Tennessee State Tiger Camp 2018: Day 11 - Running Backs

NASHVILLE, Tennessee --  Tennessee State enters the 2018 campaign with four of its top running backs from a year ago. The rushing unit is the second of five position groups without a senior, boasting six juniors and three freshmen.

The Tigers have not featured a 1,000 yard runner since Tim Broughton ran for 1,234 yards in 2013. Sabree Curtis led TSU with 439 yards on 91 carries, to finish just ahead of fellow junior Seth Rowland who handled the ball 94 times amassing 421 yards. The Big Blue also returns Earl Harrison who missed most of the season due to an injury, but the junior looks to regain his form from 2016 where he totaled 475 yards on just 73 touches.

Redshirt junior Andrew Knox has played 22 games during his career, mainly at fullback, and provides blocking, as well as a power runner. Knox will be joined by junior college transfer DeMarco Corbin and redshirt freshmen Shaun McColley and Jordan Bell to provide power in the running game.

The Tigers will look to Ellsworth CC transfer Te’kendrick Roberson to fight for the feature back role. Roberson tallied 816 yards on 163 carries last season and broke the end line five times. The sophomore season for Roberson improved upon his first season at ECC when he went for 597 yards on 153 carries.

True freshman Kaemon Dunlap rounds out the running back corps. Dunlop provides a speedy and elusive style to the unit and provides depth as he looks to battle for playing time. The Hendersonville, Tenn. product could be used in the return game as well.

RUNNING BACKS	HT	WT	YR	Transfer	Gms Played	Carries	Yards	TD
Earl Harrison	6-1	185	Jr.		12	89	517	3
Sabree Curtis	5-10	175	Jr.		21	130	609	2
Andrew Knox (FB)	5-11	250	R-Jr.		22	46	141	1
Seth Rowland	5-6	185	Jr.		20	94	421	2
Te'kendrick Roberson	6-0	195	Jr.	Ellsworth CC	--	--	--	--
DeMarco Corbin	6-1	225	Jr.	Pima CC	--	--	--	--
Shaun McColley	5-11	210	R-Fr.		--	--	--	--
Jordan Bell	5-10	200	R-Fr.		--	--	--	--
Kaemon Dunlap	5-7	165	Fr.		--	--	--	--

Junior Running Back Earl Harrison- On coming back from last year’s injury
“I’m feeling healthy. Really healthy. I just took last season, sat back, and really observed. I saw the game more, and I think I’m ready.”

- On how camp is going
“Camp has been going phenomenal. Everybody’s meshing together. Everybody’s doing great. We had a few turnovers in the scrimmage, but I think we’ll be ready.”

- On the depth of the running backs
“The depth will help tremendously. Fresh legs can come in and out. We’ve got a lot of ball players at running back, so we’ll do great.”

Junior Running Back DeMarco Corbin- On the transition from Pima CC
“It is a lot more organized in a sense from what my JuCo was like. It has been a faster pace. I started at Illinois State, so I saw that type of play, that type of style they have here. I have enjoyed it and it has been working out pretty well.”

- On joining the running back unit
“It’s been pretty good. Coach Mashack has helped me out a lot, as well as Coach Parker and Coach Bradford. They make sure I know what I am doing every play. They like to keep me in line. It has been a pretty easy transition learning the plays. I feel it has been pretty smooth.”

Junior Running Back Te’kendrick Roberson- On first camp at TSU
“I came in during the spring, so I got the chance to learn the plays and get into the system. Fall camp was going good until I had a minor injury, but I have been trying to bounce back.”

- On what he believes he can bring to the offense
“I hope I can bring the ability to take it from anywhere and score touchdowns. I just want to do whatever I can do, be a team player, block, just whatever I can do to help win the game."

- On the depth of the running back position
“We have a lot of people at running back. I am not sure how it is going to play out during a game, but we have a lot of depth and every back has different abilities. I’m just looking to see how everything plays out.”

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

3-Time MEAC Volleyball Champions Howard University Will Host #1 Stanford, #6 Penn State at the Burr

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard University in Washington, D.C. is a non-sectarian, private, Historically Black University (HBCU) with an undergraduate enrollment of just under 6,000 students with an endowment of around $600 million.

For the average VolleyMob reader, that one sentence is probably the most you’ve ever learned about Howard University, but this year, they will have the distinction of being the only school in the country that will welcome in two of the most storied volleyball programs in the history of the NCAA, Penn State and Stanford, with combined undergrad enrollment of around 50,000, and access to endowments of more than $25 billion.

They’re also the two teams with the most-ever NCAA Women’s Division I National Championships, each owning 7.

“Stanford, Penn (State), and Wichita (State) are some of the blue blood programs in our sport. For them to come to play at Howard is a great moment for our program,” said Howard head volleyball coach Shaun Kupferberg. “It shows that we are doing something right and building a program that even the top teams in the nation see value in playing.”

