TSU Lady Tigers drop second straight with loss to EKU

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - The Tennessee State University women's basketball team suffered a disappointing, 73-66, loss to Eastern Kentucky Wednesday night in the Gentry Center.

Tennessee State (8-15, 4-7 OVC) was led in scoring by Kim Haynes' 19 points while Simone Hopes added 16. Rachel Allen (12) and Chelsea Hudson (10) also recorded double figures as TSU's leading scorer Jasmin Shuler was held to only three points.

Raechele Gray led Eastern Kentucky (11-10, 6-4 OVC) with 18 points while Jade Barber added 17. Marie Carpenter scored 14 as Alex Jones posted a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Tennessee State got off to a slow start and fell behind Eastern Kentucky, 13-4, at the 14:46 mark. The Lady Tigers finally got going after Chelsea Hudson hit a free-throw that sparked a 9-2 run to pulled the them within two.

TSU evened the score at 17-all on a bucket by Hudson before an offensive rebound and put back by Simone Hopes gave the Lady Tigers the lead.

Back-to-back scores from TSU made the advantage, 23-17, before EKU regained the lead, 27-25, with 1:39 left in the half. The Lady Tigers tied the game at 27 before going into the half trailing, 31-29.

Eastern Kentucky opened the second half with consecutive three-pointers to go ahead, 37-29, with 1:10 ticked off the clock.

TSU was trailing, 39-34, when the visitors stretched their lead to, 45-34, with 11:52 left in the game. Kim Haynes nailed a triple from the top of the key to cut the deficit down to seven but EKU responded with a 7-0 run to move ahead, 56-42.

Another triple by Haynes followed by a lay-up from Simone Hopes pulled the Lady Tigers to within single digits but the Lady Colonels answered with a three-pointer as the shot clock expired to go up, 65-54, with 3:34 remaining.

TSU fell behind, 71-59, before four points including a three-pointer by Jasmin Shuler, made the score, 71-63.

Kim Haynes knocked down her fourth triple of the game at the buzzer to make the final score, 73-66.

Although Tennessee State only committed 10 turnovers, the Lady Tigers seemed out of sync the entire game. TSU shot 32.1 percent (25-of-78) from the field and 29.2 percent (7-of-24) from three-point range.

Eastern Kentucky knocked down 43.1 percent (25-of-58) of its shots, including 30.8 percent (4-of-13) from long range.

TSU held the advantage in rebounds, 47-43, but EKU dished out 14 assists compared to TSU's eight.

The Lady Tigers return to action on Saturday, Feb. 4 on the road at Southeast Missouri. Game time is slated for 5:30 p.m. in the Show Me Center.

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information

Alabama State signs 21; QB Darren Daniel is transfer from Stanford

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State University announced its 2012 signing class, with 21 players signed to letters of intent, two mid-year transfers and Stanford transfer Darren Daniel, a quarterback who started for three years at Phenix City's Central High.

At Central, Daniel passed for 2,858 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 656 yards and nine touchdowns. He was last listed as a Stanford sophomore who did not see playing time in 2010.

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The Alabama State University Football Program announces its 2012 signing class, which features 21 players signed to National Letters of Intent, two mid-year transfers and one scholarship offer.

2012 NLI SIGNEES Position HT WT Class Hometown/Previous School

Carnell Boyd WR 5-11 185 Fr. Atlanta, Ga./Martin Luther King High
Terease Chappell OL 6-2 250 Fr. Montgomery, Ala./Carver High
Julian Cole OL 6-4 280 Fr. Florence, Ala./Florence High
Jahaad Coleman RB 5-10 185 Fr. Conyers, Ga./Salem High
Darren Davis OL 6-2 265 Fr. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Chaminade Madonna High
Melvin Davis FS/CB 5-11 185 Fr. New Orleans, La./Edna Karr High
Torrey Davis S 5-10 205 Fr. Fayetteville, Ga./Fayette County High
Myles Everett WR 5-11 175 Fr. Marietta, Ga./Pope High
Jamaal Fears DT 6-2 300 Fr. Duncanville, Texas/Duncanville High
Garrius Hudson DT 6-1 325 Fr. Jonesboro, Ga./Jonesboro High
Wallace Hunter OL 6-1 280 Fr. Phenix City, Ala./Central High
Damian Love OL 6-3 270 Fr. Millbrook, Ga./Stanhope Elmore
Nick Martin CB 5-10 160 Fr. Dothan, Ala./Dothan High
Jarrett Neely RB/WR 5-10 180 Jr. Milledgeville, Ala./Georgia Military Academy
Charles Purnell RB 5-9 175 Fr. Atlanta, Ga./Westlake High
Eric Sledge DL/LB 6-1 240 Fr. Bessemer, Ala./Bessemer Academy
Bradley Street CB 6-0 183 Fr. Riverdale, Ga./Charles Drew High
Jylan Ware OT 6-7 270 Fr. Valley, Ala./Valley High
Richard Webb OT 6-6 360 Fr. Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha Catholic High
Emanuell Williams QB 5-11 185 Fr. LaMarque, Texas/LaMarque High
Bobby Wintons DT 6-2 320 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla./Potter's House Christian Academy
MID-YEAR TRANSFER
Giles Chapman RB 5-9 175 Fr. Fremont, Calif./Washington High
Marquis Lovett LS 6-3 225 Jr. Milledgesville, Ga./Georgia Military Academy
OFFERED ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP
Darren Daniel QB 6-4 195 Fr. Phenix City, Ala. / Central High/ Stanford

READ MORE/VIEW VIDEOS AT BAMASTATE.COM

Howard's Coach Harrell Announces the Singing of 16 Recruits

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Howard University head coach Gary "Flea" Harrell announces the addition of 18 recruits who will become Bison in 2012.

Of the signees, five are defensive linemen, four are offensive linemen, three are linebackers, two are wide receivers and one each of a quarterback and a tight end.

