Langston Football Ranked 14th in NAIA Preseason Top 25 Poll

KANSAS CITY, Missouri -- The Langston University football team claimed the No. 14 ranking in the 2018 NAIA Football Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll, the national office announced.

The Lions entered the 14th slot after tallying 177 total votes; Langston is the highest Sooner Athletic Conference institution ranked, ahead of No. 22 Southwestern Assemblies of God and No. 22 Arizona Christian.

Langston opens the season at home against Ottawa University-Arizona on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. at W.E. Anderson Stadium on the campus of Langston University in Langston, Okla.

Poll Methodology
• The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences.
• Each conference is given one rater for every four schools in the league.
• The Top 25 is determined by a points system based on how each voter ranks the best teams. A team receives 25 points for each first-place vote, 24 for second-place and so on through the list.
• The highest and lowest ranking for each team (a non-rating is considered a low rating) is removed and the team's ranking will be recalculated with an additional point added to each team for every ballot (including discounted ballots) that the teams appear on.
• Teams that receive only one point in the ballot are not considered "receiving votes."



For the complete NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Poll, click here.

2018 NAIA Football Coaches’ Top 25 Poll – Preseason (August 6, 2018)

RANK	PREVIOUS	SCHOOL (1st PLACE VOTES)	RECORD	POINTS
1	1	Saint Francis (Ind.) (16)	14-0	366
2	2	Reinhardt (Ga.)	12-1	349
3	3	Morningside (Iowa)	13-1	340
4	4	Southern Oregon	12-1	324
5	5	Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)	11-1	310
6	6	Saint Xavier (Ill.)	10-2	296
7	7	Georgetown (Ky.)	9-2	268
7	8	Northwestern (Iowa)	10-3	268
9	9	Baker (Kan.)	10-2	259
10	11	Grand View (Iowa)	9-3	231
11	10	Southeastern (Fla.)	8-2	227
12	12	Benedictine (Kan.)	9-3	197
13	14	Dickinson State (N.D.)	9-2	178
14	13	Langston (Okla.)	10-1	177
15	18	Marian (Ind.)	7-3	167
16	15	Concordia (Mich.)	9-2	163
17	16	Sterling (Kan.)	9-3	159
18	17	Tabor (Kan.)	8-2	95
19	20	Campbellsville (Ky.)	8-2	86
20	NR	Rocky Mountain (Mont.)	6-5	75
21	21	Kansas Wesleyan	8-3	67
22	19	SAGU (Texas)	8-3	51
22	NR	Arizona Christian	7-3	51
24	22	Faulkner (Ala.)	7-3	46
25	23	Dakota State (S.D.)	8-3	44

Dropped from the Top 25: Oklahoma Panhandle State, Evangel (Mo.)

Others Receiving Votes: Montana Tech (44), Evangel (Mo.) (17), Oklahoma Panhandle State (15), St. Francis (Ill.) (12), College of Idaho (10), William Penn (Iowa) (10), Missouri Valley (9), Midland (Neb.) (8), Bluefield (Va.) 3

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY LIONS SPORTS INFORMATION

Eleven TSU Student-Athletes Earn OVC Academic Medal of Honor

BRENTWOOD, Tennessee --- The Tennessee State University athletic department placed 11 student-athletes on the Ohio Valley Conference Academic Medal of Honor list for the 2017-18 academic year.

The OVC Academic Medal of Honor is given annually to the student-athletes who achieve the highest grade point average in a Conference-sponsored sport. Every Academic Medal of Honor recipient for the 2017-18 academic year posted a perfect 4.0 GPA.

TENNESSEE STATE OVC ACADEMIC MEDAL OF HONOR
Maxine Beard – Women’s Basketball 
Samantha Beltran – Volleyball 
Justin Brown – Football 
Megan Huppee – Softball
Grant Maddox – Men’s Tennis
Pragati Natraj – Women’s Tennis
Carson Racich – Women’s Golf 
Kody Rendleman – Men’s Golf 
Katie Schneider – Softball 
Amani Taylor – Women’s Track and Field 
Abhilasha Vishwanath – Women’s Tennis

