throw out the first pitch. Then to hopefully enjoy a competitive game between the Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman University softball teams. The Rattlers have dominated the past five meetings between the conference rivals. Rain, however, washed out the softball game Friday afternoon. Those who waited out a lengthy delay mingled with Parker, who is in town for the graduation of his daughter, Dorian, today. He didn't seem bothered by the delay, although it was the second one in his day.

His flight was late getting into Jacksonville, followed by a two-hour ride to Tallahassee. Waiting. It seems to be the story of Parker's life when it comes to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. For the past 13 years, since he has became eligible to be considered for induction into the HOF, Parker has yet to hear his name called. He often finds himself talking about it and Friday was no exception. There is no bitterness, Parker said, just confusion as he approaches his final year of eligibility before his only way of getting in would be through the Veterans Committee.

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Tampa Jefferson QB Quentin Williams has big arm, wins games, yet has just 4 offers

Quentin Williams, an upcoming senior, was the 3A Florida state high school player of the year in 2009, recording 35 touchdown passes and 3,495 passing yards, completed 64 percent of his passes and had just 10 interceptions in 304 pass attempts in an 11-2 season. Williams says he WANTS TO ATTEND an HBCU. "I'm 6-foot even. It is what it is," said Williams, who is not at all interested in playing anything other than QB at the next level."

He has scholarship offers for Towson State, Central Florida, Florida International and Purdue.

At the Orlando EA Sports Elite 11 QB Camp earlier this spring, Tampa Jefferson quarterback Quentin Williams was zipping balls all over the field, drilling them into the hands of would-be receivers, most of whom dropped the ball out of sheer shock at the velocity. He was drawing oohs and aahs and players and coaches were asking, "Who's that?" Indeed.

Fast forward to the April Steve Clarkson Dreammakers QB Challenge at the Citrus Bowl, and yet again he opened some eyes. During one drill, a receiver complained that the QBs weren't throwing the ball hard enough. Somebody hollered over at Williams, "Hey Q, did you hear that? They said you guys aren't throwing hard enough." Williams just grinned.

On his next rep, he effortlessly fired a 20-yard out at a receiver's chest. It was almost as if the receiver's hands were there for protection, not for catching. The ball sent the receiver back a few steps and more people were asking, "Who was that?" THAT is the 3A Florida state high school player of the year from last year. THAT is a player everyone should know by now, but it seems no one does. Williams put up gaudy stats and led the Dragons to the state semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Pensacola in 2009.



Tampa Jefferson High School 6-0/185 star quarterback Quentin Williams states, "I'm open right now and I would actually like to experience a black college," Williams said, but when asked if he was thinking MEAC or a similar level of university, he said, "Right now I really don't care what it is. I just want to go to school and get a good education."

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Harrisburg's Sabre Proctor picks North Carolina A&T Lady Aggies

Pennsylvania's Harrisburg High School 6-0, Class AAAA Associated Press All-State forward Sabre Proctor (#15) has signed with the North Carolina A&T State University Lady Aggies and the Division I, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Proctor selected the Aggies over Rutgers and Delaware State.

COLLEGE RECRUITING WATCH

ATHLETE: Sabre Proctor

SPORT: Basketball

HIGH SCHOOL: Harrisburg (Pennsylvania)

COLLEGE: North Carolina A&T

THE DETAILS: At the Field House at Harrisburg High School Thursday, the Cougars’ all-state forward announced her intentions to join head coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs and the Division I Aggies. Over the past four seasons, the Aggies won 91 games and three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles with one NCAA Tournament appearance. Cage-Bibbs & Co. went 23-11 this season and, following a MEAC championship loss to South Carolina State, chalked up two WNIT victories at Wake Forest and Charlotte.

THE DECISION: "It was just the best fit for me. I loved the coaches, the players and the distance from home. Actually, they have one of the top business schools and that’s what I want to study," said Proctor, projected as a 3. "Coach [Cage-Bibbs] is very family-oriented and I connected with her. You can talk to her about anything.

THE ATHLETE: Among the Mid-Penn’s most aggressive players, Proctor worked hard to expand her skill set and became both a four-time conference all-star and three-time selection to The Patriot-News Big 15. Always a physical force underneath, the 6-0 recruit added a deft touch from the perimeter and shoved the Cougars into the PIAA Class AAAA Tournament with an 18.1 average. She finished her scholastic career with more than 1,600 points and over 1,000 caroms. "I always had a nice little mid-range jumper but I would never take it," Proctor said. "I had to be able to convert and do other things, create my own shot." A terrific senior campaign helped Proctor land a third-team spot on the Associated Press Class AAAA all-state team. The Cougars’ ace also gave serious consideration to Rutgers and Delaware State, among others.