Howard will open their 2018 home season against Wichita State, another national power that is ranked 29th in the AVCA pre-season coaches’ poll, before welcoming in AVCA #1 Stanford to the Burr Gymnasium. 3 weeks later, they’ll play host to AVCA #6 Penn State for what is being called a “White Out” game, encouraging their students and fans to wear all-white to the game – a popular trend in collegiate athletics.

HOWARD ROSTER

CONTINUE READING

RADIO: HBCU PLAY -- Episode2- SWAC

Pro Hall of Famer Dr. Doom tells his journey from college walk-on to NFL immortality

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Preview of the 2018 football season for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). 2018 Pro Football Hall of Famer and alum of Jackson State - Robert Brazile - joins as a guest to discuss his journey from college ball to the Hall of Fame. He also shares how he earned the nickname "Dr. Doom" Episode 2 officially lauched August 10.

HBCU PLAY is a prime source for the latest information on historically black colleges and university athletics. The weekly program breaks down impact games throughout the various conferences, includes featuring stories, interviews, and recognizes student athletes for their work within the community.



Get in the game with HBCU PLAY hosted by Lericia Harris and Sam Crenshaw every Friday on News and Talk 1380 WAOK at 7pm.

Arkansas Pine Bluff Basketball: In-depth look at senior guard Martaveous McKnight

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- In the college basketball landscape, there are a few conferences who often appear to be overmatched against the bigger schools, with the SWAC being one of them. It consists entirely of historically black colleges usually struggles to make ends meet. The teams in the conference have a smaller athletic budget than virtually every other major conference and most mid-major conferences. The players in the SWAC conference do fight an uphill battle to get respect in the college basketball landscape. Despite all that the conference does have some great players who don’t get noticed as much as they should.



Arkansas Pine Bluff had a decent season in the SWAC conference last year. Even though they were eliminated in the conference tournament, the Golden Lions are still able to claim they own the current player of the year in the conference. Martaveous McKnight is the best player in the SWAC conference, and virtually no one has heard of him.

CONTINUE READING

Dr. Charles McClelland named new SWAC Commissioner

SWAC COMMISSIONER McCLELLAND

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Council of Presidents has announced that Dr. Charles McClelland will become the sixth SWAC Commissioner in league history since the conference began in 1920.

McClelland has served the past 17 plus years at the helm of two SWAC member institutions—Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Texas Southern University since April of 2008 and the prior seven years as Athletics Director at Prairie View A&M University. McClelland will succeed the role from Edgar Gantt, who has served the role of Interim Commissioner since December 31, 2017.

Chairman of the Council of Presidents and Chancellors, Dr. Andrew Hugine, thanked Mr. Gantt for his dutiful and steady leadership during the transition period. He further stated that the Council is looking forward to working with Dr. McClelland as SWAC charts a new course in athletic and scholarly excellence for the conference.

Among the job duties entailed, the Commissioner shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Conference and report to the Conference Council of Presidents & Chancellors of the member institutions. The Commissioner will work with the Council, Athletic Directors, and other key athletics administration staff of each member institution to create initiatives and strategies designed to achieve the mission and vision of the Conference.

“As a young person growing up in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, it’s a good feeling to be named commissioner,” Dr. McClelland said. “To have an opportunity to lead this conference in this era is overwhelming. I’ve been here at TSU [Texas Southern University] for 10 years and met a lot of friends. TSU is like family. I’m sad to close that chapter, but I’m excited to open a new one.”

A native of Jackson, Miss., Dr. McClelland earned his doctoral degree in higher education administration at Texas A&M University in 2011. A 1993 graduate of Prairie View A&M, McClelland earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and in 1997 received an MBA from Prairie View.

McClelland’s extra-curricular affiliations include membership in the Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Lambda and the National Association of Black Accountants.

McClelland is a former member of the NCAA Leadership/Management Council. One of the highest-ranking councils in the NCAA, the Leadership/Management Council is responsible for establishing direct general policy, the strategic plan for the NCAA and advises the board of directors on administrative bylaws and regulations.

He is also a past president of the Houston Touchdown Club and has served on the board of directors. Previously, McClelland served as chairman of the SWAC Council of Athletics Directors, a position he had held for 10 years.

McClelland is also currently a member of the Houston Final Four Organizing Committee.

McClelland is married to Ashlee McClelland and is the father of two sons, Cainan and Ashton and one daughter, Cooper.

SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Recruits Look To Boost FAMU Men's Hoops In 2018-19

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The 2018-19 FAMU’s Men’s Basketball team plans to build on its’ strong finish to last season with the addition of seven newcomers to the fold, which should bolster their hopes of rising to the level of serious contenders for the 2019 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles.

Head coach Robert McCullum and his staff led the Rattlers to nine wins a year ago, including an opening round win in the MEAC Tournament, while surprising many preseason prognosticators with a seventh place finish, after being picked to finish near to the bottom of the league.

The Rattler Basketball leadership enters their second season at FAMU brimming with optimism over their bumper crop of recruits, a talented group headed by a trio of junior college phenoms who  are expected to make their presence felt immediately.