• Among the OVC’s 12 institutions, a total of 238 Academic Medal of Honors were awarded for the 2017-18 school year.
• TSU had a number of repeat award winners. Grant Maddox (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) won the award four times.
• TSU’s three-time OVC Medal of Honor Winners: Pragati Natraj (2016, 2017, 2018), Abhilasha Vishwanath (2016, 2017, 2018).
• TSU’s two-time OVC Medal of Honor Winners: Amani Taylor (2017, 2018), Samantha Beltran (2016, 2018), Megan Huppee (2017, 2018).
• The OVC will announce the recipients of the Commissioner's Honor Roll, the Academic Achievement Award and the Team Academic Achievement Awards later this week.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

TSU Places 73 Student-Athletes on OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll

BRENTWOOD, Tennessee --- A total of 73 student-athletes from Tennessee State University earned a place on the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll, released Wednesday by the league office. To be honored student-athletes had to achieve a 3.25 grade point average or better for the 2017-18 academic year.

Student-Athletes with at least a 3.25 GPA had to be eligible and on the team throughout the competitive season in their chosen NCAA-sponsored sport(s) and used a season of competition.

OVC RELEASE

• An Ohio Valley Conference record 1,348 student-athletes earned a spot on the Commissioner’s Honor Roll this year. The old record was 1,337 set in 2015-16.
• Among TSU’s sports, women’s track and field produced the most OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll members with 17. The softball team was second among TSU’s teams with 12, followed by football with nine.
• Four of TSU’s student-athletes – Larry McNary, Mikayla Banks, Alexia King and Jasmir Spearman – competed in track and field, as well as cross country during the 2017-18 school year.

2017-18 OVC COMMISSIONER’S HONOR ROLL – Tennessee State 
Hampus Ahlin – Men’s Basketball
Samson Oyediran – Men’s Basketball
Maxine Beard – Women’s Basketball
Autumn Hopson – Women’s Basketball
Taylor Williams – Women’s Basketball
Jemarruse Amos – Men’s Track and Field
Larry McNary – Men’s Track and Field / Cross Country 
James Stewart – Men’s Track and Field 
Hannah Alsup – Women’s Track and Field
Mikayla Banks  – Women’s Track and Field / Cross Country 
Jalyn Bowen – Women’s Track and Field
Maya Carter – Women’s Track and Field
Ayana Eason – Women’s Track and Field
Brejhe' Halls – Women’s Track and Field
Lakeia Hill – Women’s Track and Field
Alexia King – Women’s Track and Field / Cross Country 
Reyna McFadden – Women’s Track and Field
Destiny Pennington – Women’s Track and Field
Jasmir Spearman – Women’s Track and Field / Cross Country 
Amani Taylor – Women’s Track and Field
Robin Treadwell – Women’s Track and Field
Elaina Verges – Women’s Track and Field
Zion White – Women’s Track and Field
Hadiya Williams – Women’s Track and Field
Rebekah Wynn – Women’s Track and Field / Cross Country 
Justin Brown – Football 
Timerik Cook – Football
Tyrell Doss – Football
Dante Ferguson – Football
Shakur Jackson – Football
Desmond Johnson – Football
Ian Martin – Football
Dell Porter – Football
Josh Trueheart – Football
Rosario Falzone – Men’s Golf
Drew Owens – Men’s Golf
Kody Rendleman – Men’s Golf
Paige Harlin – Women’s Golf
Dhani McDowell – Women’s Golf
Carson Racich – Women’s Golf
Morgan Rood – Women’s Golf
Patton Akers – Softball 
Amanda Cabrera – Softball
Maddison Clark – Softball
Emma Colegrove – Softball
Kacey Cox – Softball
Whitney Ennis – Softball
Megan Huppee – Softball
Erica O'Kane – Softball
Katie Schneider – Softball
Sarah Snell – Softball
Kierra Ware – Softball
Brianna Vire – Softball
Jackson Gwinn – Men’s Tennis
Shashank Nautiyal – Men’s Tennis
Grant Maddox – Men’s Tennis
Tanishq Mahendru – Men’s Tennis
Pavle Popovic – Men’s Tennis
Kato Richardson – Men’s Tennis
Larry Sloan – Men’s Tennis
Morgan Cage – Women’s Tennis 
Phyllicia Hemphill – Women’s Tennis
Ashia Jones – Women’s Tennis
Lydia Jones – Women’s Tennis
Aarushi Kakkar – Women’s Tennis
Pragati Natraj – Women’s Tennis
Abhilasha Vishwanath – Women’s Tennis
Cherlie Adorno-DeJesus – Volleyball
Samantha Beltran – Volleyball
Kylie Hayes – Volleyball
Alexis Johnson – Volleyball
Julia Pierson – Volleyball
Katora Roberts – Volleyball

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BCUGridIron Continues #CatsCamp: Day Five

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida – Two days removed from the first scrimmage of #CatsCamp 2018, Bethune-Cookman Football participated in Dace Five of fall camp on Monday, Aug. 6, inside the practice fields of the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex.
 
