In the FCS Huddle: Year of the SWAC quarterbacks

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- A team that wins a conference championship generally has something the competition is lacking.

In the year of the quarterback in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, that isn't such a good thing for reigning champ Southern.

The Jaguars have a need at quarterback because they must replace Dray Joseph, who shared 2013 SWAC offensive player of the year honors as a senior.

Veteran quarterbacks are widespread in the 10-team conference that on Friday installed Southern as the favorite in the West Division as well as Alabama State atop the East Division.

"A lot of defensive coordinators are going to stay up late," said Prairie View A&M head coach Heishma Northern, whose team is led by one of the SWAC's top quarterbacks in senior Jerry Lovelocke.

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Southern in the spotlight at SWAC media day

BIRMINGHAM, North Carolina  -- Southern figures to be the center of attention during Southwestern Athletic Conference media day Friday in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Jaguars are the reigning conference champions, and coach Dawson Odums is one of just six incumbent coaches among the 10 in attendance. He’s operating under a new four-year contract the university gave him in anticipation of long-term success being built after Southern’s first conference title in 10 years.

The spotlight that will shine Friday is merely preparation for what the Jaguars will face on the field in the fall.

“I think that’s a good thing. Every team would want to have that problem,” Odums said. “We’ll be ready to handle it. We’ll get our mindset to a point where being targeted doesn’t faze us.”

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NSU Grafton baseball standout Robbie Hiser

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Robbie Hiser, an all-state selection who helped Grafton High reach the 2012 Group AA state tournament semifinals, signed recently to play collegiate baseball at Norfolk State University.

Hiser, who played the past two years at Lenoir Community College in North Carolina, said the scholarship will pay for most of his expenses.

“I think Norfolk State is an up-and-coming program,” Hiser said. “They won 23 games last season (against 26 losses) and went 14-10 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

“I’d like to come in and help them break Bethune-Cookman’s string of (seven of the past eight) MEAC championships.”

The role he’ll likely play for NSU, as closer, would be a key to that objective. Hiser, a 5-foot-10, 205-pound rising junior, had a good sophomore season for Lenoir, going 2-0 with a 1.65 earned-run average in 10 games, with 41 strikeouts in 27 innings.

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FAMU receivers have their eyes on the ball this season

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- Backup quarterback Carson Royal called FAMU receiver Admasen Felix into a huddle, just to make sure that he got a clear understanding of the route on the next pass during 7-on-7 drill.

Felix jogged off to get set for the play. A defender covered Felix' every stride, as Royal let loose the ball. It popped out of Felix's hands about 35 yards down field.

"I'm the kind of player who doesn't like to drop balls at all," Felix said. "I don't care if it's on my shoestring. So, yes, it gets to me when I drop a ball. Catching the ball is something simple."

Making every catch look simple isn't only expected of Felix, but the three other seniors in FAMU's receiving corps. They bring a level of experience that the Rattlers haven't had from as many receivers at one time for at least three seasons.

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Mitchell on board as Voorhees’ new head men’s basketball coach

Head Coach Derrick Mitchell
Voorhees College

DENMARK, South Carolina  -- Voorhees College has recently hired Derrick Mitchell as the new head men’s basketball coach.

 Prior to coming to Voorhees, Mitchell served as assistant coach of the women’s basketball team at Division II Southern Arkansas University. While at Southern Arkansas University (SAU), he assisted the team in reaching the conference tournament for the first time since 2006-2007 season. Just a year removed from a 0-25 season, with Mitchell’s assistance, the team won more games (12) than the previous three seasons combined.

Before his appointment at SAU, Mitchell was a middle school coach at R.B. Hudson High School in Selma, Ala. While there, Mitchell had a record of 25-2 in two seasons as well as winning two championships.
Mitchell also previously served as assistant coach at Wallace Community College in Selma, Ala. In that role, he served as recruiting coordinator and worked specifically with the team guards.

Mitchell earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tougaloo College in 2002. He later received a master’s degree in coaching and sports studies from the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala. in 2009. He is engaged to QuShawanda Fields of Flint, Mich.

Mitchell said he looks forward to this new challenge. “I would like to bring more awareness to the men’s basketball program at Voorhees and would like the program to be known not just regionally but nationally,” Mitchell said.

“I’m also excited about being able to lead young men and showing them that through hard work, dedication and faith in God, they can achieve all of their dreams.”