“We are extremely excited to have added three skilled, versatile perimeter players to our program,” McCullum said during the summer in assessing the recruiting efforts.

That talented trio includes: Tracy Hector,Jr., 6’5, 215 SF from South Georgia Tech Junior College. Rod Melton,Jr., 6’0,185 PG from Lawson State Community College, Birmingham, AL, and Rich Anderson, 6’2 190 combo guard from Seminole State College (Oklahoma).

Tracy Hector, Jr- “Tracy’s strength and versatility will help us become a better team on both ends of the court. And his versatility will make it difficult to keep him off the floor. His ability to attack the basket, create shots for others and perhaps more important his ability to rebound the ball will strengthen our team,” McCullum said.

“Hector’s versatility is best demonstrated as the only JUCO player in the nation to average at least 10 points,7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. He will play both forward positions.

“Hector’s size, strength, and passing ability will help make us a better team immediately. In addition, his defensive prowess (conference defensive player of the year) will fill a huge void.”

Rod Melton, Jr – “Rod’s ability to attack the basketball, create shots for others along with his decision making are all the ingredients for great offensive play. On the defensive end, his ability to pressure the ball will be a welcome addition to our team,” McCullum assessed.

“Melton brings a level of athleticism that makes him a threat with the ball in his hands, or defending the ball all 94 feet. His speed, strength makes him difficult to defend.

“His toughness can best be described by the 1,400 yards he rushed for as a high school senior at Northview High School in Dothan, AL.

“Perhaps most impressive is his decision making as he had the best assist to turnover ratio in the nation for junior college players with a minimum of 75 assists. His 160 assists to 29 turnovers is simply unbelievable!

Rich Anderson- “Rich’s ability to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting is exactly what we need. In addition, his ability to play both guard positions shows his versatility. We expect Rich’s toughness defensively to be a big plus as well,” said McCullum.

“Anderson can expect to be on the receiving end of many of Rod’s passes. “Rich is a knockdown shooter who led the nation (junior colleges) in three-point field goal percentage making 54% of three-point attempts. Rich is very versatile and will play both guard spots.”

“With the graduation of Marcus Barham (85 made three’s on 37-38% shooting, Rich Anderson is more than capable of filling the void. Add Dex Smith, 6’3 shooter from Chicago, along with the return of senior Justin Ravenel, we expect to be a much improved shooting team from beyond the arc.”

Rounding out the seven newcomers will be a pair of redshirt transfers, 6’9 F-C Ify Umezurike and 6’9 F Darian (DJ) Jones, along with with two guards, 6’3 Dexter Smith, and 6’4 Michael (MJ) Randolph, both fall signees.

2018-19 FAMU MEN’S HOOPS AT A GLANCE

HEAD COACH: Robert McCullum

ALMA MATER: Birmingham Southern, 1976

YEARS AT FAMU: 2018-19, 2nd Season

RECORD AT FAMU: 9-25

CAREER RECORD: 93-146, 8 Years

2017-18 RECORDS: 9-25 Overall * 7-9 MEAC (tied for 7th)

KEY RETURNEES: G Justin Ravenel, 6-1, 175, SR., 8.6 ppg, 2.1 rbs, 39% Three-Pointers (63 of 160); 80% Free Throw Shooter (32 of 40); 33 assists, 24 steals; C Isaiah Martin, 7-0, 210, SR, 8.1 ppg, 6.3 rbs, 38 blocked shots in 17 games; 59.6% (59 of 99) from field; G Nasir Core, 6-2, 205, JR, 4.5 ppg, 2.4 rbs, 42 assists, 23 steals;  G Kamron Reaves, 6-1, 175, SO, 3.5 ppg, 2.0 rbs   F Nick Severado, 6-8, 185, SR, 3.8 ppg, 4.3 rbs, 24 blocks, 17 steals.

KEY LOSSES: F Desmond Williams, two-time All-MEAC, 18.1 ppg, 6.1 rbs, 64 assists, 40 steals, 26 blocks; G Marcus Barham, 17.0 ppg, 4.3 rbs, 36% from Three-Point range (85 of 234), 59 assists, .746 from Free Throw Line;  PG  Elijah Mayes, 11.1 ppg, 2.1 rbs, 86.3% from Free Throw Line; 44.8% from Three-Point range (30 of 67), 85 assists, 27 steals.

TOP NEWCOMERS: Darian (D.J.) Jones, F, 6-9, 195, R-SO (Sat out after transferring from Tulane; older brother Damian, is third year pro with NBA champion Golden State); C Ifyeani Umezurike, 6-10, 245, R-SO (Sat out after transferring from St. Francis (Pa.)); Tracy Hector,Jr., a 6’5,215 SF from South Georgia Tech Junior College. Rod Melton,Jr., a 6’0 185 PG from Lawson State Community College, Birmingham,AL. Rich Anderson, a 6’2 190 combo guard from Seminole State College (Oklahoma), plus fall signees, 6’3 G Dexter Smith, and 6’4 G-F Michael (MJ) Randolph.