With the defense controlling a majority of the action in Saturday's scrimmage, Head Coach Terry Sims was seen "in his element" on Monday. He spent much of the 28-period practice session with the linebackers and cornerbacks, respectfully.
 
"Use your hands HERE, not here," he was seen expressing to the younger players. "Defensive backs have to be aggressive, but can't hold!"
 
The former secondary coach of the Wildcats as an assistant before taking the helm in December 2014, Sims showed his defensive backs how to perform drills. He showed where the hands needed to be. And he showed passion when talking about the secondary position, as a former secondary player himself in college.
 
"Naturally, I seem to gravitate towards the defensive side of the ball. Namely, the defensive backs," Sims joked. "But as the head coach, I have to continue to keep a watchful eye over everything, while still allowing my assistant coaches to teach. It's difficult at times because you want to go to your natural place, if that makes sense. But sitting back, you can watch everything. And then it just comes to you to move towards another area that may need some extra attention."
 
In 7-on-7 drills, the defensive backs were beaten at times by the young and speedy receivers of the Wildcats. But it was the veterans the likes of Elliott Miller as cornerbacks that showed the younger secondary players how-t-, so to speak.
 
The defensive line was with assistant coach Earl Lane, while they performed several moves with the offensive line, coached in their first year by assistant coach Prince Pearson. The offensive line may be young, but they worked vigorously with Pearson, and the growth in less than a week of camp has been evident.
 
"Prince [Pearson] is a guy that gets after it with his players," said Sims. "He's extremely knowledgeable of the offensive line part of the game, and he's a true hands-on guy. I feel very confident in leaving him with those guys because he is just a proven coach in that position."
 
BCU continues #CatsCamp 2018 on Tuesday afternoon back at the New Smyrna Beach Athletic Complex. A time for practice will be posted later this evening via social media.
 
The Maroon and Gold open the season Saturday, Sept. 1, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee with the Cats taking on the Tennessee State Tigers out of the Ohio Valley Conference. The game will be played as the John Merritt Classic hosted by TSU.
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Football on Twitter (@BCUGridIron) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).



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Tennessee State John Barnhill and Leonard Robinson to be Inducted into Small College Basketball Hall of Fame

Small College Basketball Information

BALDWIN CITY, Kansas --- Tennessee State men’s basketball greats John Barnhill and Leonard “Truck” Robinson will be inducted in the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame, it was announced on Monday afternoon. This year’s class – the third in Small College Basketball Hall of Fame history – includes 12 members.

The 2018 Small College Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 2 at the Stoney Creek Inn and Conference Center in St. Joseph, Mo.

Barnhill helped lead Tennessee A&I to three consecutive NAIA National Championships – 1957-59 – earning a spot on the All-Tournament team in 1958 and 1959. The three-time All-American guard scored 1,253 points during his collegiate career before taking his talents to the NBA. He was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks in the 11th round of the 1959 NBA Draft. He went on to suit up for the Hawks, Pistons, Bullets and Rockets throughout his NBA career. Barnhill, who passed away in November of 2013 at the age of 75, was inducted into the Tennessee State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983.

Robinson, a two-time United Press International All-American (1973, 1974), guided Tennessee State to three-straight NCAA Tournament berths. During the 1972-73 season, Robinson put up 25.7 points and 17.6 rebounds per game in leading TSU to the NCAA College Division (D-2) National Championship game. A member of the TSU Athletics Hall of Fame class of 1983, Robinson tallied 2,249 points and 1,501 rebounds in his college career. He was selected in the second round of the 1974 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets. The two-time NBA All-Star played for the Bullets, Hawks, Jazz, Suns and Knicks.

Barnhill and Robinson are the third and fourth inductees in the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame from TSU. In 2016, TSU’s Dick Barnett (player) and John McLendon (Coach) were members of the organization’s inaugural Hall of Fame class.

