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NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State football has announced the schedule for the 2016 season. The slate will consist of four home games, including the 18th annual John Merritt Classic, six road games and a trip to Memphis for the 27th Southern Heritage Classic.
The season kicks off with the Tigers hosting Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Nissan Stadium for the John Merritt Classic on Sept. 3. The Lions last visited TSU in 2012, a 40-13 homecoming win for the Big Blue.
The annual meeting with Jackson State in Memphis on Sept. 10 follows the season opener. TSU is currently on a four game win streak against the Tigers.
The Big Blue continues its nonconference portion of the season with a trip to Daytona Beach, Fla., to take on Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 17.
TSU will host three Ohio Valley Conference games at home, including UT Martin (Oct. 1), Eastern Kentucky (Oct. 15 – Homecoming) and Tennessee Tech (Nov. 12).
Road Conference games consist of Eastern Illinois (Oct. 8), Murray State (Oct. 29), Austin Peay (Nov. 5) and Southeast Missouri (Nov. 19).
On Oct. 22, the Tigers will step out of conference play to head across town to take on Vanderbilt. It is the first of two scheduled games against the Commodores over the next three seasons.
Locations are still being confirmed and game details are subject to change. Game times will be announced at a later date.
2016 Schedule
Sept. 3 – Arkansas-Pine Bluff (John Merritt Classic)
Sept. 10 – Jackson State (Southern Heritage Classic)
Sept. 17 – at Bethune-Cookman
Sept. 24 – Off Week
Oct. 1 – UT Martin
Oct. 8 – at Eastern Illinois
Oct. 15 – Eastern Kentucky (Homecoming)
Oct. 22 – at Vanderbilt
Oct. 29 – at Murray State
Nov. 5 – at Austin Peay
Nov. 12 – Tennessee Tech
Nov. 19 – at Southeast Missouri
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
HAMPTON, Virginia -- Hampton University head football coach Connell Maynor, who is heading into his third season, announced the Pirates' 2016 signing class, 21 players in all, on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day.
"I thought it was a great recruiting class, our biggest so far. We're looking for a lot of great things out of these guys, we've got a lot of quality players," Maynor said. " We think they can help us out a lot if not next year, then certainly in 2017 and beyond."
Matt Ahearn(6-3, 320, OL, Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity HS): Was on Trinity Christian's undefeated and state championship team this past season, was All-American and All-State.
Noah Boone(6-3, 195, WR, Virginia Beach, Va./Landstown HS): Caught 38 passes for 583 yards and five touchdowns this past season and was a First Team All-Conference 1 (Coastal) selection.
Albert (Ryan) Carlisle III(6-1, 280, C, Opelika, Ala./Opelika HS): Helped Opelika go 11-2 this past season, advancing to the state playoffs. Switched to center as a senior.
Terry Chisley(5-9, 180, CB, Hampton, Va., Bethel HS): Played both wide receiver and defensive back for the Bruins, and he was a Second Team All-Conference 10 selection this past season.
Tarus Dameron (5-10, 220, RB, Lincolnton, N.C./Lincolnton HS): Rushed for 2,304 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior, leading Lincoln County.
Jordan Edwards(6-1, 220, LB, Forestville, Md./Bishop McNamara HS): Played both linebacker and running back for Bishop McNamara, racking up 75 total tackles as a senior, averaging 7.5 per game.
Myles Ferrell (6-3, 300, OL, Atlanta, Ga./Woodward Academy): Helped Woodward go 13-1 and advance to the state semifinals in his senior season, scoring 30 points in all but two games.
Brendan Greene (6-1, 195, QB, Columbia, S.C./AC Flora HS): Dual-threat quarterback who was one of the best at his position in South Carolina.
Bailey Herring(6-1, 285, OL, Merritt Island, Fla./Merritt Island HS): Played mostly in the tackle position for a Merritt Island team that went 8-4 this past season, and was named First Team All-State.
Auldon Knight (5-10, 165, WR, Akron, Ohio/Copley HS): Was an All-Conference performer who also made several All-State squads, has been clocked at 4.3 in the 40-meter dash. Already enrolled in school.
Yahkee Johnson (5-8, 175, RB, Richmond, Va./Nassau CC/L.C. Bird HS): Rushed for 790 yards and seven touchdowns for Nassau CC in 2013. Already enrolled in school.
Keenan Marr (6-3, 260, DL, Atlanta, Ga./Grady HS): Has a blend of size and athleticism that caught the attention of a few FBS programs.
Keon Marsh (6-3, 190, QB, Springfield Gardens, N.Y./Monterey Peninsula CC): Already enrolled in school.
Derrick Moreland(6-4, 290, DL, Mt. Ulla, N.C./West Rowan HS): Had 53 tackles in 2015 to go along with 17.0 tackles for loss and four sacks, while also playing basketball at West Rowan.
Elijah Nelson (6-2, 205, S, Hampton, Va./Phoebus HS): Played for a Phantoms squad that went 13-2 this past season, advancing to the state semifinals.