COURTESY VOORHEES COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

Morgan State officially sign 7-3 center Jordan Omogbehin

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  Morgan State University men's basketball coach Todd Bozeman has a new big man on campus who may be poised to make a big splash for the Bears.

MSU has officially signed 7-foot-3, 325 pound center Jordan Omogbehin, who instantly will be the biggest player in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Association.

Omogbehin, born is Lagos, Nigeria, transferred from the University of South Florida and will be a graduate student with two years of eligibility with the Bears.

Prior to playing at USF, Omogbehin averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and eight blocked shots at the National Christian Academy.

He also played AAU for Team Takeover, a squad that had 10 players in the class of 2011 commit to Division I schools. Additionally, he also played at Montrose Christian and Atlantic Shores Christian.

Todd Bozeman has led NCAA appearances in 2009 and 2010. Morgan State has won three MEAC Tournaments (1977, 2009 & 2010) and made its sixth championship appearance in eight seasons under Coach Bozeman. The Bears finished the 2013-14 season with a 15-16 record.

MSU's other 2014-15 newcomers
 
COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU Coach LeVelle Moton Releases New Book

The Championship Coach Shares Inspiring Stories of Overcoming Adversity to Eventually Lead North Carolina Central University to its First Division I NCAA Tournament

DURHAM, North Carolina -- The Worst Times Are The Best Times is an honest look at growing up struggling with the world working against you and finding a way to the life you dreamed for yourself. It’s the unique story of Coach LeVelle Moton overcoming the challenges of boyhood in the ghettos of Boston and Raleigh N.C., and using those personal experiences to provide valuable perspective for young people today. Written by Coach Moton and journalist Edward G. Robinson III, the book is moving for adults and poignant for youth, informative for basketball fans, and relevant and engaging to all.

As part of Coach Moton's ongoing commitment to support youth in his community, a portion of proceeds from all book sales is being donated to the Boys & Girls Club of America.

All pre-orders for the book will ship September 2, 2014.

Click here to Pre-Order Today!

Savannah State to play Colorado State Rams Football in 2015

SAVANNAH, Georgia  -- The 2014 football season has yet to begin but one non-conference matchup for the 2015 campaign will have Savannah State traveling to Fort Collins, Colorado to play Colorado State. The game will be on September 5, 2105 at Hughes Stadium. CSU will pay the Tigers a $300,000 guarantee. There will be a second game in the series with the Rams to be played either in 2017 or 2018. CSU was 8-6 in 2013 and beat Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl.

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XU women's tennis, volleyball are NAIA Scholar-Teams

NEW ORLEANS -- High grade-point averages by two Xavier University of Louisiana's women's teams -- volleyball and tennis -- have earned them NAIA Scholar-Team awards for the 2013-14 academic year.

This is the first time that Xavier has been honored. The NAIA announced the awards Tuesday.

The Gold Nuggets compiled a 3.11 team GPA in volleyball and a 3.00 GPA in tennis.

For a team to be considered for the NAIA Scholar-Team award, it must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale as defined by the institution. The team GPA includes all eligible varsity student-athletes.

"Being named an NAIA Scholar-Team is a tremendous honor for our women's tennis and volleyball teams and a fitting reward for their hard work in the classroom," said Jason Horn, XU director of athletics and recreation.

Both XU teams qualified for NAIA National Championships this past season. Volleyball was 26-8 and won Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships. Tennis was 17-7, won the NAIA Unaffiliated Group 2 Tournament, ranked No. 1 twice in the coaches poll and advanced to the national semifinals.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
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Seven TSU Tigers Enter NFL Camps

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Seven former Tennessee State football players are set to open NFL Fall Camps including 2014 draftees Kadeem Edwards and Demetrius Rhaney.

Edwards was drafted in the fourth round, the 143rd overall pick, by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Edwards has a solid shot to start as a rookie for the Bucs, after starting 13 games for the Tigers, who finished the season 10-4 overall, 6-2 and second place in the OVC.

An explosive Pro Day by Rhaney caused the St. Louis Rams to call his name in the seventh round, pick No. 250. Rhaney played in all 14 games his senior campaign in 2013, starting 13 at center

The 2014 draft marks the first time since 2000 for two Tigers to go in the same draft. Tackle Michael Thompson was selected in the 4th round, #100, by the Atlanta Falcons, while receiver Avion Black was taken 21 picks later by the Buffalo Bills.

