In the FCS Huddle: 2013 Ohio Valley Conference Preview

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (Sports Network) --  The coaches were motioning toward Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at Ohio Valley Conference media day last month.

You might say that Garoppolo's ability as a Walter Payton Award finalist - he ranked second in the FCS in passing yards last year - was the reason.

The point the coaches were making about Garoppolo, though, was that EIU, the defending conference champion, had a veteran quarterback returning this year. Many of the coaches could not make the same claim.

The year of the QB is over for the so-called Offensive Valley Conference, the highest-scoring conference in the FCS last season.

Among the nine teams, only EIU and Southeast Missouri State with Scott Lathrop are sure they will return their full-time quarterback from last season.

Darian Stone impressed, though, when he started the final four games at Tennessee Tech, so he gives the Golden Eagles continuity. Tennessee State, which has championship aspirations, is anxiously awaiting word on two-year starter Michael German's future status after he received an indefinite suspension this offseason.

The uncertainty under center could make for ...



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Field set for HBCU Tip-Off Championship at Philips Arena

ATLANTA, Georgia  --  The field is set for the HBCU Tip-Off Championship, which will be held Nov. 8-11 at Philips Arena.

Four teams from Division I and four teams from Division II, including Morehouse, will participate in the inaugural event.

From Division I, Norfolk State, which went 21-12 overall and 16-0 in the MEAC last year, will be joined by a pair of teams from the SWAC, Texas Southern and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Texas Southern was 17-14 overall, 16-2 in the conference last year. Arkansas-Pine Bluff was 16-14, 15-3 in the conference. Wisconsin-Green Bay, which is not a historically black college or university, rounds out the Division I field. They went 18-16, 10-6 in the Horizon League last year.

In addition to Morehouse on the Division II side are CIAA teams Virginia Union and Johnson C. Smith, and the SIAC’s Tuskegee.

“We are very excited to announce the field of teams for the inaugural HBCU Tip-Off,” organizer Kevin Clayton said. “We anticipate great excitement and fierce competition.”

Tickets will go on sale Aug. 26. The tournament website is hbcutipoff.com.

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Special teams opens door to playing time at FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Curtis Alexander had every reason to believe that he would be able to make a strong argument for playing time at linebacker in his first season at FAMU.

Alexander, a member of head coach Earl Holmes’ first recruiting class this past spring, led East Gadsden High’s defense last season with 76 tackles.

But with plenty of experience and depth at his position, Alexander’s best chance of playing his first college football game could be on special teams. He isn’t fretting, though.

“I’m going to go out and play special teams hard and work with it from there,” said the 6-foot-1, 220 pounder. “I think the opportunity to play on special teams is a privilege. It takes hard work.”

By focusing on special teams, Alexander is taking the same route that some of FAMU’s best players have taken to earning playing time at their positions. Linebacker Brandon Hepburn did it, and so did Kevin Elliott. Those are two of the Rattlers’ former players who recently made it into the NFL.

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Events Announced for 3rd. Annual AT&T Nation's Football Classic

WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Events DC today announced several participants for the 3^rd annual AT&T Nation's Football Classic^® weekend, scheduled to be held Thursday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 8 in Washington, D.C. The football game features Howard University vs. Morehouse College on Saturday, Sept. 7 at RFK Stadium.

Getting into the spirit of the weekend, Wendy Raquel Robinson (Howard) and Fonzworth Bentley (Morehouse) return to co-host the AT&T Kickoff Rally in support of their alma maters on Friday, Sept. 6. Music fans can help AT&T choose between two up and coming R&B artists to perform as the opening musical act by voting ATTNFCAdrian or ATTNFCJarvis here. The one with the most votes performs.

In addition, D.C. favorites Raheem DeVaughn, Experience Unlimited (E.U.) and Mambo Sauce will perform on the AT&T Soundstage during the Pepsi^® Fan Festival prior to the football game on Saturday. The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and a Morehouse alumnus, will deliver the sermon at Chapel Service on Sunday.
This year's official Classic party, "Friday Night Lights," will be held at The Howard Theatre on Friday. Ticket information and additional details will be announced at a later date.
"We have another great lineup of participants slated for this year's AT&T Nation's Football Classic^®, and fans should stay tuned for additional updates on Classic events in the coming days," said Erik A. Moses, managing director of Events DC's Sports and Entertainment Division. "It's going to be another great weekend!"
          
