NC Central LeVelle Moton signs contract extension worth $2M through 2022

DURHAM, North Carolina  -- N.C. Central basketball coach LeVelle Moton has signed a contract extension worth a total of $2 million through 2022, making him the highest-paid coach in the school’s history.

Moton’s contract, which was extended in May, has an annual base salary of $250,000 for eight years. He now makes more than twice as much as he did when he was hired as coach in 2009, when his base salary was $100,000 and the team was a Division II program.

By comparison, Henry Frazier III, the former football coach who was fired last year, made a base salary of $225,500.

Among the benefits in Moton’s contract are a “courtesy” car for team-related business. Most of the bonuses he already was eligible for such as winning the conference, making the tournament, and improving players’ academic standing and graduation rates have also gone up.

It was Moton’s second raise in as many years. Last year, he made $158,000 a year.

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Mike Davis commits Chris Thomas, Deverell Biggs to bolster Texas Southern

HOUSTON, Texas  -- Some coaches have a niche when it comes to recruiting. John Calipari's mastered reeling in one-and-done freshmen at Kentucky. Fred Hoiberg's the king of hauling in ready-to-breakout eligible transfers.

At Texas Southern, coach Mike Davis has made the Houston campus a destination for second-chance players. 

STARTING FIVE: Previewing the 2014-15 season 

Following the success of West Virginia transfer Aaric Murray, who became the SWAC Player of the Year after averaging 21.2 points and 7.7 rebounds a game, Davis revealed to USA TODAY Sports the commitments of his incoming influx of talented players. Some are following a similar path to Murray — having played at marquee programs before being dismissed.






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Season Opener Preview: A&T Aggies Have Room to Grow

U KNOW THE DRILL: WATCH ALL VIDEOS IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

GREENSBORO, North Carolina  -- Coming off a 7-4 season in which its average margin of defeat was 4.0 points per game, N.C. A&T has the look of a definite dark horse in this year’s scramble for the MEAC football title.

Entering the season, the Aggies appear to have the requisite tools to give predicted league frontrunners Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State all they can handle. A&T opens the season against Alabama A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando, Fla. On Aug. 31.

Defense is A&T’s calling card. A year ago, the Aggies topped the MEAC in rush defense (90.3 yards per game) and was fourth in total defense (277.9 yards per game). Linebacker D’Vonte Grant (102 tackles, three interceptions and four recovered fumbles) rates among the league’s elites. During his career, Grant, a fifth-year senior, has scored four defensive touchdowns – a school record.

Up front, Michael Neal and Daniel Pinnix – who combined for ...




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MEAC/SWAC Challenge: Aggies-Bulldogs

ORLANDO, Florida  -- Having won all but two of the previous nine matchups in this series, the MEAC comes into the 10th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney (11:45 am ET Sunday, Aug. 31, on ESPN) with some understandable swagger. 

The North Carolina A&T State Aggies, who finished 4-4 in the conference and 7-4 overall, understand that better than anyone as they prepare to face the SWAC's Alabama A&M Bulldogs. 

First-year Aggies head coach Rod Broadway has a bit of an advantage on this stage, having been here before. In 2009, he was the head coach of Grambling State, though his Tigers dropped a 34-31 decision to South Carolina State. 

While this matchup isn't poised to be a battle of coaches, it will feature two teams that have never before met on the gridiron but know that winning this nationally televised game has implications bigger than just a win in the record books. 

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NSU Spartans may be forced to opt for Plan B QB

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Norfolk State quarterback Tyler Clark's hamstring isn't getting better as quickly as the Spartans would like, and time is running out before coach Pete Adrian has to decide whether to look elsewhere for his starter in the season opener.

Clark, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound junior from Chesapeake who started six games last season, took his first live reps Wednesday since fall camp opened on Aug. 4. Named the starter after spring ball, he pulled his hamstring during summer workouts and strained it on the first day of fall practice.

