Alabama A&M to face North Carolina A&T in MEAC-SWAC Challenge on ESPN network to start 2014

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama  --  New Alabama A&M head football football coach James Spady will make his debut in maroon and white on the biggest of stages.

The Bulldogs will face North Carolina A&T in the 10th Annual MEAC-SWAC Challenge to start the 2014 season in a game set to be aired live on an ESPN network.  

 

Which network has not been determined yet. 

The game will be played at The Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Sunday, Aug. 31st. No kickoff time has been set. 

Alabama A&M's schedule has yet to be announced, but it is known that the Bulldogs will play UAB on Sept. 13 at Legion Field.

 

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2014 TSU Football Signing Day Central

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- National Signing Day 2014 has finally arrived and excitement is here as Tennessee State University is proud to announce the latest additions to the Big Blue football team.

TSUTigers.com will have a live updates all day here and via our social media pages (Twitter - @TSU_Tigers and Facebook.com/TSU_Tigers). Once our compliance office (@TNSTcompliance) has certified the National Letter of Intent, we'll post information about the newest signees.

 

Remember to join Coach Rod Reed and the TSU coaching staff to discuss the Class of 2014 at the annual Signing Day Event this evening. The event will be held at the Indoor Football Facility at 5 p.m.

 

Click on the names of the commitments to see their highlight film.

 

Javon Brandon - S, 5'10", 185 lbs., Stockbridge HS, Stockbridge, Ga.

Was the starting quarterback and safety for Stockbridge High School… Was named Male Athlete of the Week by Neighbor Newspapers on Nov. 26… Received interest from Georgia State, Vanderbilt, Southern Illinois, Old Dominion, Chattanooga, Furman and Louisiana Lafayette… Can squat 500 pounds… Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds… Was the 2012 Southern Cresent Defensive Player of the Year… Was AP All-State during his senior year… Selected first team All-County and All-Region his last two seasons… Plans to major in Health, Performance and Sports Sciences…

 

Thomas Burton - OG, 6'2", 275 lbs., Whitehaven HS, Memphis, Tenn.

 

Played on the offensive line for Whitehaven High School… Led the Tigers to a 9-3 record and a 5-1 mark in the region…Received an offer from UT Martin… Selected Offensive Player of the Game following a win against Mitchell on Aug. 24, 2013… Named to the 16-AAA All-Region Team as a senior… Was chosen as a team-captain as a senior… Intends on majoring in Engineering… Son of Sherman and Toleda Brown…

 

Chris Collins - ILB, 5' 11", 220 Lbs., Creekside HS, Fairburn, Ga.

Started at middle linebacker for three seasons at Creekside High School in Fairburn, Ga… Recorded 130 tackles as a senior… Picked off five passes in his career… Tallied seven sacks and 29 tackles for loss during his final two seasons… Bench presses 325 pounds… Squats 455 pounds… Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds… Led his team to a second place finish in the region in 2010… Was an all-region honorable mention as a junior… Selected All-Region and All-State following his senior season… Is a member of the National Honor Society… Plans to major in Business…

M.J. Couzan - OL, 6'-5", 280 lbs., Archer HS, Lawrenceville, Ga. Anchored the offensive line at Archer High School in Lawrenceville, Ga… Led his team to an 11-1 record and an 8-0 mark in conference in 2013… Selected All-County in 2013… Recorded 43 pancake blocks as a senior… Named Gwinnett County Player of the Month… Won a State Championship in wrestling as a senior and junior… Finished wrestling career with a 116-12 record… Can bench press 300 pounds and squat 405… Coached by Andy Dyer… Intends to major in Business…

LaKhalon Holland - ATH, 5'11", 180 lbs., Ribault Sr. HS, Jacksonville, Fla.

Played running back and defensive back for Ribault Sr. High School in Jacksonville, Fla… Had offers from Jacksonville, Bethune-Cookman and Charleston Southern… Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds… Attended the same high school as fellow 2014 recruit Marvin Maddox… Helped lead team to a 7-4 overall record and a 6-1 league mark during his senior season… Was a member of Ribault’s basketball team… Plans to major in Business…

Tony Holmes - OL, 6'3", 300 lbs., Itawamba CC, Hattiesburg, Miss. Appeared in nine games as a sophomore for Itawamba CC in Fulton, Miss… Helped ICC accumulate 3,539 yards in 2012… Led the Indians to a 6-4 record and a 4-2 mark in conference play during his sophomore season… Attended the same junior college as fellow 2014 recruit Archie Dennard… Named to the Mississippi North/South All-Star game and First-Team All-Area at Oak Grove High School… Intends to major in business… Son of Anthony and Harriette Holmes…

Latrelle Lee - DE, 6'3", 220 lbs., Dothan HS, Dothan, Ala.  Started at defensive end for Dothan High School… Made 87 stops and 16 tackles for loss during his senior year… Recorded 13 sacks in his career… Tallied 93 wrap-ups as a junior…  Named team Most Valuable Defensive Lineman in 2013… Had an offer from Alabama State… Can bench press 315 pounds and squat 405… Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds… Led his team to a 6-4 record as a senior… Attended the same high school as fellow 2014 recruit Josh Bighems… Son of Phillip and Betty Lee… Plans to major in Sports Medicine…

Darrell Haralson - WR, 6'4", 205 lbs., Smyrna HS, Smyrna, Tenn.

Stared for the Smryna High School from the wide receiver slot…. Hauled in 17 receptions for 366 yards and five touchdowns for the 6-5 Bulldogs…Recorded five receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown as a junior… Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and benches 275 pounds…  Tabbed as a two-star prospect by Rivals… Picked Tennessee State over Appalachian State and Indiana State…

 

Marvin Maddox - DE, 6'3", 245 lbs., Ribault Sr. HS, Jacksonville, Fla. Played defensive end at Jean Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Fla… Tallied 41 tackles in 2013… Recorded 14 sacks as a senior… Helped lead team to a 7-4 overall record and a 6-1 league mark during his senior season… Can bench press 325 pounds… Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds… Showed interest in Iowa State, North Carolina, Charleston Southern and Savannah State… Attended camp at Louisville and Vanderbilt… Named to the All-First Coast Football Third Team by the Florida Times-Union… Selected to the Miami Herald Watch List… Plans to major in Business...