All events are free and open to the public (except football game & Classic party). Students, alumni, football fans and all other interested parties are encouraged to attend and participate in the various entertainment events, networking opportunities and educational experiences.

All lower bowl tickets for the game are $25, and mezzanine tickets are $50 (plus applicable fees). Tickets are currently on sale at ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office located at Cramton Auditorium (Mon-Fri/10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and the Morehouse College Bookstore (Mon-Fri/10 a.m.–2 p.m. & Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m).



2013 AT&T NATION'S FOOTBALL CLASSIC^® SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Events free and open to public except as noted

Thursday, September 5 - Presidential Symposium: "The Essence of the HBCU Experience"

Doors open 9:00 a.m.        
9:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.            

Howard University Cramton Auditorium
Through panel discussions, this symposium explores topics of importance that highlight the diverse contributions of HBCUs to the development of our nation and the global community.
                                          
9:30-9:40 a.m.:                     Symposium Welcome
9:40-10:45 a.m.:                   HBCU Presidential Forum
11:10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.:        The Next Step in "The Long Walk: A Candle in the Dark"
2:10-3:15 p.m.:                     Why I Chose to Attend an HBCU
3:40-4:45 p.m.:                     Keepers of the Culture

Friday, September 6
"The Game Before The Game": Mordecai Wyatt Johnson – Benjamin E. Mays Student Debate
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.        
Howard University Cramton Auditorium
Witness the academic rivalry between Howard and Morehouse as they showcase each school's tradition of developing great orators.

AT&T Kickoff Rally
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.        
9:30 Club (801 V St. NW)
Join the fun at the official Kickoff Rally in the heart of the nation's capital. The Rally will feature representatives from both schools, city officials and music.
Co-hosts: Wendy Raquel Robinson and Fonzworth Bentley

"Friday Night Lights" – Official Classic party (Ticketed event)
9:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.        
The Howard Theatre

Saturday, September 7

Pepsi^® Fan Festival
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.      
RFK Stadium Festival Grounds – Lot 5
Fan Festival featuring games, music and exhibit booths.
Performances on the AT&T Soundstage: Raheem DeVaughn, Experience Unlimited (E.U.) and Mambo Sauce

AT&T Nation's Football Classic^® (Ticketed event)
3:30 p.m.                           
RFK Stadium
Howard University Bison vs. Morehouse College Maroon Tigers

Sunday, September 8
Chapel Service
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.      
Howard University Rankin Chapel at Cramton Auditorium
Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ – Chicago, Ill.



About the AT&T Nation's Football Classic^®
The AT&T Nation's Football Classic^® is a black college football game held annually at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. This year, the game features Howard University against Morehouse College. Organized by Events DC, the AT&T Nation's Football Classic^® was created to celebrate the passion and tradition of the college football experience, recognize the history of service to others by the students, faculty and alumni of historically black colleges and universities, highlight the unity of African American culture, and honor the heritage and excellence of these proud institutions. Tickets for the AT&T Nation's Football Classic^® are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Seats are priced at $25 and $50.

About Events DC Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital.  Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes the historic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and surrounding Festival Grounds, and the non-military functions of the DC Armory.  Events DC also built and now serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com.

Seniors at WSSU are eager to lead

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Much has been made of the many senior leaders Winston-Salem State lost from its 2012 football team.

But the cupboard isn’t empty, and Coach Connell Maynor is excited about the seniors he has.
                 
“Donnie Owens, Carlos Fields, Daven Gray and Jermaine Kesler all need to be leaders,” Maynor said. “We had a lot of good leaders last year, and they showed that in leading us to the national-championship game. We need that same type of leadership for this team.”

The Rams had their third practice of the preseason Wednesday morning, and spirits were high. And after last season’s NCAA runner-up finish, so are expectations.

Tight end Jerry Chandler, 25 and a fifth-year senior, decided to return because of the stinging 35-7 championship-game loss to Valdosta State.



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Wait pays off for FAMU's Blanton

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  The offers that punter Colby Blanton received to play college football at Kentucky and FAMU were the same — come as a walk-on and try to earn your keep.

Oregon State was in the mix too, but the distance from his home in Jacksonville was too far for him to consider.

While the opportunity to be part of a BCS program was enticing, Blanton said he saw an advantage coming to FAMU. He figured he’d only have to wait one year behind former Rattler Branden Holdren instead of waiting indefinitely as would have been the case at Kentucky.

After learning under Holdren, the future is now for the 6-1, 210-pound redshirt freshman punter.

