TSU Tiger Camp 2018: Day 14 - Special Teams

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tigers will rely on redshirt junior Mitchell Boudreaux and a pair of freshmen to try and equal the production of departed Lane Clark and Austin Rowley.

Clark leaves a large hole after providing a lethal weapon for the special teams over the past four seasons. Clark exits as one of the most decorated kicker in program history. The two-time All-American produced eight of the top 11 longest field goals in school history and finished second in scoring as a kicker at TSU behind Jamin Godfrey.

Rowley recorded the sixth highest amount of punts in TSU history in just three seasons. Rowley also served as the holder for Clark on field goal attempts.

Boudreaux and highly touted freshmen Antonio Zita and Kaleb Mosley will battle for both kicking spots. Chris Rowland, Treon Harris and Boudreaux have all taken snaps in hopes to replace Rowley.

Junior Thomas Newberg will handle the long-snapping duties for the third consecutive year. Newberg highlighted his sophomore campaign with a touchdown reception against Austin Peay.

The return game boasts three veterans. Chris Rowland, a Freshman All-American, enters his junior season and will be joined by DeVon Johnson, who returned a touchdown 96 yards at UT Martin last year, as well as Steven Newbold who saw action on kickoffs over the final games of 2017.

The trio will also receive competition from Treon Harris, transfer Major Bellamy and newcomer Kenyon Garlington.

SPECIALISTS	Pos	HT	WT	YR	Gms	XP-A	FG-A	Lng	Pnts	AVG	Lng	KO	AVG	TB
Mitchell Boudreaux	P/K	5-5	150	R-Jr.	4	1-1	0-0	--	0	0.0	--	8	48.5	0
Kaleb Mosley	P/K	5-10	180	Fr.	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
Antonio Zita	K/P	5-9	170	Fr.	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
Thomas Newberg	LS	6-4	190	Jr.	22	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
					Gms	KR	Yds	AVG	TD	PR	Lng	AVG
Chris Rowland	RS	5-8	170	So.	21	58	1,277	22.0	--	18	30	10.8
DeVon Johnson	RS	6-1	175	R-Jr.	8	8	207	25.9	1	1	-3	-3.0
Steven Newbold	RS	6-0	190	R-Sr.	21	6	117	19.5	--	--	--	--

Redshirt Junior Kicker Mitchell Boudreaux- On role of the kickers
“We have two freshmen here and they are just trying to get used to knowing the ropes, and making the move from high school to the college level. They saw what Lane (Clark) did as a college kicker, so they understand what is expected of us. We have some big shoes to fill, but I feel we can do that with no problems.”

- On progression throughout camp
“We are just trying to keep a good fluid motion, especially with field goals since we have new holders this year. We are just trying to be sure we have no mishaps this season when it comes down to execution.”

- On being the elder statesman on the unit
“The biggest thing for me is showing what to do and what not to do, especially with technique. It is important to be prepared by the time we get to games, we need to be perfect because it could cost you a game.”

Freshman Kicker/Punter Kaleb Mosley- On kicking at the collegiate level
“It is a big transition. It is a lot faster paced, but the hard work over the summer prepared me to be able to handle it pretty well.”

- On replacing Lane Clark and Austin Rowley
“I plan on coming in, stepping in and doing exactly what they did. We do need to learn with a new holder, get working with them so things can work well.”

Freshman Kicker Antonio Zita- On transition to TSU
“It is really the same for a kicker. You just have to go out there and kick the field goals. It is a little different on your body, as you’re kicking everyday and more meetings.”

- On getting comfortable working with a new operation unit
“You have to be a whole lot faster in college, that’s for sure. We have some good holders out there with Micth (Boudreaux), (Chris) Rowland and Treon (Harris). They are doing really good, we just need to be a whole lot faster than high school.”

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North Carolina A&T's Women Basketball Coach Robinson Signs Contract Extension

EAST GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- Tarrell Robinson signed a five-year extension that will keep him that will keep him in the position of head women’s basketball coach at North Carolina A&T through the 2022-23 season. N.C. A&T Director of Athletics, Earl M. Hilton III, announced the extension on Thursday.

“I am blessed to have a chancellor like Harold L. Martin Sr., with a vision of excellence throughout this illustrious university, and an athletics director Earl M. Hilton III who is the engine behind the scenes that makes a way for our department to shine,” said Robinson.

“Their support means so much to me and I would like to thank those two gentlemen and the Board of Trustees for showing their satisfaction with the direction our women’s basketball program is going,” Robinson continued.



Robinson, 40, will enter his seventh season once the 2018-19 season begins. N.C. A&T has made the postseason four times in his six previous seasons including two appearances in the NCAA tournament in the past three seasons. The Aggies made the postseason WNIT in 2013 and 2014. During the 2013-14 season, the Aggies won two preseason WNIT games on their way to a 7-1 start, the best in school history.

Under Robinson, the Aggies also have two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament titles and two regular-season conference titles. Robinson has a 122-67 (.646) record and holds the best winning percentage in program history. His teams are also 64-17 (.790) at home and 73-23 (.760) against MEAC opponents. The Aggies have finished outside of the top-3 in the MEAC standings only once during Robinson’s tenure.

N.C. A&T won 20 or more games in Robinson’s first three seasons as head coach which made him the first ever (men or women) to have three consecutive 20-win seasons in their first three seasons as head coach at N.C. A&T. The Aggies have four 20-win seasons under Robinson including their 23-9 record this past season where they won 19 of their final 20 games before entering the NCAA tournament.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU Football Offensive Preview: Plenty of Depth, Firepower Return for Spartans in 2018

NORFOLK, Virginia -- It's no secret that Norfolk State featured a young football team in 2017.