Dell Porter - LB, 6'2", 215 lbs., Melrose HS, Memphis, Tenn. Started at linebacker for Melrose High School in Memphis, Tenn… Tallied 59 tackles during his senior year… Recorded six sacks in 2013… Forced three fumbles and recovered four others… Selected defensive MVP of his high school following his last two seasons… Ran the 800 meter dash for his high school track team… Helped lead his team to an 8-4 record during his senior season… Played on the same team as fellow TSU commit Justin Brooks… Named Second Team All-District as a defensive end / outside linebacker…Coached by Eddie Woods… Plans to major in Criminal Justice or Business… Son of Tamara Porter… Born April 29, 1996…

Chris Wallace Jr. - TE, 6'7", 250 lbs., Lanpheir HS, Springfield, Ill. Played tight end for Lanphier High School in Springfield, Ill… Was a 2011 All-Conference Honorable Mention… Is a member of the National Honor Society and Junior Frontiers… Named Academic All-Conference as a senior… Can bench press 255 pounds… Also played basketball in high school… Intends to major in Education or Communications… Son of Makeda Joseph and Chris Wallace Sr…

Tequarri Whitlow - ATH, 6'2", 235 lbs., Lafayette HS, Lafayette, Ala. Started at middle linebacker and running back for Lafayette High School in Ala… Played on the men’s basketball team… Ran the ball 62 times for 483 yards as a senior… Scored six touchdowns…  Was an All-State Honorable Mention as a senior…Tallied 98 tackles in his career… Recorded nine sacks and two safeties in high school… Forced three fumbles and intercepted a pass…Three-time defensive team captain… Elected SGA President…Honor Roll all four years…  Was coached by Steve Coker… Plans to major in Business Management… Son of Pamela and Terrance Holloway…

Laquarius Cook - S, 6'0", 185 lbs., Wenonah HS, Birmingham, Ala. Played strong safety at Wenonah High School in Birmingham, Ala… Registered 110 tackles in his four-year career… Picked off seven passes including five during his senior season, returning one for a touchdown… Forced one fumble and recovered three… Tallied one sack… Was coached by Ronald Cheatham… Helped lead team to a 10-2 mark during his junior season… Chosen to the West Sqaud of the Pre-season All-Star Team… Received offers from Alabama State, Southern Illinois and Murray State… Plans to major in Engineering or Sports Medicine…

Justin Brooks - OT, 6'6", 275 lbs., Melrose HS, Memphis, Tenn. Appeared at defensive end and tackle at Melrose High School in Memphis, Tenn., but will play offensive tackle for the Tigers… Can bench press 275 pounds, squat 415 and clean 275… Led team to an 8-4 record during his senior season… Played on the same team as fellow TSU commit Dell Porter… Was a first-team All-District lineman…Played in the 2013 AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star Game… Received an offer from Southern and had interest in the University of Memphis…Was rated a two-star prospect by 24/7 Sports… Intends to major in Engineering…

 

Terrell Bonds - CB, 5'10", 175 lbs., Miami Central HS, Miami, Fla.                                

Starred at cornerback for Miami Central Sr. High School… Led his team to a 13-1 record as a senior, a No.8 national ranking and a second-place finish in State… Received a two-star grade from Rivals… Garnered interest from Appalachian State, Georgia Tech, NC State and West Virginia… Had an offer from Alabama State… Is the brother of former TSU wide-out Tyrone Butterfield… Intends to major in Communications…

Jerome Johnson - DT, 6'1", 302 lbs., Bucholz HS, Gainesville, Fla. Played on the defensive line at Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Fla… Tallied 65 tackles as a senior… Amassed 186 total stops in three seasons as a starter… Made nine sacks in his career… Forced four fumbles and recovered four more from 2011-13… Got an offer from Old Dominion… Garnered interest from Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Tech and Kentucky… Received an 84.12 SPARQ rating… Named Second Team All-State in 2013… Played in the North-South All-Star Classic in 2013… Plans to major in Business… Son of Kadeesah  and Jerome Sr. Johnson…

PREVIOUSLY INKED

Archie Dennard - TE, 6'4", 230 lbs., Itawamba CC, Hollandale, Miss. Committed on JUCO Signing Day on Dec. 18…Appeared in nine games… Made two catches for 23 yards in his very first collegiate contest…Averaged 11.5 yards per reception… Helped lead Itawamba to a 6-4 record in 2013… Starred at Simmons High School playing both defensive end and tight end… Totaled 134 stops (122 solo), 13 quarterback sacks and two forced fumbles…Named Best Defensive Lineman in 2011 and 2012… Selected MVP and First-Team All-State for the baseball team in 2012…

Tom Smith - RB, 5'11", 220 lbs., Tennessee, Apopka, Fla. Transferred from Tennessee between fall and spring semesters… Redshirted in 2012… Played in three games as true freshman… One of 16 true freshmen to play during the season… Had 34 rushing yards on 13 carries… Carried 10 times for 28 yards vs. Buffalo (10/1)… One of 12 true freshmen to play vs. Montana (9/3), rushed three times for six yards… Rated a three-star by Rivals coming out of Apopka HS… As a senior in 2010, honored as First Team All-County and All-Central Florida by the Orlando Sentinel… Son of Thomas and Shantinette Smith… Majoring in Sociology...

