2017-18 NSU Spartan Basketball Schedule Revealed

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The Norfolk State men's basketball program and head coach Robert Jones released their 2017-18 schedule on Friday. Non-conference home games against Niagara, Bowling Green, Kent State and Elizabeth City State and an exhibition against Virginia State highlight the home non-conference slate for the Spartans.

In all, NSU will play 15 games at Joseph Echols Hall this year, including the normal eight MEAC games and seven non-conference matchups. The Spartans also take on Old Dominion in December at Norfolk Scope Arena. Numerous mid-major trips await the program, with just one high major trek to Auburn on this year's schedule.

2017-18 Norfolk State Men's Basketball Schedule

"This year was very tough scheduling teams," said Jones. "Our recent success of six straight postseasons made opponents scarce to come by. However, we were able to put together a super competitive mid-major schedule with teams that were either in postseason last year or projected to be this year. This schedule will be extremely difficult like every other year. We will be challenged early and often."

The 2017-18 season begins on Nov. 4 when the Spartans host Virginia State for an exhibition game at Echols Hall at 7 p.m. NSU officially opens the regular season on Nov. 10 at Auburn before hosting Lynchburg College on Nov. 13, also at 7 p.m.

"The matchup against Auburn will be our first and one of our stiffest tests all year," stated Jones. "Opening night on the road at an SEC opponent will be very challenging. They return their core from last year and a projected NBA player in Mustapha Heron. This is will be a tall task, however we will be ready to compete at that high level."

Two long trips await the team after Lynchburg. The first finds the team travelling to the University of San Diego and Grand Canyon University on Nov. 18 and 20, respectively, and then later to Little Rock, Arkansas to take on Robert Morris (Nov. 24) and host Little Rock (Nov. 26).

"Road games are always difficult, but playing against San Diego and Grand Canyon presents another challenge in flying three time zones away." added Jones. "San Diego is a solid team in a tough West Coast Conference. Grand Canyon might be the best team on the schedule our fans might not be familiar with, a program that packs its arena every game, is led by NBA legend Dan Majerle, and went 22-9 and 11-3 in the WAC last year.

"Both Robert Morris and Little Rock, year in and year out, also produce high level teams."

A very friendly home schedule awaits after the Little Rock trek, with four contests at Echols Hall in a five-game span. It starts with back-to-back Mid-American Conference opponents in Kent State on Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. and Bowling Green on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. The KSU contest will also serve as a doubleheader with the women's team, which is also playing a non-conference game that day.

After a trip to Loyola Chicago for the second straight season on Dec. 9, the Spartan men close out that home stretch with a 7 p.m. contest against Mid-Atlantic Christian on Dec. 14 and a 4 p.m. matchup against Niagara on Dec. 16.

"Kent State played UCLA very well last year in the NCAA tournament, and we need all of our fans at this game to help pack the house against a very good mid-major. Last year Loyola Chicago was a very competitive team as well when we played them. They are projected to be near the top of a very good Missouri Valley Conference."

Sandwiched around trips to Eastern Kentucky (Dec. 18) and Stony Brook (Dec. 30) is the Norfolk showdown at Scope Arena on Dec. 22. NSU and ODU will renew a series that was played two years ago at ODU for the first time in 15 years but has not been at Scope since the 2000-01 season.

"Last time we played ODU, the atmosphere was electric in a sold out Ted Constant Center," said Jones. "I expect the same at Scope. I am already getting calls about tickets. That shows how much everyone is already looking forward to this game. On top of that, ODU should have a very good team this season. We look forward to the Battle of Norfolk.

"In addition, Stony Brook is also a perennial contender year in and year out in the America East Conference. They have won multiple regular season championships and should be there at the end again this year."

Games against Bowling Green, Niagara and Eastern Kentucky will each complete a home-and-home series that began last year.

The 2018 calendar year also marks the beginning of MEAC play. It starts on Jan. 3 with a home contest against Coppin State. The Spartans play their next four conference games on the road, first at North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central on Jan. 6 and 8, respectively. NSU also travels to South Carolina State (Jan. 20) and Savannah State (Jan. 22).

In between, NSU gets a weekend off from the MEAC, and thus a home contest against Elizabeth City State on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. awaits. At the end of the month, the Spartans host Bethune-Cookman on Jan. 27 and Florida A&M on Jan. 29. All home conference games this season start at 8 p.m. on weekdays, including three on a Monday and one each on a Wednesday and Thursday, as well as 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

"The talent level in the conference has been raised to the highest I have seen in close to five years," stated Jones. "This 16-game schedule will be the ultimate grind in 2018. By putting together a demanding non-conference schedule, we will be prepared to continue our recent success in the MEAC."