Tylon Patterson (6-5, 190, WR, Covington, Ga./Lithonia HS): Was a two-sport athlete at Lithonia and will add size to the Pirates' receiving corps.
Mehran Roshanaei(5-10, 170, K/P, Arlington, Va./Yorktown HS): Former soccer player who made seven of his nine field goals in 2015, including a season-long of 47 yards, while also averaging almost 50 yards a punt.
Donald Smith(6-2, 190, CB, Danville, Va./George Washington HS): Two-spot star (football and basketball) in high school, helped the football team go 12-2 this past season.
Steven Smith (6-2, 235, LB, Virginia Beach, Va./San Jose City College/Salem HS): Was an All-Conference performer at San Jose City College, showcasing the ability to both rush the passer and drop into coverage.
Keldrick (K.J.) Wilson(6-5, 285, OL, Mt. Ulla, N.C./West Rowan HS): Has seen most of his playing time at tackle, and was an All-Conference performer. Also played basketball.
"We're pleased," Maynor said. "We covered all the areas we needed to cover with more than 20 seniors last year."
For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
NORFOLK, Va. - Norfolk State University head football coach Latrell Scott announced the bulk of his 2016 recruiting class on Wednesday, a 15-player group which addresses Scott's goals to improve the Spartans' athleticism, size and versatility.
Three members of the recruiting class are already enrolled at NSU and are taking spring-semester classes: quarterback Tyre-Givers Wilson of Indian River High in Chesapeake, and offensive linemen Jordan Crockett and Kenneth Kirby of Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Va. The other 12 players signed national letters of intent on Wednesday.
Of the 15 players, Scott inked five offensive linemen, two quarterbacks, two wide receivers, two defensive backs, one running back, one defensive lineman and two multi-position athletes. Twelve of the 15 are from the state of Virginia, and 10 are from the immediate seven-city Hampton Roads area. The Spartans also welcome players from the Richmond, Va. area and Washington, D.C., in addition to one prospect each from North Carolina and New Jersey.
"We're thrilled about the 2016 recruiting class," Scott said. "Our aim was to identify and address our areas of need to enhance our roster moving forward. We also achieved our recruiting goal of starting locally, then moving out on a regional and national basis. With the addition of these players, we feel we have laid the foundation for success down the road."
Following are the members of the 2016 signing day class, with notes and quotes on each further down the page.
2016 NSU Recruiting Class
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown / Previous School
Malik Butts RB 5-9 180 Virginia Beach, Va. / Salem HS
Jordan Crockett* OL 6-5 325 Max Meadows, Va. / Fork Union / Ft. Chiswell
Josh Culberson DL 6-5 285 Chesapeake, Va. / Fork Union / Western Branch
Marcque Ellington WR 6-5 190 West Long Branch, N.J. / St. John Vianney HS
Tyre Givers-Wilson* QB 6-3 210 Chesapeake, Va. / Indian River HS
Tripp Harrington QB 6-2 175 Wendell, N.C. / East Wake HS
Dominic Jordan OL 6-2 280 Chesapeake, Va. / Oscar Smith HS
Kenneth Kirby* OL 6-5 275 Newport News, Va. / Fork Union / Menchville
Taro Lipscomb OL 6-3 290 Washington, D.C. / Friendship Collegiate HS
Bobby Price DB 6-3 180 Virginia Beach, Va. / Bishop Sullivan HS
Justin Smith WR 6-1 170 Richmond, Va. / Benedictine Preparatory
Kevin Staton OL 6-6 320 Chesapeake, Va. / Indian River HS
J.T. Wahee DB 5-11 170 Norfolk, Va. / Lake Taylor HS
Devon Watford Ath. 5-10 180 Norfolk, Va. / Norview HS
Anthony Williams Ath. 6-3 210 Norfolk, Va. / Maury HS
* Already enrolled at NSU in spring-semester classes
Malik Butts
RB
5-9, 180
Virginia Beach, Va./Salem HS
High School: A first-team all-conference and All-5A South Region performer ... Also named to the VHSL 5A all-state second team and the All-Tidewater second team by The Virginian-Pilot ... Rushed for 1,066 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior ... Shared Conference 9 Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors with fellow NSU signee Devon Watford ... Also a first-team all-conference selection as a junior, when he rushed for over 1,300 yards ... Rated the No. 16 recruit in the Hampton Roads area class of 2016 by The Virginian-Pilot.
Scott Says: "Malik is a talented player who had a great career at Salem. His skill as a running back and kick returner should pay dividends in the near future."
Jordan Crockett
OL
6-5, 325
Max Meadows, Va./Fork Union Military Academy/Ft. Chiswell HS
High School/Prep: Started five games at right tackle for FUMA's prep team in 2015 ... Was a two-time first-team all-state Group A selection at Fort Chiswell, where he lettered three years and played on both sides of the line.