In fact, last year's Spartans were, by most any measure, among the youngest teams in the MEAC. Thirty-eight players among the 80 on the roster were freshmen – either true freshmen or redshirt freshmen who did not play the previous year. That figure was the highest of any MEAC team. Fifty-five of the 80 were freshmen or sophomores, and 30 players saw their first collegiate action in 2017.

The results were indicative of a young, but talented team – enough talent to play with anyone in the MEAC, but at times some inconsistency in closing out games. NSU lost three games in 2017 by four points or less, the difference between a 7-4 season and the team's actual mark of 4-7.



Nowhere was that youth more evident than on the offensive side of the football. True freshmen took every snap at quarterback last season, and the offensive line featured only one player – Wes Jones, a junior in 2017 – who was not a freshman or sophomore.

That youth translates into a 2018 offense that returns full-time starters at essentially every position, including all five spots on the offensive line and the team's leading passer, rusher and receiver from last year. That experience and growth potential has head coach Latrell Scott optimistic about his team heading into the season.

Below is the first of a two-part season preview of the Spartan football team, with a position-by-position focus on the offensive unit. Check back next week for an in-depth look at the defense and special teams.

QUARTERBACK
By the time Juwan Carter played every down of a win at Delaware State in the season's fourth game, passing for 292 yards and two scores, it became apparent that the Spartans had found their man at quarterback. Carter went on to pass for 1,827 yards and 13 touchdowns against just six interceptions in 2017, showing a knack for spreading the ball around and avoiding mistakes. Following a successful freshman campaign and offseason in the program, coaches are looking for even bigger things from Carter this season.

"Pootie has really matured a lot since he got here," Scott said. "He knows what he's doing out there – he understands why to throw certain places now. Plus, he's a natural leader."

Coaches also expect freshman mid-year enrollee D'Andre Thomas from Fork Union Military Academy to push Carter for time. Thomas is a promising 6-4 prospect with a strong arm. Acclaimed freshman Isaiah Wilson arrived this summer from Delaware with a strong high school pedigree, giving the Spartans good depth at the position.

RUNNING BACK
NSU welcomes back nearly all of its skill position players from a year ago. At running back, the Spartans got by without a lot of depth in 2017, but that should not be the case this season. Leading rushers Aaron Savage (427 yards, 3 TD) and C.J. Jones (145, 1) return along with sophomore Malik Butts. Savage showed the ability to get tough yards between the tackles, but also provided big plays. He finished off the season strong, rushing for 188 yards and all three of his touchdowns in the final two games despite playing through a nagging injury. Now healthy, Savage is poised for a strong 2018 and was named to the preseason All-MEAC third team.

Jones showed the ability to be effective as both a rusher and pass-catcher out of the backfield, while Butts will look to climb the depth chart entering his third year in the program.

That trio will be joined by a trio of transfers that should help solidify the position. Juniors Cameryn Brent and Gerald Hulett are both coming off 1,000-yard seasons as junior college sophomores. Brent was the nation's leading rusher, averaging 152.6 yards per game at Holmes Community College in Mississippi. A Virginia native, Hulett ran for 895 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 307 more yards and two TDs as a receiver out of the backfield for a Fullerton College (Calif.) team that went undefeated and was named the JC national champion by two organizations.

Also in the mix is Kevin Hicks, a local product, spent two seasons at the U.S. Military Academy (Army) and will also challenge for time.

RECEIVER/TIGHT END
The Spartans have three of their top four receivers back from last year, led by senior Marcus Taylor. Taylor was a second-team All-MEAC pick at kick returner and third-team at receiver last year, when he led the MEAC in all-purpose yardage (1,392) and paced the Spartans with six total touchdowns (five receiving, one on returns). Taylor has received several preseason accolades, including first-team preseason All-MEAC honors as a kick returner, second-team preseason All-MEAC mention at receiver, and was named to the watch list for the Black College Football Player of the Year Award.

Sophomore Isaiah Winstead came on strong toward the end of his freshman season in 2017. Winstead caught 29 passes for 344 yards and three scores despite starting just twice. He showed consistency as a freshman, catching at least one pass in every game.

Coaches look for redshirt junior Chuma Awanna to continue the year-to-year progression he's shown since enrolling at NSU. He caught 18 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns, with both scores coming in a road win at Delaware State. He and Winstead are both 6-3, giving NSU's quarterbacks big targets on the outside.

Scott also expects redshirt sophomores Justin Smith and Marcque Ellington, redshirt freshman Stuart Anderson and true freshman Quentin Greene to have an impact on the passing game. Smith and Ellington both saw action last year and have showed continued improvement in the offseason, while Anderson's size and athleticism and Greene's speed will also be assets to the receiver corps.

At tight end, Anthony Williams started five times last season, splitting time with graduated senior Demetreus Ferebee. Williams was NSU's top pass catcher at the position last year, snagging eight passes for 102 yards. He will be joined by freshmen Sean Rettzo and Kareem Burgess.

OFFENSIVE LINE
NSU did not have a senior start a single game along the offensive line last year, with seven underclassmen combining for all 55 possible starts in the trenches. This year, the unit gets a new leader in former Canadian Football League line mentor Kris Sweet. One of the unit's goals is to help NSU improve its rushing offense, creating the sort of run-pass balance that Scott prefers.

The unit will be led this year by junior tackle Kenneth Kirby, a third-team All-MEAC pick last year, and senior center Wes Jones, who has started 22 straight games. Kirby and Jones were both named to the preseason All-MEAC second team last month.

Jalen Powell started all 11 games at left guard as a true freshman a year ago, while Craig Rodwell started 10 times at right guard. Junior Dominic Jordan has 10 career starts as can play either guard or center positions, while talented redshirt freshman Justin Redd also helps give the Spartans a wealth of depth at the interior line spots. Sophomore Ian Williams and redshirt freshman Colby Byrd are other names to keep an eye on.