A rare home-away MEAC weekend starts February's action, when the Spartans host Morgan State on Feb. 3 before travelling to Bethune-Cookman on Feb. 5. The first Battle of the Bay is scheduled for Feb. 10 at Hampton, and NSU also hosts Delaware State two days later on the 12th.

Savannah State and S.C. State make the return trip to Norfolk on Feb. 17 and 19, respectively, before the Spartans embark on one last regular-season road trip. After playing at Maryland Eastern Shore (Feb. 24) and at Howard (Feb. 26), the Spartans will host Hampton on March 1 to close out the regular season.

This year's MEAC tournament runs from March 5-10 at Scope Arena.

Mike Bello, Asst. SID
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Stellar Season Ahead For SCSU's Darius Leonard

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- In college football you don't always have to go to a big time program to make a name for yourself and get the attention of NFL Scouts. You just have to be great where ever you play. The South Carolina State Bulldogs have a great one.

Down in Orangeburg South Carolina State is continuing preseason drills and senior linebacker Darius Leonard is gearing up for a big year.

He's the reigning MEAC Defensive Player Of The Year and he was recently named the league's preseason defensive player of the year.

People around the country are taking note. Leonard is also on the watch list for the Butkus Awarrd. He'll battle the big boys from the Division I FBS level as well as other studs in the FCS. With these kinds of accolades this is a player who will likely be the next Bulldog taken in the NFL Draft.

Leonard knows he'll be a marked man this year but that doesn't phase him.

"That's going to push me to be better than I was last year. It's good to have a little spot on my back so it's going to have to push me to make me better," Leonard said.

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Defense Dominates Early in Rattlers First Team Scrimmage

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Florida A&M Rattlers held their first fully live scrimmage of the Fall on this morning at the Rattler Practice fields. The spirited practice was very close to game conditions as a crew of referees were there to officiate the action. The defensive squad, led by Calvin Darville and Elijah Price, dominated the first half of the scrimmage. Defensive back Orlando McKinley ended the first drive with an acrobatic interception for the defense.

As the scrimmage progressed, the offensive squad began to make progress as they settled into a rhythm. Typically on football teams, the defense gels before the offense. Once the offense found it’s rhythm, they orchestrated some scoring drives. The scrimmage ended with quarterback Ryan Stanley rolling out and crossing the pylon for a score.

“I thought the defense possessed way more energy, precision and execution than the offense today. We’ve got some work to do on both sides of the ball. We want perfect defense, but I was encouraged by the physicality, the energy, running to the football, finishing on play, all kinds of things,” said head coach Alex Wood.

Ryan Stanley maintained his status as starter according to Wood. While the first two drives he led the team on weren’t successful, he would rebound and lead solid drives in the second portion of the scrimmage. Vincent Jefferies, who also ran with the first unit, showed that he could move the Rattler offensive squad during his time at the helm.

Tahj Tolbert, probably the strongest arm on the team, showed poise and moved the second string unit. He was at the helm for the first offensive score of the day. Not to be outdone, true freshman DJ Phillips’ athleticism was on display. The Rickards grad led the third string offense on some positive drives, picking up several first down in the process.

Devin Bowers looked solid carrying the football. With a bulked up frame this season, he looks to lead the Rattlers ground game. Ricky Henrilus also had several carries for the orange and green. The offensive run of the day came from Azende Rey. The redshirt freshman took a pitch on the left side, broke into the secondary, and juked a defender in a manner reminiscent of Barry Sanders. The move drew loud roars from the entire Rattler team.

Stanley was optimistic about leading the offensive squad. “We’ve just got to get better with pre-snap. Just make sure we’re in the right place…protections. If things aren’t in the right from before the play then as soon as the ball is snapped, then everything will go downward,” Stanley said.

The linebacking corps looks solid. With Juco transfer Jebrell Hazley in the middle and flanked by a committee of athletic second layer defenders, the defense could be in a position to anchor the team overall.

“We just wanted to come out and perform. Run through our plays at full speed, execute and just things done today. I definitely believe the guys on offense will pick it up and offense is more about timing and precision. I feel like thy’ll pick it up as we go further in camp,” Darville said.

“You can always build on top of your performance. It wasn’t the best performance today, but tempo wise I think the offense is beginning to click a little bit more…the offensive line still getting their calls out. We try and push the tempo a lot in practice but, we also have to let the offensive line make their calls. Pretty much, the offense we were a little shaky at first, but when we get in a groove I think we’ll be fine,” Jefferies said.