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The NFL "After Draft:" Free Agent Signings

South Carolina State University Wide Receiver (#3) Oliver Tre' Young signs free agent contract with the Carolina Panthers.

Cardinals sign SU's Stewart

Passed over during the NFL draft, Southern wide receiver Juamorris Stewart doesn’t have to wonder if he’d have a shot at the pros. Saturday night, Stewart said he has agreed to sign a free-agent deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Even as the seventh and final round plodded along Saturday, several teams started calling Stewart to offer free-agent deals. “I talked to a bunch of teams, but they have a young group and (the Cardinals) like throwing the ball,” Stewart said. “I’m just hoping I can come in and show what I can do. I’m happy and very excited.” Stewart said he and his agent, Tyron Collins, haven’t yet worked out the details with Arizona, but Stewart said he believes he’ll get a two- or three-year deal. The Cardinals’ rookie minicamp begins Thursday, he said, so he needs to be in Phoenix before then.

FAMU's Vann, Okeafor set to join NFL teams

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Florida A&M record-setting return specialist LeRoy Vann got a lot of telephone calls during the past three days. Most of them were from folks wishing him well in the NFL Draft. Some even told him his height — 5-foot-8 — would be the thing that kept him out of the draft Saturday evening. The San Francisco 49ers decided to look past what Vann might lack in height and signed him to a free-agent contract.

The post-draft news also was good for offensive lineman Robert Okeafor, who was invited Saturday afternoon to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' minicamp next week. The two former Rattlers become the first FAMU players to be in the NFL conversation since quarterback Quinn Gray 10 years ago. Vann said he will also report to the 49ers' minicamp Thursday.

Ex-Burke star Tre'Young signs with Panthers ...

South Carolina State receiver Oliver 'Tre' Young and safety Rafael Bush did not have long to dwell on the disappointment of not hearing their names called during the NFL draft. Just over an hour following the selection of the final draft pick, the two were in the process of finalizing free agent contracts with opposing NFC South teams. The Charleston native Young inked a deal with the Carolina Panthers, while Bush will compete for a roster spot with the Atlanta Falcons.

"My agent felt that the Panthers were the best place to go, somewhere where I could possibly make the ball club," Young said. Earlier in the day, the only S.C. State player to get drafted was defensive back Phillip Adams, who was taken by the San Francisco 49'ers in the seventh round.

Alcorn State University Braves QB Timothy Buckley (#7) inked a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons. He will play at WR for the Falcons.

2010 Free Agent Signings

Rafael Bush, DB, South Carolina State, Atlanta Falcons

Will Croner, DE, Howard University, Buffalo Bills

Chris Bell, WR, Norfolk State, New Orleans Saints

Marcell Young, CB, Jackson State, New Orleans Saints

Juamorris Steward, WR, Southern U., Arizona Cardinals

Terrell Whitehead, S, Norfolk State, Jacksonville Jaguars

Leroy Vann, KR, FAMU, San Francisco 49'ers
E.J. Morton-Green, WR, Morgan State (Tryout), Green Bay Packers
Philip Kirkland, WR, Bethune-Cookman (Tryout), New York Jets
Oliver Tre' Young, WR, South Carolina State, Carolina Panthers
Robert Okeafor, OL, FAMU - Tampa Bay Bucs

Tim Buckley, QB/WR, Alcorn State, Atlanta Falcons
Damon McDaniel, WR, Hampton U. (Tryout), N.Y. Jets

Eric Perri, Kicker, Jackson State, New Orleans Saints

Bloi-Dei Dorzon, RB, Jackson State, Tennessee Titans

Bobby Reid, QB, Texas Southern, Tampa Bay Bucs

Gabriel Manns, OL, North Carolina Central, Cincinnati Bengals.
Will Scott, WR, North Carolina Central, Green Bay Packers

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Life threw him a curve, but it couldn't keep him down

View all 4 photos

NORFOLK, VA - Mark Young II was coming off what he thought was a breakthrough baseball season in 2006. A Norfolk State junior, Young established himself as one of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's top pitchers after compiling a 3.21 ERA - second-best in the league - and tossing a two-hit shutout against defending league champion North Carolina A&T. "I felt great about myself," he said recently. "I couldn't wait until the next season."

It never came.

These days, Young is the varsity coach at Booker T. Washington High - a few blocks from where he flourished on the mound for Norfolk State, but a long way from his playing days and his dream of pro baseball. At Granby High, Young was a hard-throwing right-hander whose fastball was consistently clocked near 90 mph. Young, a first-team All-Eastern District pick as a senior, then spent a season at Louisburg (N.C.) College. Young transferred to Norfolk State and in the spring of 2006, helped the Spartans finish 11-7 in the MEAC, the program's best regular-season finish.