"It just hasn't responded," Adrian said, adding that he'll name a starter for the Aug. 30 season opener at Maine after the Spartans' scrimmage Saturday. "He gets treatment every day. I mean, I wish I could touch it and say, 'Heal,' but it doesn't work that way." 

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PVAMU Panther Football Scrimmage Highlights

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The Prairie View A&M Panther football team had a brief scrimmage on Saturday which focused mainly on passing situations.  Michael Prince discussed the scrimmage with head coach Heishma Northern in addition to turning his attention towards Texas Southern.

The Labor Day Classic will be played on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 4 p.m. in NRG Stadium in Houston. Log on to www.LABORDAYCLASSIC.com for more information.



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Tuskegee ranked 25th in AFCA Division II Top 25 poll

TUSKEGEE, Alabama  -- Tuskegee enters the 2014 season ranked 25th in the American Football Coaches Association NCAA Division II preseason poll released Monday.

The Golden Tigers finished last season 8-3 as they made their first D-II playoff appearance ever.

Tuskegee lost 30-27 at North Alabama in the opening round. North Alabama is ranked fifth in the AFCA poll behind defending national champion and top-ranked Northwest Missouri State, Grand Valley State (Mich.), Minnesota-Duluth and Colorado State-Pueblo.

Tuskegee also landed on the Sporting News (21st) and Lindy's (25th) preseason polls.

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XU announces walk-on tryouts for 2014-15 teams

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana announced Tuesday walk-on tryout dates and times for the majority of its 2014-15 intercollegiate athletics teams and the cheerleading squad. 

Tryouts are open to XU students enrolled in a minimum 12 hours for the fall 2014 semester. Prospects must have medical insurance and be prepared to sign an assumption of risk waiver form.

The details:

•  Men's and women's cross country — Wednesday (Aug. 20) through Aug. 27, 4 p.m. daily at the Convocation Center. Information: Coach Joseph Moses, 504-520-5007 or jmoses@xula.edu

•  Women's volleyball — Saturday (Aug. 23) from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Convocation Center. Tryout will follow the Gold Nuggets' season opener against Faulkner. Arrive at 3:45 p.m. for paper work. Information: Coach Hilary Lobenstein, 504-520-5344 or hlobenst@xula.edu.
    
•  Women's basketball — Aug. 25 and 27 at the Convocation Center, 6 to 8 p.m. both days. Information: Coach Darrilyn Broussard, 504-520-7513 or dbrouss1@xula.edu.
    
•  Men's basketball — Sept. 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the Convocation Center. Information: Coach Alfred Williams, 504-520-6778 or awilli39@xula.edu.
    
•  Men's and women's tennis — Sept. 11 at 3:30 p.m. at XU Tennis Center. Information: Coach Alan Green, 504-520-5008 or amgreen@xula.edu.
    
•  Cheerleaders (women and men) — Interest meeting Aug. 25 at 6 p.m., clinic Aug. 27-28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., final auditions Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. All activities will be conducted in room 215 (second floor) of the Convocation Center Annex. Information: Coach Orion Prater, 504-952-3161.
    
Men's and women's track and field will conduct tryouts during the spring semester.

 

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
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ASU Defense Still Strong; Offense Better in Second Scrimmage

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- The Alabama State University football team held its' second scrimmage of preseason camp and once again the defense showed how strong it was in controlling most of the scrimmage.  The difference was in today's scrimmage the Hornets' offense did show some marked improvement by scoring three touchdowns and kicking two field goals. 

"Of course last week I was a little disappointed, but this one here was a little better," Head Coach Reggie Barlow said.  "Offensively we started out a little slowly but the guys fought back.  Obviously we know our defense is playing with a lot of confidence right now and doing some good things, but I was encouraged to see our offense fight back."

In the 60-play scrimmage the Hornets offense managed 230 yards on 53 offensive plays, with three of those plays culminating in touchdown passes; two from Quinterius Toppings and one from true freshman Cardelral Cook.

ASU's rushing game managed 96 yards on 29 carries and while the quarterbacks were rushed and harassed most of the scrimmage they did manage to complete 11 of their 23 pass attempts for 134 yards and the three scores.