“It was our first time actually going in game situation because we had officials here and our players could get a feel for the impact of those things as you play…as opposed to in practice. We would enforce it in practice but it’s different when you’ve got the stripes out doing it,” Wood concluded.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern's new position coaches Mark Frederick and Reid Sanders are no strangers to the Jaguars

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern football team has two new assistant coaches this season. Well, they're not new to Southern in every sense of the word.

Mark Frederick and Reid Sanders joined the Jaguars as the program’s wide receivers and running backs coaches. And while they weren't with the team last season, they’re well acquainted with life on the Bluff.

Both were Southern players in their younger days, and both were assistant coaches in the program before moving on to build careers outside of Baton Rouge.

But now they’re back at Southern, and some old faces are ready to make new memories in A.W. Mumford Stadium.

“Being back and part of the Jaguar nation is something near and dear to me,” Frederick said. “Just happy to be back.”

Frederick was a running back for the Jaguars from 2001 to 2004, including a backup role on the 2003 team that won a black college national championship under coach Pete Richardson. After graduation, Frederick bounced around the practice field, with stints coaching running backs, special teams and even defensive line for a short time.

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Lollie Named Assistant Athletic Director For Student Services at Morgan State

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Terrence Lollie has been named Assistant Athletic Director for Student Services as announced by Morgan State Director of Athletics Edward Scott.  Lollie joins Morgan State after spending the past seven years at Binghamton University, including the last three as an academic counselor in the Student-Athlete Success Center.
 
"We are excited to welcome Terrence to the Morgan State family," said Scott. "Terrence has a passion for intercollegiate athletics and student-athlete welfare that is contagious. His tireless work ethic and innovative approach to problem solving will add incredible value to our Senior Staff."
 
During his time with the Student-Athlete Success Center, Lollie was responsible for the oversight of the cross country, track and field, volleyball and women's lacrosse programs. Lollie monitored the welfare of the Binghamton student-athletes, tracked their progress towards degree and developed programming for professional development.
 
He also served on the athletic department's diversity and inclusion committee, sat on the search committee for the founding director of the LGBTQ Resource Center, taught a first-year seminar course, co-advised the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was a member of the University's Student Conduct Board.
 
Lollie began his tenure at Binghamton in 2010 as an assistant director of athletic communications. During his time in athletic communications, Lollie was the primary contact for the volleyball, wrestling and women's lacrosse programs and was the secondary contact for men's basketball.
 
While in the athletic communications office Lollie assisted in the overhauling of the athletics' website. Lollie managed and oversaw the athletic communications internship program and aided in the placement of interns at Boston College, Wake Forest, St. John's and Vermont.
 
Prior to arriving at Binghamton, Lollie worked with the Ottawa Senators top affiliate the Binghamton Senators for parts of two seasons. With the Senators, Lollie developed into a multitude of roles including ticket sales, game operations, communications, promotions and community relations.
 
Lollie also stayed active in the Binghamton community serving as a media relations liaison for the ATP Challenger Tour's Levene Gouldin & Thompson Tennis tournament as well as the Broome County STOP-DWI Winter Classic.
 
A native of Binghamton, N.Y., Lollie attended Hartwick College where he received his bachelor's degree in political science and was a four-year member of the football program. He went on to receive his master's in sport management from SUNY Cortland.
 
Lollie is a member of the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics, the College Sports Information Directors of America and the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association.
 
About Morgan State University
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is celebrating its 150th year of excellence in higher education this year. A Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution, Morgan offers more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's preeminent public urban research university, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

State of the Southern University Human Jukebox Address 2017

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY HUMAN JUKEBOX MEDIA

NCAA Awards Morgan State University $887,700 To Fund Student-Athlete Success

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- In an effort to support academic programs that help student-athletes graduate on time, the NCAA awarded Morgan State University an $887,700 Accelerating Academic Success Program Comprehensive Grant. The funding comes as part of more than $3.1 million in total grants awarded to nine universities. Morgan is one of six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including two in Maryland, to receive the funding.

The comprehensive grant, distributed over a three-year period, will be used to support Morgan's efforts to meet the requirements of the Division I Academic Performance Program, which was developed to ensure schools provide an environment that supports education while enhancing the ability of student-athletes to earn a degree. Universities can use the funds to increase academic support services staffing and space, technology upgrades (software and hardware), career planning, professional development and the increased availability of summer financial aid for student-athletes.

"The University is thoroughly invested in preparing our scholar-athletes for the future by helping them achieve success on and off the fields of play," said Morgan President David Wilson. "As Morgan continues along the positive path of being a top producer of Maryland's college graduates, these funds will assist us in building on the recent advancement in our graduation statistics, strengthening our position in this effort."