Vantavious Williams – S, 6’2”, 215 lbs., Fort Scott CC, Cordele, Ga. Played safety for two seasons at Fort Scott CC… Appeared in six contests as a sophomore… Amassed 33 stops in 2013 (24 solo)… Made nine tackles for loss, totaling minus-47 yards… Picked off one pass and returned it 10 yards… Recorded one pass break up… Returned one kickoff for 48 yards… Received offers from UAB, Southern Illinois and Temple… Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com… Garnered a 78 rating by 247sports.com…

Oshay Carter – QB, 6’4”, 224 lbs., Georgia Prep Sports Academy, Jacksonville, Fla. Spent one season at Georgia Prep Sports Academy in 2013… Played two years for Trinity Christian HS in Jacksonville, Fla… Threw for 2,607 yards during his junior and senior campaigns… Completed 58.1 percent of his passes … Tossed 36 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions in 2011 and 2012… Had a 22 to 4 touchdown to interception ratio as a senior… Carried the ball 120 times in his career for 415 yards and seven scores… Punted 49 times, averaging 37.4 yards per boot… Had a long of 74 yards and nine punts were downed inside the 20-yard line… Received offers from Georgia State, Florida A&M, Florida International, Rice and UCF… Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com…

Breakdown by Positions:
Offense (9):
Offensive Line (4)
Wide Receiver (1)
Tight End (2)
Running Back (1)
Quarterback (1)
Defense (9):
Defensive Line (3)
Linebacker (2)
Cornerback (1)
Safety (3)
Athletes (2)

Breakdown by State:
Florida (5)
Georgia (5)
Tennessee (4)
Alabama (3)
Mississippi (2)
Illinois (1)

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

SC State Football Signs 17 Prospects

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- South Carolina State, Wednesday, announced the signing of seventeen (17) football prospects to national letters. The Bulldogs stayed close to home signing twelve from South Carolina and five from Georgia.

The five signees from the Peach State included a pair of standouts on defense from Burke County High School in defensive back Jermaine Baxley and defensive end Bryant Wilson both of Waynesboro, GA, while on the offensive side of the ball tight end Kendall Cobb of Peachtree Ridge HS in Lawrenceville, GA; specialist/kicker Tyler Scandrett of Lamar County HS in Barnsville, GA and offensive lineman Robbie Stephenson of Creekside HS in Atlanta.

The Bulldogs were looking to strengthen the offensive line and add some more depth on defense, according to SC State head coach Buddy Pough.

"It's a good group of guys that satisfied some of our wants and needs for the upcoming year," Pough said. "The good thing and most important part of the process was that it was a good year for instate kids. We were able to lean more heavily towards South Carolina kids than we did before."

 "We are extremely excited about the group of guys we are bringing here," Pough continued. "So now we will work getting them here and getting things started in the next few months."

Fullback Damu Ford of Dillon, SC heads the list from the Palmetto State, along with wide receivers Quadarius Fair of Northwestern HS in Rock Hill, SC; Quan Caldwell of Chester HS in Chester, SC; TJ Foster of Union County HS in Jonesville, SC and Lynard Jamison of Blythewood HS in Columbia, SC.

The new additions to the offensive front are tight ends DeAngelo Frazier of Baptist Hill HS in Adams Run, SC; Austin Ruger and KJ Williams of Dutch Fork HS in Irmo, SC. Also, a  pair of offensive lineman in Kwamelle Barnes of Saluda, SC and Caleb Harris of Irmo, SC , and  on defense corner back Alexander Brown of Holly Hill, SC and defensive lineman Jontavious Mack of Darlington, SC.

SC State is looking to replace 15 seniors from the 2013 squad that was 9-4 overall, and shared the MEAC title with a 7-1 mark and earned a trip to the FCS playoffs.

South Carolina State Football   2014 Signees

Kwamelle Barnes            OL                           6'5 315                  Saluda HS                                             Saluda, SC

•  High School Sports Report Top 100 prospect
• 2013 Offense Defense All Star Game
• Rated a 3-star athlete by Scout.com
• Rated a 2-star athlete by Rivals.com
• Rated a 2-star athlete by 247Sports.com
• Played for Coach Doug Painter

Jermiane Baxley              DB                          6'3 185                  Burke Co HS                                      Waynesboro, GA

• 2012 & 2013 1^st Team All-Region selection
• 2013 Augusta Chronicle All-CSRA selection
• Played for Coach Eric Parker

Alex Brown                        DB                          5'10 170                Lake Marion HS                               Holly Hill, SC

• 2013 The Times & Democrat Special Teams Player of the Year
• 2013 The Times & Democrat Elite 11 selection
• 3 time 7-AA All-Region selection
• Played for Coach Chris Carter

Quan Caldwell                  WR                         5'11 170                Chester HS                                        Chester, SC

• 2013 All-Region selection
• Senior year recorded 24 receptions  for 683 yards & 1,294 all-purpose yards
• Played for Coach Anthony Sterling

Kendall Cobb                     TE                           6'2 250                  Peachtree Ridge HS                     Lawrenceville, GA

• Senior year recorded 16 receptions for 172 yards
• Played for Coach Mark Fleetwood

Quadarius Fair                  WR                         6'2 200                  Northwestern HS                           Rock Hill, SC

• 2013 High School Sports Report All-State selection
• 2013 Rock Hill Herald All-Area selection
• Senior year recorded 91 receptions for 1,484 yards & 28 touchdowns
• Rated a 3-star athlete by 247Sports.com
• High School Sports Report Top 100 prospect
• Played for Coach Kyle Richardson

Damu Ford                          FB                           5'11 240                Dillon HS                                     Dillon, SC

• 2012 & 2013 Class 2-A Division 1 State Champions
• 2013 Shrine Bowl
• 2013 USA Today All-South Carolina selection
• South Carolina AA Back of the Year
• 2013 High School Sports Report Division 1-AA Player of the Year
• Senior year recorded 89 total tackles
• Played for Coach Jackie Hayes

TJ Foster                              WR                         6'3 175                  Union County HS                     Jonesville, SC

• 2013 North South All-Star Game
• High School Sports Report Top 100 prospect
• Senior year accounted for 42 catches for 651 yards and 8 touchdowns
• Rated a 3-star athlete by Rivals.com
• Rated a 3-star athlete by Scout.com
• Played for Coach Steve Taneyhill

 DeAngelo Frazier             TE                           6'5 213                  Baptist Hill HS                            Adams Run, SC