The two offensive lineman are joined by AC Leonard (Vikings) and David Van Dyke (Chiefs) who inked contracts after the draft. Leonard finished second on the Tigers with 34 receptions and 441 yards, while Van Dyke picked off four passes and made 58 stops.

In addition to Edwards and Rhaney, offensive lineman Rogers Gaines enters camp with the New York Giants after spending much of his rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens. While in Baltimore, Gaines was a teammate of former Tiger Anthony Levine who already has a pair of Super Bowl Rings.

NFL veteran Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie joins Gaines on the Giants, Cromartie’s fourth team in seven years. In his career, Cromartie has amassed 246 stops (222 solo), 19 interceptions and five touchdowns and appeared in two Super Bowls including last year with the Denver Broncos.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

New Orleans Saints Sophomore Spotlight: UAPB's Terron Armstead

NEW ORLEANS  -- The New Orleans Saints struggled here and there on the offensive line in 2013.  It was apparent that the weak spot of Drew Brees‘ protection was at left tackle.  When Coach Sean Payton finally had enough of Charles Brown, he called upon Terron Armstead during the Week 15 matchup against the St. Louis Rams.

Armstead was taken as the Black and Gold’s No. 76 overall selection in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.  Manufactured at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, he earned All-SWAC honors in 2010, 2011 and 2012 .  He was not only an outstanding football player, but he played an essential role on the schools’ track and field team as a shot put champion.  Armstead passed on several Division 1 scholarships because Pine Bluff’s coach was the only one that would allow him to participate in both sports.

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S.C. State standout DE Andrew Carter looks to show he’s no ‘one-trick pony’

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  Whether it’s forcing a turnover or making a crushing tackle for a loss, Andrew Carter enjoys playing defensive end for South Carolina State.

Yet nothing makes the North Carolina native and 6-1, 240-pound redshirt senior happier than having the opportunity to wrap up the opposing quarterback for a loss.

It’s a personal satisfaction only four other Football Championship Subdivision defensive linemen fulfilled more than Carter, who accounted for 11 of the Bulldogs’ nation-leading 62 sacks in 2014 in earning All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference first-team honors.

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NSU Athletics to Host Spartan Fan Fest on Aug. 23

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  The Norfolk State University Department of Athletics will host the inaugural Spartan Fan Fest beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23.

The event, which is free and open to the public, features a day full of Spartan athletics, fun and entertainment. Fans will have the chance to see the final preseason intrasquad scrimmages for both the NSU football and volleyball teams. The day will also include an open house at Joseph Echols Hall for fans to view the recent facility improvements made to NSU's basketball and volleyball facility.

Coaches and athletes from all of NSU's teams will be on hand to sign autographs as well as meet and greet the fans in attendance. Food and live entertainment will also be provided. The Fan Fest will also serve as the kickoff event to register this year's Spartan Youth Club or join the NSU Athletics Foundation.

The day gets underway with the final NSU football scrimmage of the summer at 10 a.m. at Dick Price Stadium. The open house at Echols Hall will commence at 11:30 a.m., preceding the NSU volleyball Green vs. Gold scrimmage at 1 p.m. All events are free of charge.

More details will be released in the coming weeks at www.nsuspartans.com.

By Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

FAMUan Pam Oliver out, Erin Andrews in on Fox's No. 1 NFL broadcast team

LOS ANGELES, California  -- Pam Oliver has been replaced by Erin Andrews as the sideline reporter for Fox's No. 1 team for NFL broadcasts.

And after this season, her 20th on NFL sidelines, Oliver will be switched to other duties within Fox Sports, including "long-form pieces, specials, major interviews and some producing as well," according to the SI.com article that broke the news Monday morning.

“Disappointment is not really a word I’d use right now because I’ve had some weeks to process it,” Oliver said. “I think my emotions during the season will be sadness because I had been around that group for a decade."

She added: "But you have to move forward and deal with what is on your plate. I went through a range of emotions, but as I speak with you today, disappointment has passed me and I have reached a point of trying to move forward with some sadness."

Oliver first learned of the decision in April during a meeting with Fox executives, who originally told her she would be removed immediately from the sidelines altogether. But she talked them into one last year, with the No. 2 broadcast team of Kevin Burkhardt and John Lynch.

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First African-American woman to win an Olympic Gold Medal, Alice Coachman Davis passes away

ALBANY, Georgia -- Alice Coachman Davis, the first African-American woman to win an Olympic Gold Medal, passed away Monday at the age of 90.