Schools eligible to apply for the program must be non-Football Bowl Subdivision Division I schools in the bottom 10 percent of resources as determined by per capita institutional expenditures, athletics department funding and Pell Grant aid. Schools can request a maximum of $300,000 per year for three years, after which the participating schools are required to match grant dollars each year of the program, with direct funds and/or in-kind contributions. The schools must commit a 25 percent match in the first year, 50 percent in year two and 75 percent in year three.

"This grant enables our athletics department to build the appropriate academic support infrastructure that our student-athletes deserve," said Edward Scott, director of intercollegiate athletics for Morgan. "Our focus will be on four areas: hiring staff, providing summer and winter classes, technology upgrades and professional development for athletics department staff and others across campus."

Morgan's athletics department added a new director of academics for the football program as well as a new assistant athletic director for student services.

The recently announced awards to the nine universities mark the fifth round of Accelerating Academic Success Program funding distributed by the NCAA.

About Morgan

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is celebrating its 150th year of excellence in higher education. A Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution, Morgan offers more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's designated Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU Tiger Camp 2017 - First Scrimmage - Head Coach Rod Reed

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee State football participated in its first scrimmage of the 2017 season at Hale Stadium on Saturday morning. The defense held the upper hand for the majority of the 55 play scrimmage by recording two sacks and three interceptions, before the offense could get on track.

Treon Harris led the quarterbacks with nine completions in 17 attempts for 138 yards and a touchdown. Harris led the Tigers on the ground with 39 yards on six carries. Sabree Curtis and Michael Hughes each carried the ball seven times and crossed the goal line. Curtis finished with 36 yards, ahead of Hughes with 31.

PHOTO GALLERY

The top defensive unit surrendered a first down to the offensive first unit on each of the first two possessions before forcing a stop. The second units took the field with Hughes rushing for a first down to continue his first drive. The possession ended a play later as freshman Michael Crawford stepped in front of a Hughes pass.

The second unit began with a pair of runs and faced a long third down conversion. Hughes picked up an errant snap and scrambled to keep the play alive. The redshirt sophomore found some room to deliver a pass, but the defense responded with a tip drill which was pulled down by transfer corner, Neiman Armstrong.

The second team defense continued the pressure forcing a pair of three and outs, with the second ending in a sack by sophomore defensive tackle Michael Perry and redshirt junior Marvin Maddox.

Harris brought the first unit back onto the field and opened the drive connecting with Mahlon Medley for a 41 yard gain. The unit would get inside the 10-yard line, but would settle for a Mitchell Boudreaux 29-yard field goal for the first score of the day.

Hughes returned with the second unit only to experience a similar result. Sophomore safety Larry Wilhoite stepped in front of a Hughes pass to thwart the drive.

Harris would engineer a scoring drive the next time on the field. The transfer signal caller connected with Steven Newbold for nine yards on the first play and teamed up with Seth Rowland for back-to-back completions of 13 and eight yards, respectively. The final blow came as Harris went back to Medley who broke a couple tackles for a 38 yard scoring play.

Hughes would get the second unit moving on the final series of the 55-play portion of the scrimmage as he used his legs to pick up a pair of first downs. The two runs by the Nashville product both went for 10 yards to help the Tigers reach midfield. A four-yard run by Jordan Bell helped the squad move past midfield, but once again the defense stood tall as Jason Morrow broke through to record the second sack of the day.

Harris and Hughes each had an opportunity to run a series in the red zone portion of the scrimmage. Harris’ unit came up short on a missed goal, while Hughes needed just three plays to lead his squad to pay dirt.

Hughes started with a six yard pass to Chris Rowland and followed up with a 10-yard pass to Seth Rowland. On first and goal from the nine, Hughes dropped back to pass before taking advantage of hole created by the line to sprint for the end zone.

In the final session of the scrimmage, the Tigers ran a two-minute drill. 53Harris used his legs to scramble for an eight yard gain and stopped the clock by getting out of bounds. The first team picked up a large chunk of the yardage as Harris hit DeVon Johnson for 24 yards. Later in the drive, Harris kept the Tigers on the field converting on a 17 yard run on fourth and nine.

Sabree Curtis rushed for seven yards on first and goal from the eight to put the Tigers at the doorstep with just under 20 seconds to go. Curtis capped off the 10 play drive with a one yard run with 11 seconds remaining on the clock.

The Tigers will continue camp on Monday afternoon, leading up to the second scrimmage scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12.

Defensive Coordinator Garry Fisher
- On first scrimmage
“I thought we had a good day. We had a number of turnovers, a couple interceptions and a lot of tackles in the backfield. Our guys really flew around today. We had great effort as far as getting to the football. I was very enthused about what we did out there today.”

- On how to get better
“We still have a lot of young guys. We still had a lot of mental errors and mistakes we have to correct, but that's what camp is about.”