• Criteria for selection into the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame
  • Must have played, coached or contributed at the small college level (four-year, non-NCAA Division I)
  • Focus is on accomplishments/contributions specifically at the collegiate level
  • Players must be a minimum of five years removed from their final year of their collegiate career. Coaches must be a minimum of three years removed from their last season of their coaching career.  There is no such timetable for contributors.
  • All players, coaches and contributors that have not been inducted into the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame will continue to be eligible for annual consideration, as long as they meet the above guidelines. There is no timetable whereby candidates rotate off/out of consideration.

2018 Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Inductees

John Barnhill (Tennessee A&I)
ML Carr (Guilford)
Pat Douglass (Cal State Bakersfield)
Philip Hutcheson (Lipscomb)
Earl Jones (District of Columbia)
Charles Oakley (Virginia Union)
John Pierce (Lipscomb)
Terry Porter (Wisconsin-Stevens Point)
Leonard “Truck” Robinson (Tennessee State)
Clarence Walker (Indiana State)
Marvin Webster (Morgan State)
John Wooden (Coach)

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Tickets for 21st Annual Down East Viking Football Classic Are Now On Sale

ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina – Football fans looking to get a jump on the 2017 season will have their chance as tickets for the 21st Annual Down East Viking Football Classic are now on sale. The Winston-Salem State Rams will take on the Elizabeth City State Vikings at the classic on Saturday, September 15th at the Rocky Mount Athletic Stadium. Tickets for the game are $21 in a
dvance (including a convenience fee).

The 21st Annual Down East Viking Football Classic will feature the Winston-Salem State Rams who finished the 2017 season with a 6-4 record and the Elizabeth City State Vikings who finished the 2017 season with a 4-6 record.

Kickoff for the 21st Annual Down East Viking Football Classic is set for 4:00 p.m. Tickets for the 21st Annual Down East Viking Football Classic can be purchased at the WSSU Ticket Office in Suite G14 of the Anderson Conference Center on the campus of Winston-Salem State University or by calling the WSSU Ticket Office at (336) 750-3220.

For more information on Rams football, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.

2018 CAU Football Season Tickets Now On Sale

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Preparing for what Clark Atlanta University Head Football Coach Kevin Ramsey and Athletic Director J Lin Dawson are calling "The Year of the Panther," it's time for Panther fans to purchase season tickets for what promising to be an exciting 2018 CAU football season.

Season tickets are $55 and can be purchased at https://1591.thankyou4caring.org/football-tickets-2018-season.

The Panthers have five home games this season: Sept. 15 against 2017 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions Tuskegee; Sept. 29 against Allen; the Oct. 13 Homecoming game against Benedict; Oct. 27 against Miles; and Nov. 3 against Atlanta University Center rival Morehouse.

Ramsey's Panthers return four Preseason All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference pics in wide receiver Johnathan Sanders, defensive back Quantavious Singletary, kicker Carlos Saldana, and offensive lineman Jah-Mai Davidson.

But the CAU sidelines also has some exciting new things. Ramsey's new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach is College Football Hall of Famer Willie "Satellite" Totten, the legendary Mississippi Valley State University quarterback who lit up offenses in the 1980s with NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Now a veteran head and assistant coach, Totten promises to bring an exciting brand of fast-paced offense to Panther Stadium.

Those Panther points will light up a new, state-of-the-art video board that was installed this summer at Panther Stadium. The CAU fan experience will be enhanced by exciting video and colorful graphics each Saturday this season.

The Panthers kickoff the 2018 season on Aug. 30 at Mississippi College.

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Get to know an '18 Liberty opponent: Norfolk State

NORFOLK STATE SPARTANS

COACH: Latrell Scott, 12-21, fourth season at Norfolk State

2017 RECORD: 4-7, 4-4 MEAC

POSTSEASON: none

» A LOOK BACK

Scott, who took over the reins of the Norfolk State program after Pete Adrian’s 10-year tenure, has not won more than four games in each of his first three seasons guiding the Spartans. NSU has been a second-half team under Scott, getting better in MEAC play and finishing either at or around .500 in conference play.

That was the case last season. The Spartans opened with losses to Virginia State, William & Mary and James Madison before finishing 4-4 against the MEAC.