"We put together a recruiting class that we feel with fill some much needed holes that we have," said Harrell, who led the Bison to 5-6 in his first year. "We feel that we took care of some depth problems that we experienced last year. The young men we recruited had other options but chose to come here. We feel they can come in and contribute right away. We are losing 18 to 20 players next year so it is important this class gain experience going into 2013."

KENNETH RUSS - Video
HT: 6' 2" WT: 180 POSITION: DB HOMETOWN: FARMINGTON HILLS, MI
HIGH SCHOOL: HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL

Kenneth is a big physical Corner. Great one-on-one cover skills and an exceptional special team's player. As a senior he helped lead his team to a 14 – 0 state championship victory. He finished the season with 40 tackles, three pass deflections and three fumble recoveries.

NATHAN LEWIS - Video
HT: 6' 2" WT: 280 POSITION: OL HOMETOWN: NEW ORLEANS, LA
HIGH SCHOOL: WARREN EASTERN

Nathan Lewis earned All-District and All-State honors as a junior at Warren Easton Senior High School. He also played in the Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana All-Star game. His interest in college is to study Mechanical Engineering. His long-term goal is to either make it to the NFL, or to become a Mechanical Engineer.

JONATHAN BOOKER - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPuEZMny9EE

HT: 6' 0" WT: 175 POSITION: WR HOMETOWN: WINSTON SALEM, NC

HIGH SCHOOL: MOUNT TABOR

Jonathan is a very polished receiver that can help the Bison on special teams. He is very smart with great hands and speed. His accomplishments include being named first-team All-Northwest, first-team All-County two years in a row and first-team All-Conference two years in a row. He also completed 45 receptions for a total of 765 receiving yards and scored 9 TDs.

KEVIN GONZALEZ - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7gG0RYZGVU
HT: 6' 3" WT: 280 POSITION: OL HOMETOWN: MIRAMAR, FL.
HIGH SCHOOL: MIRAMAR HIGH SCHOOL

Kevin was named first-team All-Broward, second-team All-State, Sun Sentinel's Top 5 Lineman and recipient of the Scholarly Athletic Award. He is also a Nat'l Honor Society and Future Educators Association member.

MARVIN HARRIS - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG2yMzvh1P4
HT: 6' 4" WT: 240 POSITION: TE HOMETOWN: CHARLESTON, SC
HIGH SCHOOL: WEST ASHLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Marvin chose Howard over North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, amongst several other small D1 programs. Harris primarily lined up at right tackle for the Wildcats, but will serve as a dominant Tight End for the Bison. He was a three year varsity starter at West Ashley High School, named All – Region 7 – 4AAAA honors for football and track, second-team All-Low country, team captain, selected the offensive lineman MVP Award, Charleston County Shot Put Champion, and qualifier for SCHSL State Strength Meet 2011 (Placing 5th overall in the state in the 235lb weight class).

JALEN DAY - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttZGqdqX0nA
HT: 6' 0" WT: 215 POSITION: LB HOMETOWN: KERNERSVILLE, NC
HIGH SCHOOL: EAST FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL

County Defensive Player of the Year, All-Conference Player, first-team All-Northwest, first-team Greensboro All-Area, and selected Most Valuable Player (MVP). He dominated defensively colleting a total of 132 tackles, 80 solos and 52 assists, seven tackles, three interceptions and 19 tackles for loss for an average of 53 yards. Jalen is also inducted into the National Honor Society.

MARKUS WAKEFIELD - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X0WlnJUlYg

HT: 6' 2" WT: 280 POSITION: DT HOMETOWN: OKLAHOMA CITY , OK

HIGH SCHOOL: HERITAGE HALL

Wakefield chose Howard over Wake Forest and Louisiana Tech. Wakefield registered 90 tackles and 9 sacks his senior season.

RAY RUDOLPH - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKajpyYWIH8

HT: 6' 2" WT: 270 POSITION: DE HOMETOWN: MONTGOMERY, AL.
HIGH SCHOOL: PRATTVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Ray is a Two-Star recruit rated by Scout.com. He has had an outstanding senior year collecting 104 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 14 sacks (the school's single season sack record), eight QB hurries and five force fumbles. Named All- state, two-time All-Metro, two-time All-County, All-Inaugural Team, All-Star selection for the West vs. East All-Star Game, and was named Montgomery Player of the Week twice. He was also named Team Defensive Player of the Year, Team Captain, and Team's Strongest Weight Lifter. With his strength and skills, he led the state of Alabama in sacks for 2010.

GHAFONA IDUWE
HT: 6' 2" WT: 245 POSITION: DE HOMETOWN: DUNCANVILLE, TX
HIGH SCHOOL: DUNNCANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Iduwe was named first-team All-District and All Region, second in the State of Texas 5-5a for sacks (12) and second-team Carl Padilla All-State team. His extra-curricular activities includes, band, football, basketball and soccer.

DAMON GRESHAM-CHISOLM
HT: 6' 3" WT: 235 POSITION: DE HOMETOWN: DECATUR, GA
HIGH SCHOOL: NEWTON HIGH SCHOOL

Damon was named second-team All-Region 5-AAAAA, finished second place in the Regional Weightlifting Competition in Weight Class. He completed his senior season with 48 tackles, seven sacks and one fumble recovery. He is physically strong benching 325, squatting 525 and 270 clean jerks. Damon is an honor student and his hobby is weight lifting. He plans on majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Chemistry.