Senior linebacker Chris Collins
- On the scrimmage:
“It was a good day. There was a lot of high competition on both sides of the ball. The defense played really well and the offense had high points as well moving the ball down the field. (Mahlon) Medley made some great catches.”

- On what the defense needs to work on
“We need to keep moving forward. We can't settle. We can't relax. We have to keep making progress, because we want to be the best defense in the nation. We can't have any dry days. We can't have any average days. We have to keep moving forward and getting better every day.”

- On personal improvement
“I need to keep working on communication, chemistry and getting on the same page as far as players and coaches. I need to let everyone know you can stay late and get in a little extra work. Nothing is wrong with that, and that's what we want to do.”

Offensive coordinator Jeff Parker
- On the offense
“I am pretty satisfied with the guys' effort. We had some guys coming off of injury on our offensive line. It was a great experience for the guys.”

- On improvements
“Going forward we're going to work on running the football. I feel like our receivers and quarterbacks can throw against anybody in our league but we want to get to the top of the league in rushing. Our defense did a good job of stopping us today; they made a conscious effort of making sure no one ran the football on them.”

Junior tight end Mahlon Medley
- On first scrimmage
“It was pretty good. The defense came out flying. Offensively we can move the ball we just have to cut down on the turnovers. We have to make it easier on ourselves. We can'
t start off first and 15 and set ourselves back.”

- On big plays
“It was just good play calling. I just made a couple good plays.”

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

TSU Tiger Camp 2017: Day 10 - Offensive Linemen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- The Tennessee State offensive line will have to replace All-American Jessamen Dunker and All-OVC selection Kevin Kenton at left tackle and right guard, respectively. Dunker went on to sign a free-agent contract with the New York Giants while Kenton received an invitation to the New York Jets rookie mini-camp.

PHOTO GALLERY

Redshirt junior Thomas Burton was named to the Preseason All-OVC team and will anchor the line at center for the third consecutive year. Burton will sit between sophomore Jamahl Jelks and senior Ty Allen. Jelks played in all 11 games as a freshman, starting six, and proved to be a great addition to the front line last year after filling in for an injured Allen. Jelks would not relinquish the duties once Allen came back, but Allen continued to perform at a high level when returning to the field, playing 10 games, starting five.

Redshirt junior Justin Brooks has played in 18 games, starting 11, in two seasons with the Tigers. Brooks returns at right tackle and will be pushed by redshirt-sophomore Lachavious Simmons who spelled Brooks and Dunker at times in 2016.

A pair of Southeastern Conference transfers, Chidi Okeke (LSU) and Christian Morris (Ole Miss) will look to help ease the departure of Dunker and Kenton, along with USF transfer Michael Smith Jr. Redshirt sophomores Camren Jones and Tyrell Doss will offer depth along with true freshman Anthony Geter. Rounding out the unit are freshmen Kenkhari Green and Keith Thomas.

LINEMEN	HT	WT	YR	TRANSFER	Gms Play	Gms Started
Thomas Burton	6-2	305	R-Jr.		20	17
Justin Brooks	6-5	300	R-Jr.		18	11
Ty Allen	6-3	300	Sr.		10	5
Lachavious Simmons	6-5	305	R-So.		11	2
Jamahl Jelks	6-5	305	So.		11	6
Camren Jones	6-4	315	R-So.		3	0
Tyrell Doss	6-2	290	R-So.		1	0
Mike Smith	6-3	310	R-Jr.	USF	--	--
Chidi Okeke	6-6	315	R-So.	LSU	--	--
Christian Morris	6-6	320	R-Jr.	Ole Miss	--	--
Anthony Geter	5-11	258	Fr.		--	--
Kenkhari Green	6-3	305	Fr.		--	--
Keith Thomas	6-3	315	R-Fr.

Freshman Lineman Anthony Geter
- On the transition to college
“The transition to college is hard. So I have to buckle down and practice hard every day.”

- On learning the center position
“I watch film of Thomas Burton every day and we get together at night and go over it, He helps me out a lot.”

- On the coaching staff
“When I first got here, coach Bradford helped with the plays for tight end, full back and center. When I got on the field, coach “E” (Ehrenfeld) helped me with my footwork and he is hard on me every day to get the right steps.”

Redshirt sophomore lineman Camren Jones
- On the progression through camp
“I feel like coach “E” (Ehrenfeld) wants me to put in more effort. I need to be more aggressive on my blocks. He always likes to emphasize that they invested in me for three years, well this is my third year, so these next few years I need to show up.”

- On his abilities in camp
“This is my first camp that I have gone through without any injuries, so I feel I have been getting way better.”