At tackle, sophomore Kyree Jones and redshirt sophomore Taro Lipscomb combined to start all 11 games last year. Another redshirt sophomore, Josh Culberson, and newcomer D'Montre' Smith will also compete for snaps.

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Tickets for the John Merritt Classic are on Sale Now

NASHVILLE, Tennessee --- Tickets for the 20th annual John Merritt Classic are on sale now in the Tennessee State University Ticket Office.

TSU football will open the 2018 season with a match-up against Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. in Nissan Stadium.

Tickets may be puchased over the phone until Aug. 23 or online via Ticketmaster.com.

Call 615.963.ROAR or stop by the Box Office to secure your tickets.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Florida A&M celebrates athletics

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- With football season around the corner, the community is celebrating Florida A&M University athletics. FAMU's new head coach, Willie Simmons, tells us what he's hoping to bring to the table.

"Hoping to bring the winning ways back to Florida A&M. We have one of the most storied traditions in all of college football. We kind of lost our way the last few years so for me, it's about bringing that back," said Coach Willie Simmons.

Coach Simmons says he's determined to lead his team, and passionate FAMU fans, to victory this football season."It's starts everyday with how we work, with how we prepare, and how we represent this fine institution."



"We've been grinding day in and day out. And, you know, the time is finally here and we're more than excited to have a great season and give the people what they want," said Ryan Stanley, the quarterback.

Long-time fans say, it's been seven years since their beloved Rattlers won a national championship. With a new football coach stepping in, there's a new level of enthusiasm for this season. "I'm a big fan of the rattlers. I'm looking forward to this season with Willie and the gang," said Curtis Pride.

School spirit like this isn't easy to come by. The FAMU community came out in full force. They say they want to support the athletes and get them hyped for this upcoming football season. That's what Thursday's community kick-off celebration was all about. The event was hosted by Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor and the Capital City Chamber of Commerce.

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2nd Annual Jonathan Ferrell Kickoff Classic Returns Saturday at Bragg Stadium

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Things are moving along at Bragg Memorial Stadium. The field turf installation at Florida A&M's stadium is just about complete and it looks like we are a full go for some football Saturday night under the lights.

The Second Annual Jonathan Ferrell Kickoff Classic turns on those lights this weekend, as Godby and Rickards face off against Miami Northwestern and Carol City respectively.

This weekend is about so much more football though, as Jonathan, who played at FAMU DRS and FAMU, was killed by a police officer in 2013.

The Jonathan Ferrell Foundation will give away scholarships Saturday, and everyone will rally to remember a guy who loved the game so much.

"Me and Jon loved this sport," said Ferrell's brother Willie. "Of course it was at Gene Cox Stadium last year, and it did exceptionally well last year. To be able to bring it over to Bragg Stadium where we played most of our football, middle school, high school, and college football at the collegiate level here. It's an honor, it's a great thing. I know Jonathan would be very proud of the foundation, the Jonathan Ferrell Foundation."

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Norfolk State University to host exhibition baseball game to benefit alum Jeff Di Fulgo

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The Norfolk State University baseball program will host an exhibition game against Bryant & Stratton College on Sunday, Sept. 30 to benefit former Spartan pitcher Jeff Di Fulgo, who was recently involved in a serious accident.

Di Fulgo, who played at NSU from 2011-15, was injured July 14 when he dove into a sandbar at Croatan Beach, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. He is currently in Atlanta, Ga., rehabilitating at the Shepherd Center, which specializes in spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation.

The first pitch between NSU  and Bryant & Stratton, a National Junior College Athletic Association member, will be at 12:30 p.m. at Marty L. Miller Field on Sept. 30. Admission to the game is free, but donations will be accepted at the front entrance. All proceeds will be donated to the Di Fulgo family to cover medical expenses and transportation costs for the family to and from the medical facilities.



A Virginia Beach native, Di Fulgo pitched in 56 games over his five years at NSU, which included a redshirt year in 2013. He notched three wins and three saves while striking out 69 batters in 108 innings pitched as a Spartan. He appeared in 21 games with a pair of saves during his redshirt junior season (2014), then was a key member of NSU's bullpen as a senior in 2015 when the Spartans won the first of their three consecutive MEAC Northern Division titles.

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS 

Leonard Fairley Joins NSU Staff as Assistant Coach

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State men's basketball head coach Robert Jones announced today that Leonard Fairley has officially joined the program as an interim assistant coach for the 2018-19 season. Fairley has been heavily involved with the Spartans dating back to his days as a student manager.

"As we searched to fill our third assistant coach position, we eventually decided to keep it in-house due to several different factors," Jones said after extending the interim title to Fairley. "He has been with the program as a student manager, video coordinator and jack of all trades for almost a decade. In the coaching profession, someone has given each and every one of us a chance. Here is Leonard's!"

Fairley originally spent three years as a student manager from 2011-14, assisting coaches with practices, video recording, film exchange, and travel and equipment. He continued to volunteer with the program from 2014-18, overseeing other managers, video and film exchange.

As a volunteer, Fairley also continued to assist with practice, travel and equipment on a weekly basis as well as with the team's summer camps. He also served as a bench assistant during games, both home and away, charting various plays and stats for the coaching staff.

"No one knows the ins and outs of this program and university better than Leonard," added Jones. "He has seen the highs and the lows of the program. Therefore, he will be given a chance this year and evaluated at the end of the season."

NSU returns five players who saw time on the court last year along with six newcomers and three redshirt players. The program is also expected to release its 2018-19 schedule in the next week or so.

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Black College Football Hall of Fame Announces 2018 Black College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced today the 2018 Watch List for the Black College Football Player of the Year Award. The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University. Former North Carolina A&T, and current Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2016; and Bowie State sophomore quarterback Amir Hall was the 2017 recipient.