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS: The Rattlers will open the year with a home exhibition bout against Edward Waters on Nov. 1, before tipping off the regular season on the road at Jacksonville (Fla.) University, Nov. 6.

The Rattlers return home for a Saturday, Nov. 10 home date against  Tuskegee (Ala.) University, before opening a seven-game road stretch with a pair of tilts in the Jamaica Classic in Montego Bay, opening the two-game island swing Nov. 16 against Campbell University, with a second game on tap for Nov. 18.

FAMU will sprinkle in one home bout in December, on Dec. 6 against Fort Valley (Ga.) State, before closing out the month with five road dates.

The non-conference schedule for FAMU features a variety of Power Five and mid major programs. Among the Power Five teams will be Oregon, DePaul, Utah and Georgia Tech, while Memphis, Loyola Marymount, Portland, USF, South Alabama, Jacksonville and North Florida round out the mid major foes on tap.

FAMU which surprised preseason soothsayers with a seventh place finish (7-9) in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play, after being picked 12th, expects to trade up into contender’s status in 2019 with the boatload of talented imports.

The Rattlers will open league play with a Mid Atlantic two-step at Howard (D.C.) University (Jan. 5) and Norfolk (Va.) State (Jan. 7), with their MEAC home opener set for Jan. 12 against Savannah State.

A red letter date for FAMU fans will be Feb. 23, as the Rattlers will host archrival Bethune-Cookman in a weekend doubleheader (Saturday) in the Lawson Center.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Powell Tabs Brittany White To Complete Tuskegee Women's Basketball Staff

ASSISTANT COACH BRITTANY WHITE

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Brittany White has been named an assistant coach for the Tuskegee women's basketball program, head coach Trelanne Powell announced Friday.

White joins the Golden Tigers after recently completing her second season as an assistant coach with the Francis Marion University women's basketball program. Her primary responsibilities with the Patriots include recruiting, on-floor coaching, individual player workouts, pre- and post-season workouts, and helping in the area of academic support for team members.

In her first year with FMU, the Patriots went 18-12 and placed second in the Peach Belt Conference's East Division. This past season, Francis Marion posted a 16-12 mark. A native of Marietta, Ga., White earned a B.S. degree in Kinesiology from Augusta University and an M.S. degree in sport and human performance from Delta State University. She spent the 2015-16 year as a physical education teacher at Forest Park Middle School near Atlanta. White also worked with the Collegiate Prep Basketball Academy and served as a basketball official.

"I couldn't be happier to have coach White join us here at Tuskegee," head coach Powell said. "She is a tremendous recruiter and her ability to relate to today's players will be a valuable asset. She will also bring a ton of energy, enthusiasm and passion to our ladies every day and I am thrilled to have her on staff."

While at Delta State, she spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach under head coach Craig Roden. During her time at DSU, the Lady Statesmen posted a combined two-year record of 43-16, made two appearances in the Gulf South Conference Tournament championship game, and earned a bid to the 2014 NCAA Division II National Tournament.

White played two seasons at Augusta, captaining the Jaguar squads as both a junior and senior. As a senior, she helped lead the Jaguars to a 21-6 mark and a national No.6 ranking for scoring defense (53.8 ppg) per game, while leading the Peach Belt Conference in steals (3.9 spg) and ranking fourth in NCAA Division II.

White spent her first two years at Southern Polytechnic State University, an NAIA Division I program. A two-year starter, she garnered All-Freshmen, All-Academic, and All-Tournament team recognition. White helped lead Southern Polytechnic to a pair of SSAC Tournament titles, two NAIA national tournament bids, and one Sweet Sixteen appearance (2010).

White completed a 90-hour internship with Dip Metris, head men's basketball coach at Augusta. She also coached a summer AAU team for four years, instructed at Southern Polytechnic's basketball camp, and completed a 450-hour internship at the Downtown Augusta YMCA, where she instructed girls on the fundamentals of basketball.

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Dan Ryan discusses the second B-CU scrimmage

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida – So amazingly spry was Terry Sims' after Saturday's grueling 120-play scrimmage in the August humidity that he could be both diplomatic and profound when asked about a football technical question.
 
Before that, Offensive Coordinator Allen Suber contended the primary reason his career pass completion percentage rate is 14 points lower than Quentin Williams was that the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's (MEAC) defensive talent was in its heyday, even as he was torching it.
 
"Oh, I'm sure he DID say that," Sims said with a smile.
 
No, no, no, Sims wasn't implying that Suber's full of it. Well, he kind of was, but it was in a GOOD, respectful way and only in a way that those in the football brotherhood can appreciate and understand.



And, of course, no way are we belittling the amazing accomplishments of Suber on the field, or suggesting he's a better offensive coordinator than he was an on the field quarterback. In fact, when the Hall of Fame committee does it's concaving this week, his tenure will most definitely be on the agenda.
 