- On the offensive line
“Our unit is one of the best units we have had in my three years. Christian (Morris) transferred in, as well as Chidi (Okeke), and they will be a great value to us. And our guards are pretty solid. We have the kind of guys who can fill in the spots of (Jessamen) Dunker and (Kevin) Kenton and be as successful."

Redshirt sophomore lineman Lachavious Simmons
- On how camp is going
“It’s been going pretty well. We just have to get our communication down, but other than that, it’s been going well on the offensive line side.”

Sophomore offensive lineman Jamahl Jelks
- On practice
“Practice is going well. It’s hot out here, but we’re working hard, working through it and getting better everyday.”

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

Jonesboro High alum Kali James fitting in well at Tuskegee

TUSKEGEE, Alabama — Jonesboro High (Ga.) alum Kali James picked up right where he left off during his first year as a college football player at Tuskegee University.

James was named Freshman of the Year at the school’s athletic banquet after recording 4.0 tackles for a loss and 2.0 sacks as a starter. That production was on the heels of a senior season at Jonesboro in which James was named Clayton County Defensive Player of the Year, Region 4-AAAA Player of the Year and First Team All-State.

Despite his breakout season, James remains hungry. In fact, he said he believes he’s yet to accomplish anything.

“You know me, I’m so eager to get better I honestly didn’t think I did that good. That’s just me,” he said. “This offseason I’ve been trying to get my mind stronger and getting stronger. Last year is behind me. I got Freshman of the Year but honestly that means absolutely nothing. It honestly means nothing because I haven’t done anything yet.”

James was one of a few Tuskegee players to represent the school at the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Media Day earlier this month. The event was held at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, which allowed James the chance to return to where it all started.

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No FAMU Marching 100 Show in Razorbacks Season Opener

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- There will be no halftime performance from the legendary FAMU Marching 100 band during the season opener for the Arkansas RazorAbacks.

When the Hogs take on the FAMU (Florida A&M) Rattlers at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock on Thursday, Aug. 31, the band known for its impressive halftime show will not be on the field.

A representative of the band confirmed the news in a Friday morning email.

The FAMU Marching 100 has been credited for many innovative techniques which have become standard operating procedures for many high school and collegiate marching band programs throughout the nation, according to its website. Its penchant for precision demonstrated in every aspect of its performance is a key to the success of the "100."

Kickoff is 7 p.m. for the Rattlers vs. Razorbacks game.

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FAMU's football team will take bus to Arkansas

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Since the 2015 arrival of Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr., Florida A&M’s athletic department has cut costs in an effort to balance its budget.

Overton earlier this year said repairs to a FAMU-owned bus saved the athletic department about $100,000 in travel costs.

Of course, that means long bus rides for some teams.

Florida A&M’s football team will take a bus instead of flying to Little Rock for its Thursday-night game against SEC foe Arkansas. The team will leave the morning of Aug. 30 – the Wednesday before the game – and embark on a 10-hour, 673-mile road trip.

The game against Arkansas is a "money game" for FAMU's athletic department -- Overton told the Tallahassee Democrat the game is worth "about $750,000."

Head coach Alex Wood said the team will be ready to take on the Razorbacks, even with the short week.

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Delaware State Hornets get ready for football season

DOVER, Delaware -- The Delaware State football team hit the field for its first official preseason practice at Alumni Stadium on Friday afternoon.

The session was heavy on individual and position drills, in addition to plenty of special teams work. The Hornets practice again today from 4-6 p.m.

DSU kicks off the season on Aug. 31 at Delaware at 7 p.m.

The Hornets, coming off an 0-11 season, have been picked to finish last in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

“I believe we have taken the right steps to be competitive in the MEAC this season,” said third-year coach Kenny Carter. “We return more than 50 players from the 2016 squad, led by many sophomores and juniors who have gained valuable experience while developing a dogged determination through the struggles of the last two years. In addition, we have our strongest class of newcomers since I arrived and several players who sat out due to injury last year are back and ready to contribute.”

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UAPB Golden Lions open with 'teaching day'

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Coach Monte Coleman had his players start with the basics when the Golden Lions opened fall practice Thursday afternoon.

Coleman said it was "just a teaching day," which focused on fundamentals like position alignment. It's a return to the basics for a team that has finished last in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in each of the past three seasons and was voted in the conference's preseason poll to finish last again this season.

"We were 1-10 last season," Coleman said. "We have to have major progression across the board. We have to be smart, physical and technically sound, and that's across the board."

While other Arkansas college teams began practice last Saturday, UAPB starts classes five days later, which set back the 28 days of practices the NCAA permits its college teams to have before classes start.