The winner of the 2018 Black College Football Player of the Year Award will be honored with the Deacon Jones Trophy during the Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which takes place on February 16, 2019 in Atlanta. Four finalists will be unveiled on November 29.

“HBCU football has outstanding talent, as evidenced in this year’s NFL Draft,” said Super Bowl MVP quarterback Doug Williams, a BCFHOF co-founder and 2011 inductee. “This Award is a way that the Black College Football Hall of Fame is is able to recognize these talented student-athletes.”

“The Deacon Jones Trophy is the most prestigious football award for HBCUs,” said BCFHOF co-founder and 2012 inductee James Harris. “Deacon Jones was a pioneer and an icon, and still to this day represents the very best of Black College Football.”

The Watch List candidates have been selected based on past performance and future potential. Additions to the list may be made as the 2018 season progresses. The finalists and the winner will be chosen by a Selection Committee.

At a glance: 

Award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player from a Historically Black College & University (HBCU).

• Watch List is composed of 52 players from 25 different HBCUs.
• Players per conference: MEAC (18), SWAC (15), CIAA (10), SIAC (8) and Independent (1).

ABOUT THE BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 by African-American pioneers, quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There have been 77 Inductees since inception, including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell and Doug Williams, who serve as Trustees. Its permanent home is currently being constructed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. 

ABOUT DEACON JONES

David “Deacon” Jones played defensive end for South Carolina State University and Mississippi Valley State University from 1958 to 1960. Blessed with speed, agility, and quickness, the “Deacon” became one of the finest pass rushers in the business. He won unanimous All-NFL honors six straight years from 1965 through 1970 and was selected to eight Pro Bowls. Jones is an inaugural Black College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2010) and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org
www.Twitter.com/BCFHOF
www.Facebook.com/BCFHOF
www.Instagram/BlackCollegeFootballHOF

Alabama NewsCenter 2018 football preview: Alabama State University

MONTGOMERY, Alabama --Donald Hill-Eley had to flip the script in Montgomery last season. The former Alabama State assistant coach was handed the reins after the Hornets opened with an 0-5 record.

“You’re trying to change the morale of 100-plus people, not just the players in the helmets but the coaches, the fans and everything else,” the coach said. “It was a tough feat to try to jump in and redirect (everyone).

“We were able to do it by a lot of great coaches,” Hill-Eley continued. “We’ve got a lot of experienced assistant coaches who doubled their duties and we’ve got players who moved positions. It was a wealth of changes and it proved beneficial as we were able to finish the season, the last six games 5-1.”

The football season is fast approaching and Alabama NewsCenter is taking a tour of college football programs in the state. Next up is Hill-Eley’s Alabama State Hornets.

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Alabama NewsCenter 2018 football preview: Tuskegee University

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Like his Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference counterpart at Miles College, Tuskegee head football coach Willie Slater added athletics director to his job description going into the 2018 season.

“It’s been tough. I ain’t gonna lie,” Slater said, “but we’ve been working on it.”

Slater and the Golden Tigers have claimed seven conference football championships since 2006, including four consecutive from 2006 until 2009. Tuskegee has recorded nine wins in eight of Slater’s first 10 seasons at the helm, and has a winning season in nine of the 10 seasons under his direction.

The football season is approaching, and Alabama NewsCenter is continuing its tour of college programs in the state. Next up is Slater’s Tuskegee Golden Tigers.

Alabama NewsCenter: What is the outlook for this season?
Willie Slater: Every year has its own identity. I think we have a chance to have a good team. We’re trying to update every day. It looks like we’ve got a good group returning, but we’ve still got to get them all here.

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JSU 'D' hopes to build on momentum from solid 2017 finish

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State defensive coordinator John Hendrick knows what it looks like when the Tigers execute his 3-3-5 scheme almost to perfection. He saw it at the end of last season.

The Tigers had some success early, particularly against No. 23 Tennessee State, which JSU held to 17 points in the Southern Heritage Classic. They hit a rough patch in the middle of the season, giving up 33 or more points in five straight games, but by the last quarter of the season – the four-game stretch where JSU showed signs of life by finishing 3-1 – they really had the defense humming.

The Tigers gave up just two touchdowns in those last four games and performed well even in the lone loss, a 13-7 heart-breaker against Alabama State. Against arch-rival Alcorn, the SWAC East Champs, the Tigers only needed one offensive touchdown to get a 7-3 win.

“As far as the scheme goes, we had it figured out by the end (of last season),” senior linebacker Eric Bowie said. “We’ve got some stuff to figure out before this season starts, but as far as the system goes, we’re just rolling over what we learned last year.”

So, will the Tigers’ momentum keep rolling with it? Hendricks thinks so.

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2018 SWAC Football Weekly Teleconference

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  – The weekly head football coaches teleconference for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) will begin Monday, August 27 and will continue through November 19.  Each teleconference call will start at 10:00 am until approximately noon central time. Each coach is scheduled to be available for 8-10 minutes each week for questions. 
 
Media representatives who wish to participate should consult the conference weekly release or the SWAC Communications Office for details. A recording of each teleconference call will be available by the end of the business day Mondays on SWAC.org under the Football sports page under the subhead "Media Teleconference Recordings."
 
Media members and coaches who are not asking or answering questions at the time should mute their phone line by pressing “4*” to avoid background noises and other distractions on the call. 
 