Daniel Duhart actually led the rushing offense with 30 yards on two carries while freshman walkon Brandon Watkins finished with 20 yards on four carries.  The Hornets top running backs Malcolm Cyrus and Khalid Thomas were held out of action.



Photos from today's scrimmage

"When you're missing Khalid and of course Malcolm it's tough and we have Bates (Offensive tackle Matthew) out," Barlow said.  "We have a lot of players not practice; Barnes our other real good tight end, so we had to adjust a little bit without changing a whole bunch of what we do, but the guys that were there found a way to fight through it and I was encouraged by that, but it makes it awfully tough on the offense when 80 percent of your offense is standing on the sideline."

Toppings led the quarterbacks completing seven of his 12 attempts for the two scores and 98 yards.  He threw a 40 yard scoring pass to freshman Joe Williams and a 39 yarder to another freshman Brenten Lindsey.

Cook only attempted two passes but completed one of those from 20 yards out to Shawan Parks for the third scoring toss of the scrimmage.

ASU starter Daniel Duhart only played a few series and completed four of his 10 attempts for 16 yards.

"There were a ton of big plays made today," Barlow said.  "QT (Toppings) made some great throws as did Cook and some of the freshmen guys stepped up with big catches."

On defense, Kourtney Berry and Deontrelle Silmon led the way with six stops each.  Silmon had two stops behind the line of scrimmage and Berry added another.

Like last week, the defense was in the offensive backfield a lot of the scrimmage with 10 stops behind the line of scrimmage (-47 yards) and had six sacks which cost the offense 36 yards.

Kadeem Murray had two of the sacks while Antonio Humphrey, Robert Brown, Edward Mosley and Derrick Billups added sacks.

The defense added a defensive score, just as they did in last week's scrimmage, although this time it was by a fumble return.  Humphrey forced a fumble midway through the scrimmage and Selwyn Torbert scooped up the loose ball and made his way down the field for 56 yards for the score.

ASU is breaking in two freshmen kickers and spent a lot of time on the kicking games over the past week of practice and it seemed to show as both kickers showed some improvement.

Adam Shepherd hit his two field goal attempts, one from 42 yards out and another from 45.  He hit two of his three extra point attempts and averaged 32 yards per punt on his two punts without any return yardage.

Preston Clark missed two field goals, but made up for by hitting all three of his extra points and boomed a 49 yard punt in his only punt attempt.

"Our kickers, I love those guys," Barlow said.  "Adam Shepherd and Preston Clark today had an opportunity to do some stuff in some special teams work early on.  I wanted to see those guys kick here in the stadium and I though Adam's leg was really alive today.  He had some good kickoffs and really did well on field goals."

"Preston, I think he missed a field goal, but he still did a good job for us and hit a really good punt, so we're encouraged by that.  Our thing is these guys are untested, fresh out of high school, and we have to keep working with them.  Like I mentioned to them it's about them gaining their confidence."

ASU will be off on Sunday, but will be back on the practice field at 3 p.m. Monday afternoon to begin their third week of preseason camp.

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Countdown to Kickoff: Day Three - Lincoln University Coach Jones Previews Fall Camp (VIDEO)

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri  -- The following is part of www.LUBlueTigers.com's Countdown to Kickoff series. Each day, from August 15 (when players report to campus) to September 6 (when Lincoln opens the season against Langston in The Missouri Classic in Kansas City), www.LUBlueTigers.com will offer a different feature in anticipation of the upcoming Lincoln football season. Check back daily for more updates on your Blue Tigers!



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Southern running back depth shows

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- Southern plans to run the ball more frequently and more effectively this season than it did last season.

The Jaguars demonstrated why during a scrimmage Saturday morning in A.W. Mumford Stadium.

The depth shone through as Lenard Tillery, the incumbent starter, didn’t enter the scrimmage until late, and Tyre Bracken, a talented transfer who arrived just a week ago, was held out because of a minor injury.