Other than the fundamental work, Coleman said UAPB also went through 7-on-7 drills. Junior quarterback Brandon Duncan, who passed for 2,229 yard, 10 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in 2016, entered fall practice as the starter.

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Alabama A&M boosted by veteran squad for 2017 football campaign

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama --This season, the Bulldogs will field the most veteran lineup in Head Coach James Spady's four years on The Hill.

And the team includes five preseason All-Southwestern Athletic Conference selections - the most in Spady's term.

Alabama A&M returns seven starters on offense, eight on defense and all of the team's specialists.

Anchoring the returnees are All-SWAC running back Jordan Bentley; All-SWAC linebacker Kenneth Davis; All-SWAC defensive back Tere Calloway; All-SWAC kicker Nick Carden; and second team All-SWAC offensive lineman Austin Simmons.

But, there are a couple of major story lines at the most important position - quarterback.

Who will replace two-year starter Tuttie Ballard?

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B-E's Davis happy to be back "home" playing for S.C. State

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Former Bamberg-Ehrhardt defensive line standout LaSamuel Davis has been busy since high school. He just hasn't played a college football game yet.

But that should change this fall.

Two years ago, Davis went to prep school so he could qualify to play NCAA Division I football. Last year, he red-shirted at Clemson, working out and practicing with the team that won the national championship.

In April, the former dominant Red Raiders pass-rushing threat was a contributing member of the Tigers program who played in the Orange & White Spring Game.

Soon after, Davis decided he needed a third change of scenery in three years. Davis enrolled in summer school classes at South Carolina State and began working out with the Bulldogs team.

With Clemson in line to bring in three of the nation's top high school defensive ends in the next two seasons, that might have been a proactive move by Davis. The Tigers are now without three D-ends who were expected to play some in 2017. But, Davis had to do what he believed was best for him.

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NCAA rewarding Southern with $900K grant evidence it has 'confidence in Southern University athletics,' Banks says

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- It wasn’t that long ago that Southern’s athletic program found itself squarely on the NCAA’s naughty list as a result of letting its academics slide.

Southern has been making strides to put itself back on the nice list since the NCAA slammed it with APR-related sanctions, and earlier this week it was one of three schools rewarded with nearly $1 million in grant money over a three-year span through the NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Program.

“I think it shows that the NCAA is now having confidence in Southern University athletics,” said Southern athletic director Roman Banks. “I think they’ve seen, and I know they have documented, the great turnaround we had at the university.”

The program has been in place since 2012. Only non-FBS schools in the bottom 10 percent of financial resources are eligible to apply.

Southern was one of three schools to receive a comprehensive, or multi-year, grant. Six other schools received single year grants.

Each year, Southern will receive $300,000 — the maximum amount — from the NCAA for a total of $900,000 in grant money. Southern is required to match 25 percent of the funding in the first year, 50 percent in the second year and 75 percent in the third year.

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Hardin: A&T football holds season's 1st practice

GREENSBORO North Carolina -- Footballs were flying around outside Aggie Stadium on a hot August afternoon. Coaches were screaming and players were sweating and Rod Broadway was smiling.

The old coach from Oakboro is in his element. He has his program where he wants it, and he’s not changing a thing.

“What’s the old saying?,” he asked, joking in front of the cameras. “We do chicken.”

That’s all.

No frills or fritters. A&T lost its best player but not its identity. This is a reloading season for the Aggies, and Broadway and his quarterback are looking to December.

“We’re going to be a good football team,” he said Tuesday, minutes before the first practice of the season, which starts in 28 days.

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Tripp Harrington takes most reps at QB as Norfolk State camp opens

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State coach Latrell Scott gave freshman quarterback Tripp most of the reps during the first official practice Wednesday.

"Tripp's the starter right now at the end of day one," Scott said.

Day Two could be different. Harrington is in a battle with sophomore Tyre Givers-Wilson and freshman Juwan Carter for the starting job.

Harrington, a Raleigh, N.C., native, started and played the entire spring game and apparently showed enough to get the early nod.

Givers-Wilson and Carter split reps in practice behind Harrington.

"I think it's a great relationship," Scott said of the quarterbacks. "It's a friendly competition which is good."

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RICK CLEVELAND: Six more ready to join state hall of fame

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum has worn a funeral wreath on its doors five times since last year’s induction ceremonies. That’s because Boo Ferriss, Orsmond Jordan, Robert Morgan, Larry Grantham and Eddie Crawford all have died in the interim.

All contributed much to Mississippi sports lore in their respective fields of endeavor.

And the legends of all five will live on in the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, an important Jackson museum that tells the remarkable, uplifting story of the Magnolia State’s history of athletic success.