• 2012 & 2013 The Post & Courier All-Low Country selection
• Senior year recorded 51 receptions for 943 yards & 12 touchdowns
• Junior year accounted for 42 receptions for 1,235 yards and 14 touchdowns
• Played for Coach Marion Brown

Caleb Harris                       OL                           6'5 260                  Dutch Fork HS                          Irmo, SC

• 2013 Shrine Bowl
• 2013 All-Region selection
• 2013 Class 4A Division 1 State Championship
• Played for Coach Tom Knotts

Lynard Jamison                 WR                         5'9 165                  Blythewood HS                        Columbia, SC

• 2013 The State Newspaper All-Area selection
• Senior year recorded 69  receptions for 1,046 yards & 7 Touchdowns
• Played for Coach Dan Morgan

 Jontavious Mack              DL                           6'2 290                  Lackawanna College              Darlington, SC

• 2013 recorded 43 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, &  6 sacks
• Rated a 2-star athlete by Rivals.com
• Played for Lackawanna Head Coach Mark Duda

Austin Ruger                      TE                           6'2 225                  Dutch Fork HS                      Irmo, SC

• 2013 Class 4A Division 1 State Championship
• 2013 All-Region selection
• Senior year recorded 43 receptions for 706 yards & 8 touchdowns.  Averaged over 16 yards per catch
• Played for Coach Tom Knotts

Tyler Scandrett                 Specialist            5'9 170                  Lamar County HS                      Barnesville, GA

• 2013 All-State selection
• Made 23 of 28 field goals for his career
• Averaged 34.9 yards per punt
• Recorded 38 career touchbacks on kickoffs
• Played for Coach Franklin Stephens

Robbie Stephenson        OL                           6'3 250                  Creekside HS                         Atlanta, GA

• 2013 Class 5A State Championship
• 2013 All-Region selection
• Played for Coach Olten Downs

KJ Williams                        TE                           6'1 230                  Dutch Fork HS                     Irmo, SC

• 2013 Class 4A Division 1 State Championship
• 2013 All-Region selection
• Senior year recorded 26 receptions for 311 yards & 4 touchdowns
• Played for Coach Tom Knotts

 Bryant Wilson                   DE                           6'5 230                  Burke County HS               Waynesboro, GA

• 2013 1^st Team All-Region selection
• 2013 Augusta Chronicle All-CSRA selection
• Played for Coach Eric Parker

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

A&T Signs 16 On Signing Day

GREENSBORO, North Carolina  -- Three-year starter Lewis Kindle played his last snap at quarterback for North Carolina A&T on Nov. 23, 2013, leaving open the inquiry of who will be the Aggies quarterback of the future.

Head coach Rod Broadway and his staff addressed that need and many others on National Signing Day with national letters of intent from 16 future Aggies, including three new quarterbacks. The Aggies also signed four defensive backs, three linebackers, two wide receivers, a defensive lineman, offensive lineman, running back and long snapper. 

“Compared to where we were three years ago in terms of talent and in terms of numbers, we’re excited about this class” said A&T head coach Rod Broadway. “We met our needs, and we brought in a bunch of young men who can really run. We’re becoming a very fast football team.”

A&T’s quarterback signees are Frank Foster (6-foot, 200, Valhalla HS, El Cajon, Calif.), Hasaan Klugh (6-3, 185, Central Cabarras, Concord, N.C.) and Lamar Raynard (6-5, 190, Andrews, High Point, N.C.). A&T decided to bring in some experience at the quarterback position with signing of Foster. Foster attended Southwestern College for two years where he threw for 2,338 yards and 18 touchdowns, while completing 63 percent of his passes in 2013. He was also second in the American Mountain Conference with 10 rushing touchdowns, and earned second-team All-AMC honors.

Klugh played in the 2013 Shrine Bowl that features the best high school players from North Carolina against the best from South Carolina. He is a two-time All-South Piedmont selection and compiled 2,387 yards and 34 touchdowns in total offense in 2013. Klugh earned 885 of those yards on the ground as he scored 11 rushing touchdowns.

Raynard completed 61 percent of his passes and threw for 2,168 yards and 29 touchdowns. Raynard led Andrews to an 18-14 win over Monroe in the NCHSAA 2-AA state title game with a 38-yard touchdown pass with 1:02 remaining in the contest. The game-winning drive occurred even though Andrews did not have a timeout.

“Our plan going in was to get one older quarterback and two younger ones,” said Broadway. “I thought we picked up some talented players at that position.”

At the defensive back position the Aggies signed Tyshawn Siders (5-9, 175, Jacksonville HS, Jacksonville, N.C.), Timadre Abram (5-10, 165, Kathleen HS, Lakeland, Fla.), Amos Williams (5-8, 180, Walton HS, DeFuniak Springs, Fla.) and Jamaal Darden (5-10, 185, Hoke County HS, Raeford, N.C.). 

Siders intercepted five passes and returned two for touchdowns in 2013. He also returned a kick and caught a pass for a touchdown. He was a two-sport star at Jacksonville High School, earning All-Coastal 3-A honors three times in track and field and once in football. His personal-best in the 100 meters is 10.47 and 21.3 in the 200 meters.

Abram played four varsity seasons under head coach Irving Strickland. In 2013 he intercepted four passes, had eight passes defended and 42 tackles. He is a two-time All-Polk County performer and earned honorable mention accolades from the Florida Athletic Coaches Association. His cousin is Florida State starting fullback Chad Abram and his father played at Grambling State.

Williams played four varsity seasons under head coach Jimmy Raye Stephens. As a quarterback, he threw for 1,200 yards and rushed for 800. He was honorable mention all-state in Florida and honorable mention All-Panhandle. Darden rushed for 495 yards and five touchdowns and made 92 tackles defensively. The three sports star – football, wrestling and track and field – earned All-Southeastern 4A Conference honors twice in football.

Deion Jones (6-1, 230, South Point HS, Belmont, N.C.), Joshua Patrick (6-0, 230, Southwest Dekalb HS, Decatur, Ga.), Courtney Edmonds (6-3, 200, Graham HS, Graham, N.C.) are the linebackers of the class. Johnson is a two-time All-Big South performer and was named All-Gaston Gazette after the 2013 season. His 211 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, four interceptions and 11 passes defended helped South Point to a 13-1 record and spot in the state 3-A quarterfinals.