Then again, this gave us alleged football experts an excuse to blather rather than file scrimmage reports as we spend our August month churning stuff like this to complete midweek studio time and weekend opines to stir you up for the fast approaching season. And that gives us an opportunity to remind you to purchase your season tickets if you haven't done so yet…here's the link (PDF).
 
Still, here are the numbers we discovered updating the Wildcats Football records in preparing for the September 1 kickoff at Tennessee State.
 
We start with Bernard Hawk and the late J.D. Hall, both of whom who were Black College Football versions of Dan Marino back in the day. Both over 7,000 career yards and a combined 100 touchdown passes.
 
Hawk's career completion percentage: 49.4 overall.
 
Hall's: 48.5 overall.
 
Then you had Suber, who ran the "Wyatt Bone" on his way to 79 touchdowns, and responsible for and almost 8,000 total yards.
 
Suber's career completion percentage: 49.5 overall.
 
Now, let's jump to today and our two most recent signal callers.
 
Quentin Williams: SIXTY-THREE PERCENT (63.8 actually).
 
Larry Brihm, Jr.: FIFTY-NINE POINT EIGHT. He was 22nd in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) last year. And with the exception of a few low-level arena/indoor football guys, he represents the highest level of quarterback we've produced with him on the active roster of the CFL's Calgary Stampeders.
 
So…are we a more efficient passing team these days?
 
"All I can speak on is all the offense we've had here, since I've been here," said Sims the diplomat. "Yes, the style of football has changed. We're trying to put ourselves in a position to get our skill guys to make plays."
 
Okay, Subes. What was that about the defense again?
 
"Things were more physical back then," Suber said. "The NFL guys from the MEAC back then were the defensive guys. [Justin] Durant and Kendall Langford from Hampton – second round draft pick. Nick Collins and Rashean Mathis from here – second rounders. Curtis Deloatch from North Carolina A&T. Tracy White from Howard and that other safety [Antoine Bethea] who played for the Colts.
 
To say the least, it was a talented defensive league.
 
How would Suber had fared today? Get ready. This is where the fun starts.
 
"Oh, I would be loving it," Suber smiles. "That's how I see it every day. I'd have Erik Lash on backside X – it'd be 1A and 1B with Shawn Ford and Taji Parrish at the W. Mookie…Antonio Stanley, he'd be at the other slot. Then, I still have guys like Eric Reed, Pat Brown was a downfield threat. Andre Thomas ran a 4.1."
 
The additional fun about this is that as you're listening to Suber, you can imagine Hawk talking about Leon Gonzalez, Sebastian Brown and Arthur Simmons the exact same way. Same for Hall about Jeff Parker, Carl Gibbons and Troy Grant.
 
And is this system that good to where we're once again putting out NFL receivers like Jawill Davis and finally quarterbacks like Brihm?
 
"A little bit of both," Sims said, again diplomatically. "It's all about putting the best possible product on the field."
 
So are the Wildcats a more efficient passing team these days? Is Suber a better signal caller than field general? Should we start considering Williams and Brihm in the same elite category as Hawk, Hall and Suber?
 
"I'll leave that up to you," said Suber as he made his way off the field after a long day.
 
"That's for folks like you," said Sims, who exited the field, even he felt like he just woke up.
 
And we'll leave it up to you, and remind you about season tickets as another week of #CatsCamp concludes.

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).

Jones Era in Full Throttle at ECSU

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina -- The Jones Era begins as the Elizabeth City State University football team prepares open preseason camp today on the
practice field behind Roebuck Stadium at 2 p.m.

Players reported on Monday, thrilled to begin training. "It felt great coming back for my final season here," stated senior tight end captain Carlton Evans. "Vincent A. Thomas, Deon Yarborough, and I worked out over the summer. The vibe is totally different around campus. The coaches bring enthusiasm and everyone has that winning mentality."

The Vikings will go through a series of practices before opening the season on Saturday, September 1 hosting Central State University (OH) for its first annual Smoke on the River Military Game in Roebuck Stadium.

Head coach Anthony Jones will be available after practice for comments. Media should make contact with the Sports Information Director (John Westbrook) to advise when they plan to come to campus for practice.

The start of training camp will be open to media members and the public.

Wednesday, August 8 – 2 p.m.
Thursday, August 9 – 3:30 p.m.
Friday, August 10 – 9 a.m.
Saturday, August 11 – 9 a.m.
Sunday, August 12 – 9 a.m.
Monday, August 13 – 9 a.m.
Wednesday, August 15 – 3:15 p.m.
Thursday, August 16 – 3:15 p.m.
Friday, August 17 – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 18 – 9:30 a.m. (Scrimmage)
Tuesday, August 21 – 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday, August 22 – 3:15 p.m.
Thursday, August 23 – 3:30 p.m.
Friday, August 24 – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 25 – 1:00 p.m. (Scrimmage)
Sunday, August 26 – 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, August 28 – 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday, August 29 - 3:15 p.m.
Thursday, August 30 – 4:00 p.m.
Friday, August 31 – 4:00 p.m.