Scott Says: "Jordan is a big, athletic and physical offensive lineman who will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on an improved offensive line. He is another quality in-state student-athlete who has a bright future as a Spartan."
High School/Prep: Played a year of prep school football, where he teamed with fellow NSU signees Jordan Crockett and Kenneth Kirby at Fork Union ... At Western Branch, Culberson was named to the All-757 junior team on defense ... Was a two-time all-state track performer in the shot put and discus.
Scott Says: "Josh is another promising local product. He played both offensive and defensive line in high school, so we know he is versatile. He also continues our recent success in landing talented players from Fork Union."
Marcque Ellington
WR
6-5, 190
West Long Branch, N.J./St. John-Vianney HS
High School: A three-year starter at St. John Vianney ... As a senior, led his team to an 11-1 record and a berth in the state championship game ... Caught 16 passes for 400 yards and scored 11 touchdowns ... Also had 40 tackles and three interceptions on defense ... Notched 85 tackles and two interceptions as a junior, when he was an All-Shore division nominee ... Also a basketball standout.
Scott Says: "Marcque is a tall wide receiver with big-play ability. His size and athleticism create matchup problems for defenders. He was also an excellent high school basketball player, which should help translate to his becoming a big-play receiver for us."
Tyre Givers-Wilson
QB
6-3, 210
Chesapeake, Va./Indian River HS
High School: A three-star recruit by 247 Sports ... Rated two stars by Scout.com ... Passed for 1,805 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior, leading the Braves to the Group 5A state semifinals ... A first-team All-Conference 9 selection.
Scott Says: "We identified Tyre as a priority recruit back in the spring and we have followed him every step of the way. Keeping a highly sought-after player like Tyre home is a big accomplishment for our program."
Tripp Harrington
QB
6-2, 175
Wendell, N.C./East Wake HS
High School: Led all Triangle-area (N.C.) quarterbacks with 1,187 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns while passing for 2,507 yards and 24 more scores as a senior ... Named the Greater Neuse River Conference 4A Player of the Year ... Also was a Raleigh News & Observer All-Metro selection ... Threw for 2,639 yards and 30 TDs as a junior.
Scott Says: "Tripp is an athletic quarterback who possesses a big arm and the ability to run the football. He was heavily depended on by his coach to manage games and be a leader, and we look forward to him doing the same for us."
Dominic Jordan
OL/LS
6-2, 280
Chesapeake, Va./Oscar Smith HS
High School: Named to the All-Conference 2 (Monitor-Merrimac Conference) first team as a senior and sophomore ... Named to the Virginian-Pilot's All-Tidewater first team ... Selected to the All-6A South Region second team as a senior ... Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com ... No. 20 senior recruit in the Hampton Roads area by the Virginian-Pilot ... Helped Oscar Smith reach the 6A state championship game as a sophomore and senior ... Also wrestles for Oscar Smith.
Scott Says: "Dominic comes from a great local program and he had a great career for coach Rich Morgan at Oscar Smith. He has played all three offensive line positions and doubles as a long snapper, so he adds even more versatility to this class."
Kenneth Kirby
OL
6-5, 275
Newport News, Va./Fork Union Military Academy/Menchville HS
High School/Prep: Spent a post-graduate year at Fork Union in 2015, where he teamed with fellow NSU enrollee Jordan Crockett on the offensive line ... At Menchville, was a first-team All-Conference 10 offensive lineman as a senior in 2014 ... Also named to the all-conference second team at defensive line, as well ... Honorable mention all-conference performer as a junior in 2013.
Scott Says: "Kenneth is a big, athletic offensive lineman who we think will be able to compete for time immediately after spending last fall at Fork Union. He continues what is becoming a strong pipeline of talented Fork Union players to play at NSU."
Taro Lipscomb
OL
6-3, 290
Washington, D.C./Friendship Collegiate Charter
High School: Named to the All-USA Today Washington, D.C. second team ... Also played in the District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) all-star game.
Scott Says: "We really like Taro's athleticism as an offensive lineman. He comes from a great program in Washington, D.C. and we feel like he is a great fit for our line at NSU."
Bobby Price
DB
6-3, 180
Virginia Beach, Va./Bishop Sullivan Catholic HS
High School: All-State (VISAA) first-team defensive back ... Named to the all-state second team as an offensive athlete ... Played quarterback, receiver and defensive back at various points for Bishop Sullivan, averaging 120 yards of total offense per game ... Passed for 524 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for another 462 yards ... Had 50 tackles on defense and also returned a punt for a touchdown on special teams ... First-team all-conference (TCIS) at defensive back and second team at quarterback.
Scott Says: "Bobby gives us the ability to do multiple things from a schematic standpoint. The fact that he is a 6-6 high jumper speaks to his athleticism. He has loads of potential."
Justin Smith
WR
6-1, 170
Richmond, Va./Benedictine Preparatory
High School: A first-team All-State (VISAA) Division I selection ... Also an honorable mention All-Metro pick by the Richmond Times Dispatch ... Caught 24 passes for 650 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior ... Helped Benedictine win the VISAA state Division I title his junior and senior seasons.