Albany State University released the following biographical history of one of their most famous alumni:

Olympic gold medalist and Albany State University alumnae Alice Coachman Davis passed away on Monday, July 14, 2014. She was 90 years old.

Coachman became the first African American woman from any country to win an Olympic gold medal when she competed at the 1948 Olympics in London. Born November 9, 1923 in Albany, Georgia to Evelyn and Fred Coachman, Coachman was the fifth of ten children.

She first developed an interest in high jumping after watching the event at a track meet for boys. She and her friends began devising all sorts of makeshift setups to jump over, from strings and ropes to sticks and tied rags. This unorthodox training led her to adopt an unusual jumping style.

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Paine College names Selina Kohn interim athletics director

SELINA KOHN
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
PAINE COLLEGE 

AUGUSTA, Georgia  -- Dr. George C. Bradley, Paine College president, has announced that Director of Athletics Tim Duncan will soon depart Paine College to serve as the new director of athletics for Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia.

"Mr. Duncan is to be commended for his work at Paine College and in the return of the football program that was in hiatus for 50 plus years," said Dr. Bradley. “The Paine College community wishes Tim Duncan in his future endeavors.”

Selina Kohn will serve as the interim director of athletics effective July 14. This marks the second time in Kohn’s 15-year 
with the Paine College Department of Athletics that she has held this position.  

Kohn has most recently been serving as the associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator where her main focus has been on the internal operations and progression of the department. The former basketball and volleyball coach has also been instrumental in the increased academic success of Paine student-athletes and the department’s operational growth since taking the role in 2007.

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FAMU President to Review Suspension of Athletic Programs

Dr. Elmira Mangum and Kellen Winslow
Photo Courtesy: FAMU Athletics

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The temporary suspension of the FAMU Men's Tennis and Men's Golf programs is under review by the university president.

The suspension was first reported last month due to a $7 million deficit in the athletics department.

Jimmy Miller, FAMU's Vice President of Communications and External Relations, says the review does not mean Dr. Mangum is overturning Winslow's decision to suspend the men's golf and men's tennis programs. He says it's going to be an examination of how the athletics department can get out of its hole.

Miller says, "Her wanting to take a look at this has nothing to do with her agreement or disagreement with Kellen over his move."

Miller says the review will look at the athletics department as a whole.

Athletic Director Kellen Winslow recently suspended the programs because of a $7 million deficit accumulated by the Athletic Department over the past several years and a projected operating deficit for 2014-2015.

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SWAC Announces 2014 Football Media Day Roster

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Head coaches accompanied by a pair of players from all 10 Southwestern Athletic Conference Schools will share in the 2014 SWAC Football Media Day.

The annual event is set for July 18 at the Birmingham - Marriott in Birmingham, Ala.

Robert Williamson will moderate the live coverage which will get underway at 10:00 a.m. CT on the SWAC Digital Network.

SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp and Coordinator of Football Officials Harold Mitchell, Sr. will be in attendance and available to the media upon request.

The SWAC’s official website, swac.org, will carry continuous coverage of Media Day via online video and radio broadcast stream. 

The list of head coaches and student-athletes participating in SWAC Football Media Day include:

Alabama A&M

James Spady - Head Coach

Marcus Dozier (WR • 5‐9 • 170 • Sr. • Huntsville, Ala.)

JayMason Lee (QB • 6‐1 • 215 • Jr. • Honolulu, HI.)

Alabama State

Reggie Barlow - Head Coach

Derrick Billups (DT • 6‐2 • 310 • Jr. • Carrollton, Ala.)

Malcolm Cyrus (RB • 5‐9 • 180 • Jr. • Autaugaville, Ala.)

Alcorn State

Jay Hopson - Head Coach

John Gibbs Jr. (RB • 6‐6 • 200 • SO. • Houston, Texas)

Deion Roberson (DL • 6‐0 • 255 • Jr. • Memphis, Tenn.)

Grambling State

Broderick Fobbs - Head Coach

Anthony Cherry (OL • 6‐4 • 296 • Sr. • Chicago. Ill.)

Tyree Hollins (DB • 5‐10 • 185 • Jr. • Monroe, La.)

Jackson State

Harold Jackson - Head Coach

Javancy Jones (DE • 6‐2 • 230 • Fr. • Macon, Miss.)

Lamontiez Ivy (QB • 6‐3 • 225 • Fr. • East Saint Louis, Ill.)