Dates for 2018 Teleconferences:
August 27 • September 3 • September 10 • September 17 • September 24 • October 1 • October 8 • October 15 •October 22 • October 29 • November 5 • November 12 • November 19
 
SWAC Head Football Coaches Weekly Schedule: 

• 10:00 a.m. -- 10:05 a.m. SWAC News and Notes

• 10:05 a.m. -- 10:15 a.m. Connell Maynor • Alabama A&M University 

• 10:15 a.m. -- 10:25 a.m. Donald Hill-Eley • Alabama State University 

• 10:25 a.m. -- 10:35 a.m. Fred McNair • Alcorn State University 

• 10:35 a.m. -- 10:45 a.m. Cedric Thomas • University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff 

• 10:45 a.m. -- 10:55 a.m. Broderick Fobbs • Grambling State University 

• 10:55 a.m. -- 11:05 a.m. Tony Hughes • Jackson State University 

• 11:05 a.m. -- 11:15 a.m. Vincent Dancy • Mississippi Valley State University 

• 11:15 a.m. -- 11:25 a.m. Eric Dooley • Prairie View A&M University 

• 11:25 a.m. -- 11:35 a.m. Dawson Odums • Southern University 

• 11:35 a.m. -- 11:45 a.m. Michael Haywood • Texas Southern University

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UAB adds Alabama State to 2019 football schedule

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The UAB Blazers have added the Alabama State Hornets to their 2019 football schedule, FBSchedules.com has learned.

UAB will host Alabama State at Legion Field in Birmingham on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. The Blazers will pay the Hornets a $300,00 guarantee for the game, per a copy of the contract obtained from the University of Alabama at Birmingham via a state open records request.

Alabama State University will also receive a sum equal to 40% of tickets that they sell through their school prior to Aug. 23, 2019.

UAB and Alabama State first met on the gridiron in Montgomery in 1994 and have played three times overall. In their most recent meeting in 2008 in Birmingham, UAB defeated ASU 45-10 to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

The Hornets are a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Last season, ASU finished 5-6 overall and 4-3 in SWAC play.

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Meet Iowa State volleyball's newest transfer, Candelaria Herrera

Sophomore Candelaria Herrera during Iowa State Volleyball's media day Aug. 14 in Hilton Coliseum.

AMES, Iowa -- During Iowa State’s volleyball media day press conference, coach Christy Johnson-Lynch said that her current team will be one of the deepest she’s ever had and the team is full with players battling for spots.

She said that part of the reason is the talent of newcomers including members of the freshman class. She also mentions the name “Candelaria.”

On May 17, the Iowa State volleyball team announced the acquisition of sophomore Florida A&M transfer Candelaria Herrera, who will be eligible to play immediately.

As a freshman for the Rattlers, Herrera was won MEAC Rookie of the year and was named to the All-MEAC First Team as a middle blocker.

Herrera said that part of the reason for her departure from Florida A&M was a failure to live up to her expectations.

“I came to the United States with a lot of expectations and purpose and one of those is improving my volleyball and getting my degree, so my other university was not achieving that,” Herrera said.

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Garvin Adds Veteran Coach Bobby Collins to S.C. State Staff

ASSISTANT COACH BOBBY COLLINS

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina — South Carolina State head men's basketball coach Murray Garvin has announced the hiring of veteran coach Bobby Collins to the Bulldog coaching staff.  Collins comes to South Carolina State after spending the past four years as the head coach at Maryland-Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland.

"We are super blessed to be able to add a coach of Bobby Collins' stature and pedigree to our basketball program here at South Carolina State.? Just a few years ago before arriving here, I worked for him as a part of his staff at Winston Salem State University," said Garvin.

"There, we were able to capture a CIAA regular season championship and a NCAA Division II?National Tournament at-large bid," continued Garvin. "We are talking about a coach that has -led his teams to MEAC & CIAA championships and was a part the staff at Hampton University that upset Iowa State in the NCAA tournament."

"I am extremely excited to be a part of Coach Garvin's staff and the South Carolina State family," said Collins. "To be able to join Coach Garvin and his staff and to know what they have assembled as a team is truly impressive. I look to add some insight and experience to a program that is on the brink of returning back to a championship level."

During his stint at Maryland Eastern Shore, Collins, in his first season, led the Hawks to their best record at 18-15 in 41 years of the men's basketball program. The winning mark was the first above -.500 record for an Eastern Shore team since the 1993-94 season, while the third-place finish in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference was the best since that same year. The incredible turnaround year also saw widespread recognition of the accomplishments in Princess Anne with Collins winning MEAC Coach of the Year, as well as freshman Ryan Andino earning MEAC Rookie of the Year honors. Michael Myers also earned numerous awards, including Riley Wallace Player of the Year, while Collins was named 2015 Ben Jobe Coach of the Year.

Prior to Maryland Eastern Shore, Collins spent the eight seasons as the head coach at Winston-Salem?State University in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Southern Pines, N.C., native was at the helm when WSSU made the transition into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) before the 2007 season. He guided the Rams to 32 wins during that time, including a pair of 12-win seasons. In his first season, he was saddled with the duty of coaching the Rams as a Division I independent school and led the team to a 4-20 record.

It was the 2010-14 seasons that distinguished Collins as a premier head coach, where he went 79-35 after Winston-Salem State moved back to Division II. Those seasons saw him win at least 10 games in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA) each year and his teams made three appearances in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Tournament during the span, including a CIAA Southern Division Championship in 2010-12 and Tournament title in 2011-12.

His best season with the Rams was during the 2012-13 season as the team went 21-7 overall, with a 13-3 record in the CIAA. That year, WSSU was ranked as high as No. 7 in the nation and earned a second-seed in the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Previous to his job with Winston-Salem State, Collins had coaching stints at Hampton University for 11 seasons, where he helped lead the Pirates to three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championships.