So Malcolm Crockett, Jamarcus Jarvis and John West all were in the spotlight and they showed that Southern has at least a handful of starting-quality running backs. Herb Edwards, who has impressed during preseason camp, also rested a minor injury.

“I’m pleased with that whole room,” coach Dawson Odums said after the final workout of camp. “As talented as that room is, don’t go down. Whatever you do, don’t get on the injury list because that’s giving somebody else more reps.”

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MSU Bears To Hold Final Scrimmage of Fall Camp on 8/20

PHOTO COURTESY: MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

BALTIMORE, Maryland  -- With just less than two weeks until the season opener, Bears' football fans are invited to a FREE event this week.

On Wednesday, August 20, fans may attend an open scrimmage, beginning at 3 p.m. at Hughes Stadium.

The Morgan State Bears, under the guidance of first-year head coach Lee Hull, are picked to finish ninth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

The Bears open the 2014 season on the road at Eastern Michigan on Saturday, August 30. Morgan State's home-opener is on Saturday, September 13 when they welcome Bowie State to Hughes Stadium for Family, Friends & Faculty Day.

Game Tickets: Season tickets for all four contests at Hughes Stadium are on sale now. Tickets for the Whitney Young Classic at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sept. 20 will be on sale on campus soon. For Morgan State football ticket information click here 

THE BEARS 2014 SCHEDULE 
Aug. 30    at Eastern Michigan       6 p.m.
Sept. 6     at Holy Cross                 1 p.m.
Sept. 13   vs. BOWIE STATE       1 p.m.
Sept. 20    vs. HOWARD*%           4 p.m.
Sept. 27    at Norfolk State*           4 p.m.
Oct. 4        at Florida A&M*            5 p.m.
Oct. 11      BYE
Oct. 18      N.C. CENTRAL*@       1 p.m.
Oct. 25      at Villanova                   3:30 p.m.
Nov. 1        at Hampton*                 2 p.m.
Nov. 8        at N.C. A&T                  1 p.m.
Nov. 15     S. CAROLINA STATE*    1 p.m.
Nov. 22    DELAWARE STATE*      1 p.m.

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NC Central’s Quinn Billerman makes bid for QB job

DURHAM, North Carolina  -- If anyone in N.C. Central’s locker room fits the bill of a traditional quarterback, it’s No. 8.

Quinn Billerman doesn’t just have the experience and measurables of a Division I quarterback, though. Even his initials label him a QB.

The prolific passer’s ability to see plays before they develop may explain why he saw himself as a Division I talent back in high school.

“I’ve always thought I was a Division I talent, ever since I was in the 10th grade,” said Billerman, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound Raleigh native.

Billerman was named starting quarterback of the Ravenscroft Ravens his sophomore year of high school, eventually becoming the school’s all-time leading passer with 6,152 yards and 62 touchdowns and earning all-state honors his senior year.

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UAPB Offense Scores Four Touchdowns in First Scrimmage

PHOTO COURTESY: UAPB GOLDEN LIONS ATHLETICS

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Gridders held their first scrimmage of fall practice, here Wednesday afternoon at the Golden Lions Practice Field.

Preseason Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Benjamin Anderson looked to mid-season form as completed 19 passes in 10 attempts for 66 yards with a TD pass and one interception. On the ground Anderson recorded 44 yards on nine carries. On the third series Anderson connected with Willie Young from 21 yards out for a TD.

Running backs Aaron Lagrone and Michael Wilson both combined for 87 yards on the ground and three TDs. Lagrone scored two TDs from six yards and 10 yards outs as he finished the scrimmage with 45 yards on four carries. Wilson, a big bruising full back tallied 42 yards on nine carries as he grinded out eight yards for the score.

The UAPB quarterbacks were able to spread the wealth around as 12 Golden Lion Receivers recorded receptions. C.J. Branch led the UAPB receiving Corp as he tallied two receptions for 32 yards, followed by Young with two receptions for 25 yards and one TD.