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South Carolina State Cornerback Phillip Adams Fits S.F. 49er's Tough Identity

Defensive Back Phillip Adams (7th Round, 224th overall) fills a need for the 49ers, who were hoping to come out of the draft with a cornerback. An All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference selection in 2009 at South Carolina State, Adams figures to challenge for a backup role as a rookie.

There's a common theme to the eight prospects selected by the San Francisco 49ers in this year's draft. "These players are guys who will hit you," coach Mike Singletary said Saturday. "When you look at the identity of the 49ers, I think every one of these guys that we pick fit the identity." Singletary is building a tough, physical squad in San Francisco, and the four players selected by the team Saturday to complete the draft definitely fit the mold.

They also fill needs as the 49ers selected power running back Anthony Dixon, blocking tight end Nate Byham and wide receiver/punt returner Kyle Williams in the sixth round, then added physical cornerback Phillip Adams with their final pick in round 7. Each comes to San Francisco with the type of attitude the 49ers have come to expect from their players. "I like to bloody noses," said Byham, a two-time All-Big East selection at the University of Pittsburgh who was considered one of the nation's best blocking tight ends last season. "I don't shy away from contact. I'm going into the hole and I'm trying to hit somebody. I'm trying to inflict pain when I'm in there as a tight end."

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Pro Bowler Returns Home to Jackson State for Redemption

Jimmy Smith is rich - and proud of it. Jimmy Smith is arrogant - and proud of it. Jimmy Smith is on probation - and not proud of it. But he's not ashamed of it, either. The former Callaway High School and Jackson State receiver, who earned the nickname J-Smooth during a 12-year NFL career that included five trips to the Pro Bowl, has come home to Jackson with redemption on his mind.

"I've learned how to be happy," Smith said. "I learned to manage my life. Earlier, I couldn't. That's what got me into trouble, got me arrested. Fortunately, I had the right people in my life, my mom, my dad, a lot of influential people ... who knew that wasn't who Jimmy Smith was. "Now I'm able to live and tell about it."

Smith, 41, was arrested on April 22, 2009 in Jacksonville, Fla., and charged with possession of cocaine. Already on probation for a 2008 DUI, Smith pleaded guilty in November to the cocaine charge but escaped jail. Instead, he was fined and sentenced to 18 additional months of probation, and six months of house arrest.

"It's a chapter of my life I'm anxious to close," Smith said. "It definitely was a good learning experience for me. I don't look at it as something bad. I look as it as a component that I can now share with others that may be in that situation. "I've turned all my focus into developing youths, mentoring and raising my own kids."

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Golf successes continue at Jackson State

Now in this 26th season guiding the Jackson State University Golf programs, Eddie Payton is, without question, one of the nation's most successful collegiate golf coach. Payton also coaches his daughter Erica, a JSU junior golfer.

Jackson State golf coach Eddie Payton won his 22nd men's SWAC championship and 14th women's title last week. The women will play in the NCAA regionals May 6-8. The location has not been announced. The men will play in the national minority tournament before heading to the NCAA regionals. The date and location of the minority tournament have not been set. "That means we've done a real good job of recruiting great student-athletes and trying to get them to understand the tradition we're trying to establish," Payton said. "There's certain traits that you look for in people who want to be competitive golfers.

"You have to have a desire to be the best that you can be, then you have to be self-motivated to work on your weaknesses." Payton said his ultimate goal is to play in the NCAA national championship and be the first historically black university to do so. "That's what keeps me at Jackson State," Payton said. "That was my dream and it still is. ... That drives me every year."

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Southern WR Stewart waits for call

Southern University's star receiver Juamorris Steward shakes off tackle by Florida A&M's Jason Beach.

Think Brandon LaFell had a long wait? Think about this. LSU’s star receiver didn’t go in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, like he hoped. But he got a call the very next night, when the Carolina Panthers let him know they’d take him with their third-round pick. Meanwhile, Southern wideout Juamorris Stewart waits. And he waits. Realistically, he didn’t expect a team to take him during Thursday’s first round. That was a pipe dream. Friday’s second and third rounds weren’t likely, either. But today, he waits.

He’s gunning to be the first Southern player taken in the draft since 2004, when cornerback Lenny Williams went to the Buccaneers in the seventh round. If the forecasters are right, he might be a fifth-round pick. Or sixth. Or seventh. Or not at all. But if he’s worried about his NFL fate, the laid-back, joke-a-minute Stewart has done a fine job of hiding it. “I don’t get too much sleep, but that’s not because I’m nervous. That’s just how I am,” he said. “But I’ve been talking with a lot of teams, and I’m just looking for an opportunity.”