A 1991 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Collins was a four-year starter on the men's basketball team where he was named to the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) All-Freshman Team and reaped Honorable Mention All-OVC as a senior. Following his graduation from EKU, Collins played professional basketball in Finland, where he earned MVP honors overseas in the Helsinki Classic Tournament in 1991.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Nuggets picked to repeat; honors for Black, Le Guillou

NEW ORLEANS —  Xavier University of Louisiana volleyball was picked Tuesday to repeat as Gulf Coast Athletic Conference champion in 2018, and the Gold Nuggets' Kayla Black and Eva Le Guillou were selected to the preseason All-GCAC team.
     

Black — a sophomore outside hitter from Spring, Texas, and a graduate of St. Pius X High School in Houston — shared preseason Player of the Year with Talladega junior setter Bethany Holland.
     

The league's eight head coaches selected the order of finish and the player awards.
     

Black was first-team All-GCAC and second-team All-Louisiana in 2017, and Le Guillou — a sophomore from Velizy-Villacoublay, France — was GCAC Setter of the Year.
     

"Eva and Kayla have made great progress since their freshman seasons," XULA coach Pat Kendrick said. "They both trained hard during the offseason and are doing so again during our preseason practices this month. We're all looking forward to the start of the season."

     

XULA, seven-time defending champion of the GCAC regular season and tournament, received 6-of-8 first-place votes and 49 points. Dillard received the other two first-place votes and 45 points. Tougaloo was third in the poll, followed by SUNO, Edward Waters, Talladega, Philander Smith and first-year member Rust.
     

Joining Black, Le Guillou and Holland on the preseason All-GCAC team were outside hitter/defensive specialist Carolyne Edwards and outside hitter Megan Besecker of Tougaloo, setter Marija Stojiljkovic of SUNO and setter Alexis Barnett of Dillard.
     

XULA will begin its 11th intercollegiate season with four matches Aug. 24-25 in Bowling Green, Ky., then play its home opener Aug. 31 in the two-day Big Easy Blastoff at the Convocation Center.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
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Florida A&M Sports Hall of Fame to honor seven August 31

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Florida A&M University’s Sports Hall of Fame will enshrine seven honorees during ceremonies Friday, August 31 at the Al Lawson Center in Tallahassee.

The honorees will also be recognized during pregame ceremonies on Saturday, September 1, when FAMU will open the 2018 football season against Fort Valley State. Kickoff will be 5:00 p.m.

The 2018 FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Class consists of seven (6) Athletes: footballers Richard “Big Rick” Anderson, Bryan “Sackman” Brewer, Dorsey Hutchinson and Stephen S. “Steve” Scruggs; men’s basketball ace Terry Giles; softball star Janell Staton, and women’s basketball star Linda Thomas-Minor.

Ticket prices for individuals will be $65.00 and table costs will be $500.00. Seats and tables can be reserved through the Sports Hall of Fame by calling (850) 599-3736.

Tickets can also be purchased at the FAMU Athletic Box Office in the Al Lawson Center.

2018 FAMU SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS 2018

RICHARD “BIG RICK” ANDERSON (CONTRIBUTOR / Football, 1975-77) – An outstanding football player, Big Brother of the year recipient, a philanthropist, character builder, humanitarian, and even better alumnus, Richard "Big Rick" Anderson has proven to be a genuinely kind-hearted person, a citizen and an even better FAMU Alumni supporter.

A lifetime member of the FAMU National Alumni Association since 1988, "Big Rick" Anderson has an interminable passion for FAMU athletics. He has been one of the most avid supporters of The National Rattler "F" Club, Inc., being the organization's largest benefactor.

A yearly platinum corporate sponsor, and the annual sponsor of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame blazers, "Big Rick" has donated more than $100,000.00 to athletics to date. He personally established the sports endowment fund with his generous contributions totaling $75,000.00.

Richard Keith "Big Rick" Anderson, a graduate of West Hill High School in Stamford, Connecticut. An alumnus of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, he has been Federal Government Accountant for over 25 years.

On the gridiron, "Big Rick" inspired his teammates to greatness when he went full speed, hustling on every play to either block a punt, cause a fumble, recover a fumble, sack the quarterback or make a touchdown.

Anderson's former teammates hold him in high regard as a man with heart, passion for the game, and an unabridged advocate for FAMU's athletes. His gifted football prowess was astounding in its scope, solidifying his standing as a cherished member of his team.

"Big Rick," a true walk-on and fierce competitor, who consistently made his presence known on the gridiron. His physical resolve, strength and forceful plays made him respected and feared among A&M's competitors.

A two-year letterman and starter for the mighty FAMU Rattlers under the legendary Coach Rudy Hubbard in "Big Rick" hard hitting and sure tackling ability earned him the starting outside linebacker/defensive end spot on the team. "Big Rick" set the edge and anchored the left side of the football field with his valiance, skill, and tenacity as a player helping to lead the Rattlers to many victories.

"Big Rick" was a play maker; making "big plays" on the field, which earned him the nickname he retains to this day. On October 22,1977 during a game at Vanderbilt Stadium, Anderson famously broke through the line and blocked the punt by Greg Swinney of the Tennessee State Tigers, which led to a touchdown for the Rattlers.

Anderson’s recovery of a fumble in that game helped seal the 31-28 victory, which catapulted the Rattlers to an undefeated, Black National Championship season in 1977, FAMU’s last unbeaten football team.

BRYAN “SACKMAN” BREWER (Football, 1986-88) – A two-time All-America firebrand as a defensive end and tackle in 1987 and 1988, Brian Brewer was strapping 6-5 Orlando, Florida product, who proved to be a dominant presencefor the Rattler Defenses under Ken Riley and Walter Highsmith.

Brewer anchored a defense which led the Rattlers to a MEAC title in 1988… A a three-time All-MEAC selection as well (1986-88), Brewer was especially devastating as a pass rusher, racking up 30 career quarterback sacks, making nine (9) sacks as a freshman in 1986, 13.5 sacks as a sophomore in 1987, and 8.0 takedowns in 1988.