Scott Says: "Justin is a late bloomer who had a great year for the state championship team at Benedictine Prep. He played with lots of talented players in Greg Lilly's program. He has the possibility to see immediate time for us."
Kevin Staton
OL
6-6, 320
Chesapeake, Va./Indian River HS
High School: Rated a top 100 guard in the nation and a three-star prospect by ESPN.com ... Rated a two-star recruit by both Rivals and 247 Sports ... Selected to the All-PenSouth Conference second team as a junior ... Helped Indian River reach the state Group 5A state semifinals as a senior.
Scott Says: "Kevin is a welcomed late addition to our group. He is a nationally-recruited offensive lineman from the powerhouse Indian River program. He also continues a tradition of Spartans in his family - both his father and brother are former NSU players."
J.T. Wahee
DB
5-11, 170
Norfolk, Va./Lake Taylor HS
High School: Finished his senior season with 32 tackles and seven interceptions as the Titans advanced to the state 4A championship game ... A first-team All-Conference 17 selection ... Named to the all-state 4A second team ... Second-team all-conference defensive back as a junior, when he helped Lake Taylor go 15-0 and win the state title ... Younger brother of George Wahee, who is a redshirt freshman receiver at NSU.
Scott Says: "J.T. got one of the first offers in this year's recruiting class and we've been following his progress for some time. He's a shut-down corner with tremendous upside. He had a great career for a top program at Lake Taylor and also is an excellent basketball player."
High School: First-team all-conference, All-5A South Region and All-Tidewater ... Also a second-team all-state 5A selection and the conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year ... Caught 36 passes for 820 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior ... Scored 15 total touchdowns and amassed over 1,000 all-purpose yards ... Selected to play in the VHSCA state all-star game ... Also had 63 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions on defense ... Played running back as a junior, running for 742 yards while helping the Pilots win their first playoff game in nearly 30 years.
Scott Says: "Simply put, Devon is just a quality football player. He showed in high school he could excel at any number of positions so we are looking forward to see what he can provide our team."
Anthony Williams
Ath.
6-3, 210
Norfolk, Va./Maury HS
High School: Did not play football until his senior season ... Earned second-team All-Conference 9 honors at receiver ... Caught 21 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns ... Added 38 tackles, 15 for loss, and nine sacks as an outside linebacker ... Also a basketball standout, Williams averaged 15 points and seven rebounds per game as a junior ... Is averaging 13 points and nine rebounds so far as a senior.
Scott Says: "Anthony is a big, versatile athlete who has immense potential. He's only played one year of football, so his best days are definitely ahead of him."
HOUSTON, Texas -- A look at TSU's 2016 recruiting class:
Class ranking: N/A
Analysis: New head coach Mike Haywood essentially had a few weeks to put together his first recruiting class at TSU since being hired in December. Considering the circumstances, he got everything he needed. The Tigers signed 16 players for 2016. Haywood said restocking the trenches was of high priority and he addressed that with three offensive linemen, a tight end, two defensive tackles and a defensive end.
Top prospect: Cameron Davis, QB, Arkansas Baptist/Madison HS. The Madison product is coming back home as a transfer for a chance to help Texas Southern immediately in 2016. Davis stands at 6-3 and 210 pounds. Haywood said this is one he was especially proud to sign.
Best of the rest: Jeremiah Credit, ATH, Brazosport. He's one of the shortest players in this class for TSU, but Haywood believes this speedster can be used in a number of different ways for the Tigers. Expect to see him at receiver. Credit's elusiveness will be useful, too.
Late addition: Julian Marcantel, LB, Hamilton Christian (Lake Charles, La.). It's not just Houston that Haywood wants to lock down. He wants to strengthen recruiting ties to Louisiana, too. Enter Marcantel, who committed four days ago. He is joined along with defensive tackle Micah Minter from Byrd High School in Lake Charles, La. Marcantel played quarterback in high school, too.
One who got away: Davis is into the fold, but Hightower quarterback Neiko Hollins would've been a great get for the Tigers. He instead committed and signed to Prairie View A&M. TSU was hoping to flip him down the stretch.
What coach Mike Haywood had to say: "I think it's an outstanding class. I think the assistant coaches did a tremendous job leading the pathway making sure that we were going on the right course to recruit the right student-athletes to make us a better football team."
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Four home games inside the brand new Panther Stadium, two Football Bowl Subdivision opponents and seven games inside the state of Texas highlights Prairie View A&M's history-making 2016 football schedule.
The 2016 season kicks off on Sept. 3 as history will be made with the opening of the university's brand new football stadium. SWAC rival Texas Southern will be the first opponent in the venue as the Labor Day Classic will be played on the PVAMU campus for the first time ever while TSU will also play on campus for the first time.