JAMIE CUNNINGHAM
HT: 6' 4" WT: 205 POSITION: QB HOMETOWN: GREENSBORO, NC
HIGH SCHOOL: SOUTHERN GUILFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Named All-Conference quarterback (2010), Piedmont Offensive Player of the Year (2010), Mid-Piedmont 3A All-Conference offensive player of the year (2010), Neal Morris Invitational – 6th place high jump (2010), Mid-Piedmont Athletic Conference All-Conference Award for shot put and high jump (2010), recipient of the All- Conference Award (2011-12), Mid-Piedmont Conference Football Co-offensive Player of the Year (2011), South Guilford HS MVP (2011), Football Team Captain Award (2011), all-area first-team (2010 & 2011), Scotty Wayne Offensive Player of the Year (2010-11), 102 Jamz Player of the Week (2010&11) and recipient of the Iron Chief Award (2009-10).

2011 FOOTBALL SEASON: Completed 136 of 233 passes for 2,035 yards, 22 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 542 rushing yards, nine touchdowns on 106 carries.

2010 FOOTBALL SEASON: Passed for 2,559 yards, 28 passing touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 272 rushing yards, six touchdowns on 94 carries.

2009 FOOTBALL SEASON: Passed for 779 yards, 4 passing touchdowns, 255 rushing yards, three touchdowns on 62 carries.

MATT COLVIN
HT: 6' 1" WT: 175 POSITION: WR HOMETOWN: GREENSBORO, NC HIGH SCHOOL: SOUTHERN GUILDORD HIGH SCHOOL

Colvin was named All-Conference in long jump (2008-09), All-Conference in 4X800 meter relay (2008-09), MVP-Field Events (2009-11), All-Conference in triple and long jump (2009-11), State Champion triple jump (2009-10), School record holder 1600M relay (2010-11), All-Conference Award in football (2010-12), received the Wide Receiver Award (2010-12), Coach Award (2010-11), Weight Lifting Award (2010-11), Team Capital Award (2011-12), Gardner-Webb University Junior Scholar (2010-11), and Wendy's High School Heisman Scholarship (2011-2012).

TOREE BOYD
HT: 6' 3" WT: 275 POSITION: OL HOMETOWN: MIAMI, FL.
HIGH SCHOOL: MIAMI CENTRAL

Toree is a very athletic offensive lineman that has the potential of being an immediate contributor. He has the ideal size and strength that will help him make the transition to the College level. He is dedicated to winning and a hard worker. Toree chose Howard over Morgan State and Southern.

MAX PLETEAU
HT: 6' 2" WT: 275 POSITION: OL HOMETOWN: MIAMI, FL.
HIGH SCHOOL: MIAMI CENTRAL

Max Pleteau or MAX B started playing football going into his sophomore year. Dedication and motivation earned him a spot on the varsity team at Miami Central. He started his junior year recording 50 pancakes over the course of the season and another 70 his senior season.

DEVIN ROLLINS
HT: 5' 11" WT: 235 POSITION: LB HOMETOWN: MIAMI, FL
HIGH SCHOOL: MIAMI CENTRAL

Devin made first-team All-Dade and honorable mention All-State, helped lead his team to a 2010 class 6A State Championship victory. He recorded 85 tables and 20 sacks his senior season as a defensive end. Max bench press is 315 lbs. He chose Howard over Southern University.

TOMMY BOOZER - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k13Qx-STp0
HT: 6' 1" WT: 250 POSITION: DE HOMETOWN: GREENBELT, MD
HIGH SCHOOL: ELEANOR ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOL

Named first-team All-Prince George's County, first-team All-4A South, and ranked third in the state of Maryland in wrestling.

TABRIAN RESBY

HT: 6' 0" WT: 225 POSITION: LB HOMETOWN: ATHENS, GA

HIGH SCHOOL: GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE

Had an outstanding senior season rushing for 789 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, 52 tackles, four interceptions and six passes broken up. He was named first-team Northeast GA Defense, second-team Northeast as Running Back, Georgia Military College Captain, led team in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. His junior year he accumulated 62 tackles, 41 solos, 15tackles for loss for 75 yards, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one pass broken up and seven sacks for 57 yards. Tabrian chose Howard over Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Gardner Webb, Charleston Southern, Savannah State, Bethune-Cookman.

JOSEPH DILLARD

HT: 6’ 2” WT: 255 POSITION: DT HOMETOWN: ATLANTA, GA

HIGH SCHOOL: NORTH GWINNETT HIGH SCHOOL

Joseph was named second-team All-Region, completed 50 tackles, 20 solos and 30 assists, 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries and four fumble recoveries his senior season.

Courtesy: Howard University Sports Information

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

VISIT: HOWARD-BISON

Morgan State University Signs 18 Football Prospects

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Morgan State head football coach Donald Hill-Eley announced Wednesday the signing of 18 players to national letters of intent to play for the Bears beginning next fall.

“This is a very exciting class for us,” said MSU coach Donald Hill-Eley. “ We were able to recruit some very talented young men that we needed. We've addressed our need for speed on the perimeter and we had to shore up the defensive back area.

Added Hill-Eley, "We feel good about those who have chosen Morgan State University today.”

Of the 18 players who signed national letters of intent Wednesday, four are junior college transfers and 14 are high school recruits. The four JC players include a safety, running back, defensive tackle and a tight end, while the high school class consists of two defensive linemen, offensive linemen, two tight ends, three linebackers, three running backs, three defensive backs, one wide receiver, one offensive lineman, one athlete and one kicker.

“This is one of the classes that I'll remember because I get a chance to coach two second generations of kids. I coached [Taquan] Jackson's father at Hampton, where he was an all-conference running back; and I coached [Deshaun] Summer's father, who also played running back for me.”

“It just says a lot about the profession, and to be in a profession long enough to be able to coach a father and a son will be something I will always remember. It's a blessing.”

Following is information on each signee with quotes from coach Hill.