DORSEY HUTCHINSON (Football, 1978-82) -- This rangy Jacksonville, Florida native will always be remembered for his singular effort as a true freshman in the 1978 Orange Blossom Classic, where his then-school record four pass interceptions helped lead the Rattlers to a crushing 31-7 win over legendary coach Eddie Robinson and his fabled Grambling Tigers – a win which vaulted FAMU towards the first-ever NCAA Division I-AA national championship.

The 6-2, 180-pound cornerback, twice earned All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors in 1981 and 1982, thanks largely to his 11 pass interceptions over those two seasons.

Hutchinson finished his career in 1982 with 18 total interceptions, making five steals in that 1982 campaign, after pilfering a career-best six passes in 1981.  Overall, the hard-hitting defender, who clearly had great ball-hawking skills to boot, ended his career with 178 total tackles and five (5) recovered fumbles to complement his 18 interceptions.

He had a career-best 53 total tackles, with 38 solo stops, a fumble recovery and a pair of interceptions as a redshirt sophomore in 1980.

TERRY GILES (Basketball, 1986-90) – This scintillating point guard helped lead the Rattler Basketball team to a three-year run of success in the Division One era, which included back-to-back appearances in the MEAC Tournament finals in 1988 and 1989.

The Conyers, Georgia backcourt ace finished his career number one all-time in assists with 607, third in career steals with 278, and fifth in field goals made with 528.

Giles led the Rattlers in assists for three consecutive seasons, dishing out 170 assists in both 1990 and 1988, and 155 in 1989.  He was a first-team All-MEAC in 1990, averaging 17.6 points along with 170 assists, a year after earning second-team All-MEAC honors in 1989, when he had 155 assists and 89 steals, as FAMU stormed into the MEAC Tournament finals. 

Giles shared the 1988 Rattler backcourt with Hall of Famer Aldwin Ware, who led the nation in steals, while the pair led FAMU to a school-record 22 Division One wins, and berth in the MEAC Tournament Finals.

He was recognized by the Extra Point Club in 1988-89 and 1989-90, and was named All American basketball team in 1989-90.  Giles was invited to the Miami Heat summer camp in 1990, then played professionally overseas in New Zealand for the Ottago Nuggets and Hawks Bay Hawks in New Zealand from 1990-91 to 1992-93.

He was voted the league’s Most Outstanding Guard, leading the league in assists, and was selected by the New Zealand basketball Federation League for their All Star Five in 1992-93.

STEVE SCRUGGS (Football, 1967-70) - Forever remembered as the quarterback who engineered arguably the biggest victory in FAMU Football history, St. Petersburg, Florida native Steve Scruggs held the reins of coach Jake Gaither’s powerful offensive attack which outgunned the University of Tampa, 34-28 in a milestone event for college football in November of 1969.

That historic game featured for the first time in history a Southern historically Black College against a Southern predominately White school in football, and the Rattler victory changed the way HBCU coaches, players and teams were viewed by the larger society and the mainstream media.

Unquestionably it was the poised left-handed Scruggs who played the pivotal role in the win, passing for 189 yards and one touchdown, on 22 completions, while finishing as the Rattlers’ second-leading rusher in the game with 111 yards, highlighted by an electrifying 47-yard scramble – the game’s longest run.

Scruggs would lead the Rattlers to an 8-1 finish as a junior, after topping the Grambling Tigers, led by coach Eddie Robinson, 23-19 in the 1969 Orange Blossom Classic, earning MVP honors. He was named 1969 Offensive Player of the Year.

He would earn the first of two All-American and All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference notices for his efforts in 1969, after he passed for 1,271 yards and eight touchdowns on 101 completions, while rushing 64 times for 312 yards and three more scores.

Scruggs would finish his career with an encore All-American campaign in 1970, passing for 1,576 yards and 11 touchdowns on on 128 completions, earning a second MVP award in the Orange Blossom Classic, while repeating as Offensive Player of the Year. He also had one of the longest scoring runs from scrimmage, a 97-yard gallop in against North Carolina A&T in 1969.

JANELL STATON (Softball 1993-97) - Staton was the first Lady Rattler Softball superstar, a versatile lass who played the field (shortstop) as capably as she pitched, adding the third dimension of prowess on offense.

One of the first standout players from the Lake Wales (Fla.) High pipeline, Staton helped lead FAMU to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles in three of the the four seasons she played (she missed one season, 1994, due to injury), in 1993, 1995, and 1997, reaching the finals in 1996.

FAMU also advanced to two NCAA play-in series in 1995 and 1997, extending Cleveland State to a third and deciding game in 1997.

Staton’s slender build, tremendous range, and smooth fielding skills in the infield, quickly earned her the nickname “Smooth Criminal,” ala the Michael Jackson hit song.

She finished her four seasons at FAMU with a .382 career batting average, #2 all-time, while finishing #5 all-time in both runs scored (135), and Earned Run Average (2.78); #6 in career pitching wins (29-25); #7 in stolen bases (48 of 59); #8 in complete games (44); #9 in total hits (187), and pitching strikeouts (179); #10 in pitching appearances (64).

In her collegiate debut campaign (1993), Staton helped lead FAMU to the first of three straight MEAC titles, hitting .418, scoring 57 runs, driving in 37 runs and stealing 21 bases. As a pitcher, she had a nifty 1.74 ERA

In 1996, Staton hit .364, topping the team in hits (63), doubles (8) and RBIs (41), while in the pitching circle, she won 11 games with 3.22 ERA, with 85 strikeouts, three (3) shutouts and 24 complete games.

In 1997, she led the team in hits (60), home runs (4), and RBIs (35). Also had a 2.95 ERA in her senior season.