* Times are subject to change...

Follow Elizabeth City State Athletics via its official website at: www.ecsuvikings.com to get pre and post-game stories and updates. Like us on Facebook at: ECSU Athletics and follow us on twitter at: @ECSUVikings.

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

UDC Firebirds Women’s Basketball Adds Three Division I Transfers for 2018-19 Season

PATRICIA ALBERT

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- University of the District Columbia head women's basketball coach John Nakpodia announced the addition of three Division I transfers for the 2018-2019 season.

Patricia Albert, Alexis Taylor and Etalyia Vogt are all set to join the Firebirds next season.

Albert, a 6-3 forward from Chicago, Illinois, played last season at Division 1 Coppin State University.

ALEXIS TAYLOR

"Patricia brings a strong defensive presence to our team," the 2nd year head coach said. "She is a rare blend of size and athleticism. She does all the little things that don't always show up on the stat sheet but are necessary to win."

Taylor, a 6-4 center from Washington, DC, also played last season at Coppin State University.

"Alexis will have a big impact for us on both sides of the ball," Nakpodia said. "She led the team in blocks last year and was efficient with her scoring opportunities. She is a true two-way player."

ETALYIA VOGT

Vogt, a 5-8 point guard from Long Island, NY, played last season at Division 1 Towson University.

"Etalyia can affect the game in multiple ways." Nakpodia said. "She makes her teammates better, can defend multiple positions, and she can score in a variety of ways. We're excited to showcase her versatility."

The Firebirds are slated to open the 2018-19 season at Wilmington University's Conference Challenge Tournament, November 9-10, tipping off first against Holy Family University and then against the host, Wilmington.

UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SPORTS INFORMATION

CIAA Names LIQUID SOUL Agency of Record

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) today announced that LIQUID SOUL, the award-winning marketing & promotions firm, has been named its Agency of Record.

The multi-year assignment marks a new approach for the CIAA and includes strategic planning, advertising, digital marketing, social media, public relations, and partnership development for the organization across all platforms. In this new capacity, LIQUID SOUL will advise and oversee all branding efforts for the conference with a focus on the CIAA's Football Championship and fan-favorite Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament, a week-long event drawing the third highest attendance among all NCAA divisions.

"With their innovative strategies, expertise and creativity the team at LIQUID SOUL has achieved an incredible track record of success across a variety of entertainment, corporate and sports brands," said Jacqie McWilliams, CIAA Commissioner. "We look forward to our partnership with LIQUID SOUL, a minority owned agency, to build on our legacy as the first African American athletic conference and to collaborate in fun and unique ways to connect the CIAA brand to our partners, communities, athletes, and fans."

LIQUID SOUL continues to expand into new markets, recently launching the agency's Washington, DC, office to focus on global and international businesses including top trade and industry organizations as well as education, sports, and entertainment entities to expand the firm's client base.

"The CIAA has an incredibly rich story to tell as a historic organization dedicated to presenting the best in collegiate sports," said Tirrell D. Whitley, CEO & Founder of LIQUID SOUL. "It's legendary basketball tournament draws over 150,000 fans to Charlotte each year, with an economic impact of more than $55 million. We're excited to partner with the CIAA and Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams as we engage our enterprising, results-driven team to elevate and promote this powerful and impactful brand."

About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first African American athletic conference and one of the most recognized conferences in NCAA Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Chowan University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com. For more information on the CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit CIAATournament.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

About Liquid Soul
Launched in 2001 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, LIQUID SOUL is an award-winning full-service, integrated marketing agency. The firm is credited for its innovative, culturally-driven campaigns, and its creative engagement strategies that drive results for mainstream and multi-cultural Fortune 500, sports, technology and entertainment brands. LIQUID SOUL's creative execution and novel ideas have triggered success for over thirty #1 box office hits, and more than 150 films generating $3 Billion at the box office. The agency recently launched LIQUID SOUL DC, to better serve political, education, trade and industry clients. For more information about the agency, visit www.goliquidsoul.com.

2018 MEAC/SWAC Challenge

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Catch the 2018 MEAC/SWAC Challenge as Prairie View A&M will represent the conference and play up against North Carolina Central on September 2 in Atlanta, Georgia on ESPN2!

Ex-TSU Tigers Lofton signs with Detroit Pistons

SAINT PAUL, Minneapolis – Former New Mexico State/Texas Southern guard Zach Lofton is headed to the Motor City after signing with the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

"I want to thank the Detroit Pistons for the amazing opportunity to be a part of the organization," Lofton said. "I also want to thank the amazing support system I've had through the years. I'm excited to start this new chapter."

The 6-4 guard had a great showing at the NBA Summer League with the Pistons averaging 10.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists. Lofton left a lasting impression in Detroit's final game of the NBA Summer League after scoring 21 point on 9-of-17 shooting, including three from downtown, with five boards a block and an assists against the Los Angeles Lakers.
 
Saturday's news comes a week after Lofton was invited to the NBA G League Player Invitational that is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Aug. 12, in Chicago.