2012 MSU Football Recruiting Class

Quincy Dickens, C/OG, 6-4/305, Washington, D.C., Calif./Friendship Collegiate Academy
Armonti Yharbrough, DT, 6-3/275, Romulus, Mich./Bakersfield C.C./Romulus HS
Andrew Mitchell, DT, 6-3/285, Memphis, Tenn./Hamilton HS
Lamar Montgomery, DE, 6-3/245, Baltimore, Md./FUMA/Baltimore C.C.
Heleaince Gates, TE, 6-4/240, Philadelphia, Pa./Delaware Valley Charter
Willie Gillus III, TE/LS, 6-3/235, Suffolk, Va./Nanesmond River HS
Elandon Roberts, LB, 6-1/215, Port Arthur, Texas/Port Arthur Memorial HS
Jareem Augustine, LB, 6-1/215, Port Arthur, Texas/Port Arthur Memorial HS
Taquan Jackson, LB, 6-2/220, Chesapeake, Va./Indian River HS
Lamont Brown III, ATH, 5-10/170, Suffolk, Va./Nanesmond River HS
Jamil Lee, RB, 5-9/190, Joppatown, Md./Joppatown HS
Lavar Highsmith, RB, 6-0/225, Baltimore, Md./Paul Lawrence Dunbar HS
Wesley Nichols, RB, 6-1/220, Bakersfield, Calif./L.A. Harbor College
Tajghi Robertson, S, 6-0/200, Chicago, Ill./Chabot College
Deshaun Summers, CB, 5-9/175, Hampton, Va./Phoebus HS
Deadrick Jones, CB, 5-11/180, Memphis, Tenn./Southwind HS
Thomas Martin, WR, 5-10/175, Naples, Fla./Naples HS

Christopher Moller, K, 5-11/205, Newport News, Va./Woodside HS

Quincy Dickens (C/OG, 6-4, 305)
Washington, D.C./Friendship Collegiate Academy
Honors: Team MVP

Armonti Yharbrough (DT, 6-3/275)
Romulus, Mich./Bakersfield C.C./Romulus HS

Honors: 2nd Team All-Northern Conference

Andrew Mitchell (DT, 6-3/285)

Memphis, Tenn./Hamilton HS

Honors: 1st Team All District, Memphis All-Star Team

Lamar Montgomery, DE (6-3/245)

Baltimore, Md./FUMA/Baltimore C.C.

Heleaince Gates, TE (6-4/240)
Philadelphia, Pa.Delaware Valley Charter
Honors: 1st Team All-State TE/DE

Willie Gillus III, TE/LS (6-3/235)
Suffolk, Va./Nanesmond River HS

Elandon Roberts, LB (6-1/215)

Port Arthur, Texas/Port Arthur Memorial HS

Honors: 1st Team All-District, All-Academic Team, All-State Honorable Mention

Jareem Augustine, LB (6-1/215)
Port Arthur, Texas/Port Arthur Memorial HS
Honors: 1st Team All-District, Impact Player of the Year in Texas, All-Academic Team, 4-time Linebacker of the Week

Taquan Jackson, LB (6-2/220)
Chesapeake, Va./Indian River HS
Honors: Team MVP, All-District Team

Lamont Brown III, ATH (5-10/170)
Suffolk, Va./Nanesmond River HS
Honors: 1st Team All-District, 2nd Team All-Tidewater, 4,000 career-rushing yards

Jamil Lee, RB (5-9/190)

Joppatown, Md./Joppatown HS

Honors: All-State, All-County, All-Area

Lavar Highsmith, RB (6-0/225)

Baltimore, Md./Paul Lawrence Dunbar HS

Honors: State champion

Wesley Nichols, RB, (6-1/220)

Bakersfield, Calif./L.A. Harbor College

Honors: 2nd Team All-Conference

Tajghi Robertson, S, (6-0/200)

Chicago, Ill./Chabot College

Honors: All-Conference, All-California

Deshaun Summers, CB, (5-9/175)

Hampton, Va./Phoebus HS

Honors: 1st Team All-District, 4-time State Champion

Deadrick Jones, CB, (5-11/180)

Memphis, Tenn./Southwind HS

Honors: Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All-District, Team MVP

Thomas Martin, WR, (5-10/175)

Naples, Fla./Naples HS

Honors: 1st Team All-Area

Christopher Moller, K (5-11/205)
Newport News, Va./Woodside HS
Honors: Team Virginia Preps 2nd Team, 2nd team All-Region, 1st Team All-Peninsula District

Courtesy: Morgan State University Media Relations

Prairie View A&M Football Signs 12 Recruits For 2012 Class

Malcolm Ajayi	DB	5-10	195	Jr.	Sacramento, Calif. (Contra Costa College)	Video
Edward Brown	DE	6-3	220	Fr.	New Iberia, La. (Westgate)	Video
James Burch III	WR	5-7	170	Fr.	Houston, Texas (Cy Ridge)	Video
Donald Drisdom	WR	6-1	190	Jr.	Los Angeles, Calif. (West LA CC)	Video
Josiah Freeman	OL	6-4	280	Jr.	Baton Rouge, La. (Scotlandville)
Trey Green	QB	6-2	190	Fr.	Beaumont, Texas (Ozen)	Video
Johnta Hebert	ATH	5-10	195	Fr.	Baton Rouge, La. (Glen Oaks)	Video
Darrien Patterson	DE	6-3	240	Jr.	Culver City, Calif. (West LA CC)	Video
Chris Rose	OL	6-3	290	Fr.	Houston, Texas (Madison)
Christian Rousseau	QB	6-2	185	Fr.	Miami, Fla. (Hialeah)	Video
Cleveland Sims	OT	6-5	280	Fr.	Houston, Texas (Madison)
Archiel Townsend	OG	6-2	280	Fr.	Clute, Texas (Brazoswood)

------------

Malcolm Ajayi DB 5-10 195 So. Sacramento, Calif. (Contra Costa College)
Logged 25 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and one interception…ranked sixth amongst Northern California JUCO leaders with 12 pass breakups…also forced a fumble.

Edward Brown DE 6-3 220 Fr. New Iberia, La. (Westgate)
Named to the District 7-5A First Team…named The Daily Iberian's Best of the Teche Football Team…finished his senior year with 82 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 12 sacks.