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Armstrong two-run HR caps Southern U. rally over FAMU

James Armstrong freely acknowledged he’d been in a slump, and he needed to hit his way out of it. Thursday afternoon, in the bottom of the ninth inning, he did it in a big way. Pinch-hitting for fellow senior Greg Whitfield, Armstrong smashed a game-winning two-run homer over the right-field wall, capping a six-run inning that gave Southern an 11-10 victory over Florida A&M at Lee-Hines Field, completing a two-game sweep.

It was also the third pinch-hit homer in the last two years for Armstrong. “He seems like he does that better than anything else,” SU coach Roger Cador said. “I’d been saving him all game for the right situation. Finally, we get it.” It was the first homer of the year for Armstrong, who lost his starting job in left field to Kyle Smith, thanks his recent struggles at the plate and in the field.

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Interim Bobby Washington named head basketball coach at Grambling State‎

Almost seven months after taking over as interim, Bobby Washington has been named the 10th head men’s basketball coach at Grambling State. “I am very excited for this opportunity to serve as the head coach at Grambling," Washington said. "My goal is to build a good team by laying a strong foundation. We are looking for good recruits. Our early returns are looking good, but the late returns must be good, also. I am very humbled by this experience, but now it’s time to get to work.”

In his inaugural campaign Washington returned Grambling to the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament for the first time in two years where the Tigers pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament defeating regular season-champion and tournament favorite Jackson State in the opening round

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Sharpe highlights SSU HOF induction class

Shannon Sharpe

Savannah State University will induct 10 new members into the SSU Athletics Hall of Fame on May 28 at 7 p.m. at Tiger Arena. The 2010 inductees will be the third induction class in SSU's history. SSU inducted 17 members in 1973 and 12 members in 1974. The Class of 2010 includes:

Lee Blitch, baseball and football player (1974-78): All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference catcher in baseball (1975, '76, '77,'78); SSU Baseball MVP in 1977; All-SIAC defensive back in football in 1975 and 1976; Played in the Atlanta Braves minor league system for three years; Native of Claxton. Lives in Union City.

Shannon Sharpe, football player (1986-89): All-SIAC First Team as a flanker in 1987, '88, '89: Co-SIAC Player of the year in 1989; Kodak Small College All-America First Team in 1989; Named College Player of the Year in Georgia in 1989; First Savannah State football player to play in Blue-Gray Classic in 1990 and East-West Shrine Game in 1990; owns SSU single-season receiving records for yardage, touchdowns and yards per catch; Played in NFL for 14 seasons; Glennville native. Lives in Atlanta.

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SSU sweeps Edward Waters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Savannah State swept Edward Waters, an NAIA team, in a doubleheader at the Baseball Grounds (SSU 4-8, EDWARD WATERS 3-4). SSU (22-17) was led in the first game by starter Joseph Jackson, who earned the win. He struck out one, walked three and allowed three earned runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Jonathan Ross was 2-for-3 with a home run and two runs RBIs. Darien Campbell was 2-for-3 with a double and RBI. Kevin Herlihy (two doubles) and Emory Barkley each were 2-for-3.

In the second game, SSU was led by starter Mark Sherrod, who earned the win. He struck out eight, walked one and allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits in six innings. Campbell was 4-for-4 with an RBI. Joseph McCrary was 3-for-3 with two RBIs. Brandon Webster was 2-for-3. Blake Lee, Dexter Kelley, Herlihy, Bubba Green and Dondregius Jackson each drove in runs. Edward Waters fell to 22-23.

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FAMU's Joyner Jr. will coach WSSU women

Winston Salem State University Lady Rams head coach Steven Joyner, Jr.

Steven Joyner Jr., an assistant women's coach at Florida A&M, has been named the new women's coach at Winston-Salem State University. Joyner, 30, is a former point guard at Johnson C. Smith and a son of Steve Joyner Sr., a hall-of-fame coach at Johnson C. Smith. A search committee helped Bill Hayes, the athletics director at WSSU, through an extensive search to replace Dee Stokes. According to several sources, Joyner and Keith Bell, a Winston-Salem native and the director of basketball operations for the Elon women's team, were both interviewed last week. Joyner, who could not be reached for comment yesterday, has extensive ties to WSSU and Winston-Salem. Joyner's father is a Winston-Salem native and Joyner's mother, Narell, is a graduate of WSSU.