Preseason First Team All-SWAC selection Antonio Jenkins led the Golden Lion defense as he recorded six total stops and one tackle for loss, followed by Jarel Wright, who tallied four tackles and one tackle for loss and Willie Duncan, who recorded three total takedowns in the scrimmage.

The Golden Lions will hold two-a-days practice on Thursday, August 14 with the morning practice slated to begin at 8:15 a.m. and will return for their afternoon practice at 2:15 p.m.

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PVAMU Talented Group Of Wideouts Ready to Make A Name For Themselves

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  -- Wide receivers coach Harry Williams breaks down the candidates for his 2014 unit and prepares for life after the graduated Deandre Cooper.  A former NFL player and the holder of an engineering degree, Williams also discusses what it takes to become the ultimate student-athlete.



COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

St. Aug's looks over progress in intrasquad game

RALEIGH, North Carolina — Head Coach Michael Costa was pleased with the execution during the Saint Augustine’s University intrasquad football scrimmage at the George Williams Athletic Complex on campus Saturday, August 16, 2014.

“We still have things to install, but moving on we will continue to get better,” said Costa, a two-time CIAA Coach of the Year winner entering his 13th season as Falcons’ Head Coach.

The scrimmage, the first of three in the preseason, capped the Falcons’ first full week of training camp. Referees from the CIAA conference were on hand to call penalties and monitor play as needed. The Blue team was the defense and the White team was the offense. The ball was spotted on all parts of the field, including the red zone, during the situational scrimmage.

Quarterbacks A.J. Gilford (R-Soph./Savannah, GA) and Julius Murphy (R-Soph./Goldsboro, NC), showed great poise in the pocket. Gilford, last year’s starter as a freshman, connected with Claytin Lewis (Fr./Raleigh, NC) on a 97-yard scoring bomb and Murphy hooked up with Sam Felder (R-Fr./Orangeburg, SC) for two touchdown passes.

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Morgan Bears Offense Holds Off Defense in First Preseason Scrimmage, 19-12

Morgan State University choir tours Middle East including Doha, Qatar; Muscrat, Oman; and Dubai, UAE.  Video is from May 20, 2014 performance in Doha.

BALTIMORE, Maryland --  The offense held on to defeat the defense, 19-12, in the first scrimmage of preseason camp Saturday at Hughes Stadium. The scrimmage was 89 plays long and lasted two hours under sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80s.
 
Redshirt freshman lineman Lacory Britton recorded five tackles, three tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.  Senior safety Paul Eatman finished with six tackles. Redshirt sophomore Andrew Mitchell returned a fumble 27-yards for a touchdown.
 
Senior quarterback Robert Council completed 9-of-22 passes for 145 yards and one interception against the first-team defense. Moses Skillon completed 5-of-10 passes for 65 yards and an interception, while senior Seth Higgins was 1-of-2 passes for 8 yards. Council notched the longest play of the scrimmage when he connected with Thomas Martin for a 49-yard pass play.
 
Redshirt sophomore Lamont Brown III paced the rushing attack with 53 yards on eight carries, including a 5-yard touchdown run. Senior Tracy Martin also looked solid by recording 77 yards on seven carries.
 
10 different receivers caught at least one pass, including Ricky Fisk (2 catches for 39 yards), Willie Gillus (2 for 29), Herb Walker (2 for 19) and Andrew King (2 for 16). 
 
On special teams, redshirt-sophomore Chris Moller was an impressive 4-for-6 on field goal attempts, including makes from 50-yards, 45, 30 and 23.
 
On the third series, Brown capped a 5-play drive with a 5-yard sweep during which he trucked a defender and dove into the endzone for the first score of the day.
 
The defense stepped up on the ensuing drive after Eric Alvis recorded an interception off Skillon, followed a series later when Andrew Mitchell scooped up a Skillon fumble and raced 27 yards to help the defense trim the lead to 7-6.
 
The offense responded with four drives that were capped with field goals by Moller.
 
Morgan State will return to practice Monday.
 