LINDA THOMAS MINOR (Women’s Basketball, 1978-81) - Known as the franchise by the Rattlerette basketball fans and she greatly earned the title. A versatile court performer who was part of laying the foundation for the burgeoning Rattlerette Basketball program of the late 1970s and early 1980s, forward Linda Thomas made a major impact both offensively and defensively during her career.

She finished her time at FAMU at No. 17 in the career scoring charts with 1,017 career points, becoming just the second Women’s player to reach the 1,000-point plateau, and she was the first Women’s player ever to eclipse 600 rebounds, pulling down 621 caroms, tied for 13th all-time with Natalie White.

A two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) and recipient of collegiate All-State honors, Thomas led the team in scoring as a junior in 1978-79 (13.7 ppg) and 1979-80 (16.9 ppg). As a freshman in 1978-79, Thomas led the team in rebounding (8.2), and the following season, she led the club in field goal percentage, shooting 49.2 percent from the floor.

She finished #11 in career free throws made (239), hitting a team-best 118 charity tosses in 1980, while also leading the team in free throw percentage three seasons in a row (1979, 1980, 1981), hitting a nifty 79 percent of her foul shots in 1979-80.

Thomas also helped establish the steal as a hallmark of Rattlerette defensive excellence beginning under then coach Mickey Clayton.

Thomas finished her career, ranking #10 all-time in steals (204), twice leading the team in that category in 1980 (74) and 1981 (75).

ALVIN HOLLINS, JR., Hall of Fame Chair
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Solomon: Charles McClelland's departure leaves huge void at TSU Photo of Jerome Solomon

HOUSTON, Texas -- The bad news for TSU is that athletic director Charles McClelland is leaving to become the commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

There is no good news.

That McClelland built what should be a sustainable program during his 10-year tenure is but a ray of sunlight on an otherwise dark day.

Not to put too much pressure on his successor, but McClelland isn't just one of the most influential men in HBCU athletics, he is one of the best athletic administrators in the country.

That compliment is offered without a qualifier, so don't look for one.

I have dealt with dozens of ADs since I started covering the Big 12 for the Chronicle 20 years ago this month, and not a one was better at their job than McClelland.

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Former CU hoopster retires to second career

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – For the second time this summer, a former Chowan University men’s basketball player has left the professional ranks, but he leaves an outstanding career behind.

Suffolk native Quinton McDuffie officially announced his retirement in July, ending a five-year career that took him from eastern Asia to South America and back and forth across several continents.

While his leave-taking from the sport he’s played since childhood was bittersweet, McDuffie will now pursue another lifelong dream: working in law enforcement.

“I have so many fans from across the world as well as in the 252 area that ask me all the time if I am still playing ball,” McDuffie says with a laugh from his home in Huntsville, Alabama.

A 2013 Criminal Justice Major at Chowan, McDuffie went on to earn a Masters degree in Criminology from Troy University in Montgomery, AL.

“I want to show my family, friends, and fans all the things I’ve done thanks to the game of basketball,” he added. “I also hope to show them the next phase in my life as well.”

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S.C. State Bulldogs Resume Drills After First Scrimmage

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- The South Carolina State Bulldogs resumed its regular schedule preseason drills Monday (Aug. 13th) after a two-hour session in full gear at Dawson Stadium/Willie Jeffries Field.

The Bulldogs wrapped up their ninth (9th) overall fall practice, after completing their first scrimmage this past Saturday.



"We had a chance to look at some film and evaluate the new players after Saturday's scrimmage," said head coach Buddy Pough. "I saw some signs of improvement but I also notice some things we need to improve on quickly. The one thing that gives me hope that we are going to be a pretty good football team is the enthusiasm of the players we have out here."

Pough stated, "I like what I see from special teams, especially our kicking game. We should be a lot better this season in previous years. We have two new kickers that will help us tremendous along with Preseason All-MEAC punter Cliff Benjamin, Jr."

The Bulldogs return to the field on Tuesday (Aug.14th) afternoon at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday (Aug. 15th ) at 9:30 a.m., Thursday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. and Friday (Aug. 17th ) in a 9:30 a.m. morning session, all in full gear before their second preseason scrimmage on Saturday (Aug. 18th ) at 10:30 a.m.

The annual "Meet the Players Day/Fan Fest," hosted by The S.T.A.T.E Club, is set for Saturday, Aug. 25, from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. School supplies will be given away by Bulldog coaches and players to the first 120 kids in attendance.

Five (5) former Bulldogs will be inducted into the 2018 South Carolina State Hall of Fame during a special induction Ceremony Friday, Sept. 14th at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Tickets are still available at $50 per person or $450 per table (10). For more information, contact the SC State Ticket Office.

Season tickets for S.C. State's five-game home schedule remain available. Reserved seating is available and may be purchased by contacting the S.C. State Ticket Office by phone at 803-536-8579 or online at www.scsuathletics.com.

Virginia State's Trenton Cannon aiming for the NFL in Jets' camp

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Trenton Cannon returned one punt his entire senior season at Virginia State. He ran it back for 15 yards.

Cannon, a running back who excelled in almost every other area of football, has never been a punt returner, but it’s one of the reasons the New York Jets made him a sixth-round pick in this year’s draft.

“I never did it up until now,” Cannon said Monday at the Redskins-Jets joint practices. “They think I can be a weapon at this level.”

It was a big homecoming for Cannon, who practiced in front of a crowd that included some of his college coaches and teammates, as well as his mom.

His NFL journey started shortly after winning the Lanier Award as the state’s best small college player.

In preparation for the draft, he spent time learning how to catch a punt, in case he would be asked to do that at the NFL level.

The day after his pro day, Jets special teams coach Brant Boyer lined up a special workout for Cannon, in part devoted to punt returns. He nailed it, and now the Jets are training him to be the team’s No. 3 running back, as well as a kick and punt returner.

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