Mississippi Valley State

Rick Comegy - Head Coach

Julian Stafford (WR • 5‐10 • 180 • Sr. • Memphis, Tenn.)TBA

Prairie View A&M

Heishma Northern - Prairie View A&M

Jerry Lovelocke (QB • 6‐5 • 200 • Jr. • Baltimore, Md.)

Jerome Howard (LB • 6‐0 • 210 • Jr. • Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

Southern

Dawson Odums - Head Coach

Arthur Miley (DE • 6‐7 • 247 • Jr. • Mangham, La.)

Brian McCain (FB • 5‐11 • 239 • Sr. • Chicago, Ill.)

Texas Southern

Darrell Asberry - Head COach

Homer Causey (QB • 6‐0 • 190 • So. • Atlanta, Ga.)

Amir Bloom (DL • 6‐4 • 245 • So. • Miami, Fla.)

Arkansas‐Pine Bluff

Monte Coleman - Head Coach

Me’Kale Carter (OL • 6‐5 • 320 • Jr. • West Helena, Ark.)

Demarcus Berry  (DL • 6‐3 • 250 • Jr. • Alexandria, La..)

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS 

NVC star Kenney to transfer to Jackson State

PORTIA KENNEY
Photo Courtesy: Napa Valley College Athletics

NAPA, California  --  Portia Kenney arrived at Napa Valley College three years ago as a pretty good driver of the golf ball. Her strength was hitting the ball long off the tee.

Where Kenney needed help was with her short game – chipping, pitching, bunker play and putting.

With help from Storm coach Jim Wiechers, this is where Kenney went to work – hitting her short irons on second shots, on shots around the green.

“Her short game really improved a lot over the last couple of years,” said Wiechers. “When she’s putting and she’s on, that’s when she shoots her best scores.

“The philosophy of the short game is very, very important, knowing what club to use and what position to hit the ball on the ground running, if you can.”

Kenney accomplished a great deal playing for Napa Valley.

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Jones named assistant coach for Coppin State men's basketball

ASSISTANT COACH KEVIN JONES
COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY MEN'S BASKETBALL

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- The final piece of the Coppin State men’s basketball staff is now in place with the announcement that local native Kevin Jones was named as an assistant coach.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Jones worked for two seasons as an assistant coach for St. Frances Academy in Baltimore on its varsity staff. During his tenure at St. Frances, it reached heights of being ranked as high as 18th nationally, produced a top 40 nationally ranked prospect in Dwayne Morgan as well as a Baltimore Sun Player of the year in Tevon Saddler.

Before joining St. Frances Academy, Jones spent six years as an A.A.U. coach where he helped develop and mentor over 30 Division I players. Jones has worked numerous camps and is well respected within the city of Baltimore.

Prior to coaching A.A.U, Jones was a member of Bowie State University’s staff as a student team assistant in the 2004-05 season. During that season, the Division II Bulldogs won 24 games, advanced to the Sweet 16 and was ranked No. 1 in the nation during the season.

Jones is a graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Bowie State and is an active member in his church. 

COURTESY COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Fall Camp 2014: Jaguars report July 31

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Head coach Dawson Odums welcomes his defending SWAC champion Southern Jaguars to Fall camp July 31 when players are scheduled to report to the A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse starting at 1 p.m.

The Jaguars, who travel to face defending New Orleans Bowl champion UL Lafayette in the season opener on Aug. 30, will conduct its first practice of fall camp on Aug. 1 at 5 p.m. Freshman and newcomers will hold a brief practice at 3:45 p.m. prior to the full team practice.

Southern's first practice in full pads is set for Aug. 5 at 9:15 a.m. followed by the first of four scheduled two-a-day practices Aug. 6 at 9:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

The final scrimmage of fall camp is slated for Saturday, August 16 at 9:45 a.m. before the Jaguars gather to host Fan Fest later in the afternoon.

Classes for the Fall 2014 semester begin Monday, August 18.

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL 2014 FALL CAMP SCHEDULE 

July 31 - PLAYERS REPORT - 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; Equipment Pickup - 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Aug. 1 - PRACTICE #1 (HELMETS) - Freshman and Newcomers 3:45 p.m.; Entire team 5 p.m.