Lee Hull Post-Scrimmage Quotes:
"I think all three phases have been performing pretty well. They've been coming along and they've been grasping the offense, defense and special team's schemes and we've been having pretty good practices. I think we had two bad practices out of the 15 practices we've had, so I think they're coming along. It's different, it's a hard training camp, but they're working hard and I think they're getting used to it."
 
"On offense I think Andrew King is having a really good camp. He's made some big plays for us, and he's the first one in all the sprints – he's in great shape. And Lamont Brown has been running the ball really well and is another one that stands out on offense."
 
"On defense, Cody Acker has done a really good job for us. He's been getting everybody in the right position, along Nate Ayers. So those two guys on defense are kind of the leaders of our defense getting everybody in the right spots."
 
"We want to continue to work on our tempo. We want to play faster on offense. Today we had too many penalties – too many holding penalties, so we have to get our hands in the right position and move our feet on offense. And on defense, we just have to get lined up. We had some mistakes in the secondary and we actually missed a couple of – what I call, 'layups' that should've been touchdowns. The quarterback just kind of overthrew the receiver. We just have to cleanup some of our coverage mistakes that we had in the secondary."
 
"The position battles are mainly our quarterback and running back spots. I think 'Josh' Council has done a good job so far, Moses Skillon is improving, and Seth Higginsis coming back from injury – you could see he took some steps the last couple of practices. So that battle is going pretty well.  And at our running backs spot, I like all three. Lamont Brown has stood out just a little more the last couple of days, but Tracy Martin and Herb Walker have also been doing a great job. So those are really the two big position battles. "

Game Tickets: Season tickets for all four contests at Hughes Stadium plus the Whitney Young Classic at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sept. 20 are on sale now. For Morgan State football ticket information click here 
 
THE BEARS 2014 SCHEDULE 
Aug. 30    at Eastern Michigan       6 p.m.
Sept. 6     at Holy Cross                 1 p.m.
Sept. 13   vs. BOWIE STATE       1 p.m.
Sept. 20    vs. HOWARD*%           4 p.m.
Sept. 27    at Norfolk State*           4 p.m.
Oct. 4        at Florida A&M*            5 p.m.
Oct. 11      BYE
Oct. 18      N.C. CENTRAL*@       1 p.m.
Oct. 25      at Villanova                   3:30 p.m.
Nov. 1        at Hampton*                 2 p.m.
Nov. 8        at N.C. A&T                  1 p.m.
Nov. 15     S. CAROLINA STATE*    1 p.m.
Nov. 22    DELAWARE STATE*      1 p.m.

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Texas Southern Tigers football team set to close out second week of training camp

HOUSTON, Texas  -- The Texas Southern Tigers football team continued their preparation for the upcoming season with another productive training camp practice session today at Durley Field.

With just a few days of practice remaining before their highly anticipated Labor Day Classic meeting with Prairie View A&M the Tigers football team has begun to pay close attention to fine tuning their techniques and fundamentals.

"As a defense we're starting to come together real strong," said defensive back Le'Tevin Wilcox. "You can really start to see the difference having spring ball has made as far as where we are at this year compared to last year. Everybody is out here competing and getting better day by day."

Last season Texas Southern senior offensive lineman Marvin Hollie sat in dismay as he watched his team drop their season opener to PVAMU. This season Hollie and his teammates have each made a commitment to go the extra mile in order to try and make amends for the teams' overall performance last year.

"We have a really good senior group," said Hollie. "We all entered camp with the same mind set so we've been able to hit the ground running at the same pace. If we can come out and play well to open the season that would be great for us as well as the confidence of our younger players. This is the last season for a lot of us so we want to go out and represent our school with pride and a desire to reach all of the goals we've set."

Texas Southern will continue training camp tomorrow with another set of two-a-day practices with the first session starting at 9:00 am at Durley Field.



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Tennessee State Football Fan Day set for Aug. 23rd at 3:00 p.m.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  The Tennessee State football team would like to invite all Big Blue supporters to Fan Day on Aug. 23 at 3 p.m. in the Indoor Football Facility.

The event will be the first chance to pick up the 2014 football poster. Members of this year’s Tiger team will be in attendance to sign autographs and take pictures.

 

Supporters are encouraged to stick around following the autographs to see the team scrimmage at 4 p.m. at Hale Stadium.

 

Admission to the 2014 Tennessee State Football Fan Day is free and will occur one week before the Tigers square off against Edward Watters in the 16^th annual John Merritt Classic on Aug. 30^th.

 

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New Alcorn State Braves on the Reservation: Chris McRea

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Hello Braves fans and welcome to the second segment of "New Braves on the Reservation" which features an incoming freshman from each sport.  Today's freshman is offensive lineman Chris McRea, a member of the Braves football team. McRea is a native of St. Petersburg, Fla. where he attended St. Petersburg High School.

Click on the link below to watch a one-on-one conversation with Chris about his experience on the "Reservation" thus far.



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Optimism in the atmosphere at Alabama A&M Kickoff Luncheon

NORMAL, Alabama  --  Optimism was the key word at this year's Bulldog Kickoff Luncheon.

More than 200 supporters of Alabama A&M turned out for Thursday's event in the Knight Center, which was highlighted by the naming of this year's team captains. Senior quarterback Jaymason Lee, senior  wide receiver Montaurius Smith, redshirt freshman linebacker Byran Bower and junior defensive lineman David Dagrin were selected for the honor in a vote of the players.

University President Dr. Andrew Hugine told the audience he was optimistic about the football program as well as the other Bulldog sports.

Speaking of the football team, which kicks off its season Aug. 31 in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge in Orlando, Dr. Hugine said, "We will win the (SWAC) championship; we will set an attendance record at Louis Crews Stadium.

PHOTO COURTESY: ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

"I know we can (win) but, more importantly, I know we will."

Assistant Head Coach Andy Fuller said the fans should expect a tough brand of football this season.
"It will be intense," he said. "We will play smart, fast, physical football."

Defensive Coordinator Reggie Johnson brought the audience "into the huddle" with a defensive signal call, followed by a hand clap to break the huddle. He stressed four "core values" that are expected of the players.

"Accountability … integrity … teamwork … leadership," he said. "These guys are our future leaders and it's our obligation to foster that …"

The Bulldogs will take on North Carolina A&T in Orlando. The game will be televised on ESPN with a 10:45 a.m. CST kickoff.

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Savannah State Tigers Keep Moving In Right Direction

SAVANNAH, Georgia  --  Savannah State University head coach Earnest Wilson, III took a view of his football team from a very different angle this past Wednesday. He sat high up in the bleachers of Ted Wright Stadium and got a chance to see things he could not see from the field level.

What he saw was a group of players moving in the right direction, but still needing to refine themselves.

The offense had a quartet of running backs that carried the ball for most of the light scrimmage. Justin Clark, Anthony Criswell, Les Jordan and Damani Dabeatham logged in most of the time as the ground game of the Tigers was showcased.

"We have a lot of film to grade," said Wilson. "The offense ran the ball pretty well today and the defense has got to be able to come off the ball quicker.

Wilson called the practice a good one, because it was teachable.

"I think you guys have gotten a lot better, but you must become more confident in your play," said Wilson. "Don't be satisfied with what you have done. You must make up for lost time."

Practicing in the hot and humid conditions can be useful during the season Coach Wilson pointed out to his players. He advised them to take advantage of the sweltering heat and use it to prepare for teams coming from up north in the conference.

The spirited practice tested the endurance of the defense. While the offensive line took the challenge of associate head coach/offensive line coach Willard Scissum, who wanted his offensive line to give a better account of itself against the defense.

After a tough hour and a half session, some of the players gave recognition for individual efforts during the day. There was also a time during end of the scrimmage where apologies were given by teammates from playing overly aggressive against each other.