One week later on Sept. 10, the Panthers will make history once again as they'll make the short trek up Highway 6 to College Station to face Texas A&M at Kyle Field. The contest marks the first time ever both teams will meet on the gridiron and the first against an opponent from the SEC. Following the contest at Texas A&M, the Panthers will remain on the road for the next two weekends as they'll travel to Alabama A&M (Sept. 17) and Mississippi Valley State (Sept. 24).
The Panthers return to the state of Texas for three of their next four contests as they'll face Grambling State in the annual State Fair Classic in Dallas on Saturday, Oct. 1 inside the historic Cotton Bowl. One week later, the team returns to the friendly confines of Panther Stadium as Alabama State will be its opponent for Homecoming 2016 on Oct. 8. After a bye weekend, the Panthers will make the trip to Houston on Oct. 22 for their second FBS match-up of the season at Rice University as PVAMU has not played inside Rice Stadium since the 1995 season. After the contest at Rice, the Panthers will close out the month of October on the road at Jackson State on Oct. 29.
The month of November features consecutive home games back on campus as Alcorn State travels to Prairie View on Nov. 5 followed by a showdown versus Southern on Nov. 12. The 2016 regular season will conclude on Nov. 19 in Pine Bluff, Ark. as the Panthers will travel to Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Season tickets for the historic 2016 season are on sale as packages start at $80 for five games. Contact (936) 261-9141 for more information regeading season tickets.
Originally signed with South Florida, transferred to Arizona Western Community College after freshman year Three-star recruit by Rivals.com Rushed for 1,881 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior Ju'Anthony "Juice" Parker| CB | 5-10 | 170 | Dallas, Texas | South Oak Cliff High School
High School:
Consensus three-star recruit by 247Sports.com, Scout.com and Rivals.com
Texas Class 5A Second Team All-State Honors as a senior
Selected to the District 13-5A First Team as a senior
Named to the District 13-5A First Team following his junior season
Guided team to the second round of the Class 5A Division II playoffs
Head football coach was Jason Todd
Evan Pohlman | LS | 5-11 | 185 | Spring, Texas | Klein Oak High School
High School:
Rated the 42nd best longsnapper nationally by Rubio long snapping
Received 4 ½ stars from Kohlskicking.com
Ranked 37th in the class of 2016 by Kohlskicking.com
Placed 4th at the annual Kohl's Kicking, Punting, and Long Snapping Camps National Senior Challenge
Finished 3rd at the Kohl's Kicking, Punting, and Long Snapping Camps Texas Showcase
Won 1st place at the 2015 Kornblue Kicking & Snapping Challenge
Named to the District 15-6A First Team
Played with fellow signee Austin Davis
High school coach was David Smith
Reggie Stubblefield | DB | 5-11 | 170 | Arlington, Texas | Sam Houston High School
High School:
Two-star recruit by 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
Selected to the District 4-6A Second Team at safety in 2015 and 2014
Head football coach was Anthony Criss
Dawonya Tucker | RB | 5-7 | 170 | Terrell, Texas | Terrell High School
High School:
Two-star recruit by 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
District 12-5A Overall MVP
Named Built Ford Tough Player of the Week after recording 390 yards on 38 carries with 3 touchdowns
Rushed for 2,163 yards and 26 touchdowns, ranked 4th in the DFW Metroplex in Class 5A
Caught 25 receptions for 301 yards and 2 touchdowns
Head football coach was Mike Shields
Jaylon Wooten| LB | 6-2 | 226 | Dallas, Texas | South Oak Cliff High School
High School:
Two-star recruit by Rivals.com
Texas Class 5A All-State Honors as a senior
Selected to the District 13-5A First Team at inside linebacker
Named to the District 13-5A First Team following his junior season
Finished with 111 tackles, 14 sacks, 15 TFL, 3 INT, 3 PBU in senior season
Rated as one of the top linebacker in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Guided team to the second round of the Class 5A Division II playoffs
Voted Vype.com DFW 5A Defensive Player of the Year
Head football coach was Jason Todd
COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana is 24th for the second consecutive week in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
The Gold Nuggets, 15-8 after a 75-62 victory Monday at SUNO, have been among the top 25 in all seven polls this season. Their highest rank was ninth Dec. 8.
Xavier has one game remaining this week, at 3 p.m. Saturday against Dillard in the Crosstown Classic at XU's Convocation Center.
Talladega (18-3), the leader in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference by three games over Xavier and Philander Smith, climbed from 20th to 19th nationally. This is the Lady Tornadoes' fifth consecutive top-25 appearance.
Ascending to No. 1 for the first time in the program's history was Our Lady of the Lake, which lost 91-86 in overtime to Xavier Nov. 14 in the LSUS Classic at Shreveport, La. Since then the Saints (19-2) have won 19-of-20, including their last 19 in a row. OLLU received 7-of-9 first-place votes and is the fourth school to hold the top spot this season.
XU city rival Loyola, which will play host to the Gold Nuggets at 7 p.m. Feb. 17, fell out of the top 25 after ranking 23rd a week ago.
NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through Jan. 31)
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard announces the signing of 10 football athletes to National Letters of Intent. The Bison signed three offensive linemen, two wide receivers, two defensive linemen, two defensive backs and a linebacker.
JaQuez "Box" Ezzard WR 5-11 185 Atlanta, GA Hapeville Charter
Kyle Anthony WR 6-4 185 Mirimar, FL Mirimar HS Carleton "CJ" Rainey RB 5-8 190 Upper Marlboro, MD Wise HS Phillip Flemming OT 6-6 260 Hopkins, SC Lower Richland HS Sean Smith OT 6-6 270 Missouri City, TX Elkins HS Tyler Fuller DT 6-3 265 Manvel, TX Manvel HS Ken Larkin OLB 6-4 215 Cincinnati, OH Wyoming HS Merrick Sims, III DB 6-0 185 Atlanta, GA Hapeville Charter Brandon Brown OL/DL 6-3 290 Washington, DC Friendship Collegiate Marcellos Allison DB/ATH 6-4 215 Durham, NC Harrell's Christian Acad.
"We still have four or five more that we intend to sign," said Howard head coach Gary Harrell. "As far as these signees, we've filled some of our most important needs. We have people who can come in and fill our needs, and at the same time change the culture and get back to our winning ways. It was our goal to get bigger, taller, longer and more athletic and I think we accomplished that."
Harrell continues, "two specific areas that we wanted to address is stopping the run of HOWand establishing the run on offense. I think we now have the people who can help us in those areas."
NEW ORLEANS — When the men's basketball teams of Xavier University of Louisiana and Dillard meet at 5 p.m. Saturday in the Crosstown Classic at XU's Convocation Center, it will include a role-reversal not seen in more than a decade.
For the second straight week, the Gold Rush are among "others receiving votes" in the NAIA Division I top 25 coaches poll, and the Bleu Devils are in the top 25. Xavier received six points and is tied for 33rd overall, and its longtime city and Gulf Coast Athletic Conference rival climbed from 24th to 21st.
Xavier's men haven't played a ranked Dillard team since Jan. 31, 2004, when the seventh-ranked Gold Rush won 84-79 at No. 18 Dillard. The Bleu Devils' second loss in three days knocked them out of the top 25, and they did not return to the rankings until last week.
Xavier, meanwhile, seeks a return to the top 25 after 55 consecutive appearances there. When Xavier was 21st in the Jan. 19 poll, it possessed the longest active top-25 streak in the division.
The Gold Rush are 16-8 after rallying late for a 59-50 GCAC victory Monday at SUNO. Dillard, 14-7 after an 82-65 Tuesday non-conference loss at Loyola, has as many victories this season as it did the previous three years combined.
Talladega, the leader in the GCAC by a half-game over Dillard, climbed from ninth to sixth nationally. Second-year program LSU-Alexandria received 5-of-10 first-place votes and climbed a notch to earn its first No. 1 ranking.
NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through Jan. 31)
Rank
Team
Record
Points
Last
1
LSU-Alexandria (5)
19-2
245
2
2
Georgetown (Ky.) (4)
19-2
243
5
3
Columbia (Mo.)
21-2
233
4
4
Pikeville (1)
19-2
230
1
5
Lewis-Clark State
20-2
220
3
6
Talladega
19-4
200
9
7
William Penn
18-4
199
6
8
Hope International
18-4
195
tie-7
9
Texas Wesleyan
17-4
192
12
10
Biola
20-3
182
11
11
Langston
16-4
169
13
12
Mid-America Christian
17-5
159
tie-7
13
Carroll (Mont.)
16-5
153
14
14
Freed-Hardeman
17-5
135
17
15
Park
14-5
134
16
16
Westmont
16-5
131
15
17
Peru State
14-7
124
21
18
William Carey
14-8
119
19
19
Campbellsville
18-6
101
18
20
MidAmerica Nazarene
16-6
95
23
21
Dillard
14-6
79
24
22
Arizona Christian
17-5
74
10
23
Our Lady of the Lake
12-6
70
22
24
William Jessup
15-6
60
RV
25
Oklahoma City
10-6
53
RV
Dropped from rankings: No. 20 Southwestern Assemblies of God, No. 25 (tie) Montana Western, No. 25 (tie) William Woods
Others receiving votes: Montana Western 40, Voorhees 33, Cumberlands 29, William Woods 26, Middle Georgia 24, Avila 11, Bethel (Tenn.) 9, Science & Arts 6, Xavier 6 Ed Cassiere,
Sports Information Director XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF
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BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Coach Lee Hull and the Morgan State Bears had another outstanding national letter of intent signing day with a class that includes 15 new student-athletes.
The class includes 10 players on offense, four on defense and one specialist. Nine of the new Bears are from the state of Maryland (including Washington, D.C.), with two from Pennsylvania, and two from Georgia. Others are from Michigan and California.