CONTINUE READING

Tennessee State Women's Basketball Hosts Successful Jessica Kern Foundation Elite Camp

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State University women's basketball program hosted the first Jessica Kern Foundation Elite Camp Saturday in the Gentry Center.

TSU had more than 55 campers attend the camp which began at 9 a.m. and continued throughout the day.

"I am so excited about the turnout today," commented coach Kern. "We've got kids from Wisconsin, California, Arizona, Michigan and our great state of Tennessee. It is amazing. I'm so proud of my staff and more importantly, I love the energy in here."

TSU Lady Tigers@tsuladytigers

Appreciate @TSUTigersMBB @coachpenny1 coming by Elite Camp. #TSUFamily #BigBlueRising

3:36 PM - Aug 4, 2018

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TSU Lady Tigers@tsuladytigers

We’re still going strong here at the Jessica Kern Foundation Elite Camp #BigBlueRising

2:16 PM - Aug 4, 2018

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TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS 

Kathy Bullock Named Winston-Salem State University Volleyball Head Coach

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina – A new era has begun for Winston-Salem State University with the announcement of the hiring of Kathy Bullock as the head volleyball coach. With a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, she will look to continue the proud tradition of Rams volleyball.

Bullock comes to Winston-Salem State after a season at Greensboro College. Prior to her time at Greensboro College, she spent 14 seasons at the head coach at Tennessee State University. While at Tennessee State, she earned Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Coach of the Year honors (2005) and earned an OVC Championship (2007). She also spent 10 seasons as the head coach at North Carolina A&T State University.

Bullock and the Rams will open the 2018 season, Friday, August 24th at the Coker/Francis Marion Invitational in Coker, S.C. The Rams will open home court, Monday, September 17th against the Saint Augustine's Falcons in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Southern Division opener for both teams.

For more information on Rams volleyball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.

WSSU Women's Basketball Adds Dexter Jenkins to Staff

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina – The Winston-Salem State University women's basketball coaching staff got a big boost with the addition of Dexter Jenkins as the team's assistant coach. With a wealth of passion and enthusiasm, Jenkins will look to help guide Rams women's basketball to new heights.

Jenkins joins the Rams after spending a season as an assistant coach at the University of Northwestern Ohio. Prior to joining the Racers, he spent time as a graduate assistant director of basketball operations ta North Carolina Central University.

He is a 2008 graduate of North Carolina Central University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He also earned a Master's degree in Physical Education.

For more information on Rams women's basketball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.

Sutton's Scoop: TSU Volleyball Summer and Preseason Update

NASHVILLE, Tennessee --- The off-season is coming to a close for the Tenneessee State volleyball program, and the team is back on campus for preseason camp. Head coach Donika Sutton checks in with the Tiger family to give the scoop on TSU volleyball. 

Q: You’ve got a lot of new talent coming in this year, talk about the recruiting process and what you see from the newcomers?

A: Yeah. Our recruiting process this past spring was pretty long. We actually recruited pretty heavily in the fall. I think we have a lot of great talent that we collectively put together. We have players from all over – different walks of life, different experiences, juniors, as well as, incoming freshmen and we have a transfer sophomore. But, everyone coming in has great experience in their area. I believe they’ll be able to execute, and more than anything, they’re definitely going to help us in our hunt for an OVC Championship.

Q: You’ve had a few girls here for most of the summer, and the newcomers have been here a few weeks working out. What is the importance of being on campus during the summer?

A: I think more than anything, just like anywhere else, it’s just the chemistry. Getting acclimated. Being in the gym with Coach Tersoo is pretty special. It’s very important. He’s definitely going to give you that push, and that’s what we’re looking for. We want them in shape. We want them ready to go, and I think this summer has definitely prepared them for preseason camp.

Q: As a coaching staff, what has been on the agenda for the summer?        

A: Well this summer, we’ve definitely been out recruiting pretty hard. We’re looking forward to our 2019-’20 year. In house, our agenda has been making sure that the players that we have on campus are getting everything they need with their training. We’re prepared for preseason.

How did the summer camp series go?

A: Camp is always really, really good for us. I think it’s a great time for us to give back to the community. That’s our moment to be able to connect with the community, and to have our girls involved, they really enjoyed it. The girls loved them, and the team loved them back.

Q: Who do you see stepping up as leaders?