Joyner is a 2001 graduate of Johnson C. Smith and was a four-year point guard for his father. He wound up with a 399 career assists (4.5 a game) and during his senior season helped the Bulls win the CIAA Tournament title. For the last two seasons he has been an assistant for the Florida A&M women's team, where he worked for Hayes for one season. Hayes is a former athletics director at Florida A&M and came to WSSU in January. Before coming to Florida A&M, Joyner was an assistant at UNC Asheville for a brief time, and he spent four seasons as an assistant at N.C. Central.

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'D' rules at B-CU Spring Game

DELAND, FL -- Bethune-Cookman did not show much of its hand in Saturday evening's Maroon and Gold spring football game at Spec Martin Stadium. But new coach Brian Jenkins was pleased with everything he saw. "It was pleasing. I saw some good things on offense and defense," Jenkins said. "I was happy to see us move the ball on the ground, and I was happy to see us play aggressively on defense." He was also happy to see a sizeable crowd turn out. B-CU athletics director Lynn Thompson said nearly 3,000 tickets were sold.

"I felt like we came a long way this spring," linebacker Ryan Lewis said. "The offense definitely came a long way, starting totally new, and they played great." In the first half, the teams were divided up into maroon and gold squads, with the Maroon team scoring the only touchdown on safety Stephen Berthelot's 65-yard interception return. In the second half the format changed to offense vs. defense with the offense -- wearing the white jerseys -- starting each possession at the defense's 35-yard line. The offense scored on two of five possessions in the half with the defense stopping their counterparts on two goal-line stands.

Spring ball has fall feel at B-CU - Sports

Bethune-Cookman football fans will get a chance to preview the new-look Wildcats in the Maroon and Gold game at 6 p.m. today at DeLand's Spec Martin Stadium. The intrasquad game concludes new coach Brian Jenkins' first spring training camp. In the past month Jenkins and his staff installed a new multiple offense, featuring I-, split-back and spread formations. Rising senior Matt Johnson, sophomore Ben De La Cruz (Pine Ridge) and freshman Jackie Wilson have been sharing time at quarterback. Jenkins discussed today's spring game and more:

B-CU's Jackson finds solace on football field

Just five months ago, freshman Isidore Jackson was pretty sure he was leaving Bethune-Cookman. Now he can't bear being separated for long from the teammates and coaches who make up his support mechanism. But a lot has happened in five months. Days after B-CU's football season ended last November, longtime head coach Alvin Wyatt was relieved of his duties. A month later, the Wildcats hired Brian Jenkins, an assistant coach at Rutgers, to become their new head coach.

Jackson, a running back, saw Jenkins' hiring as a new start for his career. "I wasn't going to get the chance to play here, I don't think," Jackson said. "I was going to transfer if we didn't get a new coach. They had me at wide receiver, and I never played wide receiver in my life. I was uncomfortable."

B-CU holds off Norfolk St.

B-CU 6, Norfolk St. 4: Matt Wright went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBIs and two runs scored to lead Bethune-Cookman (23-14, 9-0 MEAC) past Norfolk State (11-16, 4-8 MEAC). Peter O'Brien also homered for the Wildcats and went 1-for-3 with two RBIs and one run scored. Jordan Dailey picked up the win for B-CU. He gave up two hits and struck out one while pitching one inning in relief. Juan Perez picked up his seventh save of the season.

B-CU softball complete sweep

Celsey Tafoya went 2-for-4 with one RBI to lead Bethune-Cookman (22-20) to 5-2 win and a three-game series seep against Winston-Salem (6-20). Allison Garcia (16-12) picked up the complete-game win for B-CU. Garcia gave up two runs on eight hits and struck out six.

Former 'Dog newest 'Cat

It's funny what people worry about when they are thrust into a new situation. Bethune-Cookman football coach Brian Jenkins was pleased former Georgia wide receiver Tony Wilson did not bring huge expectations with him when he joined the Wildcats this spring. Wilson was thrilled he was welcomed unconditionally by his new teammates. "They're great guys, and they accepted me as a brother," the former Mainland High star said. "Coming from a big school, they could have been, 'Well, he thinks he's you know what. He thinks he's better than us.' But they didn't see me as that."

And for good reason. Wilson is as humble and down to earth as they come. He decided to utilize his final year of football eligibility because B-CU offered him a full scholarship to earn a master's degree. He still has the desire to play and he thought he could help the team one way or another -- whether it's making plays on the field or just being a steady voice of experience on the sidelines. "I've been pleased with him and he's adjusted well," Jenkins said. "Normally when you get guys like him, they come in asking for the world: 'I want this. I want that.' But Tony's fallen right in. I know right now he has the attitude where he'll help us in any capacity."

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