The Bears class includes five on the offensive line, including Eligah Hunter a standout prospect from Friendship Collegiate Academy, who was the final prospect to officially sign with the Bears.
"Offensive line was our biggest need heading into the offseason," said Hull. "Our class of O-lineman is one of the best in the Football Championship Subdivision."
The Bears also landed a pair of outstanding running backs in Josh Chase and Dante Butler. MSU also filled needs at quarterback, receiver and tight end.
"We signed two of the top four running backs in the state of Maryland."
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears signed two linebackers, a pair of defensive backs and added a placekicker on special teams.
"Nine of our 15 recruits were from in-state," Hull said. "My goal was to have 70 percent of our players come from the DMV area and this class reflects the philosophy of our program. We've established a clear identity in recruiting, and finding in-state talent is a priority."
2016 Morgan State Recruiting Class
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Hometown
High School/Last School
Mikal Cherry
OL
6-5
297
Philadelphia, Pa.
Delaware Valley Charter HS
Bruce Trigg
OL
6-4
285
Snellville, Ga.
South Gwinnett HS
Malcolm Harley
DB
6-1
175
Forestville, Md.
Bishop McNamara HS
Ian McBorrough
LB
6-2
195
Baltimore, Md.
Eastern Tech HS
Josh Chase
RB
6-0
205
Severn, Md.
Archbishop Spalding HS
Deandre Harris
QB
6-4
195
Washington, Ga.
Washington-Wilkes HS
Quez Bradley
DB
6-1
190
Columbia, Md.
Wilde Lake HS
Ostell Martin
OL
6-5
330
Detroit, Mich.
Cass Tech HS
Alex Raya
K
5-11
175
San Bernadino, Calif.
San Bernadino Valley College
Rashon Lusane
LB
6-1
190
Malvern, Pa.
Malvern Prep
Dante Butler
RB
6-0
210
Frederick, Md.
Linganore HS
Manassah Bailey
WR
6-1
175
District Heights, Md.
Suitland HS
Eligah Hunter
OL
6-4
350
Washington, D.C.
Friendship Collegiate Academy
Kojo Dingle
OL
6-2
290
Olney, Md.
Our Lady of Good Counsel HS
Idahota Akojie
TE
6-4
215
Upper Marlboro, Md.
Wise HS
Mikal Cherry – OL | 6'5 | 297 | Philadelphia, Pa. | Watch
Cherry is a 6'5, 297-pounder who was had a standout prep career as a lineman at Delaware Valley Charter HS. He helped lead the Warriors to a 2A Public League Championship and was selected to the All-Public First Team and All-City Second team. He was also selected to the All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Second Team. He is a tough, rugged player who had excellent coaching during his prep career.
Josh Chase – RB | 6'0 | 205 | Severn, Md. | Watch
Chase is a 6'0, 205-pound running back from Archbishop Spalding HS in Severn, Maryland. He completed his prep career by rushing for 2,468 yards and 31 touchdowns. He rushed for an average of 126.6 yards per game. He also recorded 31 receptions for 403 yards and had 369 kickoff return yards with 3 TDs.
Deandre Harris – QB | 6'4 | 205 | Washington, Ga. | Watch
Harris is a 6'4, 205-pounder was a standout at Washington-Wilkes HS where he helped lead the He threw for over 3,500 yards and tossed 63 career touchdowns. He also ran for 1,800 yards and 28 TDs. Harris is a dual-threat quarterback with good fundamentals and has a high football I.Q.
Rashon Lusane – LB | 6'1 | 190 | Malvern, Pa. | Watch
The 6'1, 190-pounder had an outstanding prep career at Malvern HS where he was an All-Inter Academic League First Team selection as a senior. He was a Second Team All-League selection as a junior, and was honored to the First Team as a sophomore. He also played in the USA vs. Canada Bowl game. He's versatile player, who has a high football I.Q. and will strengthen the Bears at OLB or Safety and on special teams.
COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Head Coach Alex Wood and his coaching staff were full of excitement, as all college coaches were on National Signing Day. Coming off his first season, where he didn’t have the opportunity to recruit, the excitement was evident in the conference room at the Galimore-Powell Field House.
In this class, (three) potential turning point signees include Cameron Mackey and Josh Crutchfield. Mackey out of North Marion High School, was heavily recruited by FCS schools including Youngstown State. Crutchfield, out of Lake Worth High School, was also a highly sought after recruit who was recruited heavily by Division-I schools, is an ideal sized playmaker. Wood, at the conclusion of last season, stressed the importance of loading the team with playmakers…and these two certainly fit the bill.
Mackey, was a first team All-State, All-Marion County and All-American. He amassed 2,726 career rushing yards. The versatile athlete scored nine career kickoff touchdowns. He started off the Offense Defense All-American game with a kickoff return for a touchdown.
Crutchfield, who was a team captain at Park Vista HS, was an All-Palm Beach County and All-District selection. He was selected to play in the Outback All-Star game. Crutchfield, who is 6’2” - 220 lbs., is the ideal sized defender who gives the Rattlers a much-needed force at linebacker, countering the graduation of starting linebackers Akil Blount and Kashawn Butler.