A: Leadership this year is something that is highly expected. We have a lone senior in Rachel Henderson, and we’re always pushing her to always put her best foot forward, and I think that now, more than anything, she’s up for the challenge. We also have two rising juniors in Julia Pierson and Kylie Hayes. Both of them have shown a huge interest in being a huge voice this season as well. We have some experienced juniors transferring in from high programs, and I know for sure [leadership] is the reason why we were interested in them.  Leadership is going be the key recipe for our success. It’s not about who is going to lead; it’s about how we’re all going to lead each other.

Q: Last year, the team transitioned to a 5-1 offense for the last half of the season, are you planning to continue or move back to 6-2?

A: I go with what we have – what we have and what’s going to work for us. Who knows? One team we play, we may need to run a 5-1. Of course, that’s ideal for any coach – to have that one setter that can run that offense, and be as dynamic defensively as she is front row. We may have to run a 6-2. If we have to, that’s fine. I don’t have a problem with that, because I feel like we have, not only the defensive backcourt to help us, but we have amazing blockers that will take care of any offense from the other side.

Q: The team’s motto this year is WE>ME. Talk about what culture you’re looking to build with the team, and where the inspiration for the phrase came from.

 A: We base our culture off of being hard-working, having discipline and definitely having heart. The most important thing is putting ourselves aside and working hard for each other. Once we can understand the importance of ‘we over me,’ I think we’re definitely on the right track. We have the talent, the capability and the training. We just need to understand how to put the pieces together and how to go out there and play hard for each other.

Q: Let’s take a look at the league as a whole. What do you see for the OVC and where does TSU fit in to it?

A: I think this upcoming season is going to be competitive. I think it’s going to be extremely exciting to watch. We have a lot of new coaches, but we have a lot of great programs. Just because we have new  coaches, doesn’t mean that those programs are not going to be successful this year. I’m expecting a lot of great volleyball, very fast pace, great defensive teams, just teams that are hungry. Those that are hungry coming out of the gate, and we know we’re going to have to put our best foot forward to be on the hunt with those teams.

Q: You’re headed to FIU, Chattanooga and Stephen F. Austin this preseason. Talk about your expectations for preseason.

A: We definitely have a competitive preseason schedule. I’m really excited about that. I don’t think scheduling could’ve been any better. We are going to FIU. I think that’s going to be a great opening tournament for us with FIU, Stetson and FAMU. It will be a great experience for our players, a variety of team and competitive play. I think we have a great shot in that tournament of really figuring out who we are, and if we’re going to get after it or not. Then we’ll come back and we’ll go to UT Chattanooga, which is also another great tournament. That tournament is in-state, we have a lot of great teams in Northern Alabama, Asheville, UT Chattanooga… good, competitive teams. That’s going to be a really tough tournament, but by then we should have our footing, our chemistry, our connections and we should be in a good flow. And then, we’re going to Stephen F. Austin. We have a couple of kids on our team from Texas,  and I think this is a really good tournament to get them back as close to home as possible, so we’ll have a really competitive edge. I think we’re up for the challenge. I’m ready to get started.

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Alabama A&M Football Holds First Practice in Pads

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Every time pads popped, and contact was made, the enthusiasm coming from the Alabama A&M football practice field grew.

It was a day the Bulldogs anxiously had been awaiting:

The first day in pads.

Alabama A&M completed its fourth practice of fall camp Tuesday morning, practicing in shoulder pads and helmets. The previous three practices were in shells.

"The players were definitely excited to get that first opportunity to make contact," first-year coach Connell Maynor said. "Guys were flying around and competing with a lot of energy — getting after it until the whistle was blown. That's what we want. We want excitement."

Even though the players practiced in helmets and shoulder pads, contact situations were limited to just a couple of practice periods.

"We did some inside work (with the interior offensive and defensive personnel), and we had a bull drill session," Maynor said. "It gave our coaches an opportunity to see how guys respond after someone hits them. It was a good day of work."

Alabama A&M has three more practice sessions before taking the field for fall camp's first live scrimmage.

Maynor said the team has made progress since camp began on Friday.

"We're moving in the right direction, but make no mistake, there still is a whole lot of work to do," Maynor said. "Right now, the defense is a little bit ahead of the offense, but with a new system, that's to be expected.

"The important thing is that we keep working, both on the practice field and in meetings, and continue to improve. We've got a plan, and we're working hard to achieve it."

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