James Burch III WR 5-7 170 Fr. Houston, Texas (Cy Ridge)
Led District 17-5A in receiving yards (871) and ranked second in receptions with 42…averaged 26.4 yards per catch and caught seven touchdowns…earned District 17-5A First team honors.

Donald Drisdom WR 6-1 190 Jr. Los Angeles, Calif. (West LA CC)
Earned Southern California Football Association American Division Second Team honors...finished his final season in the junior college ranks with a team-high 778 receiving yards and 29 receptions…caught nine touchdowns…helped lead team to its best record since 2004...finished 15th in the state of California in receiving yards and 16th in touchdowns…had a season-high 125 receiving yards at Santa Monica College and an 85-yard reception against Citrus College.

Josiah Freeman OL 6-4 280 Jr. Baton Rouge, La. (Scotlandville)
Named to the District 4-5A Second Team…participated in the 2011 Max Emfinger's All-American Bowl Game…helped lead team to the 2011 LHSAA 5A Playoffs.

Trey Green QB 6-2 190 Fr. Beaumont, Texas (Ozen)
One of the top players in the Golden Triangle…guided team to the third round of the Class 4A playoffs…selected to the District 20-4A First Team…threw for 1,958 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior…passed for 2,000 yards as a junior…also plays basketball for Ozen.

Johnta Hebert RB/ATH 5-10 195 Fr. Baton Rouge, La. (Glen Oaks)
Selected to the District 6-3A First Team as an athlete…has the ability to play several positions on offense and will help in the return games on special teams…combined to rush for nearly 2,000 yards during his junior and senior campaigns

Darrien Patterson DE 6-3 240 Jr. Culver City, Calif. (West LA CC)
Tallied 40 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks in his final junior college season…recovered a fumble for 38 yards…finished with 33 tackles and six tackles for loss as a freshman…junior college teammate of fellow signee Donald Drisdom.

Chris Rose OL 6-3 290 Fr. Houston, Texas (Madison)
Earned District 20-5A First Team honors…blocked for an offensive unit which rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2011…high school teammate of fellow signee Cleveland Sims.

Christian Rousseau QB 6-2 185 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Hialeah)
Earned the Leadership MVP Award from the 2011 National Underclassmen Camp…passed for 1,887 yards as a senior...led team to the Class 8-A High School football playoffs.

Cleveland Sims OT 6-5 280 Fr. Houston, Texas (Madison)
Earned District 20-5A Second Team honors…blocked for an offensive unit which rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2011…high school teammate of fellow signee Chris Rose…named a top 50 offensive lineman by Dave Campbell's Texas Football.

Archiel Townsend OG 6-2 280 Fr. Clute, Texas (Brazoswood)
Earned District 20-5A Honors…named to the 2011 Region III Super List by 5aTexasFootball.com.

Courtesy: Prairie View A&M University Sports Information

Grambling Tigers Ink 21 On Day One

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- The Grambling State University Tigers' Football team welcomes the 2012 signing class. The G-Men are the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champs. Day one saw a lot of excitement taking place as everyone watches to see who is going to be filling out the roster for the Tigers.

Joining the Legacy of Grambling are:

1.Joshua Alexander - DB, 5-10, 175 (Houston, Texas/Sharpstown HS)
2.Dwight Bazilee II - OL, 6-2, 285 (Channelview, Texas/Northshore HS)
3.Marlon Brown - OL, 6-2, 230 (Dallas, Texas/Skyline HS)
4.Brandon Byrdsong - TE, 6-2, 225 (Fayetteville, Ga./Sandy Creek HS)
5.William Cowan - OL, 6-2, 300 (Alexandria, La./Peabody HS)
6.Ka'Jandre Domino - ATH, 5-10, 170 (Baton Rouge, La./Scotlandville HS)
7.Shawheem Dowdy - ATH, 6-2, 220 (Owings, Md./New Town HS)
8.Ernest Echols-DT, 6-3, 330 (Stone Mountain, Ga./Martin Luther King HS)
9.Centerio Ford - DT, 6-3, 320 (Marion, La./Farmerville HS)
10.Justin Fortson - ATH, 5-8, 165 (Shreveport, La./Fair Park HS)
11.Vickey Gilbert II - LB, 6-2, 220 (Rogersville, Ala./Lauderdale Co. HS)
12.Trevion Goins - OL, 6-1, 280 (Monroe, La./Richwood HS)
13.Akil Hawkins - OL, 6-4, 285 (Fayetteville, Ga./Fayette Co. HS)

14.Dominique Leake - WR, 5-10, 165 (Memphis, Tenn./Southwind HS)

15.Justin Miller - OL, 6-3, 301 (Simsboro, La./Ruston HS)

16.Tyler Olivier - DB, 5-10, 180 (New Iberia, La./Catholic HS)

17.Nicholas Peoples - DB, 5-10, 185 (Shreveport, La./Byrd HS)

18.Travondre Rabon - WR, 6-2, 190 (Dallas, Texas/Skyline HS)

19.Samuel Reese - DE, 6-2, 236 (Center Point, Ala./Center Point HS)

20.Curtis Stapleton - DT, 6-1, 250 (Ozark, Ala./Carroll HS)

21. Henry Taylor - LB, 6-1, 205 (Baton Rouge, La./Scotlandville HS)

These are the signees at the close of business on day one; stay tuned to see who will join the G-Men next.

Courtesy: Grambling State University Sports Information

New Town QB Signs with Grambling State

OWINGS MILL, Maryland - As Dari-Lee Barnes began to co-sign a National Letter of Intent for her son to play football at Grambling State University, the pen New Town quarterback Shawheem Dowdy used moments earlier abruptly ran out of ink.