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Florida A&M Rattlers Holds First Scrimmage of Season in Quincy

QUINCY, Florida --  Sure, it's not about where you've been in life, it's about where you're going. However, there would be no "you" without the place you come from. FAMU head coach Willie Simmons is new to the orange and green, but make no mistake, he's right in his own backyard.

Saturday, Simmons brought the Rattlers to his hometown of Quincy, Florida, for their first scrimmage of the season. Over one-thousand people came to watch.

"It's an amazing feeling," Simmons said. "It's truly a humbling moment to just be back where I played on this high school field, made a name for myself, earned scholarship offers. Just to be back on this field as a football coach is a blessing from God."

Simmons was trying to focus on football, but couldn't help but look around and take in the moment.

"It's so exciting," Simmons said, looking around at people lining the fences. "There's just so many memories. In 1998, I was on this field every Friday. I thought today was a great day."


Just when you thought it couldn't get better, when Simmons was talking to his team after the scrimmage, he shouted out to someone across the field. There, walking towards the huddle, was his high school coach -- Andy Gay.

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Here is the 2018 Rattler Football helmet. Thanks to equipment manager Dakarai Calhoun for this clean and fierce look. It looks great sitting in fresh turf of Bragg Stadium. 

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S.C. State Media Day Allows Players To Have A Little Fun

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- The mood at S.C. State's media day was loose and relaxed. Players had fun smiling for the cameras, although for the position pictures, head coach Buddy Pough was there to make sure his guys were lined up in the proper manner.

The backdrop of media days concerns the head coach who is entering his 17th season as the head coach of his alma mater. He is in his last year of his contract and this is likely his last season patrolling the sidelines at Dawson Bulldog Stadium. On top of that, the Bulldogs have been picked to finish seventh in the MEAC which didn't not sit well with S.C. State defensive lineman Paul McKeiver. The Batesburg-Leesville product was at the MEAC preseason kickoff and he remembers seeing the preseason poll.

"I took pictures and all and put it in the group chat and said if this doesn't make us mad and hungry and want to get a whole lot better, I don't know what will," McKeiver said.


Another Midlands product, Dutch Fork graduate Austin Ruger, admits the players want to do well not just for them, but for their coach who has provided scholarships to players from all walks of life and in the process, given them the tools to be successful people in the community while also coaching them up on the playing field.

"It means the world to us because he's done so much for all the guys here," Ruger said.

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Florida's Bethune-Cookman marching band gets a series on Netflix

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- The Marching Wildcats band of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach debuted a Netflix series Friday.

"Marching Orders" is a 12-episode unscripted series produced by Stage 13 that follows the nationally recognized band as they hold auditions and run drills under the Florida sun.



"Two things are gonna happen," band director Donovan "The Devil" Wells tells his band in the trailer. "You gonna kick somebody's ass or you gonna get your ass kicked."

The inside look at marching band culture in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) promises to show the audience how band members "fight to keep their spots, memorize routines, tend to their social lives – and slay the competition," according to Stage 13.

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Southern quarterback Lampley took most of the snaps in first scrimmage

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The three-way quarterback competition remains open at Southern University, but sophomore John Lampley took most of the snaps with first unit during scrimmage action Saturday morning at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

The practice session featured referees and situational down-and-distance settings for the team to work on. Many plays ended without an official spot, but Lampley completed more passes than either of his counterparts during the morning workout that lasted roughly 2 ½ hours.

For the day, Lampley completed 15 of 21 passes with no interceptions, one touchdown, and was near 200 yards of production. Sophomore Glendon McDaniel was 5 of 18 with an interception, good for about 50 yards. He also rushed four times for 32 yards.

Sophomore Ladarius Skelton, who transferred from Fullerton Community College, was 6 of 14 passes, and was close to 100 yards.

“(Lampley) did a good job. I really thought the offense overall did a good job,” Southern coach Dawson Odums said. “I thought all three quarterbacks made good decisions… It was good to see those guys playing with a lot of confidence.”

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5 takeaways from Jackson State's first fall scrimmage

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State held its first scrimmage of the fall Saturday evening at the Payton Center, and the 250 or so Tiger fans who came out to watch didn't go home disappointed.

There were plenty of fireworks, despite key Tigers taking a shortened work load or sitting out the scrimmage altogether.

Here are a few takeaways from Saturday's scrimmage.

Big names out
JSU coach Tony Hughes said the goal going into Saturday was to get some of the veteran players some work early, then turn it over to the younger guys so the coaches could see how they responded in a game-like atmosphere.

JSU quarterback Derrick Ponder played just three or four series all day, but did fire up the team and the crowd with one 40-yard touchdown pass.

"The plan was to get some of our guys who we felt like had a lot of experience and let them get some work in early," Hughes said. "Then we let some of the younger guys get the bulk of the snaps."