Aug. 2 - PRACTICE #2 (HELMETS) - 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Aug. 3 - PRACTICE #3 (SHELLS) - 3:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Aug. 4 - PRACTICE #4 (SHELLS) - 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Aug. 5 - PRACTICE #5 (FULL PADS) - 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Aug. 6 - PRACTICE #6 (FULL PADS) - 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | PRACTICE #7 (SHELLS) 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Aug. 7 - PRACTICE #8 (FULL PADS) - 4:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Aug. 8 - PRACTICE #9 (FULL PADS) - 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | PRACTICE #10 (SHELLS) 4:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Aug. 9 - PRACTICE #11 (FULL PADS) - 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Aug. 10 - PRACTICE #12 (SHELLS) - 4:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 11 - PRACTICE #13 (FULL PADS) - 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | PRACTICE #14 (SHELLS) 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Aug. 12 - PRACTICE #15 (FULL PADS) - 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Aug. 13 - PRACTICE #16 (FULL PADS) - 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | PRACTICE #17 (SHELLS) 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Aug. 14 - PRACTICE #18 (FULL PADS) - 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Aug. 15 - PRACTICE #19 (SHELLS) - 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m

Aug. 16 - PRACTICE #20 (FULL PADS) - 9:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 18 - Classes Begin - No Practice

Aug. 19 - PRACTICE #21 (SHELLS) 5 p.m. (Pre-Practice availability 4:35 p.m.)

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Jamal Powell Joins West Virginia State Football Staff

INSTITUTE, West Virginia - West Virginia State University Head Football Coach Jon Anderson announces the hiring of Jamal Powell as Offensive Line Coach.

"Coach Powell brings a wealth of coaching and playing experience to the University, especially for our offensive line," WVSU Head Football Coach Jon Anderson said. "I am excited to watch him build relationships with our players, mentor our offensive line as well as recruit future Yellow Jackets.  I am pleased to welcome Coach Powell, his wife Rachel and family to West Virginia State University."

Powell joined the coaching staff at Texas A&M in 2006 as a graduate assistant working with the offensive line.  He earned a master's degree in Education Administration before moving on to assistant coaching stints at Centre College, Southwest Baptist University and, most recently, Seton Hill University.  Along the way he aided in the development of numerous All-Conference linemen including two who were drafted by the NFL.

Powell had an outstanding college playing career at Texas Christian University (TCU) earning first team All-Conference and All-American status while participating in four bowl games.  In 2002, Powell was a candidate for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the top collegiate lineman.  After receiving his Bachelor's Degree from TCU, Powell played two seasons in the National Football League followed by two more in the Canadian Football League.

COURTESY WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION  

Clark-Atlanta Panthers Add Depth in Front Court

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Clark Atlanta University Head Coach Tony LaMarr announced the signing of two junior college transfers, Damien Enoch and Allen Dempster, to the men's basketball program for the 2014-2015 season. 

Enoch, a 6-7  post player from Olive-Harvey College in Chicago, averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds per game as an National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) first team selection,

Dempster, at 6-8 is a Division I transfer from Bethune Cookman University, will command attention at the forward position. Both players will add depth and versatility to the Panthers' front court.

"We are very excited and fortunate to have both players join our team who will be expected to make an immediate impact and positive contributions both on and off the court this season," said LaMarr.

COURTESY CLARK-ATLANTA UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

New Grambling Legends inducted in Monroe

MONROE, Louisiana  --  Eleven more Grambling greats were officially inducted into the Grambling Legends Hall of Fame on Saturday in Monroe, recognizing the university’s storied athletics past.

Ten of those former Tigers made their marks on the football field, basketball court, baseball diamond or oval track, but only one inductee can say she was the “First Lady of Football.”

Doris Robinson, wife of legendary GSU coach Eddie Robinson, highlighted the incoming class as an athletics contributor.

The 10 other honorees include five football, two baseball and two basketball. 

Running back Leroy Carter (1963-66) was a three-time All-SWAC who led the Tigers in rushing in 1964 with 714 yards. 

Cornerback Stephen Dennis (1969-72), a Sarepta native, holds ...

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Former ACA coach John Causey joins Stillman College staff

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama  --  Stillman head coach Teddy Keaton has wanted for some time to find a way to get John Causey on his coaching staff.

This year, the opportunity arrived.

Causey, a former UA offensive lineman who played for Gene Stallings and spent the last seven years coaching at American Christian Academy, has been hired as offensive line coach at Stillman.

“I'm super excited for this new opportunity, it's college football, it's coaching a position that I'm passionate about, that I love,” said Causey, who played center for the Crimson Tide from 1992-96. “I'm really excited about the opportunity that Coach Keaton has allowed me, and I'm looking forward to starting.”

Causey, a Hayneville native, was ACA's head coach the past ...

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