“Uh oh,” said Dowdy, playfully pretending to be worried. “Do we have a back-up pen?” Brief technical malfunctions weren’t about to bring Dowdy down on a morning that otherwise could not have gone much better for Dowdy and his mother.

After three-and-a-half years of hard work at New Town High School—both in the classroom and on the football field—Dowdy agreed to attend Division I-AA Grambling State in the fall, on a full football scholarship.

“The first thing that comes to mind is no tuition,” said Barnes, who couldn’t help but smile through much of the morning as her 17-year-old son put pen to paper on National Signing Day, which was aired on the high school’s morning announcements Wednesday.

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Blount pleased with his first recruiting class at Delaware State

DOVER, Delaware - Kermit Blount was hired Feb. 4, 2011, so the Delaware State University football coach arrived in Dover too late to introduce a new recruiting class. But on Tuesday, Blount got a chance to welcome 18 student-athletes into the DSU fold on National Signing Day.

Blount, who coached Delaware State to a 3-8 record last season, was pleased about his first recruiting class at the school. "We're a class behind," Blount said. "I wanted to wait to get the staff in place and then have the opportunity to really recruit the right kids."

Blount's class includes the usual staple of players from Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but also defensive end Tarique Anderson from Toronto, defensive back Willie Bolden IV from Brunswick, Ga., and defensive lineman Jeff Gay from Jacksonville, Fla.

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COACH KERMIT BLOUNT

HORNETS ANNOUNCE 18 NATIONAL SIGNING DAY ADDITIONS

DOVER, Delaware  -  Delaware State University head football coach Kermit Blount has announced that 18 recruits have signed the National Letter of Intent to attend DSU and join the Hornets for the 2012 season.

The list includes five offensive linemen, four running backs and a highly regarded quarterback.

"I'm extremely pleased with the quality of young men we have added to the program so," said Blount. "We were able to address some needs we have along the interior lines and in the running game, in addition to adding more speed to our roster."

The Hornet head coach also cited the off-the-field qualities of his 2012 newcomers.

"I was equally impressed with the character and academic credentials of these young men. Each should be a good fit for the university as well as the team."

Among the Hornet newcomers to the offensive line is New Jersey standout Keon Williams (fr., 6-2, 275), who helped lead St. Anthony's Prep to a 33-12 record and four state playoff appearances the last four seasons.

Also signing to attend DSU is Pennsylvania all-star offensive lineman Clark McCready (fr., 6-3, 275), who earned All Western Pa., honors at Hollidaysburg High School.

The Delaware State offensive line will also be bolstered by the addition of Keevon Prather (fr., 6-3, 270, Temple Hills, Md.), Dimitri Hill (fr., 6-3, 300, Waldorf, Md.) and Xaiver Jones (fr., 6-3, 300, Burlington, N.J.).

"You need strong line play to succeed at this level, and each of these newcomers has the potential to have an impact for us the next several years," Blount said.

The Hornets have also taken steps to bolster its running game.

Newcomer Dae-Hon Cheung rushed for 1902 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior at Coatesville (Pa.) High School in 2011, while DSU signee Trey Allen Hall was the third player to top the 4000-yard rushing mark at Beaver Falls (Pa.) High School.

The Hornets have also inked running back Rashaad Williams, who rushed for 1400 yards and 12 touchdowns at Valley Forge Military Academy last season.

Esayah Obado of Hamilton, N.J., has signed been signed as a quarterback by the Hornets. Obado (fr., 6-2, 190) passed for nearly 3700 yards and 42 touchdowns, while rushing for 615 yards and 11 scores at Nottingham High School.

Delaware State will also welcome Florida high school record-setting receiver James Boone to the team. Boone was a standout at St. Cloud High School before signing with Colorado State University. He recorded back-to-back 1000-yard seasons and scored 30 touchdowns during his scholastic career.

The Hornets expect to return more than 40 letter winners from their 2011 squad, which posted a 3-8 overall record, including a 1-7 mark in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY 2012 FOOTBALL SIGNEES

DE Tarique Anderson 6-5/250 Toronto, Ont./Fork Union M.A./Pickering HS

SS Rashawn Barrett 6-2/205 Montclair, N.J./Montclair HS

DB Willie Bolden IV 6-1/195 Brunswick, Ga./Brunswick HS

RB Dae-Hon Cheung 5-9/170 Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville Area Senior HS

DL Jeff Gay 6-1/265 Jacksonville, Fla./Atlantic Coast HS

RB Trey Allen Hall 5-11/200 Beaver Falls, Pa./Beaver Falls HS

OL Dimitri Hill 6-3/300 Waldorf, Md./Westlake HS

OL Xavier Jones 6-3/300 Burlington, N.J./Burlington Twp. HS

OL Clark McCready 6-3/275 Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area Sr. HS

QB Esayah Obado 6-2/190 Hamilton, N.J./Nottingham HS
TE Nate Ortiz 6-4/235 Jersey City, N.J./St. Anthony
FB Justin Peterson 6-2/240 Atlanta, Ga./Martin Luther King HS
OL Keevon Prather 6-3/270 Temple Hills, Md./Crossland HS
Ath Gabe Sherrod 6-4/210 Perryville, Md./Perryville HS
OL Keon Williams 6-2/275 Jersey City, N.J./St. Peter's Prep
ILB Legrant Williams 6-1/195 Norfolk, Va./Norview HS/Fork Union M.A.
RB Rashaad Williams 5-9/180 Phila., Pa./Valley Forge Military Academy

DELAWARE STATE 2012 FOOTBALL SIGNEES-BIO BRIEFS

DE Tarique Anderson 6-5/250 Toronto, Ontario/Fork Union M.A./Pickering HS
Competed in nine games (seven starts) at Fork Union Military Academy ... helped lead Fork Union to 8-1 record in 2011 ... selected as Most Improved Defensive Player as a sophomore and senior at Pickering HS ... recorded 19 tackles (eight solo) and three sacks as a senior at Pickering ... son of Raymond and Claudette Anderson ... four-year Honor Roll student ... played for head coach Cameron Lee at Pickering HS ... plans to major in business; minor in psychology at DSU

SS Rashawn Barrett 6-2/205 Montclair, N.J./Montclair HS
2011 Essex Conference First Team and All-State Second Team selection ... helped lead Montclair to 11-1 record and state championship game appearance ... played for head football coach John Fiore ... son of Michelle Barrett ... also lettered in track & field.