The Hall of Fame will induct six more members with a weekend of planned activities culminating in Saturday night’s induction banquet at the Jackson Convention Center. The latest inductees:

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Woodbury resigns as offensive coordinator at J.C. Smith

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Tory Woodbury, a Hall of Fame quarterback in his playing days at Winston-Salem State, has left his job as offensive coordinator at Johnson C. Smith.

Woodbury, 39, is a Winston-Salem native and a Glenn High School graduate.

Woodbury could not be reached for comment but posted on his Facebook and Twitter accounts that he is no longer works at Johnson C. Smith.

Woodbury, a member of the Big House Gaines Hall of Fame at WSSU and a member of the CIAA Hall of Fame, helped the Rams to CIAA titles in 1999 and 2000. Before getting into coaching he spent four seasons in the NFL signing as a rookie free agent with the New York Jets in 2001.

He’s the second-leading passer in WSSU history with 4,493 yards, and he is tied for third in school history with 38 touchdown passes.

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Hampton grad David Watford working hard to make the Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver David Watford has been keeping his sleeves rolled up in training camp. Watford landed a spot on the Eagles practice squad last year. The 6-foot-2, 212-pounder accomplished this task as an undrafted free agent out of Hampton University. The next step for Watford is to secure a spot on the Eagles’ 53-man roster. He knows what he has do to in order to reach this goal.

“I just have to keep working every day,” Watford said. “I just have to keep proving myself day in and day out. I have to keep working and finding the little things to do. I did get a lot of experience last year. I’m just using that experience for this year. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time to get better.”



Watford has made a lot of strides over the past year. In 2015, he came out of Hampton as one of the top quarterback in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. He completed 167-of-315 passes for 2,088 yards with 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He made a big adjustment when he came to Eagles moving from quarterback to wide receiver.

“It took a little while,” Watford said. “It wasn’t easy. It was a tough transition in a sense because it take a lot of attention to detail. It was a lot of work and a lot of practice.”

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Sophomore quarterback TJ Bell now the go-to guy for Savannah State

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- The news of Savannah State’s upcoming transition to NCAA Division II athletics affected different players different ways.

Sophomore quarterback TJ Bell didn’t waver from his commitment and now the Tigers football program is committed more than ever to the dual-threat performer.

“At the end of the day it’s football, you have to go out and compete,” said Bell at SSU’s football media day Tuesday morning. “Just think positive about any situation.”

The Tigers’ first of 29 football practices begins today at 8:30 a.m., leading up to the Sept. 9 season opener in Boone, N.C., against Appalachian State.

At one time, naming SSU’s starting quarterback for the opener might have been a coin flip. Bell and Blake Dever, both heralded freshmen last season, saw nearly equal playing time during the 2016 season.

But in April, Tiger officials announced a plan to drop athletics from Division I to Division II. SSU’s football program had competed in the Football Championship Subdivision.

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NCCU Football: Strength in numbers

DURHAM, North Carolina -- Last month during the Pigskin Preview in Cary, North Carolina Central football coach Jerry Mack told the crowd he wasn’t worried about his 22 starters on offense and defense. His concern, going into his fourth season as head coach, was depth.

Mack and his staff want to make sure the guys behind his starters are quality guys, players he can plug in and not see a drop off in production. Tuesday, the first official day of practice for the Eagles, Mack looked over the practice field and saw more than 100 guys running around, the most players since he’s been at N.C. Central.

The Eagles, who won their first outright MEAC title last season, return 11 starters, including seven on defense. The guys who will fill those vacated spots are players who have been in the program for a number of years, but may not have seen a lot of snaps. That’s OK with Mack because those guys know the system. Once you get pass those first 22, it’s wide open for spots on the two-deep.

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GSU’s DeVante Kincade ready to leave mark among Tiger greats

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Life beyond Grambling's campus is still many month away for DeVante Kincade of early visits to the Eddie Robinson museum left him inspired.

"The day I stepped in there I couldn't believe it. It was so many NFL players. It's just like when you walk into Nick Saban's place; all them NFL players on the wall. I walked into Eddie Robinson's museum I said oh my goodness. All I could see is myself up there because they came through and did it so it's not impossible," explained Kincade.



The quarterback earned SWAC offensive player of the year honors and led GSU to a HBCU national championship in 2016 and even with some key names missing from the receiving corps, he's confident in their ability to take up the mantle.

"We got some you guys that's hungry and you know what they say about people that's hungry, they'll do anything to eat. So my receivers I know their excited to come in and fill those shoes because they know that everybody knows those guys are gone. They read the media, they know that they got to come out and play hard and meet their expectations and go above those expectations because there's no way you can be the same way and go back and win another championship," said Kincade.

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