Patrick initially signed with Memphis out of Southwest Dekalb where he was named first-team All-Region 6 5-A after recording 79 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two sacks. He also intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble and scored two touchdowns. He was a Dekalb County All-Star as a senior. Edmonds made 73 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and intercepted three passes in 2013. On offense, he caught 21 passes for 355 yards and two touchdowns.

Broadway expressed excitement about the group of wide receivers the Aggies signed. Kris Gardin (5-8, 160, Freedom HS, Morganton, N.C.) and Malik Wilson (6-0, 175, Eastern Alamance HS, Burlington, N.C.) will add speed to the Aggies offense. Gardin caught 55 passes for 1,033 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2013. Eight of his touchdowns were of 50 yards or more as he was named News Herald Burke County Player of the Year. He set school records with 143 receptions, 2,512 yards and 32 touchdowns in his career.

Wilson made 38 receptions for 782 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The previous season, he had 34 receptions for 849 yards and 15 touchdowns. He set the school’s single-season record for total touchdowns with 18 as a junior.

Defensive lineman Julian McKnight (6-3, 275, Rockdale County HS, Conyers, Ga.), offensive lineman Shawn Best (6-3, 320, New Bern HS, New Bern, N.C.), running back Marquell Cartwright (5-9, 190, Andrews, High Point, N.C.) and long snapper Austin Venable (5-10, 220, Southern Guilford, Greensboro, N.C.) round out the class.

McKnight had 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and three forced fumbles as a senior. He was first-team All-Region 2 6-A and first-team All-Rockdale County. McKnight was also selected to the National Underclassmen All-South Classic All-Star and the Florida vs. Georgia High School All-Star Games.

Best was selected to play in the 2013 Shrine Bowl. He can bench press 365 pounds and graded out at 90 percent for the season, tops at New Bern High School. Cartwright carried the ball 233 times for 2,650 yards and 38 touchdowns. Was named Mr. 2-A Football” by North Carolina Preps and was selected to the Shrine Bowl. He was named state championship game MVP after leading Andrews to the 2-AA title over Monroe.

Venable will look to come in and replace two-year Aggies long snapper Aaron Massey.

“We had a plan going in and we decided to stick with that plan,” said Broadway. “Sometimes when you stick with your plan, you miss out on some outstanding players. And we miss out on some great players, but I think it’s important to fill the positions you need and we did that. It’s a really good class.” 

PVAMU Panthers Ink 17 To Open Football Signing Period

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  -- Prairie View A&M kicked off the 2014 football signing period with a bang as 17 student-athletes signed National Letter of Intents on Wednesday.  The Panthers were very aggressive on the defensive side of the ball as they inked 11 standouts.

"This is a good class that met our needs," said head coach Heishma Northern.  "This class has the potential to be very good down the road as several players received interest from a variety of programs across the country."

Josh Bighems              S          5-10      170       Fr.        Dothan, Ala. (Northview)
TyQuan Fields              LB/SS  6-0        190       Fr.        Pompano Beach, Fla. (Ely)
Jalen Graves                DT        6-2        265       Fr.        Bogalusa, La. (Bogalusa)
Willie Green                 DE        6-4        230       Fr.        Birmingham, Ala. (Huffman) 
James Harper               DT        6-0        300       Fr.        Waco, Texas (Waco)
Damond Jackson         S          6-0        195       Fr.        New Orleans, La. (Landry-Walker)
Joshua Johnson          QB      6-2       185       Fr.        New Orleans, La. (Warren Easton)
Gus Lopez                   OL        6-3        320       Fr.        Rosenberg, Texas (Lamar Consolidated)
Desmond Mitchell        DT        6-3        247       Fr.        Pembroke Pines, Fla. (Flanagan)
Anthony Okray             WR       6-2        185       Jr.        Los Angeles, Calif. (Santa Monica College)
Yzerrick Oliver             WR       5-10      160       Fr.        Houston, Texas (Worthing)
Cederic Porter              CB        6-4        170       Fr.        Bogalusa, La. (Bogalusa)
Don Rittenhouse          LB        6-0        225       Fr.        Baytown, Texas (Memorial)
William Stanley            WR       5-10      170       Fr.        Mesquite, Texas (West Mesquite)
Johnathan Taylor         DE        6-4        220       Fr.        San Antonio, Texas (Roosevelt)
Dominique Weaver       CB        5-10      165       Fr.        Dallas, Texas (Dallas Christian)
Tyrone Williams           RB        6-1        210       Fr.        Denton, Texas (Ryan)

Josh Bighems              S          5-10      170       Fr.        Dothan, Ala. (Northview)
Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com…played on both sides of the ball in high school…defensive standout and leader on high school team.

TyQuan Fields              LB/SS  6-0        190       Fr.        Pompano Beach, Fla. (Ely)
Earned All-Broward Football Third Team honors by the Miami Herald...played quarterback as a junior and was Co-MVP of the 2012 5-Star South Showcase…finished the 2013 season with three sacks, three interceptions and surpassed the 100-tackle mark.

Jalen Graves                DT        6-2        265       Fr.        Bogalusa, La. (Bogalusa)
Named to the LSWA Class 3A All-State Honorable Mention Team…ranked the 38^th best prospect in the state of Louisiana…selected as the 2013 District 8-3A Defensive MVP…teammate of fellow signee Cederic Porter…two-time state track & field meet participant in the discus and javelin…also recruited by SE Louisiana and Northwestern State.

Willie Green                 DE        6-4        230       Fr.        Birmingham, Ala. (Huffman)    
Three-year starter who played both defensive end and linebacker in high school…recruited by several Jacksonville State and Tennessee State…also a standout basketball player.

James Harper               DT        6-0        300       Fr.        Waco, Texas (Waco)
Selected to the District 8-4A First Team…ranked the 29^th-best prospect in Central Texas…named to the Super Centex Football Second Team…completed his senior season with 53 tackles, four sacks and three forced fumbles.