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Trio of Tigers emerging as leaders on JSU offensive line

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State practices look a lot different these days, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

New Tiger quarterbacks are performing new drills, getting ready to run a new offensive scheme under new coaches. Tailbacks are catching balls out of the backfield more often, and the receivers are learning how to identify and bust zone coverage.

But the key to the overhaul, Jackson State’s offensive line group, spends most of its time over on the other practice field, pushing blocking sleds as coach Carl “Big C” Roberts barks orders.

It isn’t sexy or exciting – at least not like new quarterbacks throwing 60 to 70 passes a game – but it’s where the JSU offense can take its biggest stride.

Sacks and negative plays killed the Tigers last season. Tigers averaged just three yards a carry and 103 yards a game running the football and threw for just 128 yards. They gave up 37 sacks and lost more than 400 yards on combined negative plays.

But Roberts, a 30-year coaching veteran and three-time All-SWAC guard himself, is optimistic that this year’s group is going to be able to cut down on that number.

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UAPB setting tone to turn defense around under Thomas, Navarro

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions are looking to beef up their defense this season in order to have more success than last year. In 2017, UAPB finished 10th in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in total defense, which was good for last. They finished 10th in pass defense, 9th in scoring defense and 9th interceptions.

UAPB first-year Head Coach Cedric Thomas comes over from Alcorn State University, where he served as their Defensive Coordinator, so the area where UAPB lacked at the most is his strong point. Thomas is very engaged in what the defense is doing, and he’s on the same page as his Defensive Coordinator Juan Navarro.

Thomas brings a certain energy to practice, and he said he does it so that the players can feed off of it; so far the defense has done as such. The case with a lot of the players on defense is that they were there last year, but they might not have been positioned for success. A prime example is this staff’s decision to move senior defensive back Rico Merriweather from safety, where he played last season, to cornerback this fall.

“I think it just starts with leadership,” Thomas said. “When you look at the faces and the film from last year, a lot of these guys played. They weren’t always put in the best position to be successful, but that’s our job as a coaching staff. Defensively, we take on the temperament of the coach, and I don’t do it for show, but I feel like I have to be the one to have the juice. I’m blessed to have this opportunity coming from where I’ve come from, so you’ll see me jumping around having fun.”

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Bright and early, first preseason scrimmage cranks up at Southern

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- From the end of spring practice, coach Dawson Odums began saying this would be the deepest team he’s had in six-plus seasons at Southern.

Still, the old star power isn’t there (yet), and questions abound.

Who has an edge in the three-man quarterback derby?

Who takes charge of a talented but somewhat unsettled defense?

Who can handle some of the key special-teams roles?

Bright and early at 7:45 a.m. Saturday, Odums’ players will have another big chance to make an impression.

After a full round of spring practice, summer workouts and the first week of camp, the Jaguars will hold their first preseason scrimmage in A.W. Mumford Stadium.

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Chicago State Women's Tennis Signs Three Student-Athletes To 2018 Class

CHICAGO, Illinois -- Chicago State University women's tennis head coach Jack Barton has announced today his 2018 signing class that will make their way onto campus in the next couple of weeks to prepare for the 2018-19 season.
 
Joining the Cougars are freshmen Kristina Pukhaeva and Lizi Morgoshia, and sophomore Maria Kuzminskaya.
 
"These ladies are excited to come and ready to work hard," Barton said. "We will be a very young team with three new players and three returning sophomores, but I know these ladies will put themselves in a position to get better everyday. From there, nothing but good things will happen for this team."
 
Kristina Pukhaeva
Vladikavkaz, Georgia
Number 98 Public School
 
Ranked sixth in the country of Georgia, Kristina is coming to Chicago State and majoring in Business. She trains out of the Mziuri Tennis Club and her best results was at the 2017 Nazmi Bar Cup where she was a doubles finalist
 
Lizi Morgoshia
Tblisi, Georgia
Number 35 Public School
 
Ranked fifth in the country of Georgia, Lizi looks to come to Chicago State and major in Business and Film Making.  
 
Maria Kuzminskaya
Saint Petersburg, Russia
Oral Roberts University
 
Ranked 230th in Russia, Maria is continuing her education at Chicago State and majoring in Psychology. She trains out of the Ozerki Tennis Club and her best results was at the 2017 CSUN Fall Invite.

CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Ram Ramblings: Rod Tinsley knows the competition for his starting job is there

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Quarterback Rod Tinsley couldn’t help but chuckle when I asked him how many others have gone after his job since he arrived as a redshirt freshman in 2015.

“I think there’s been about 10 guys,” said Tinsley, who is now a senior and entering his fourth season as the starter.

Tinsley admits he has some competition again this preseason with freshman Dominique Graves and graduate transfer Emiere Scaife and Miles Timmons, who was Tinsley’s backup last season.

“All of us are competing and that’s great to see,” Tinsley said. “And Coach (Ryan McManus) has said the best player will be out there for the opening game.”

So far it appears that Tinsley has kept his hold on the starting job through five practices. He helped the Rams win two CIAA title and they made an appearance in the Division II playoffs after the 2016 season.

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