DB Willie Bolden IV 6-1/195 Brunswick, Ga./Brunswick HS
Two-way standout at Brunswick High ... 2011 All-Area and All-State Honorable Mention ... recorded 70 tackles, 1100 all-purpose yards and 12 TDs during 2011 season ... 2010 All-Region selection ... helped lead Brunswick to two regional championships (2010-11) .. team was sixth in final 2010 Associated Press poll ... son of Willie and Sheila Bolden played for head football coach Victor Floyd at Brunswick HS ... plans to major in sports management at DSU

WR James Boone 6-1/190 St. Cloud, Fla./St. Cloud HS

Originally signed with Colorado State University ... No. 6 wide receiver and No. 29 overall prospect on the Orlando Sentinel's all-Central Florida Top 100 ... four-year letterman at St. Cloud High School, he established the Osceola County records for receptions in a career and season...played quarterback, running back, cornerback and safety, but excelled as a wide out, authoring back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons to close his prep career...earned three consecutive first-team all-Orange Belt Conference and all-Osceola County selections (2007-09), and two straight offensive team MVP awards, for a Bulldogs squad that went 16-7 from 2008-09...combined as a junior and senior, had 115 catches for 2,227 yards (19.4 avg.) and 15 TDs, including four of 80-or-more yards...scored nearly 30 career touchdowns, 11 on the ground...county Offensive Player of the Year (Osceola News-Gazette) as a senior, also earned first-team all-state, first-team all-Central Florida (Orlando Sentinel), and Pinellas County/Florida Athletic Coaches Association first-team all-district honors, helping St. Cloud to a runner-up finish in its district.

RB Dae-Hon Cheung 5-9/170 Coatesville, Pa./Coatseville Area Senior HS

2011 All-Southeast Pennsylvania, All-Area and All-Chesmont National Division First Team selection ... Chesmont Conference Offensive Back-of- the-Year ... rushed for 1902 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior ... ran for more than 3000 yards and 35 touchdowns during scholastic career ... played for head Coach Matt Ortega at Coatesville.

DL Jeff Gay 6-1/265 Jacksonville, Fla./Atlantic Coast HS
2011 Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-District First Team and All-First Coast Second Team selection ... recorded 18 tackles-for-loss, including 10 sacks in 2011 ... helped lead Atlantic Coast HS to 6-4 record in its first season of varsity competition ... competed at nose guard and defensive end ... played for head coach Kevin Sullivan at Atlantic Coast HS ... also considered South Alabama, Richmond and Middle Tennessee.

RB Trey Allen Hall 5-11/200 Beaver Falls, Pa./Beaver Falls HS
2011 Western Penn. Top 22 and All-State Honorable Mention ... third player in Beaver Falls HS history to rush for more than 4,000 yards ... helped lead team to state playoff semifinals in 2011 and a 2010 playoff berth ... played for head football coach Ryan Matsook at Beaver Falls ... son of Meredith Hall ... born 4/29/93 in Beaver Falls, Pa. uncle Larry Bradley played football at Vanderbilt University.

OL Clark McCready 6-3/275 Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area Sr. HS

2011 All-WPIAL, All-County and All-Area First Team selection ... 2011 Team Most Valuable Player ... selected to compete in Pennsylvania East/West All-Star Game ... 2010 All-WPIAL Second Team ... helped lead Hollidaysburg to 2010 state playoffs ... son of Terry and Nancy McCready ... played for head coach John Barton at Hollidaysburg ... also lettered in track & field, and wrestling ... born 3/21/94 in Columbia, Md. ... plans to major in secondary/special education at DSU.

QB Esayah Obado 6-2/190 Hamilton, N.J./Nottingham HS

Passed for 3,690 yards and 42 touchdowns, while rushing for 615 yards and 11 scores during his scholastic career ... named to 2010 12th Man TD Club, WJFL/CVC and All-Area First Team after passing for 2075 yards and 24 touchdowns during junior season ... also named to 2010 Super 100 Junior Football Players in New Jersey by the N.J. Football Coaches Association ... was third player in Mercer County history to pass for more than 2000 yards in a season ... passed for 1545 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior ... completed school-record 62.4% of his passes during 2011 season ... also rushed for 525 yards and eight scores in 2011 ... All-Area and All-County First Team selection during senior year ... played for head football coach John Adams at Nottingham HS ... also lettered in track & field.

TE Nate Ortiz 6-4/235 Jersey City, N.J./St. Anthony

Two-way standout at St. Anthony's (TE/DE) ... 2011 All-Hudson County and All-State (non-public) First Team selection ... 2011 North vs. South All-Star Game finalist ... 2010 All-Hudson County First Team ... played for head football coach Sean Fallon at St. Anthony's ... also considered Rutgers, Youngstown State and New Hampshire ... son of Nate Turner and Marybeth Hartwig ...

Ath Gabe Sherrod 6-4/210 Perryville, Md./Perryville HS
Competed at quarterback and on defense at Perryville ... 2011 First Team All-Cecil County and All-Conference selection ... accounted for more than 2200 yards to rank fifth in total offense in Maryland ... passed for 20 touchdowns during senior season ... also 1000 point basketball scorer.

OL Keon Williams 6-2/275 Jersey City, N.J./St. Peter's Prep

2011 All-Hudson County, All-Non Public and All-Area selection ... helped lead St. Peter's to four consecutive conference championships and state playoff appearances ... team advanced to state playoff one championship game and three other semifinal appearances ... St. Peter's finished in the New Jersey Top 10 in three of his four seasons and was preseason national No. 15 prior to junior year ... All-Hudson County Second Team as a junior ... helped lead team to 33-12 record during his scholastic career ... played for head coach Rich Hansen at St. Peter's ... son of Keith and Minnie Williams ... born 7/6/94 in Jersey City, N.J. ... bench pressed 415 lbs. and 765 squat (3x) as a senior ... also competes as a boxer ... has 6-0 record in the ring.

RB Rashard Williams 5-9/180 Phila., Pa./Valley Forge Military Academy
Rushed for 1400 yards and 12 touchdowns in six games for Valley Forge Military in 2011.

Blount says he expects to add to the list of 2012 newcomers in the weeks ahead, including several players with prior collegiate experience.

Courtesy: DSU Athletic Media Relations

Grambling State University hires new athletic director

DR. PERCY "CHICO" CALDWELL

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  -  After interviewing seven finalists recommended by a search committee, President Frank G. Pogue announced this week that Dr. Percy “Chico” Caldwell will assume the position of Athletic Director at Grambling State University, pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. More than 50 applications were received.

“One of the difficult decisions was narrowing this extensive highly qualified pool of candidates to one individual,” says Dr. Pogue. “Dr. Caldwell’s experience and professional preparation will empower Grambling’s athletics to the next level of excellence and bridge the gap between Grambling’s historic achievements and success in athletics and the academic mission of the University. He will bring significant strength to the athletic administration including planning, research, marketing and financial management.”

Dr. Caldwell, a former student athlete, received his doctorate from Iowa State University and earned certification as an Administrative Leadership Evaluator. He received a master’s degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from the University of Alabama and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Psychology from Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama.

Dr. Caldwell has held several athletic positions over the course of his career. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989, named Coach of the Year in 1990 and Athletic Director of the Year in 1991 for the West Virginia Conference. He also served in the United States Army, Military Police Corps.

“To be afforded the employment opportunity at Grambling State University with rich athletics history drawing national attention a great academic institution is special and very exciting. The rich athletics history separates Grambling State University from any other university. The stage is already set, my job will be to start from here assisting Dr. Progue and his administration continue to operationalize the mission and vision at GSU, says Dr. Caldwell. To be working with Dr. Frank Pogue and the GSU athletics staff will be an amazing opportunity. I am excited to get started.”

Grambling State University has 15 sports program: men’s football, basketball, baseball, cross country, track and field/outdoor; women’s basketball, bowling, track and field indoor/outdoor, cross country, tennis, soccer, softball and volleyball.

Courtesy: Grambling State University Press Release

Xavier basketball: The Times-Picayune covers 175 years of New Orleans history

NEW ORLEANS  -  Xavier University has had success in most sports, but basketball is where it has soared above the competition.  The Gold Rush first played basketball in 1928-29, but school records for those seasons are incomplete. From 1928 to ’32, records show that the team finished with a combined record of 14-10 with no known coach and didn’t play again until the 1934-35 season.

In 1934, Theodore “Ted” Wright took over the men’s basketball program and led the squad to an 11-4 record. Wright’s teams went 43-11 over the next two seasons before winning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship with a 35-4 mark in the 1937-38 season.

The following season, Xavier repeated as champions with a new coach — Ted’s brother, Giles, who would also lead the Gold Rush to its only undefeated season: 29-0 in his third season as coach.

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Norfolk State pulls in 15 recruits

NORFOLK, Virginia - Norfolk State football coach Pete Adrian promised the Spartans won't struggle to convert in short-yardage situations next season.  Running back R.J. Robinson, 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, looks likely to make Adrian a man of his word.

The Spartans got letters of intent from 11 players Wednesday, putting together a group that includes four players given stars by Rivals, a popular scouting service. Robinson's resume stands out from the rest, and he could fix one of the few flaws from last year's MEAC champions.

"We're bringing in a big guy," Adrian said. "The last time we had a guy like that was Daryl Jones. When you're in those situations, you have to have a guy that can push the pile."

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Adrian Announces Addition of 15 to Spartan Football Program

NORFOLK, Va. —Norfolk State head football coach Pete Adrian announced Wednesday the addition of 15 recruits who will join the Spartans in 2012.  Included among the 15 are four players who are currently enrolled at NSU for the spring 2011 semester. Three of the four originally signed with Division I FBS programs.

“We knew we had to add some quality depth on defense since we lost a number of good players there and since we play so many in our rotation,” Adrian said. “I definitely think we accomplished that with the early enrollees.”

Of the 11 players who signed national letters of intent Wednesday, three are junior college transfers and eight are high school recruits. The three JC players include two quarterbacks and one running back, while the high school class consists of three offensive linemen, two defensive backs, one fullback, one tight end and one defensive lineman.

“Overall, we feel that we were able to address our key needs,” Adrian said. “We feel that each of these players will be a great fit for our program, and we look forward to them wearing the green and gold.”

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Southern University's Mitchell: This class his most important

SU COACH STUMP MITCHELL

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Wednesday night, before Stump Mitchell pulled a shocker on the football-loving crowd at Southern University by unveiling the new white helmet his team will wear this season, the third-year coach reeled off his latest list of signees.

This, after all, was National Signing Day. Inside the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union, the new recruits were the main attraction. And this group of 15 players, Mitchell said, is full with young men who can play in the Southwestern Athletic Conference — not as fifth-year seniors, not somewhere down the road. Many of the signees, Mitchell said, will play immediately.

“It’s my third class. It’s the most important class,” Mitchell said. “Our second class last year was better than our first, and I think this class is definitely better than the first two. We addressed the needs we needed, in order to be better than next year, and I’m excited about it.”

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SOUTHERN 2012 FOOTBALL SIGNEES