Damond Jackson         S          6-0        195       Fr.        New Orleans, La. (Landry-Walker)
Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com…defensive leader on a team which advanced to the Louisiana Class 4A Playoffs Semifinal Round…played in one of the best districts in the state…played a large role in his team advancing in the National Select 7-on-7 Championship…was also recruited by Vanderbilt and received late interest from Southern Miss, Louisiana Tech and McNeese State.

Joshua Johnson          QB      6-2       185       Fr.        New Orleans, La. (Warren Easton)
Started his senior year and finished with 2,685 passing yards and 22 touchdowns…also rushed for 287 yards, a 6.8 average, and three touchdowns…led Warren Easton to the playoffs and finished ranked fourth in passing in the state of Louisiana.

Gus Lopez                   OL        6-3        320       Fr.        Rosenberg, Texas (Lamar Consolidated)
Selected to the District 17-4A First Team…blocked for an offensive unit which eclipsed the 2,000-yard rushing mark.

Desmond Mitchell        DT        6-3        247       Fr.        Pembroke Pines, Fla. (Flanagan)
Played a large role in helping his team finish with a 9-2 record as a senior…participated in the North-South Broward County Athletic Association and the Tru Sports Public vs. Private All-Star Games in which he was named MVP…finished his senior year with seven sacks and 78 tackles.

Anthony Okray             WR       6-2        185       Jr.        Los Angeles, Calif. (Santa Monica College)
Finished with 40 receptions for 550 yards and five touchdowns in his final season at Santa Monica College…guided Santa Monica to a 7-0 record in the American Pacific Conference and its second consecutive conference title…selected to the 2013 Pacific Conference Second Team.

Yzerrick Oliver             WR       5-10      160       Fr.        Houston, Texas (Worthing)
Caught 67 receptions for 1,626 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior…also recorded seven interceptions…led Worthing to a 7-3 mark as a senior and an appearance in the playoffs…had 19 catches and 419 receiving yards in a playoff game versus Sweeny…selected to the Class 3A Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Class 3A All-State Team…named District 23-3A MVP.

Cederic Porter              CB        6-4        170       Fr.        Bogalusa, La. (Bogalusa)
Named to the District 8-3A Second Team as a senior…also runs track for his high school and a district champion in the high jump…led his team to the playoffs as a senior…high school teammate of fellow signee Jalen Graves.

Don Rittenhouse          LB        6-0        225       Fr.        Baytown, Texas (Memorial)
Selected to the District 24-4A First Team as a senior and junior…a two-way player who accounted for over 60 tackles, two forced fumbles and two pass break-ups while also rushing for 117 yards with three touchdowns.

William Stanley            WR       5-10      170       Fr.        Mesquite, Texas (West Mesquite)
Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com…caught 34 receptions for 420 yards and three touchdowns as a senior…led his team with 657 yards on 37 receptions and seven touchdowns as a junior…logged one rushing touchdown…named to the District 10-4A Second Team as a senior…earned District 10-4A First Team honors as a junior.

Johnathan Taylor         DE        6-4        220       Fr.        San Antonio, Texas (Roosevelt)
Selected to the District 26-5A First Team…completed his senior campaign with 73 tackles (48 solo), seven sacks and five pass deflections.

Dominique Weaver       CB        5-10      165       Fr.        Dallas, Texas (Dallas Christian)
Named 2013 Division II TAPPS All-State First Team on both offense and defense…also earned all-district honors…earned Honorable Athlete of the Week Honors by The Dallas Morning News after catching seven receptions for 138 yards with a 54-yard punt return for a touchdown…finished the season with 727 yards on 38 receptions with nine touchdowns…broke up 21 passes with three interceptions.

Tyrone Williams           RB        6-1        210       Fr.        Denton, Texas (Ryan)
Rushed for 1,127 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior…finished ranked amongst the top 20 rushers in the DFW area…also caught four receptions for 96 yards…helped lead Denton Ryan to the Class 5A Division II Region Final…earned 5-5A First Team Honors…named to the 2013 Denton Record-Chronicle All-Area Football Second Team…also played linebacker during his high school career.

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

PVAMU Panthers To Make History With 2014 Schedule

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  -- Prairie View A&M Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson has announced the 2014 football schedule which features two classics, a match-up against a Southland Conference power and five games inside the state of Texas, including the final three home games in the history of Blackshear Field.

The 2014 season kicks off in Houston on Sunday, Aug. 31 as the Panthers will host Texas Southern in the 30^th annual edition of the Labor Day Classic.  The classic returns to Reliant Stadium for the first time since 2012 as the stadium will host the historic classic for the ninth time in series history.

 

After a bye weekend on Sept. 6, the Panthers will face three consecutive schools from the state of Louisiana as on Sept. 13, as they'll face McNeese State for the first time since 2001 in Lake Charles, La.  The match-up against the Cowboys marks the third consecutive season the Panthers will face a Southland Conference institution.

 

"Playing regional games was one of the goals I had when I became head coach at Prairie View A&M," said head coach Heishma Northern.  "McNeese State will be formidable foe as they spent a lot of time ranked in the FCS top 25."

 

The following weekend on Sept. 20, history will be made as the Panthers will open up their home schedule with a match-up against Southern University at Blackshear Field.  The contest against the Jaguars marks the first time since the 1960s that Southern will play on the PVAMU campus.

"Having Southern University come to our campus is huge as the game has the potential to draw a homecoming-type crowd and create a festive atmosphere," said Robinson.  "With this being our final year at Blackshear Field and with the way the SWAC schedule rotated, we want to maximize the opportunities our student-athletes have to play in front of their families and friends."

 

Once the affair with Southern is completed, the Panthers will face a trio of new head coaches in three of its next four games.  On Sept. 27, the Panthers invade the city of Dallas for the annual State Fair Classic at the Cotton Bowl as they'll face Grambling State.  The month of October kicks off in Jackson, Miss. as Prairie View A&M squares off against Jackson State on Oct. 4.  Homecoming 2014 takes place on Saturday, Oct. 11 as the Panthers will host Alabama State at Blackshear Field followed by a road trip to Itta Bena, Miss. for a contest at Mississippi Valley State.