The Tigers will scrimmage for the second time on Saturday, August 16, at 8 a.m. at Ted Wright Stadium. They open the season on the road in Murfreesboro, Tenn., at Johnny "Red Floyd Stadium, at 6 p.m. (CDT) versus Middle Tennessee State University.
  Get to Know #8 Quarterback Ker-Sean Wilson

Question: Why did you pick Savannah State University over the other many universities wanting to give you a scholarship?

Answer: It was a spiritual movement that led me to make this decision. I wanted to be close to home so that my family and friends could see me play. So far, I feel as if I made the right decision.

Question: What has been the biggest change in your game, since coming up to a Division I program?
Answer: I have learned to see the game in a different way. I can read what type of coverage the defense is in better and can see the pace of the game and make adjustments when need be.

Question: You have a new set of teammates and you are one of the upper classmen on the team, what do you do to help your teammates get better?

Answer: Away from practice and on the field, I try to push the guys to know each other better and make them realize that if we come together as a team, we will have success.

Question: This is a fairly new coaching staff for you and you have had to learn things quickly. What makes it work for you?

Answer: We have a lot of good experienced coaches on the staff, along with a good strength and conditioning coach and trainers. Listening and learning is key to making things work and the team is buying into what they are telling us.

Question: What goals have you set for yourself for this year?

Answer: I want to get closer to the Lord and have a better relationship with God. If I do those things, then everything else will work itself out.

Wilson came to SSU from Eastern Arizona Community College. He originates from Columbia, S.C., stands 6-2, and weighs 195 pounds. He had a great spring practice and caught the attention of coaches and fans with his passing and running ability.

View Photo Practice Gallery from August 15, 2014 (Here).

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

TSU Tiger Camp Update: Week Two Scrimmage

TSU will march 290 members in its Band for 2014/15, the largest in school history.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- The Tennessee State football team wrapped up the second week of fall camp with a Saturday morning scrimmage at Hale Stadium.

After starting the first few possessions inside the defensive territory, the offense was forced to settle for field goals by Cameron Carter and Lane Clark.

 

The defense was even more dominant when the offense was backed up near its own goal line. The defensive tackles of Samquan Evans and Roc-M Nesbitt drove back TSU backs, while Anthony Bass and Nick Thrasher batted down passes.

 

It wasn’t until Ryan Mitchell hauled in a 48-yard touchdown that the offense finally got going. On that play, Ronald Butler found Mitchell on a short crossing pattern and good moves and bad tackling allowed the receiver to scamper down the sideline for six points.

 

After the big reception, the running game shifted into gear with Martine Stevenson, Greg White and Tevin Spells each having runs of over 20 yards.

 

The star of the day, however, was true freshman running back Marcus Deanes who looked nearly unstoppable, hitting holes, breaking tackles and outrunning defenders. He even returned a kickoff for a touchdown in special teams practice.

 

The Tigers are off on Sunday before retaking the field Monday at 9:15 a.m.

 

Schedule:
Sunday, Aug. 17 – Off
Monday, Aug. 18 – 9:15-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 19 – 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 20 – 9:15-11:35 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 21 – 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 22 – 3:15-5:15 p.m.

 

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

O-lineman flips to MVSU

JACKSON, Mississippi  --  Golden Ukonu, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound offensive lineman, initially committed to Jackson State but signed with Mississippi Valley State. Ukonu was expected to join the program in the summer but did not report for fall camp. JSU received no documentation from Ukonu, whose is on MVSU’s 2014 roster. Ukonu was a first team all-conference player from Nassau Community College (New York).

The flip is a loss for the Tigers, who lack depth and experience upfront. They no longer have ...

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JSU Tigers' offense comes long way since spring

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- LaMontiez Ivy no longer stood on the sideline.

After missing the spring game five months ago, recovering from his ankle injury, the sophomore quarterback finally got under center with a defense closing on him during Saturday's scrimmage.

"I couldn't wait," Ivy said. "I stayed up (thinking) about it all night."

It's been more than a five-month wait for Ivy.

In fact, it's been nearly a year.

Ivy's last game-like competition was ...


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