The Rattlers open their 2016 campaign in Miami Gardens, Fl., against the Hurricanes of Miami at Sun Life Stadium on Sept.
Wood’s goal was to recruit at least one athlete at every position. Here is the full list of athletes FAMU signed this year:
Today’s signees:
Cole Villeneuve (6’7” - 290 lbs) TE/OT…Northeast HS (St. Petersburg, Fla.)…All-County, All-Conference…Received award for 4.0 semester…10 Rec, 150 yards, 3TDS, 3 sacks…National Honor Society
Tyler Teegan (6’4” - 290 lbs) OL…Wakulla HS (Crawfordville, FL)…1st team All-District…1st team All-State…1st team All-Big Bend
Cameron Mackey (5’10” - 180 lbs) RB…North Marion HS (Citra, FL)…1st team All-Marion County…1st team All-State…1st team All-American…2,726 career rushing yards…9 career kickoff returns for TD…Started off the Offense Defense All-American game with a kickoff return for touchdown.
Azenda Rey (5’10, 185) RB…Walton HS (Defuniak Springs, FL)…1st team All-District…3,811 career rushing yards…53 touchdowns…North West Florida Player of the Year…1st team All-State (4A)…All-Region Track in high jump at 6’6”…North West Florida Athlete of the Year (Basketball, Football, Track)…Team captain.
Kieran Goodrich (6’5” - 230 lbs) TE…Rockledge HS (Rockledge, FL)…Averaged 9 yards per catch…Played in Central Florida All-Star game…Highest ACT score in his class.
Tahj Tolbert (6’5”- 220 lbs) QB…Lanier HS (Sugar Hill, GA)…Led team to back-to-back undefeated seasons…Team captain…24-2 as a starter…Started at QB in the Gwinnett County All-Star game…All-Gwinnett County Honorable mention.
Andrew Davis (6’2” - 180 lbs) WR…Mount Dora HS (Mount Dora, FL)…1st team All-District…Team captain…38 receptions…538 yards…7 TDS…52 tackles…2 interceptions…1 forced fumble
Dock Luckie (6’1” - 175 lbs) WR…Gainesville HS (Gainesville, FL)…1st team All-Area…All-State honorable mention…53 catches, 720 yards, 10 TDS…Selected to Florida/Georgia All-Star game…Nike Open register Combine WR MVP…3 year starter - team captain.
Josh Crutchfield (6’2” - 220 lbs) DE…Park Vista HS (Lake Worth, FL)…All-Palm Beach County…Played in Outback All-Star game…1st team All-District…Led team in tackles for loss.
Javon Hunt (6’0” - 275 lbs) DT…Jackson HS (Miami, FL)…2nd team All-Dade County…Team captain…Played both offensive and defensive line…36 pancakes…8 sacks/12 TFLs
Desmond Carson (6’1” - 205 lbs) LB…North Marion HS (Citra, FL)…1st team All-Marion County…2nd leading tackler on team with 101 tackles…Played in Florida-Georgia All-Star Game…Team captain.
Obinna Nwankwo (6’3” - 280 Lbs) OL…Miramar HS (Miramar, FL)…2nd team All-State…3-Star Rivals Athlete…Ranked No.79 in the nation… Team captain…Broward County All-Academic team…1st team All-Froward County…53 pancakes…4.3 GPA/24 ACT.
Mack Green (6’2” - 200 lbs) DB…Hapeville Charter (College Park, GA)…1st team All-Region QB…All-State honorable mention (Athlete)…Finished 3rd in passing int he state of Georgia…Team MVP…Team captain…4 interceptions..Set school records in both passing yards and interceptions.
Troy Hilton (6’3, 205 lbs) DB…Bayside HS (Palm Bay, FL)…Team MVP…Team captain…66 total tackles…5 INTS/2 pass break ups…Played in Treasure Coast…Space Coast All-Star game.
Elijah Vuckovich (5’11” - 190 lbs) SAF…North Marion HS (Citra, FL)…1st team All-American…Lead Marin County in tackles…1st team All-State..Player of the week in Marion County…Team captain.
Andrew Hines (6’0” - 190 lbs) SAF…Hallandale HS (Hallandale, FL)…2nd team All-Broward…3rd team All-State…67 tackles/4 INTs/13 PBU…Team captain.
Donovan Doud (5’11 - 180 lbs) Punter…Leon HS (Tallahassee, FL)…39-yard punt average…Long punt of 57 yards…50% fair catch rate…Rated 4-star by National Camp Series…Special teams MVP in 2014 and 2015…Awarded leon Pride Award.
Khalil Clark (5’11” - 170 lbs) K/P…1st team All-State punter…43 yard avg. on punts…Big Bend Special Teams Player of the Year…1st team All-Big Bend…6/6 on FG…30/30 PATS.