 

The final contest in the history of Blackshear Field and 2014 home finale is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25 as the Panthers will host Alcorn State.  Prairie View A&M has its second bye weekend of the season to open the month of November on Nov. 1 before wrapping up the 2014 season on the road at Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 8 and Alabama A&M on Nov. 15.   

 

Season tickets will be on-sale soon so please check back here at www.PVPanthers.com.

DATE                 OPPONENT                    LOCATION                    STADIUM          TIME
Aug. 31            *Texas Southern           Houston, Texas            Reliant Stadium           4:00 p.m.
30^th State Farm Labor Day Classic

Sept. 13            *at McNeese State         Lake Charles, La.           Cowboy                        TBA

Sept. 20            *SOUTHERN                   PRAIRIE VIEW             BLACKSHEAR              TBA     

Sept. 27            *vs. Grambling State     Dallas, Texas                Cotton Bowl                  TBA
2014 Southwest State Fair Classic

Oct. 4               *at Jackson State          Jackson, Miss.              Miss. Veterans Memorial  TBA

Oct. 11             *ALABAMA STATE       PRAIRIE VIEW             BLACKSHEAR              TBA     
HOMECOMING 2014

Oct. 18             *at Mississippi Valley    Itta Bena, Miss.             Rice-Totten                   TBA

Oct. 25             *ALCORN STATE          PRAIRIE VIEW             BLACKSHEAR              TBA     

Nov. 8              *at Arkansas-Pine Bluff  Pine Bluff, Ark.              Golden Lion                  TBA

Nov. 15             *at Alabama A&M          Huntsville, Ala.              Lewis Crews                  TBA

16 New Tigers Set to Join the TSU Football Program

HOUSTON, Texas  -- The Texas Southern Tigers football program signed twelve recruits to kick-off national signing day, with another four student-athletes already on campus and ready to go.

Texas Southern head coach Darrell Asberry says it's a great day to be a Tiger.  Asberry says recruiting this season was great and the kids were more receptive to becoming a TSU Tiger.

"We got all the kids that we went after," Asberry said.  "This is the first time we had four or five 2-star players to sign with us."

TSU signed six defensive and six offensive players…half of those are lineman.  The mid-year signees include a defense tackle, linebacker, long snapper and offensive lineman.

Four of the new Tigers are from Texas; two are from the Houston area including offensive lineman Kaelin Cooksey from Manvel High School.

"We were attracted to Cooksey because of his size and his sound fundamentals," Asberry said. "He brings a lot to the table since he was well coached and he can play the guard and tackle positions."

Asberry says Sikiru Asifatu is a Houston kid who played linebacker in junior college and brings experience and athleticism to the team.

"We believe we got something special when you add the 2014 class to the two classes we already signed," Asberry said.  "The coaches did an exceptional job recruiting and the future looks a lot brighter for the Tigers." 
 

Signees
Name	Pos	Ht	Wt	Cl	Hometown (Previous School)
Keyshawn Parrish	DT	6-2	290	Fr	Lithonia, GA (MLK HS)
Caleb Jenkins	DT	6-1	300	Fr	Clemmons, NC (Mt. Tabor HS)
Darius Stapleton	DE	6-1	250	Fr	Union, NJ (Milford Academy)
Travis Hutchinson	LB	6-0	220	Fr	Jacksonville, FL (Atlantic Coast HS)
Archie Rice	DB	6-0	190	Fr	Avondale, AZ (Riverview HS)
Willie Hobdy	DB	6-1	185	Fr	Garland, TX (North Garland HS)
Jahlil Mathis-Ellis	OL	6-3	315	Fr	Fairburn, GA (Langston Hughes HS)
Terrence Williams	OL	6-3	320	SO	Rosedale, MS (Coahoma CC)
Kaelin Cooksey	OL	6-3	320	Fr	Manvel, TX (Manvel HS)
CJ Eddison	RB	5-10	190	Fr	Odessa, TX (Odessa HS)
Joe Robinson	WR	6-5	195	Fr	Aliceville, AL (Aliceville HS)
Trayvion Harris	WR	6-4	200	Fr	Plain Dealing, LA (Plain Dealing HS)
Mid-Year Signees
Name	Pos	Ht	Wt	Cl	Hometown (Previous School)
Derrick Lyles	DT	6-1	280	SO	Wesson, MS (Mississippi Gulf Coast JC)
Sikiru Asifatu	LB	6-1	225	SO	Houston, TX (College of Desert JC)
Terry Smith	LS	5-6	240	JR	Port Gibson, MS (Copiah Lincoln JC)
Jaime Gleaton	OL	6-4	320	JR	Leesville,SC (San Jose JC)

2014 Recruit Details
  
Name                                   Pos         Ht            Wt               Cl            Hometown (Previous School)
Keyshawn Parrish             DT           6-2          290             Fr                Lithonia, GA (MLK HS)
Parrish is a Rivals 2 star athlete.  His versatility and abilities allows him to dominate on both sides of the ball.  He has a natural feel for defense but he sacrificed for his team and played offense as well.  Parrish was ranked 7^th in the offensive guard position and 96^th among the top 100 high school seniors in Georgia.  His honors include 2013 Preseason first team 5-A All-State (GA) and 3^rd team Offense All-Georgia.  He was recruited by Eastern Michigan, University of South Alabama and Georgia State.
Parrish HUDL

Caleb Jenkins                     DT           6-1          300             Fr            Clemmons, NC (Mt. Tabor HS)
Jenkins is very strong and agile.  He will help the interior of TSU defense.
Jenkins HUDL

Darius Stapleton                DE          6-1          250             Fr            Union, NJ (Milford Academy)
Stapleton is big, strong and has good hands to create separation and get off blocks.  He is quick off the ball and has the speed to get in the back field.
Stapleton HUDL