“We tried to prepare him as much as we can, and we think he is ready,” said special-teams coach Juan Vasquez. “If he performs the way we expect him to, we will have something special.”

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Tennessee State Tiger Camp Report: Day 11

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- An early morning practice led to a slow start for the Tennessee State football team which completed Thursday’s session at Hale Stadium. It took a while, but the squad eventually woke up and raised the tempo as the temperature rose as well.

“We came onto this field this morning a little sluggish,” head coach Rod Reed said. “This is about the midway point of fall camp and this is where you need to push through and break the rock… Championship teams have to come out and practice hard each and every day.”

The effort got stronger as the players went to seven-on-seven and team drills with the defensive line leading the charge. Tackles Anthony Bass, Jack Ndem and Samquan Evans clogged running lanes, broke up passes at the line of scrimmage and kept the offensive line occupied. The latter part was the key, as it allowed safety Daniel Fitzpatrick and linebacker Gregory Barksdale clear paths to the backfield on several occasions.
 

“The defensive line is doing a pretty good job getting penetration and knocking balls down. On the flipside our offensive line played well at times and opened up some holes,” Reed said.

Thursday also brought a sliver of clarity to TSU’s running back situation as Telvin Hooks looked like the 2012 version – the kind that averaged 5.7 yards per carry – en route to several long runs. Hooks got most of the reps with the first team while Tevin Spells got the majority of the rest. Each back made good reads and looked solid cutting in both directions.

TSU will try to come out with more intensity tomorrow when Big Blue hits the field at 9:15 a.m.

 

This Week's Practice Schedule
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013 - 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #12 (FULL)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #13 (FULL)
MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #14 (FULL)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013- 5:45-7:45 p.m. PRACTICE #15(FULL)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #16 (FULL)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013- 5:45-7:45 p.m. PRACTICE #17 (FULL)

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Florida A&M Marching 100 will perform at MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando

ORLANDO, Florida  --  The famed Florida A&M University Marching 100 will perform during the 2013 football season, the university announced Thursday.

Its first appearance will be the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando on Sept. 1 where FAMU will play Mississippi Valley State.

"This is a new beginning for this band," said new band director Sylvester Young.

Fans and alumni had been anxious to know whether FAMU would allow the famous Marching 100 to perform during the fall 2013 season. Until recently, the band had been suspended in the wake of drum major Robert Champion's hazing death in Orlando in 2011.

Officials said this year's band will be significantly smaller, however. Instead of showing up with a high-energy group of young musicians totaling 400 to 500 members, the new marching band will have 126 members, officials said.

FAMU Football schedule

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Alabama State Has Depth on the Offensive Line

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  For several years Alabama State University had a few good offensive linemen; just never enough of them. Beginning last season, the coaching staff was able to sign more offensive linemen and it has paid dividends as the offensive line may now be one of the deepest on the team.

"We have a lot of guys over there now, probably more than we have ever had," Head Coach Reggie Barlow said. "This year we brought in about 18 or 19 offensive linemen into camp and we have a good three-deep depth. They have been developing and Ed (Edmond Davis) is the leader of that group. He has been around and he can get guys lined up."

Things could be good along the offensive line for several years to come as ASU only has two seniors listed among all of the offensive linemen on the team.

"(Damien) Love is one of the young guys who started every game for us last year as a freshman and although he has experience he is still young, but he has done a good job for us," Barlow said. "We have a real good battle at the guard position with Roquemore (Robert) and Hickingbottom (Demechery), two first year guys who are new to our system."

"Behind those guys are players like Jacobs (Tony) who transferred here (Central Florida) and Jylan Ware who redshirted last year. We are expecting big things from him."

"All in all we think we have a good group of guys and if a guy goes down or one gets tired we should be able to substitute a guy in and not miss a beat."

The coaching staff felt they were so deep across the line; they were able to send junior Trei Mitchell over to the defensive line to add some depth to that position. Mitchell spent his first two years on campus always listed on the two-deep along the offensive front.

"When we sat back and knew we needed some depth on the defensive line, we thought about which of the guys would be more suited to move over there we knew with Trei's body type he would be the one to help us out," Barlow said. "Trei is one of those guys that always played hard for us. What he lacked in ability, he more than made up for it in effort and that's what we needed on the defensive line. Sometimes you just need guys who will out-effort other guys. Trei is that guy and we are happy to have him in that position."

"The best thing about the offensive linemen is they have been competing," Barlow added. "That has allowed our running backs to have some explosive plays and we expect them t

ASU will continue their preseason camp Thursday with one practice at 3:30 p.m.
o get even better.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Albany State Passionettes and Alabama State Stingettes to appear in Robin Thicke music video

Atlanta, Georgia   — When Robin Thicke visualized the concept of his “Give It 2 U” video, his wife, actress Paula Patton, came up with the idea to include Historically Black College or University (HBCU) Dance teams. The uniqueness of HBCU dance teams is not easily duplicated; it can only be obtained by performing at an HBCU school.

 

As a result, artists and production companies are hiring actual HBCU dancers for their live performances, videos and movies. Robin Thicke can now be added to the list of artists who have done so, which includes superstars like Madonna.

Give It 2 U Soundtrack (For over 18+ year old)

WATCH IN 720p HD, Full Screen
 

The video production company, Black Dog Films, sought assistance from HBCU Dance Corporation to find the teams and seal the deal. HBCU Dance, founded by Keelia L. Brown and Sharmekia Brooks, is a non-profit organization that assists and teaches collegiate level dancers, as well as high school dancers, who desire to dance at a Historically Black College or University through dance training camps, scholarships, team sponsorships, audition assistance and more.

 

However, it was HBCU Dance’s connection services and knowledge of the HBCU dance community that made them a great fit for identifying and selecting two teams for the shoot.

 

The video is expected to debut later this month.

  

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Cousin announces retirement after 9 years as Xavier AD

NEW ORLEANS — Dennis Cousin (pronounced Coo-zan), who led Xavier University of Louisiana to its most successful period in athletics, has announced his resignation as director of athletics and will return to retirement.
    
Cousin, hired by Xavier in the summer of 2004, will work through the end of September.
    
"I want to thank our president, Dr. Norman Francis, for giving me this opportunity to serve Xavier," said Cousin, who turned 68 in July. "I enjoyed my time here immensely, and I feel that I leave the department in better shape than when I arrived."
    
Xavier teams won 46 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference or NAIA unaffiliated group championships during Cousin's tenure and qualified 34 times for NAIA National Championships. XU facilities received a major upgrade in the past year with the October opening of the XU Tennis Center and the November opening of the Convocation Center for basketball and volleyball.
    
 Under Xavier’s current head coaches, 125 of 130 senior student-athletes received degrees from Xavier or are still enrolled. The past three years, the department ranked in the top 10 on the NAIA's Champions of Character scorecard.

In May, Cousin made HBCUDigest.com's list of the five best athletics directors at an HBCU (Historically Black College or University).
    
The department rebounded strongly after canceling competition in 2005-06 due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Five of Xavier's six teams in 2006-07 won GCAC championships.
    
"I hope Xavier never faces another crisis like that hurricane," Cousin said. "I have to give great credit to our coaches, staff and student-athletes for coming back so quickly and so strongly. They gave our school and our community so much to be proud of during rebuilding."
    
Cousin said his fundraising helped reduce the majority of a deficit he inherited at Xavier.
    
Xavier hired Cousin six months after he retired from the St. Tammany Parish School Board, where he served as an administrator, teacher and coach. He also was a basketball referee for the GCAC, Sun Belt Conference and Louisiana High School Athletic Association. All three of Cousin's sons — Damon, Darren and Duane — are Xavier graduates, and Duane was one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in Xavier basketball history.
    
Xavier will conduct a national search for a new director of athletics. The university has yet to name an interim director.
    
"I will always hold Xavier in high regard," Cousin said. "The person Xavier hires as my replacement will have the opportunity to manage a top-notch staff."

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Howard U's David Oliver wins world 110m hurdles gold in Moscow

MOSCOW, Russia --  David Oliver lead a one-two for the United States in the 110 metres hurdles, at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow. The US missed out on a clean sweep of the medals after the defending champion, Jason Richardson, stumbled after hitting the final hurdle.

Oliver, the form athlete this year and who had been impressive throughout the competition, led early and maintained his form to take an emotional victory in exactly 13 seconds, the fastest time of the year. Ryan Wilson took silver in 13.13 and Sergey Shubenkov of Russia edged Richardson for bronze. Shubenkov finished in 13.24, and Richardson timed 13.27. The Olympic champion, Aries Merritt, was sixth.


IAAF Track and Field World Championship, David Oliver (USA) has been side lined for the past few years, but he's back in shape and finally a world champion at 13.00, .13 seconds over Ron Wilson (USA). Defending champ Jason Richardson 4th. 

Oliver graduated from Howard University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.

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HU's Francena McCorory Finishes Sixth at World Championships

MOSCOW, Russia – Former Hampton University track & field standout Francena McCorory came in sixth in the finals of the women's 400-meter dash at the IAAF World Track & Field Championships on Monday. She ran a 50.68 in the final.

Great Britain's Christine Ohuruogu won the event with a time of 49.41.

On Sunday, McCorory won her semifinal heat by posting a personal-best time of 49.86. (See semifinals video below) (Click HERE for post-race Video Interview).  She also ran a 50.56 in Saturday's preliminary heats, winning her race.

 
WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

McCorory was a three-time NCAA champion in the 400-meter dash at Hampton, as well as a four-time U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-American. She also won the gold medal in the 4x400-meter relay at the London Olympics last summer.

In 2011, McCorory anchored the 4x400-meter relay team that won gold at the World Championships in Korea. She also finished fourth that year in the 400-meter dash.

In 2012, McCorory was fifth in the world in the 400-meter dash.

For more information on Hampton University track & field, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Tennessee State Tigers Camp Report: Day 10

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  Perfect temperatures accompanied the Tennessee State football team as the squad completed its tenth day of fall camp on Wednesday at Hale Stadium.

“

The weather has been very favorable for us if we were playing our first game in a dome,” head coach Rod Reed said. “But we are going to be outside for the John Merritt Classic week one and then go to Florida on week two, so we need hotter days to get conditioned”

However, the ideal playing conditions did not lead to ideal performances according to Reed.

“I thought that the tempo was a little slow today, so from now on we will start a 40-second play clock between each down.”



Two things that did stick out on Wednesday was the play of Kadeem Edwards on the left side of the offensive line and Antonio Harper at defensive end.

Edwards returned to practice after sitting a few days due to injury, and proceeded to dominate everyone who lined up on the opposite side. The Preseason All-OVC Teamer opened up holes and sealed his side for much of the morning, and even saw some playing time at left tackle.

While Edwards was anchoring the left side, the right guards and tackles were having their hands full dealing with Harper. Harper, who like Edwards was selected to the Preseason All-OVC Team, wrapped up the quarterback on several occasions and flushed him out of the pocket on even more. The senior has been working on a spin move that, so far, has baffled offensive lineman.

The TSU coaching staff will look for a crisper training session tomorrow when the Tigers return to the field at 7:30 a.m.

This Week's Practice Schedule
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013 - 7:30-9:30 PRACTICE #11 (FULL)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013 - 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #12 (FULL)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #13 (FULL)
MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #14 (FULL)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013- 5:45-7:45 p.m. PRACTICE #15(FULL)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013- 9:15-11:30 PRACTICE #16 (FULL)

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU Football Closes Preseason Camp with Scrimmage on Friday

DURHAM, North Carolina  --   The North Carolina Central University football team wraps up a two-week preseason practice schedule with a scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium on the campus of NCCU.  The game is open to the public and admission is free.

NCCU opens the 2013 season on Aug. 31 at Duke University inside Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C.

The Eagles' first home game is on Sept. 7 against Saint Augustine's University inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Season tickets to NCCU's six home games are still available for purchase online at www.NCCUEaglePride.com or at the NCCU Ticket Office (919-530-5170) on the lower level of W.G. Pearson Cafeteria.

For more information about NCCU football, download the NCCU Sports Network app available in the App Store, Google Play and Amazon.   

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

SU Tickets for Aug. 30 Houston game on sale Thursday

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- Tickets for Southern University's Aug. 30 opener against the University of Houston will go on sale Thursday morning at the SU Ticket Office.

 

Tickets are $42 and $37 and will be available for purchase at 9 a.m. in the SU Ticket Office located in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

 

Southern's matchup against Houston marks the second meeting in the series history and will air live on ESPN3.com.

 

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

 

Fans also can purchase ticket to the Jaguars' Sept. 7 game against Northwestern State in Natchitoches.

For more information, contact the ticket office at 225-771-3171.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Ram Ramblings: WSSU getting into swing of football practice

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  The first thing I noticed as the WSSU football players started to trickle onto the practice field Wednesday morning was I didn’t know who they were.

For about the first 20 players the only recognizable face was wide receiver Kenny Patterson.
Later on, when I was talking to some of the veterans of the team, I figured out why I didn’t know many faces. Out of the 110 players in preseason camp there are around 60 newcomers between the transfers and incoming freshmen.

The Rams lost nearly 30 players from last season's team through exhausted eligibility and other reasons.

“I keep telling anybody who will listen we have a lot of new guys,” Coach Connell Maynor said.

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Cheney Wolves Report to Camp

CHEYNEY, Pennsylvania  -- Division II college football teams from across the country report for practice today and at Cheyney University, Coach Ken Lockard is expecting 100 plus to check in during the day. "We haven't had these types of numbers at CU for at least 20 years," stated Lockard.

Veteran leadership will be a key to the Wolves 2013 season.

Sixteen starters return, 8 a piece on offense and defense, as well as six home games. "I'm very excited about this season," commented Coach Ken Lockard. "We have a lot of starters returning and we are bringing in the biggest class we ever had since I came to Cheyney six years ago. Some of the freshman will be battling for playing time and might even be able to crack the starting line-up."

Leading the way on the offensive side of the ball is Marcus Jones. Jones, a senior All-PSAC performer, will be relied on heavily to carry the load for the Wolves option offense. Leading the way for Jones is a quartet of returning offensive lineman. Mike McGlashen (Jr, RG, 5-10, 285, Philadelphia, George Washington), Vaughn McEachin (Sr, LG, 6-1, 295, Hackensack, NJ, Dwight Morow), Nick Carter (Jr, C, 6-0, 285, Willingboro, NJ, Willingboro) and Christian Sanchez (So, LT, 6-3, 255, Trenton, NJ, Hamilton West) all started a year ago. Justin Watkins and Jay Journigan both saw significant action last season will once again be in the Wolves backfield.

Wide receivers Khalif Dandy, Marquis Garcia Palmer and Eugene Moten return as the Wolves leading receivers from a year ago. The Wolves will have to replace signal caller Blaze Wasserleben. Wasserleben was the second leading rusher on the 2012 team and completed 45% of his attempts.

On the defensive side of the ball the Wolves have both defensive ends returning. Shadeed Cheeseboro and Ariene Gardner ranked fifth and seventh respectively with 42 and 35 tackles a year ago. Cheeseboro led the squad in forced fumbles (3) and sacks (3.5). He also ranked second on the team in tackles for loss. All three starting linebackers return from a year ago. Khalil Neal, Isaiah Fleming and Shannon Burch are as strong of a group of linebackers that the Wolves have ever returned to the grid iron. Fleming (107) and Burch (70) ranked one two in tackles a year ago. Fleming also paced the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and ranked as one of the best returning linebackers in country and PSAC. Neal recorded 36 tackles last season while only appearing in nine games. Safeties Tristan Dillon McCallum and Ernest Polite should be holding down the strong and free safety positions. Corners Jamil Williams and Adam Dolphin return as corner backs.

The Wolves will also have to replace four year starter Tyler Wilkinson. The punter and long place kicker will be replaced by Jewel Jones. Last season, Jones handled all of the PATs and shorter field goals.

The Wolves kick-off the 2013 season with their annual tilt against HBCU rival Lincoln in the Battle of the Firsts. Cheyney will then hit the road for two weeks with contests at IUP and Lock Haven before returning home to face East Stroudsburg on September 28. The Wolves will then travel to Mercyhurst and Kutztown before returning to O'Shields-Stevenson Stadium on October 19 for a homecoming contest against Millersville.

After their final road game of the season the following week at Bloomsburg the Wolves will end the season with three consecutive home games. On November 2 cross town rival West Chester invades campus followed by Shippensburg (November 9) and PSAC newcomer Seton Hill (November 16).

All college football teams from across the country report for practice today and at Cheyney University, Coach Ken Lockard is expecting 100 plus to check in during the day. "We haven't had these types of numbers at CU for at least 20 years," stated Lockard.

Veteran leadership will be a key to the Wolves 2013 season. Sixteen starters return, 8 a piece on offense and defense, as well as six home games. "I'm very excited about this season," commented Coach Ken Lockard. "We have a lot of starters returning and we are bringing in the biggest class we ever had since I came to Cheyney six years ago. Some of the freshman will be battling for playing time and might even be able to crack the starting line-up."

Leading the way on the offensive side of the ball is Marcus Jones. Jones, a senior All-PSAC performer, will be relied on heavily to carry the load for the Wolves option offense. Leading the way for Jones is a quartet of returning offensive lineman. Mike McGlashen (Jr, RG, 5-10, 285, Philadelphia, George Washington), Vaughn McEachin (Sr, LG, 6-1, 295, Hackensack, NJ, Dwight Morow), Nick Carter (Jr, C, 6-0, 285, Willingboro, NJ, Willingboro) and Christian Sanchez (So, LT, 6-3, 255, Trenton, NJ, Hamilton West) all started a year ago. Justin Watkins and Jay Journigan both saw significant action last season will once again be in the Wolves backfield.

Wide receivers Khalif Dandy, Marquis Garcia Palmer and Eugene Moten return as the Wolves leading receivers from a year ago. The Wolves will have to replace signal caller Blaze Wasserleben. Wasserleben was the second leading rusher on the 2012 team and completed 45% of his attempts.

On the defensive side of the ball the Wolves have both defensive ends returning. Shadeed Cheeseboro and Ariene Gardner ranked fifth and seventh respectively with 42 and 35 tackles a year ago. Cheeseboro led the squad in forced fumbles (3) and sacks (3.5). He also ranked second on the team in tackles for loss.

All three starting linebackers return from a year ago. Khalil Neal, Isaiah Fleming and Shannon Burch are as strong of a group of linebackers that the Wolves have ever returned to the grid iron. Fleming (107) and Burch (70) ranked one two in tackles a year ago. Fleming also paced the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and ranked as one of the best returning linebackers in country and PSAC. Neal recorded 36 tackles last season while only appearing in nine games.

Safeties Tristan Dillon McCallum and Ernest Polite should be holding down the strong and free safety positions. Corners Jamil Williams and Adam Dolphin return as corner backs.

The Wolves will also have to replace four year starter Tyler Wilkinson. The punter and long place kicker will be replaced by Jewel Jones. Last season, Jones handled all of the PATs and shorter field goals.

COURTESY CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

AAMU Fan Day Set for Saturday, August 17, at 3 p.m.

NORMAL, Alabama -- The 2013 Alabama A&M Fan Day is set for Saturday, August 17, at 3:00 p.m. in the Louis Crews Stadium.

Fans will be able to meet and greet with all their favorite Bulldog student-athletes with activities and fun for the entire family.  There will be free food, sponsored by BoJangles, kid stations with activities and contests and prizes for adults.  The Greeks will be out in full force so wear your paraphernalia.

Performing at the annual event will be the Bulldog Band, cheerleaders as well as alumni events.

Fan Day is an annual celebration at the start of the Alabama A&M athletics season and features student-athletes from all 15 varsity sports and their coaches mingling and socializing with Bulldog fans.

Fans can tailgate all day while the event will culminate with a football scrimmage at 6 p.m. in Louis Crews stadium.

"Alabama A&M University and the Athletics Department Welcomes Fans to AAMU for Fan Day 2013," Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks said.  "Fan Day is a meet and greet for fans, family and athletes."

Tickets for the season opener versus Tuskegee are available for purchase by calling the Maroon & White ticket office at 256-372-4700 or visiting AAMUTIX.COM.

Come get your first look at the 2013 teams. Admission to fan day is free.

The complete itinerary of Fan Day is listed below:

** Tailgating-Anytime! ***

-Fan Day Starts: 3pm-

BoJangles' Food Give Away!

Meet & Greet Athletic Teams/Coaches (Autographs/ Pictures)

Games and Contests

Giveaways and Prizes

Kids Stations (face painting, bounce pit)

4:15 Band Performance

4:20 Introduction of Football Team

4:30 Greek Stroll Off

4:45 Band Performance

4:55 Cheerleaders Perform

5:05 Contests on Field

5:15 Bryan Hicks Welcomes

5:30 Baby Bulldogs/Junior Dancers

5:40 Football Warm-Up

6:00 Scrimmage

***Activities will continue in the stadium until 6pm!

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Provine’s Quartez Scott commits to JSU

JACKSON, Mississippi  --  Provine High School’s

Quartez “Teddy” Scott made an early commitment to join Jackson State’s basketball program. The 6-foot-7 small forward is entering his senior at Provine. Last season, he helped the Rams reach the Class 5A State Championship, where they dropped a heartbreak to the Callaway Chargers, 69-65. In that finals game, Scott went three for three in field goals and grabbed  five rebounds.

Scott adds height to the Tigers in the 2014-15 season. An interesting fact is that newly hired men’s basketball coach Wayne Brent coached that Callaway team before moving onto JSU. Scott is familiar with Brent and said he’s one of the reasons why he chose JSU. When asked why he committed even before starting his senior year in high school, Scott said he didn’t want to worry about the recruiting process and focus on winning a state title his senior year. (Provine moved up to 6A, so it won’t see Callaway this season.)

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FAMU secondary looks to reload

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Secondary coach Chris Cash only heard the stories about how FAMU had one of the best secondary units – the last line of defense – in the country two seasons ago.

He also knows the unit wasn’t very good last year when it was expected to be just as dominant.

Cash is hopeful the unit, led by six-year safety John Ojo and junior Terry Johnson, could get back to being as dominant as it was. The talent is there, Cash said, so the rest shouldn’t be too hard.

“Everything is predicated on the ball; no matter how you look at it,” said Cash, who along with Corey Fuller coaches the secondary.

“You can be fast, you can do technique to take the proper angle but at the end of the day your goal is to either catch the ball or take the ball away. You try to knock it out, catch it, punch or strip it. That’s it. Once you get that mindset, that’s it.”

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DelState defense eyes big season

DOVER, Delaware — Davon Moore arrived at Delaware State University without a scholarship but with big ambitions.

A preferred walk-on from Mount Vernon High in New York, Moore only had interest from Stony Brook University on Long Island and the University of New Haven in Connecticut along with DSU.

He came to Dover and bided his time until an opportunity came his way.

That included redshirting his first year before seeing time in 10 games in 2011 where he racked up 23 tackles. Last year he became a full-time starter at strong safety and had his breakout season, making the All-MEAC first team.

“I was waiting for my chance and I got it last season,” Moore said.

Moore led the Hornets in tackles (97) and interceptions (4) and was third in the conference in both categories in 2012.

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Miles College Starts Fall Football Camp

FAIRFIELD, Alabama  -- The Golden Bears have started fall camp as they prepare for the season opener versus University of North Alabama on Thursday September the 5^th at 6:30 p.m. on Comcast Sports South.   

The Bears are projected to finish 2^nd in the western division of the SIAC. Last season was a historic one for the Bears finishing (8-3) and earning a trip to the playoffs for the first time in school history.

This season the Bears will be led by redshirt senior David Thomas who threw for over 2,000 yards a season ago. Still though, Thomas will have to earn his starting spot according to Miles head coach Reginald Ruffin. "The quarterback race has really heated up with Chris Alexander a transfer quarterback from North Alabama, and Demetrius Price also a transfer from Alabama State," Ruffin said yesterday.

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Tuskegee could feature passing game more in 2013

TUSKEGEE, Alabama  --  Tuskegee could match the success it had on the football field last season when it went 10-2, won a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title and made an appearance in the Pioneer Bowl in Columbus, Ga.

However, the Golden Tigers, picked to repeat as league champions, just might get the job done more through the air this season as opposed to 2012, when they pounded teams to death with Missouri transfer running back Derrick Washington, the SIAC Player of the Year and a Harlon Hill trophy award finalist. 

The league's the fifth-leading passing attack a year ago, Tuskegee returns a couple experienced players under center in rising junior Justin Nared as well as senior Rashard Burkette, all of its receiving corps and a pair of all-conference offensive linemen in Christopher Tolbert and Devonte Jones. 

"We've been grinding this offseason, this summer, throwing and working," Burkette said. "And we want to better ourselves at throwing the ball because we know we can throw the ball. We could've thrown it last year. We just didn't have to."

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Southern seniors Joseph, Doss step up to take leadership roles

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  With only 16 days remaining before Southern heads west to take on the Houston Cougars in Reliant Stadium, distractions and mental fatigue in the South Louisiana heat continue to be the theme this early week.

Motivation, determination and a player’s will come into question at times like this for a football team.

Yet the Jaguars have the added benefit of two seasoned veterans in senior quarterback Dray Joseph and senior wide receiver Lee Doss to help motivate and push the team during this grueling stretch before the start of the season.

The two senior leaders have gone through the rigors of seasons past, gaining the experience needed to be best-prepared for the season that lies ahead.

“As senior leaders, you understand that you can get better each day, and you don’t want to get complacent,” Joseph said in regard to his and Doss’ leadership. “You don’t want to ever get into that mindset of being complacent, because there’s always something that you can be better at. There’s always someone out there that’s working harder than you.”

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