Transfers and Morgan State Bears, Oh my!

BALTIMORE - Morgan State returns 50 of 64 lettermen from a team that went 5-6 last year. But if the Bears want to post their first winning season since 2003 and challenge for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title and automatic berth in the 16-team NCAA Tournament, the performances it receives from some of its newest players will be more important.

Bears are MEAC dark horse, but are loaded with experienced talent (Mark's Digital Photography).

Morgan State is expecting to receive an immediate boost from several transfers from Football Bowl Subdivision teams, including redshirt junior quarterback Carlton Jackson (Akron), sophomore receiver Edward Morton-Green (Miami of Ohio) and senior safety Joseph Ellis (Illinois).

“It’s one thing when you don’t know what you have, you try to push [the start of practice] as far back as you can,” Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley said. “But when you know you have some players coming in, and you have a chance, you can’t wait.”

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Frustration lives at A&M

Team's scrimmage doesn't put smile on Jones' face

Alabama A&M's second preseason scrimmage Tuesday night looked a lot like the first one and that drew the ire of coach Anthony Jones. Last Saturday, A&M's defense got the best of the offense. Tuesday was much of the same. Offensively, the Bulldogs showed some big-play capability, but weren't nearly as consistent as Jones wants the unit to be. "There were a lot of encouraging things out here tonight, but there were some discouraging things, too," he said. "We've got to be more consistent."

Some things that encouraged Jones:

- The rushing and receiving of tailback Anthony Green.
- The play of wide receivers Rashad Johnson and Thomas Harris.
- Quarterback Kevin Atkins was terrific at times.
- The offensive line did a nice job run blocking and pass blocking.

Some things that discouraged Jones:

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DSU & UD Coaches take heat from field to kitchen

Charity cook-off features DSU, UD football rivals

The University of Delaware and Delaware State University faced off Monday evening in Dover. But the heat was not on the football field, it was in the kitchen. UD football coach K.C. Keeler and DSU coach Al Lavan matched sautées for a charity cook-off event at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, whipping up Fiery Hornet Chili and Blue Hen Chicken in a five-minute cook-off.

The match resulted in a draw, with Lavan taking honors for his spicy beef chili and Keeler winning with his blue corn chip-crusted organic chili. "At least the coach and I agree on one thing: Blue Hens are meant to be eaten," Lavan said after sampling Keeler's chicken.
















Perhaps not as historic as last year's football match between the two big Delaware universities, the coaches viewed the cook-off as a way to draw attention to the schools.

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MEAC Releases Volleyball Preseason Poll

Will 2008 be the Year of the Lady Hawks?

Florida A&M University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore were picked as the preseason favorites in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) southern and northern divisions, as voted on by the leagues head volleyball coaches and sports information directors.

The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers, who were slated to finish first in the Southern Division, completed the 2007 season with an 8-0 MEAC mark and 18-8 overall record en route to their seventh consecutive MEAC volleyball title. They return four starters including 2007 MEAC Rookie of the Year Jovana Blazeski. Blazeski recorded two 20-plus dig outings and seven 20-plus kill performances. She also tallied double-digit kills in 25-of-26 games played.

Florida A&M received 21 first place votes for a total of 261 points to earn the top preseason selection.

North Carolina A&T was predicted to finish second in the Southern Division with 183 points, followed by Bethune-Cookman (177), South Carolina State (154) and Norfolk State (149).

Maryland Eastern Shore Lady Hawks received 17 of the possible 22 first place votes to earn the nod to finish atop the northern divisional standings. The Lady Hawks posted a 10-0 MEAC mark in 2007 and a 24-4 overall record. They return six starters, three of which earned All-MEAC honors including 2007 MEAC Player of the Year Whitney Johnson, Christina Estebane’ and Caylin Woodward. Johnson ranked among the top three in the league in kills, hitting percentage and points.

Morgan State was picked second in the Northern Division with three first place votes and 191 total points, followed by Delaware State (172), Howard (169), Hampton (143) and Coppin State (114).

Conference play begins on October 3 with all MEAC northern and southern teams in action. The 2008 MEAC Volleyball championship is scheduled for November 14-16 in Holland Hall on the campus of Hampton (Va.) University.

2008 MEAC Volleyball Predicted Order of Finish
(As voted on by the leagues head coaches and sports information directors)
(First place votes in parentheses)

MEAC Northern Division
Maryland Eastern Shore (17) - 245 pts.
Morgan State (3) - 191 pts.
Delaware State -172 pts.
Howard (2) - 169 pts.
Hampton - 143 pts.
Coppin State - 114 pts.

MEAC Southern Division
Florida A&M (21) - 261 pts.
North Carolina A&T -183 pts.
Bethune-Cookman (1) - 177 pts.
South Carolina State - 154 pts.
Norfolk State - 149 pts.

Courtesy: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

UAPB Poised For Success Under Coleman

The Monte Coleman era has begun at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Defensively, the Lions return 8 starters that could be the reason they go back to Birmingham, AL for the SWAC championship. Offensively, senior Jonathon Moore will lead the Lions this season. They're offensive line averages over 350 pounds and that's good news for running backs Martell Mallet and Mickey Dean.

For more Golden Lions highlights...view Video below:

Rodgers-Cromartie (TSU) hurt at practice

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a four-year starter at Tennessee State University, was taken off the practice field on a cart after injuring his right ankle on Tuesday. Rodgers-Cromartie, the Cardinals' top draft pick, rolled his right ankle during drills halfway through practice and did not return to the field.

Arizona Coach Ken Whisenhunt spoke briefly after practice but provided little detail on Rodgers-Cromartie's condition. "We'll know more tomorrow," Whisenhunt said. "He tried to go but it's a little sore so we'll see tomorrow." The Cardinals drafted the speedy 6-foot-2, 182-pounder with the 16th overall pick.

Rodgers-Cromartie is expected to push for playing time in the defensive backfield this season and worked with the starting unit several times...

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Weather wet, OK for FAMU workout

Defense shines early for Rattlers

Joe Taylor stepped back, applauding at midfield as a buzzer sounded to signal the end of the first day of practice in pads. "In all honesty, it couldn't have worked out much better," he told the team, leaving no question about how he felt after seeing the Rattlers work out for two hours during a steady drizzle.

Rattlers Running back Demitric Henry.

"It was a double- whammy on them —- first day in pads and they had to deal with the elements," Taylor said. "It was a bonus for us. We got better as a result of that."

If there was a unit that could have been singled out for consistency, it would have been the defense. "I liked the energy level," Taylor said. "They created some turnovers, and they made some tackles. Overall, for the first day in pads I think we're making progress." The unit seemed to have a one-track mind — find the ball — all afternoon.

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S.C. State Bulldogs Motto: ‘Shut Up and Play’

This year’s preseason camp at South Carolina State has moved along on the quiet side.
Missing is the open talk about winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship. Through Wednesday’s practice, there were no public proclamations about this being “The Year of the Bulldog.” Even getting selected as the preseason favorite to win the conference title does not encourage braggadocio from the players.

Taking a cue from head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough, the Bulldogs have adopted a more humble yet pointed approach towards the upcoming season - one based on less “bark” and more “bite.” In other words, it’s just “Shut Up and Play” for S.C. State.

“Coach Pough was just getting tired about everybody saying that we were picked to win,” senior co-captain and center Raymond “Duck” Harrison said. “Okay, we’re picked to win. So, blah, blah, blah...

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Smith leads SU's deep RB corps

Southern University has to replace running back Darren Coates this season. Or not. Well, at least, or not really. Coates had a phenomenal breakout season as a senior, earning All-Southwestern Athletic Conference second-team honors while rushing for 732 yards and seven touchdowns and catching a team-high 49 passes for 566 yards and five TDs.

Jaguars top tailback Kendrick Smith, #33 is roaring to start the season

Because that blend has never been seen to that level before in the Pete Richardson era, while Southern needs to find a replacement, trying to find an exact fit is not necessarily the goal. As it was, Coates’ pass-catching developed through the season. “He had the uncanny ability to get out of the backfield, stretch the defense and catch the ball,” offensive coordinator Mark Orlando said of Coates. “He was more of a prototype pro...

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COLTS/NFL: Getting to know Chad Simpson (Morgan State)

Click here to view:
Colts Running back Chad Simpson Photo Gallery

Position: Running back.
Jersey No.: 35.
Height, weight: 5-9, 216.
Age: 22.
Hometown: Born and resides in Miami.
College: Morgan State University.
Pro tenure: Rookie, undrafted.

How did you feel about your first preseason game? "I was excited. To finally be out there playing against an actual NFL team, it was just crazy the way time has gone."

You're another football player from Florida, huh? "You're always being compared to the Willis McGahees and the Frank Gores. You've got to live up to that hype down there, which is not hard. All you've got to do is just get a chance and show what you can do. I've been doing this since I was 7."

Hobbies? "I like to play the Nintendo Wii, the Olympics, and run a 9.7 in the 100 in track. You run with the arm motion. I'm about a 10.3 in real life."

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Three transfers join AAMU Bulldogs

Ex-Mississippi St. star received All-SEC honorable mention

Alabama A&M, in desperate need of a left tackle after preseason All-Southwestern Athletic Conference pick Darius Turner was ruled academically ineligible almost two weeks ago, landed a big one Monday when former Mississippi State standout Michael Brown practiced with the Bulldogs for the first time.

Brown, 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, graduated with a degree in Business Communications and will work on his master's in Family & Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Human Development/Family Studies at A&M. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

"I talked to a lot of people before I made the decision to come here," said Brown, who picked A&M over Georgia Southern, Grambling and Jacksonville State. "(MSU coach) Coach (Sylvester) Croom and (A&M coach) Coach (Anthony) Jones are close. Coach Jones has a lot of experience, runs a good program and the offense they run is similar to what we ran at Mississippi State.

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SCSU Dogs' 'D' dominates Monday evening session

South Carolina State, following a day off Sunday, returned to the practice field Monday as the Bulldogs conducted two workouts. The Bulldogs conducted a 6:15 a.m. drill in full pads, then came back for a 6:50 p.m. workout in just shorts, helmets and shoulder pads.

S.C. State head coach Buddy Pough termed the morning session a lively and productive one, attributing his team’s performance to the cool temperatures. The evening practice, which was mostly devoted to the passing game – both offensively and defensively – was dominated by the defense, according to Pough.

“Going early gave us a chance to get in a real productive practice,” Pough said “Not having to worry about the weather, allowed us to maintain our focus and be more productive.

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North Carolina A&T Brown promoted to AD

GREENSBORO -- There are some subtleties to Wheeler Brown, a friendly sort with the frame of a bear. But Monday, the former Aggie football player spoke like an offensive lineman, not a diplomat.

"My No. 1 goal would be for us to get our swagger back," said Brown, who was named athletics director at his alma mater on a full-time basis Monday. "There was a time when we were kings. If you wanted a championship, you had to come through Greensboro to get it, and you had to fight like hell to get it. We're going back to those days. That's it."

Brown, who had been AD on an interim basis since Dee Todd was reassigned in November 2007, is familiar with the full spectrum. As a player in 1975, he helped the Aggies...




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At Bethune, Alvin Wyatt has a true 'home' edge

Alvin Wyatt clearly enjoys being flashy. Bethune-Cookman's football coach has maybe the most distinctive sideline wardrobe in the game. Shirts opened to mid-chest, gaudy jewelry dangling from his neck, sunglasses, pointed shoes with a glossy shine. And when he's away from the football field, he sometimes can be found driving around Daytona Beach in his luxury sedan. It's simply part of his lore, the way he's always been, the way he'll always be.

Yet Wyatt also has a simple side, the one that is the backbone of his football program.

BCU Wildcats head football coach Alvin Wyatt(Mark's Digital Photography).

For nearly three decades, the Bronson Residential Complex - the Bethune dorm that houses most football players, wedged between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and the team's practice field - has been his year-round home. He eats alongside the students, shares a bathroom with them, rides the same elevators, walks the same hallways. His reason? Officially, it's to save money, since he isn't exactly one of football's higher-paid coaches.

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Cotton Bowl to host Texas Southern vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff

The Cotton Bowl has added a major sporting event Thanksgiving weekend as it hosts the Dallas Lone Star Classic football game between Texas Southern and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The game is scheduled for Nov. 29 at 2:30 p.m. The Lone Star Classic represents a coup for Fair Park and the Cotton Bowl because it will be held on a day when the stadium is otherwise quiet, said Daniel Huerta, executive general manager of Fair Park.

"This is going to add another mix to that long weekend and provide a new option for people to come out," Huerta said. "For families that may be in town for the Thanksgiving holidays, you now have a football game that you can go to at the Cotton Bowl."

Fair Park and BE Entertainment, the game's promoter, have a one-year contract for the game at the Cotton Bowl.

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SU WRs find right numbers

Southern wide receivers Curry Allen and Corderious Gregory are so alike. Both are 6-foot-3 and sleekly athletic. Both have put in their time working their games and bodies preparing for their turns. And both will get their turns this season. Saturday, they shared something else in common. Both donned their new game numbers for the first time.

Allen is now No. 13 — from No. 85. Gregory is now No. 4 — from No. 82. The mindset is this: A new season calls for a new attitude and new mojo, signaling a break from the days when they were buried in the depth chart. Allen, a junior known best as a threat to use his speed and length off the edge to block kicks last season, said, “Nobody’s heard of Curry Allen as a wide receiver. I’m trying to make my mark.”

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Daunting task for Hampton's Holmes

Quarterback T.J. Mitchell (Mark's Digital Photography).

Excerpt:

Who will be the Pirates' quarterback?

Not, apparently, T.J. Mitchell, who threw for 2,309 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 173-for-332 passing as a redshirt sophomore last season. Holmes said Mitchell is academically ineligible this fall, leaving HU's offense in the hands of redshirt sophomore Herbert Bynes, who played in three games last season, completing 7 of 15 passes for 114 yards.

"(Bynes) is a leader," Holmes said. "He's a good student. He has great character, works hard. He had some success (last year). He was a pretty good quarterback coming out of high school." The other quarterbacks on HU's roster are freshmen Darius Jackson out of John Marshall High in Richmond and Phillip Dunegan from Centreville High.

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Baltimore proving to be Bears’ den - Morgan State eyes Mid Eastern Athletic Conference

BALTIMORE - Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley doesn’t have to continually remind his players of their goal of winning a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title any more — they do it for him. “Before you had to sell them on the fact that they didn’t want to be part of a losing tradition and they just wanted to be competitive,” Hill-Eley said. “I hear them talking about championships, but I see them doing extra laps, I see them putting in extra time in the weight room.”

MSU Bears returns eight starters from a defense that ranked second overall in the Football Championship Subdivision (1-AA)(photo by Mark's Digital Photography).

The Bears, coming off of consecutive 5-6 seasons, have their sights set on a MEAC title and automatic berth in the 16-team Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. Morgan State’s six losses last season, were by an average of 6.5 points, with none by more than eight.

Offensively, the Bears must replace Chad Simpson, the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year last season. The leading candidate to fill the void left by Simpson, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent, is redshirt sophomore Devan James, who rushed 418 yards and two touchdowns on 85 carries last season.

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Rattler pride rears its head

Watching the NFL draft the last couple of years during his professional career wasn’t easy for Earl Holmes. There was a problem somewhere, Holmes thought. That no FAMU Rattlers’ names were being called bothered him. Other schools around the MEAC have been producing NFL caliber players consistently. Bethune-Cookman and Hampton universities have sent quite a few since FAMU’s Quinn Gray went to the NFL in 2002.

And Gray had to take the free agent route to the NFL after graduating from FAMU. “We are not the big dog anymore,” Holmes said. “There were bigger fish in the pond and that got to me a little bit.” That has to be what they call Rattler pride. In the last 12 years, Holmes and Gray are the only former Rattlers to have played in the NFL.

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FAMU speedster Donovan Johnson ready to play

The Florida A&M football media guide says Donovan Johnson didn’t play in 2007.
It doesn’t say why the defensive back from Miami wasn’t on the field with his teammates. If there’s a medical term for the redshirt junior’s absence, it would be this: broken heart.

Johnson, perhaps the fastest player on the team, was prepared to be a starter last season. He had worked hard during the summer and, by all accounts, had a good preseason camp. But the day before the season opener against Southern, Johnson was informed he had “paperwork” problems.

He switched majors after his sophomore year, choosing to pursue a degree in criminal justice instead of accounting. Even though he’s on track to graduate in the spring after four years at FAMU, at the start of his junior year Johnson did not have enough credit hours toward his new major, according to NCAA rules.

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Transfers to HU want to rise after their falls

Hampton University head football coach Jerry Holmes (Mark's Digital Photography).

Excerpt:

The business of second chances is serious, especially when others are counting on your redemption. First-year head coach Jerry Holmes isn't concerned about the transfers' tainted history repeating. He believes the character of his team and coaching staff will help keep them on track.

"We've got to monitor these kids and make sure that we keep the proper people around them," Holmes said. The players "feel like they got a bad deal from their previous school, so they want to come here and say, 'Now I'm gonna show them.'"

There are adjustments, to be sure. Coker, who enrolled in Hampton in January, said he spent his first two months at the school sleeping, until his teammates introduced him to new people. Bryant Miller, a defensive end who transferred from Auburn, said he feels welcome at Hampton, but "in the beginning, it was rocky ...

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SSU conducts first football scrimmage

Hunter snags two interceptions

The sounds of sawing, hammering and drilling echoed throughout Savannah State's campus Saturday morning. It started at T.A. Wright Stadium, which is being renovated, and drifted to the practice field near Tiger Arena, where SSU's football team did some building of its own.

The offense worked on mastering the Tigers' new spread offense during the first scrimmage of fall practice. SSU's six quarterbacks took turns operating the no-huddle attack, which involves spreading the field vertically and horizontally to open up gaps for the running and passing games to exploit.

First-year head coach Robby Wells and offensive coordinator Alan Hall frequently had the Tigers use four wide receivers - three to one side of the field - and one running back. The quarterbacks often worked from the shotgun formation. "It's a multiple-set offense because we can go from two backs and two tight ends all the way to no backs and five wide receivers," Wells said.


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UAPB Coleman glad to be in heat and pads

Friday was Monte Coleman’s kind of day. The sun was shining and he was on the football field. After two days of rain and cooler temperatures brought a reprieve from the nearly triple-digit temperatures to his team, Coleman was glad to see the mercury rising Friday.

“We needed the heat,” Coleman said. “Even though we play mostly night games, to condition in the heat gives you that extra endurance. Yesterday was a good practice day. Guys flew around. It gave them a break because it wasn’t real hot, which allowed them to run to the football.” Though Friday was the Golden Lions first day in full pads, the team still has a few players struggling with injuries. Freshman receiver Gionni Harris was noticeably limping during Friday’s practice, the result of a hamstring injury.

“We want to be patient with his injury. We don’t want it reaccuring,” Coleman said.

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Blount pleased with Winston-Salem Rams' first practice

Rams head football coach Kermit Blount has to replace star quarterback Monte Purvis, who has graduated (photo by Mark's Digital Photography).

Coach Kermit Blount saw the whole spectrum at Winston-Salem State's first football practice yesterday. There was good and bad, but through it all, Blount was happy to get an initial look at his team. Eighty-seven players reported to the first practice, including 17 freshmen, and with all those young players, there was plenty of teaching.

"The one thing that we looked for was to see who was in pretty good shape and how far we have to go with that," Blount said. "For the most part, it was pretty good, but the young guys did make some mistakes. But that's why we practice, to fix those mistakes before our first game."

The question that will hover over preseason camp, possibly until the season opener Sept. 6 against N.C. A&T, is who will be the quarterback?

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WSSU's Darrell Wonge signs to play basketball in Japan

Darrell Wonge, a former forward at Winston-Salem State, has signed a professional contract to play for the Tsusho Toyota Eagles in Nagoya, Japan.

Click here to view team and Japan Basketball League: Tsusho Toyota Fighting Eagles

Wonge (6-6, 210) was noticed at a showcase for players from major and mid-major schools. The Fighting Eagles play in the JBL2 League and finished 14-2 last season. “I’m just happy that I got the opportunity to live out my dream of playing professional basketball,” Wonge said. “It was nerve-wracking at first especially after a number of other opportunities fell through, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity that I’ve received.”

At WSSU, Wonge had career totals of 845 points, 408 rebounds, 89 assists and 74 steals. He averaged a career-best 10.7 points and had a career-high 150 rebounds last season as a senior.

His best game was when he scored a career-high 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting as Winston Salem State University dropped a close one to Hampton University, 64-62, on January 21, 2008. Wonge played high school ball at Malverne High School, Lakeview, New York.

He is the second former Ram to sign a professional sports contract at the upper division level in as many months with former WSSU defensive end William Hayes signing with the NFL Tennessee Titans in July. Wonge will depart for Japan on September 1, 2008.

Follow Darrell Wonge's team and career at: Tsusho Toyota Fighting Eagles .

ASU offense has 'D' back on its heels

'Bama State head football coach Reggie Barlow

Alabama State's first scrimmage of the fall was summed up in just one word by head coach Reggie Barlow -- "pleasing." It was pleasing to the coaches, pleasing to the players and especially pleasing to the approximately 250 fans at Hornet Stadium. ASU's new spread offense moved the ball efficiently, the quarterback play was solid, the kicking game was sound and the defense got its shots in when it mattered.

"It's hard to judge being out here on the field just how good it was, but it felt good," Barlow said. "The offense did some good things. Some of that might have been because (defensive coordinator Tony) Pierce didn't have a couple of his horses in. But it was still a nice effort all around."

The focus was on the quarterback position, where transfers Reid Herchenbach and Anthony Speight are battling for the starting role. Both played well Saturday, as the coaches moved them through a variety of starting positions on the field.

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Newcomers make impression in Jackson State scrimmage

Jackson State held its first scrimmage of training camp inside Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday with a handful of newcomers making the most of the opportunity. Freshman quarterbacks Domonick Britt and Dedric McDonald had the best days of their short JSU careers.

Britt hooked up with walk-on Rashad Smith for a 38-yard touchdown pass. He also broke loose for a 39-yard run that was called back because of offsetting penalties. McDonald turned heads with a 33-yard touchdown run up the middle. "They're coming, they're coming," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "They're enjoying themselves now. They're not thinking about anything else right now."

Running back Bloi-Dei Dorzan broke his second long touchdown run in as many days. He ran though a few arm tackles and bounced it to the outside for a 26-yard score. Dorzan, RB Demario Pippen and RB Teravious Mitchell all fumbled the ball during the scrimmage.

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FAMU players focus on 2008 season

FAMU head football coach Joe Taylor (Mark's Digital Photography).

Excerpts:

With two-a-days beginning Monday, FAMU's players will be able to focus on the 2008 season and leave the distractions of the previous year behind them. Wilder leads an experienced group of Rattlers that hope to salvage their careers under the tutelage of legendary coach Joe Taylor. Taylor was hired to replace Rubin Carter last January and brings what he calls his "blueprint of success" down to Tallahassee after spending the last 16 seasons as the head coach at Hampton University.

"There is no magic in winning," Taylor said. "The only thing a coach ever wants is a chance to be competitive." Taylor also brings his two national championship rings to Tallahassee, and wears them ever day as a reminder to the players of what they are aiming to accomplish.

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Former Alcornite and Titans' QB McNair pays visit to UTM

MARTIN, TN - The University of Tennessee-Martin football team has almost finished its first week of practice, and the Skyhawks already got their first big surprise of the season Wednesday. Former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair showed up at practice and gave the team a pep talk before they hit the field.

"It is the work you put in now that determines if you are ready to make that final play in the fourth quarter when it counts," the former NFL co-MVP told the team. McNair was in town visiting his two nephews: Jason and Julius McNair, who are both freshmen for the Skyhawks' football team this year.

UTM head coach Jason Simpson said having McNair, who finished third in the voting for the Heisman Trophy in 1994 despite only playing at the I-AA level at Alcorn State, was good for his team early in fall camp.

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Long’s time coming: Pough, SCSU offense changes to suit former Mr. Football

Malcolm Long stood straight and kept his chin high.

At South Carolina State’s media day early Friday, the sophomore was a popular topic of discussion and rightfully so. With Cleve McCoy graduated, it’s time for the former South Carolina “Mr. Football” to start living up to expectations.

“I’m nervous but excited and happy all at the same time,” Long said. “When it all comes out, I’m just going out and trying to have fun. I’m not going to try to impress anybody. I’m going to try to help my team win a MEAC Championship.”

He might not be trying, but Long has definitely impressed S.C. State head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough. If he succeeds in the new offensive schemes dreamed up by Pough and Howard Feggins, SCSU fans will join the ranks of the impressed soon enough.

SEE BULLDOGS VIDEO: S.C. State Scrimmage Highlights on Aug. 9, 2008

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Deeper Jaguars hitting stride

One week into Camp Richardson XVI, and Southern University coaches still like what they’ve been seeing. “It’s starting to come around on both sides, especially offensively,” Southern coach Pete Richardson said. “I thought the defense would be further ahead (in pace), but the offense is coming around.”

While the entire team has benefited from improved numbers and an infusion of youth, both the offensive and defensive lines have been helped most — far from the spare, patchwork jobs of a year ago. That has given Southern a strengthened core.

As a program, SU evolved to an 8-3 mark last season, and the push is clearly on to hone a more veteran group, whereas recent camps might have gone slower as coaches concentrated more on teaching.

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FAMU senior learning LB position from Rattlers great

FAMU's football preseason is five days old and Vernon Wilder still hasn't clobbered one of his teammates. The Rattlers' leading tackler the past two seasons, Wilder relishes bone-jarring contact. But the players haven't put on pads yet. That will come next week, when two-a-days get under way.

New head coach Joe Taylor has focused on taking care of paperwork, walk-through practices and developing a sense of unity among the players. That's just fine, as far as Wilder is concerned. "I'm excited whenever the pads come on, but I'm not going to rush it," Wilder said. "Coach Taylor knows what he's doing. "Right now we're getting the system in our minds and preserving our bodies."

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Grambling sets high volleyball goals for 2008

By GSU Sports Information

After falling short in the finals of the 2007 SWAC Volleyball Tournament, the Grambling State Lady Tiger volleyball team returned to campus this week hungrier than ever as they began preparing for the 2008 campaign.

Led by head coach Kim Young, the Lady Tigers came within a match of earning a NCAA Tournament bid as they had an emotional SWAC Tournament run that saw them play 25 consecutive games. With an experienced roster returning, expectations are high for the Lady Tigers this season but Young said her team has to get in shape before they move on to anything else.

“The first few days were pretty difficult,” she said. “I sent my players workout manuals that were designed to keep them in shape while on summer break. Half of the players came back in good shape while a few of the younger players thought it would be easy to whip back into shape at the beginning of camp. It took some time for them to get back to where I wanted but mostly everyone is in good condition.”

The Lady Tigers will hold two practices per day until the start of school on August 18. Young said the morning practices will emphasize conditioning while the afternoon session is spent on tactical issues. With a veteran team returning, Young said her goal is to capture the SWAC Championship.

“I’ve worked with this group for several years so we’re on the same page in terms of goals this year,” Young said. While Young has the luxury of experience on her side, she’s also going to spend a lot of time working her freshman group into the mix so they can gain the experience needed down the line.

“After the year is over, I’m going to lose some key seniors so the freshmen will see a lot of action,” said Young. “I have high expectations for them so that this time next year, they’ll be ready to step into the shoes of the seniors and pick up where they left off.”

Grambling opens the year on the road in Tampa Bay, Fla. at the University of South Florida Invitational on the weekend of Aug. 29-30.

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Prairie View A&M men's basketball opens at UCLA

Derek Johnson, 6-1/190 junior guard, Euless, Texas (Blackhawk JC).

Prairie View's men's basketball team will face one of its most daunting schedules, which includes a season-opening trip to fabled Pauley Pavilion to take on national power UCLA.

The Panthers will make the visit to Los Angeles on Nov. 12, taking on a Bruins team that has reached the Final Four in each of the last three seasons under coach Ben Howland. UCLA finished 35-3 last year and despite the loss of NBA first-round picks Kevin Love (Minnesota) and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City), the Bruins are expected to be contenders for the national title.

Prairie View will also make trips to Missouri (Nov. 15) and Hawaii (Dec. 1), along with visits to Baylor (Dec. 13), New Mexico State (Dec. 17) and Colorado (Dec. 19) before opening Southwestern Athletic Conference play at Alcorn State on Jan. 3.

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SEE ENTIRE SCHEDULE, CLICK HERE: PVAMU Panthers Men's Basketball 2008/09 Schedule in pdf format

VIEW: PVAMU Panthers Team Information

Southern finishes first week with team action

The first full week of Camp Richardson XVI concluded with an extended segment of team-on-team action Saturday at Southern’s football practice fields. SU staged around 40 plays from various spots — at the 5-yard line heading out and at the 5-yard line heading in as well as a series of plays in the middle of the field.

The Jaguars worked with alternate units, like the No. 1 offense vs. the No. 2 defense and had a heavy emphasis on the running game, as only 12 passes were thrown. Down and distance weren’t kept. Several main cogs — running back Kendrick Smith (finger), defensive end Vince Lands (tooth), fullback Alvin Fosselman (hamstring) and end Gary Chatman — were held out.

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DSU transfer Walters has been welcome surprise at tailback for JSU

Sometimes things work out in an odd way - just ask Terrell Walters. The Jackson State running back didn't make a lasting impression during two years at Delta State, then came a coaching change in which the two sides didn't exactly see eye to eye. "Basically, I went from a program that they said I really couldn't be anything to a program where I feel I can contribute and make plays," Walters said."

Walters said adios to the Statesmen and transferred to JSU, where he had to sit out the 2007 Southwestern Athletic Conference championship season. The 2008 spring practices came around and suddenly Walters was one of two tailbacks on the roster as Lavarius Giles and Cody Hull had exhausted their eligibility and Erik Haw, who started eight games last season, entered the NFL draft.

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SU’s Selders ready to go out strong

To his friends and teammates, Southern defensive tackle Joseph Selders is known simply as Midnight. To his coach, defensive coordinator Terrence Graves, Selders has another handle. “He’s basically the engine of the train,” Graves said between mops of his brow on a baking Saturday afternoon in Mumford Stadium. “We tell him all the time, how he goes, we go.”

The engine has some helping horsepower. Fellow starters Frank Harry at defensive tackle, Vincent Lands and Don Holloway at ends. Plus the glorious bonus of depth, something that has been desperately lacking on Southern’s front in the past. “You don’t know what a blessing it is to have 15 defensive linemen,” Graves said during SU Media Day.

“There were times we had to do some things, like make a linebacker a defensive end, because of injuries.”

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Former Benedictine star now in QB race at Savannah State

DeFilippis second on the depth chart

A.J. DeFilippis has been on Savannah State's campus for only one week, but he's already made an impact on the football team. DeFilippis, a freshman and former Benedictine standout, is No. 2 on the quarterback depth chart going into the Tigers' first scrimmage today at 9 a.m.

"Right now, I'd probably call it about a three-man race, with (junior JaCorey) Kilcrease probably at the front, A.J. and (freshman) Kurvin Curry," SSU first-year head coach Robby Wells said. "Those three guys are a little bit ahead right now. I'm not saying it's going to stay that way. The other three guys (Javares Taylor, Daniel Wilson and Malik Allah) are working hard."

Coach Robby Wells first Savannah player signee was the 6-foot-4, 181-pound DeFilippis, and the 24th overall.




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Turnovers, injuries are why FAMU shapes up

Coaches realize fatigue hurt Rattlers late

Joe Taylor took one look at the statistics from last season and spotted where FAMU troubles were. Turnovers and not enough participating players throughout the season. But even with last season's a 3-8 record, Taylor is already getting word from around the MEAC that his Rattlers won't be taken lightly. He understands that in part is due to his move from Hampton earlier this year and FAMU's reputation of winning in years long past.

Plus, there is more parity than ever in the league — obvious by Delaware State's turnaround to win the conference title last season. But Taylor said the Rattlers can again become contenders for a championship if they take to heart his mantra about protection of the football. FAMU ended last season with the highest turnover margin with minus 12.

Saturday's media day gave Taylor another platform to stress his concerns about ball control.

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S.C. State and a recipe for success

Reflecting on the just-completed four-part series on the state of S.C. State athletics, the one word that comes to mind is potential. It’s a word that carries both good and bad connotations. Often times, it’s placed on an athlete, team or, in S.C. State’s case, program that has exhibited signs of greatness for the future.

For those who turn potential into success, it’s the fulfillment of expectations. On the other hand, for those who fail to reach those predisposed goals, potential can become a burden too heavy to carry.

Having examined S.C. State athletics over the past summer, I find it evident the school has the means to become a dominating force in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. To their credit, school administrators have done more than a yeoman’s share of work toward providing the resources for all of the programs to succeed.

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Jackson State Tigers' dozing offense awakens

Through four practices, it just wasn't fair.

The Jackson State defense, returning eight starters off the 2007 Southwestern Athletic Conference champions, had been a bully for four straight days. The defensive line was dominant as Sam Washington and Marcus Benard were nearly unblockable off the ends. Dennis Coit, Neal Pogue and Temple transfer Terrence Banks were bruisers inside. The linebacking corps showed no weakness and the defensive backs stuck so close to wanna-be receivers they nearly qualified for common-law marriage.

The atmosphere on the opposite sides of the field couldn't have been more different. Linebackers Marcellus Speaks and Marcus Jamison bounced around shouting at anyone who would listen. Smiles were prevalent after each running back was pounded into the ground, even during no-tackle drills.

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Arkansas-Pine Bluff football attendance ranked in Top 25

Despite having only three home football games last season, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff was ranked in the Top 25 in the nation in average attendance in the Football Championship Subdivision (formally known as Division I-AA).

The Golden Lions averaged 12,542 fans last season, which was good for 23rd in the nation and third-best in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. “All this proves is what we have known all along,” UAPB Director of Athletics Louis “Skip” Perkins said. “We have some of the greatest fans in not only the state of Arkansas, but the entire nation.”

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S.C. State Bulldogs might have found a deep threat

SCSU Bulldogs head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough is favored to win the MEAC title in '08.

ORANGEBURG — Buddy Pough has been searching for a consistent big-play wide receiver ever since Tavarus Morgan departed S. C. State in 2004. After three fruitless years, that hunt may finally be over this season for the S.C. State football coach. That is if Burke High product Oliver "Tre" Young can live up to the high expectations of the Bulldogs coaching staff.

"We really haven't had that deep threat at receiver, the kind of guy that can stretch a defense the way Morgan did, but I have a lot of faith in his ability," said Pough at Friday's Media Day at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. "He's got the speed and the hands, and he got some experience last season. We have a lot of talented young receivers, but I think Tre' has the best chance to emerge as the kind of guy we've lacked out there for a couple of years."

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AAMU new tight ends aim to catch on

Aside from quarterback Kelcy Luke, Alabama A&M's biggest losses on offense were tight ends three-time All-SWAC selection Charles Moody and John Smith. A&M's new tight ends offer few credentials and no numbers to speak of. Todd Leichtfuss and Jeremy Cunningham have caught one pass between them, but despite their lack of playing time and production, they're confident they can be just as effective.

"I feel that we can handle this," said Leichtfuss, a 6-foot-2, 217-pound junior who will serve as the Bulldogs' long- snapper for the third straight year in addition to his tight end duties. "As long as we do our job and not worry about anybody else, everything will take care of itself."

Cunningham was a little more adamant.

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FAMU glad to have ferocious Shipman

Latasha Shipman didn't know it then, but she made a lasting impression on LeDawn Gibson when they first met a few years ago. Shipman journeyed from North Carolina, knowing very well that she'd be competing against some Division I powers in a bid to recruit players from the Winter Haven High School basketball team coached then by Gibson.

Shipman, then an assistant coach at Shaw University, didn't get a single player to commit to playing for the Bears. She made a pretty strong case, though, from what Gibson remembers. "That says a lot about her," said Gibson, who became the women's basketball coach at FAMU earlier this year. "She is aggressive. She just wanted the girls that she thought would have made Shaw successful, and she didn't mind who she was competing against."

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With Clyde Edwards gone, Grambling on the prowl for receivers

GRAMBLING — There are some big shoes to fill in the Grambling receiving corps. Clyde Edwards, the most productive wide receiver in Grambling history, has moved on to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Grambling also lost its second-leading receiver from 2007, Reginald Jackson, as well as tight end Tim Abney, its third-leading receiver.

Those three players combined for 150 receptions, 1,814 receiving yards, and 19 touchdowns last season. This is the SWAC, where airing it out is the norm, so finding a new batch of receivers is vital. Head coach Rod Broadway said Grambling -- who leads his team to its first intrasquad scrimmage tonight -- has plenty of talented players ready to step into the lineup and produce.

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DSU football holds first practice

Hornets senior QB Vashon Winton

DOVER — This is the time of year that sometimes seems to take forever to arrive for Delaware State University football coach Al Lavan and his Hornets. Once the football season begins, everything is a blur. It is just getting to this point that seems to take so painfully long.

But at long last, just before 7:30 on Friday night, Delaware State’s players – about 80 strong – clad in bright red shorts and jerseys, made their way onto the artificial turf surface of Alumni Stadium and got their first preseason practice under way.

It is another season of big expectations for the Hornets, who made their first appearance in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs last season after they won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, their first since 1991.

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