Travis Hutchinson             LB           6-0          220             Fr            Jacksonville, FL (Atlantic Coast HS)
Hutchinson is a physical and explosive player who has a high football IQ. He has played inside and outside linebacker.  As a senior, he had 145 tackles, 128 assists, 10 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions, 4 blocked kicks and 1 touchdown.  He was recruited by Idaho.
Hutchinson HUDL

Archie Rice                          DB          6-0          190             Fr            Avondale, AZ (Riverview HS)
Rice is a very physical defensive back who can also play safety.  He is big and athletic and he has played wide receiver and quarterback.  He has a high football IQ.
Rice HUDL

Willie Hobdy                         DB          6-1          185             Fr            Garland, TX (North Garland HS)
Hobdy is a 2 star athlete from Texas.  He is athletic and very physical.  He has good range and plays big on the field.
Hobdy HUDL

Jahlil Mathis-Ellis               OL           6-3          315             Fr            Fairburn, GA (Langston Hughes HS)
Mathis-Ellis is a Rivals 2 star athlete.  He is physical and can play every position on the offensive line.  He was recruited by University of South Alabama, Georgia State and Savannah State.
Mathis-Ellis HUDL
 
Terrence Williams              OL           6-3          320             SO          Rosedale, MS (Coahoma CC)
Williams is a versatile lineman who can play multiple positions.  He is strong, athletic and aggressive in the pass set. He brings a lot of experience and leadership to the offensive line.
Williams HUDL

Kaelin Cooksey                  OL           6-3          320             Fr            Manvel, TX (Manvel HS)
Cooksey plays guard but can also fill the tackle position.  He has good size and he's strong and aggressive.  He comes from a program with a winning tradition.
Cooksey HUDL


CJ Eddison                          RB          5-10        190             Fr            Odessa, TX (Odessa HS)
Eddison is a very versatile running back with good speed and good hands.  He is a double threat out of the back field.  He has a high football IQ.  As a senior, he rushed for 1836 yards and 25 touchdowns.  His honors include State (Texas) Player of the Week and 2-time West Texas MVP.
Eddison HUDL

Joe Robinson                      WR         6-5          195             Fr            Aliceville, AL (Aliceville HS)
Robinson is a big receiver who is athletic with speed to stretch the field.  As a senior, he had 47 catches for 873 yards and 11 touchdowns.  He averaged 19 yards per reception.  In 2013, Robinson was All-State.  In 2012 & 2013, he was All-Region and All-Area in West Alabama and Tuscaloosa.  He was recruited by Alabama A&M.
Robinson HUDL

Trayvion Harris                   WR         6-4          200             Fr            Plain Dealing, LA (Plain Dealing HS)
Harris is a big and explosive receiver with good speed.  He has good hands and has to ability to make positive yards after the catch.  As a senior, he had 70 catches for 1150 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had an additional four touchdowns by rushing, catching, a kick-off return and an interception.  His honors include First team All-State Wide Receiver, First team All-Parish Defensive Back, Second team All Parish Wide Receiver and First team All-District Wide Receiver.
Harris HUDL
 
MID-YEAR SIGNEES

Derrick Lyles                       DT           6-1          280             SO          Wesson, MS (Mississippi Gulf Coast JC)       
Lyles is very physical and strong.  He will anchor the middle of the Tigers' defense.
Lyles HUDL

Sikiru Asifatu                       LB           6-1          225             SO          Houston, TX (College of Desert JC)
Asifatu was a mid-year signee from College of Desert Junior College.  He is an athlete who brings experience to a young and talent linebacker pool.  He is also versatile with the ability to play inside or outside.   He was recruited by South Dakota State.
Asifatu HUDL

Terry Smith                          LS           5-6          240             JR           Port Gibson, MS (Copiah Lincoln JC)
Smith fills an important void with the Tigers' special teams.  As a long snapper, he has a quick release and he is extremely accurate.
Smith HUDL

Jaime Gleaton                     OL           6-4          320             JR           Leesville ,SC (San Jose JC)
Gleaton is a very big and agile offensive lineman.  He is aggressive and has great pass set.  He can play the tackle and guard positions on both sides.
Gleaton HUDL

By Rodney Bush TSU Sports Information Director
COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Howard Football Fills Needs With Recruiting Class

WASHINGTON, D.C.  -- Howard University head coach Gary "Flea" Harrell says that he is pleased with the incoming class of recruits that he signed.

The two main areas of concern for the Bison (6-6 overall, 4-4 in the MEAC) was at offensive line and wide receiver.  Gerald Wright (6-2, 310), Tyler Shadrach (6-5, 310), James Holman (6-4, 320) and Corey White (6-3, 285) all figure to contribute and provide depth to an offensive line that returns four starters and ranked high nationally in fewest sacks allowed and least penalized.

"We wanted to address our needs for 2014," said Harrell.  "We feel that Gerald Wright, Tyler Shadrach, James Holman and Corey White can help us right away.  It is a physical group that is suited to provide blocking for our running back Anthony Philyaw."  Philyaw, a freshman last season, rushed for over 700 yards and scored 16 touchdowns.

"We also wanted to address the needs at wide receiver," he continued. "Odis Grimes (6-5, 210) has good size and runs great routes."

He continued, "Cameron Taylor (6-2, 170)  is very impressive.  He and Grimes give Greg McGhee a couple of legitimate weapons with their big play ability."  Taylor, from Clayton, OH, is the son of former Howard standout, cornerback Chuck Taylor.

Other needs that Harrell filled was at the cornerback, fullback and at quarterback.

"David Chin (6-0, 230) will be able to help us at fullback," said Harrell.  "We signed a couple of cornerbacks and Atavius Matthews (6-1, 225), a transfer from ODU should help us at linebacker."

Harrell had nothing but praise for quarterback Kalen Johnson (6-1, 192).

"We will be grooming him to replace Greg McGhee," said Harrell.  "He is an outstanding talent that we think has a bright future."

The Bison signed 12 total, but Harrell adds that he will still be looking to sign a couple of cornerbacks and a kicker at a later date.

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS