WSSU's Dunston, Jefferson are finalists at QB

With two weeks to go before Winston-Salem State's first game, the quarterback competition is down to two possible starters. Coach Kermit Blount said yesterday that either junior Jarrett Dunston or redshirt freshman Tienne Jefferson will be the starter when the Rams open at N.C. A&T on Sept. 6. "I knew you were going to ask that question," Blount said about the quarterback competition that began with four players vying for the job.

Redshirt sophomore Brian Wynn has been shifted to wide receiver and freshman Branden Williams will likely be redshirted. Whatever Blount and offensive coordinator Nick Calcutta decide, it's expected that Dunston and Jefferson will alternate during games. "I think Nick and I have agreed were going to wait another week to name the starter," Blount said. "We've got some time to figure it out and when we name the starter that guy will get more reps in practice. I feel confident with either one of them because we like some of things Jarrett can do and some of the things Tienne can do."

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Youngsters star at SU camp

For a Southern team that has such a strong core of veterans, the overriding theme of Camp Richardson XVI was, nonetheless, on how all the new guys did. Unlike in leaner past years, there were plenty of newcomers, from freshmen to former nonqualifiers. And while the veterans were such a known commodity, the youngsters showed they weren’t just camp bodies, that they can make an impact this season and in seasons to come.

From the first day of camp, the infusion of numbers and size transformed an offensive line that was a thin, patchwork unit a year ago. Then, the running backs emerged to turn what was a pre-camp concern into what could be the best stable of backs in the 16-season Pete Richardson era — even with minor injuries to the two most veteran rushers.

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Sessoms' legacy clear at DSU

Recently resigned president pushed for bold changes in athletic department

DOVER, DE -- In his first months as president at Delaware State University, Allen L. Sessoms challenged the state's other major college to a regular-season football game, professed his desire to change his athletic department to Division I-A and envisioned new on-campus sports buildings.

Sessoms, who resigned earlier this month to take the same job at University of District of Columbia, made an early name by urging for grandiose changes in athletics. While his tenure will end Aug. 31 without having accomplished those missions, Sessoms' five years was a time of dynamic change in athletics.

DSU 2007 MEAC Football Champions visits with Delaware Governor, Ruth Ann Minner at Legislative Hall in late March 2008. (Seated (L-R): DSU Dir. of Athletics Rick Costello, Governor Ruth Ann Minner and DSU head coach Al Lavan surrounded by Hornets football team during visit to Governor's office).

"From the first day, he said to me, 'This is what we're going to do,' " said football coach Al Lavan, who was Sessoms' first major athletic hire in 2004. "That's his legacy." When Sessoms arrived at DSU from Queens College, he had no experience in athletics. He wasted little time, setting an agenda to build a first-class athletics program.

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Pough, SCSU Bulldogs readying for Central Florida

The Bulldogs have a Ford, but will Will (Ford) be enough for Pough and the Bulldogs to score on the UCF Knights?

It was not an actual game Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, but South Carolina State did its best to create a close simulation. The 2-1/2 hour practice session had the feel of an important dress rehearsal prior to opening night. In the Bulldogs’ case, the big show is the 2008 football season, which opens in a week at the University of Central Florida.

Like a director going over every finite detail in his script, S.C. State head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough had the team go through every possible offensive and defensive scenario it could potentially face against the Knights. From making sure the right personnel is inserted into a game on a fake punt to executing the plays as scripted on the game plan, the coaching staff left no stone unturned.

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Bison Football Expectations Sky High

The Bison football team is ready to exceed their high standards

A new turf, new players and a new attitude are expected to propel the Bison to new heights this season. The Howard Bison football team held its annual media day on Saturday in Greene Stadium. The players and coaches both have lofty expectations for their upcoming season. "I expect us to win the MEAC and to go to the playoffs," said junior defensive lineman James Robinson. The team's high goals are a result of new players, spring training and summer workout sessions.

"This is the first full summer we've had with our strength and conditioning coach," said junior offensive lineman Sean Woolforld. "This year a lot of the guys stayed at Howard to workout during the summer." On the offensive side the Bison want to run the ball effectively to utilize the plethora of running backs that they have. Also effective running will open up the passing game for quarterback Floyd Haigler.

According to offensive coordinator Alvin Harper there are five running backs that can be inserted to the game at any time without a drop off in talent and ability. Harper also said that the offense has about seven players that are a threat to score every time they touch they ball, but the success of the offense ultimately depends on the offensive line.

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Staying home, UAPB Moore now a starter

PINE BLUFF, AR — A lot of teenage boys can’t wait to get away from home after graduating from high school. All it took for Arkansas-Pine Bluff quarterback Jonathan Moore to stay was a chance to play football. Moore, who prepped at nearby Dollarway High School, didn’t move far to land at UAPB. Of course, he didn’t have much of a choice. For Moore, it was pretty much UAPB or bust when it came to football.

Moore spent his junior year of high school splitting time with an underclassman while quarterbacking a Wishbone offense. While his strong arm netted the usual letters of interest from SEC schools, when it came time for scholarship offers, it came down to UAPB, Alcorn State and little else. “I got a couple letters from LSU, but no offers,” Moore said. “That’s pretty much it.” Moore’s time at UAPB has mirrored his time at Dollarway: Even when he’s been at his best, there’s always been someone either just above him or right behind him.

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Alcorn Braves pointing up

Excerpts:

Ernest Jones has no problem speaking his mind. Remember, this is the first-year coach who proclaims Alcorn State will compete for a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship this season, despite astonishing odds against it. Jones has tried to combat the losing mentality with high energy and expectations. But he looked at the seat to his right when asked what was most important for on-field success at the SWAC Media Day in Birmingham. Sitting there was senior linebacker Lee Robinson.

"Defense is the strength of our football team," Jones said. "We'll go as far Lee Robinson will carry us, as he'll lead us. The defense is going to have to carry us until the offense catches up." Jones wants to exploit the entire field by playing quicker and getting the ball snapped within seven seconds of it being set in play. He plans to have a 50-50 run-pass ratio and wants to give the defense something to think about with a variety of formations.

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AAMU Jones has winning recipe

Coach builds A&M into one of nation's elite

Before Anthony Jones was named Alabama A&M's head football coach six years ago, Bulldog fans had gone through a number of coaches. Ron Cooper served for four seasons, leading A&M into the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Bulldogs reached the SWAC championship game in 2000. Prior to that, Ken Pettiford led A&M to three straight winning seasons before being fired. Reggie Oliver, Ray Bonner, George Pugh, Ray Greene, Ed Wyche and others had also held the title. Greene had the job on two separate occasions.

"I've worked with a bunch of them," said A&M defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns, who has been an assistant since 1984 under Wyche. "Unfortunately, none of them have been able to stay around here too long." Except Jones. A former tight end on the Washington Redskins' 1987 Super Bowl team, Jones has not only built A&M's program into one of the best in the SWAC, but one of the best in black college football.

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Grambling Tigers unsettled under center

GSU Running Back Frank Warren will take the pressure off the GSU offense.

Grambling State was picked this offseason to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Western Division for the eighth time since 2000. That was before it lost a fifth-year senior quarterback to ineligibility. Brandon Landers, a former News-Star prep offensive player of the year, fell a credit short and did not report. He started in 2004, ’06 and then last season as Grambling won seven straight games on the way to a runner-up finish in the SWAC.

Gone, too, are top graduated receivers Reginald Jackson and Clyde Edwards, slot starter Tim Abney, center Tavarus Cockrell and right tackle Randall Bennett. Weakside linebacker John Carter, left tackle Everett Edwards and backup quarterback Larry Kerlegan were also lost to ineligibility.

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HU: The 'general' direction

Pirates coach Jerry Holmes says the team is paper thin at the QB position behind Bynes with freshman Darius Jackson, redshirt freshman Devon Jarrett and freshman Blake Tillis.

Herbert Bynes (6-4/236) threw 15 passes last season, but says he's prepared to lead the Pirates.

HAMPTON, VA - He threw touchdown passes, then chucked screens at his receiver's shoetops. He picked up blitzes, but was only saved from a sack in the end zone by his red no-contact jersey. Herbert Bynes' debut as Hampton University's starting quarterback in the Pirates' annual Blue-White scrimmage on Saturday had its ups and downs, but overall, the early returns were good.

"He's a general," said senior wide receiver Kevin Teel, who hauled in a 15-yard bullet from Bynes in the end zone on the quarterback's fifth offensive series. "(It's) definitely his team now. His reign." It's a position Bynes, a redshirt sophomore who threw for 114 yards in three games last season as T.J. Mitchell's understudy, wasn't expecting to fill. But when Mitchell, who threw for 2,309 yards and 17 TDs last year, was ruled academically ineligible this season, Bynes suddenly became the only QB option with HU experience.

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I won't feel sorry for the Pirates for one moment... They are loaded with size, talent and speed on both sides of the football and the Pirates will continue to run Joe Taylor's offense and defenses, successfully. How many of you can name the back up quarterbacks to Steve McNair or Doug Williams? Bynes will burn every defense he faces in 2008, and Hampton will have a very solid year with Holmes working in Joe's shadow...

(beepbeep)

SSU to stay Division I; eyes conference

Excerpt:

According to Claud Flythe, SSU vice president for administration...

Flythe, before speaking briefly at the scholarship extravaganza - but not about SSU's Division I status - told the Savannah Morning News that SSU will remain in Division I. He also said the Tigers intend to join the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and hinted that membership could come as early as December.

"We have had no discussions about going back to Division II," Flythe said of SSU, which left the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and joined Division I in 2002 without conference affiliation. "Savannah State's mission, its goal, its objective right now, is to stay in Division I and to become a full-fledged member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference."

SSU's football program will complete a three-year NCAA probation on May 18, 2009. In 2005, SSU paid the MEAC a $10,000 non-refundable application fee. In 2006, the MEAC put SSU's application on hold until it completes its NCAA probation in 2009. "We are full speed ahead," Flythe said. "We're working very closely with the MEAC's board of directors, and the (MEAC) commissioner, and the NCAA."

Click here to view photos from the SSU scholaship extravaganza.

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ASU Hornets beat the rain to conduct short scrimmage

Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow said he didn't want much out of the Hornets' third and final scrimmage, just 30 to 35 plays or so. He got far less than that, and happily took it. ASU managed to beat the rain Saturday morning, getting in about an hour of work before bad weather put a halt to things.

"We were just happy to get it in," Barlow said. "The defense ran this one. They were a little more ready to play. We came out on offense and had a good first drive. Moved right down and scored. Then, we didn't do much offensively the rest of the way."

Sophomore quarterback Anthony Speight led the Hornets on the first scoring drive, and Barlow praised Speight's play. "It was a good day for him, particularly early," he said. "He made some nice throws and had good control of the offense, it looked like." Speight is locked in a battle with junior Reid Herchenbach for the starting spot. Barlow said last week that ASU will alternate QBs during the season opener at Florida A&M on Saturday to give each player a final shot to win the position.

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Son of FSU star trying to make own name at FAMU

Kenneth DeWayne Lanier politely tells anyone who asks: "Please call me DeWayne." This is but one way the Florida A&M redshirt sophomore is attempting to avoid the massive shadow cast by his father, former Florida State star and 14-year NFL veteran Ken Lanier. It doesn't help that Lanier plays the same position — offensive tackle — as his famous father.

(Orange Jersey)- #76 Kenneth DeWayne Lanier, RS Sophomore, Pharmacy major, 6'-7"/309 Offensive Tackle, Aurora, Colo - Grandview HS.

But if anyone is putting pressure on the pharmacy student to duplicate his father's career — Ken Lanier started in 46 straight games at FSU and went on to play in three Super Bowls — it is the 21-year-old Lanier. He insists his father has placed no such expectations on his son. Nor have the FAMU coaches.

"It's kind of ironic. I think I put the most pressure on myself," he said. "My dad's always encouraged me to be my own man. "Some people think I'm a junior, but I'm not and that's probably the reason. He wants me to be my own man."

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Taylor determined to restore FAMU tradition

Excerpt:

Taylor has sent dozens of players over the years to professional football careers, but he also takes pride in telling of successes such as former Hampton tight end Tim Benson. But none is as famous as Marcus Dixon. Everybody basically is good people and want to do what's right," Taylor said. "They just don't know how to do it. They are looking for leadership and somebody who cares. Every time you save a life, that's what this is all about."

Benson didn't have a high-profile career like Dixon's, but he credits Taylor for keeping him on the path to reach his goal. He's now a medical doctor on the faculty at Harvard University. Benson was part of a losing program before Taylor came along. "It was a world of difference," he said of Taylor's presence. "We thought we knew what discipline was. He brought in a structure. He was about going about business."

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SU's Richardson gets family along with DE Williams

When Southern University coach Pete Richardson signed Delwin Williams, he signed the whole family. That’s just the way it is down Bayou Lafourche. Mom. Grandma, with her own strong Southern heritage. Dad, even if he played a little football at Nicholls State back in the 1980s. Tiny little brother, who has already put on a helmet to watch practice from the sideline earlier in preseason camp. Everybody was there to see Delwin in his navy blue Southern game jersey and all his new teammates Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

All of this love was set in motion at a Fan Day years ago, back when SU went across the Mississippi River to Plaquemine and the Jaguars were amid a dominant run through the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Back then, Williams was just a little guy, smiling and taking a picture with Richardson. That little boy has grown into 6-foot-3and 250 pounds of freshman defensive end.

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Pulley now tests FAMU's Battle

Eddie Battle, named FAMU's starting quarterback during the spring, isn't panicking. He's just getting better. His teammates are seeing it as do the coaching staff — especially since Curtis Pulley's emergence as a Rattler. Given the background of the former University of Kentucky player, he could force a battle for the starting job or at least make the quarterback situation more interesting for coach Joe Taylor.

Pulley has been in camp just three days now, but already Taylor said he's seen an improvement in Battle's performance. Battle said it's just his competitive nature. "I know nothing is guaranteed," he said Friday. "It's kind of keeping me on my toes. It's not that coach (Taylor) didn't have faith in me. I know the guys behind me are pretty young. It would have been a kind of challenge if I were to go down. He wants to prepare for anything."

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Former UK QB Pulley debuts at FAMU practice

Curtis Pulley wants to make a transformation in his personal and football lives. FAMU football coach Joe Taylor is giving him a chance to at least try. Pulley was expected to be a contender for the starting quarterback position at the University of Kentucky, but he was dismissed from the team on Aug. 5 for run-ins with the law. He began his career as a Rattler on Wednesday and took his first snaps Thursday afternoon.

"This is a big second chance for me," Pulley said after alternating snaps with starter Eddie Battle. "It's a fresh start." Pulley didn't practice in pads and will not do so until early next week. FAMU opens the season on Aug. 30 against Alabama State. The wheels to bring Pulley to FAMU started spinning about two weeks ago, Taylor said. Pulley's uncle, Lonnie Pulley, already has a connection to FAMU through athletic director Bill Hayes, who coached Lonnie Pulley at Winston-Salem State.

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Ex-Howard Bison athlete captures bronze in hurdles

It wasn't that long ago that David Oliver was an afterthought on the U.S. track team, a hurdler who went unrecognized by television analysts when he finally won a major race. "A nobody," he said. But Thursday night, the 26-year-old Denver East High School (and Howard University) graduate stood on a podium in National Stadium, a 2008 Olympic bronze medal hanging around his neck, eight years after a college scholarship seemed beyond his grasp.

"They only pass out three of these every four years, so to be one of the people who've got one is definitely an accomplishment in itself," Oliver said. "To get one of them (means) you'll always be remembered." Once Chinese superhero Liu Xiang pulled out of a preliminary heat with a foot injury, the race lost its luster in China. But Cuba's Dayron Robles, the world record-holder, ran a remarkable 12.93 seconds to take the gold.

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SCSU starts gameplan for Central Florida

S.C. State Bulldogs ready for Central Florida.

Since the start of training camp, South Carolina State has taken an inward approach toward its preparation for Central Florida. Making sure the Bulldogs are well-conditioned and prepared for the Aug. 30 season opener in Orlando has taken a higher priority over plotting game strategy for the Knights.

As the days leading to their third matchup in two years against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent, the Bulldogs have turned their full attention toward UCF. Thursday’s practice at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium saw S.C. State enter the beginning stages of putting together the gameplan.

“Camp is essentially over,” Pough said following the session. “We have started our preparation for Central Florida. “Our scout teams are playing a big role in helping us prepare for our first game. We now have to continue to sharpen up, get better every day and be ready to compete.”

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Former Norfolk State fullback adjusting well as linebacker

Excerpt:

Beach District football fans knew Eric Hitch as a fullback last fall. Norfolk State followers will see the First Colonial High School graduate primarily as a linebacker.

There's no question Dennis Brown is the Spartans' starting quarterback, but the backup job is for grabs, with Dexter Merritt and Rakeem Kersey battling it out. Brian Jackson, last year's punter who was a backup QB, is ineligible, though he's in school and hopes to return next fall.

It's the third week of practice and nagging injuries are beginning to take their toll. "We don't have anybody that shouldn't be ready to play" in the season opener at home against Virginia State on Aug. 30, Adrian said.

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JSU athletic group aims to reduce TD passes

Don't get beat deep. Every single defensive back is taught that from the first day of pee-wee football. It is the single most important mantra concerning the secondary.
If nothing else, keep your man in front of you. That concept was easier said than done for Jackson State last year. The Tigers gave up touchdown passes of 20 yards or more 15 times, including at least one in seven of their last eight games.

This weak link was exposed by Alabama State in the fifth game of the year. JSU hadn't allowed a 20-yard touchdown pass until that game. The Tigers, despite winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship, allowed the second most passing touchdowns (20) in the league. Defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes explained that teams started attacking the middle of the field manned by free safety LaBrose Hedgemon, who understood the scheme but did not have the athleticism to always execute it.
























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Heffner stars for TSU both on, off the field

Tigers quarterback is one of OVC's best in classroom, too

On the football field, Antonio Heffner keeps opponents guessing with his ability to run or pass. Away from it, he's as predictable as death and taxes. If he's not pestering offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss with an idea to improve the scheme, the Tigers quarterback is most likely in his room watching television or studying. "Heff don't ever go anywhere," said tight end Antonio Graham. "He's always in the house watching TV, watching sports."

It's that mundane lifestyle that makes Heffner, who is carrying a 3.7 grade point average with a major in criminal justice, a bit of a rarity among college football players. It's also a routine that has helped him become a role model for his teammates and overcome frustrating injuries and other setbacks to become the premier quarterback in the Ohio Valley Conference. He has a steady girlfriend who lives in Memphis...

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Rattlers Hope New Coach Taylor Brings Bite

Florida A&M is relying on new Rattlers to bring some old magic back to its program. Highly successful head coach Joe Taylor will try to put his winning stamp on a Rattlers team that hasn’t tasted much success lately. Taylor, who will get a chance for his 200th career victory in his first year with FAMU, will try to steer the Rattlers back into the postseason for the first time since 2001. Expectations of winning at FAMU are always high, and Taylor and his staff are embracing the challenge.

“If you take the reins of a stallion, you have an opportunity to ride a stallion, you want to ride it well,” said associate head coach George Small. “You want to showcase it well.” It won’t be an easy task. The Rattlers are coming off a 2007 campaign in which they went 3-8 and finished eighth in the MEAC standings under former head coach Rubin Carter.

Offensively, the Rattlers will be an experienced group. Eight starters are returning, including 2007 MEAC rookie of the year Philip Sylvester.

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Sounds of progress a good thing at Southern

There was an echo bouncing around the field as coaches shouted instructions during a scrimmage Wednesday at A.W. Mumford Stadium. The sound felt eerie. That’s not happened before. After a moment to adjust to the strangeness, the sound felt good, deep down good. That’s the sound of progress. The new echo effect is created by the presence of the north end zone expansion.

When the expansion is finished by the summer and the place fills up next fall, there’s going to be a lot more noise. Really, there’s enough in place already to create a good echo even with just the team and coaches in Mumford the other night. Add in a couple thousand fans next season and there’s a nice chunk of sound raining down. As SU has gone to work on the practice fields next to the stadium throughout preseason camp this month, coach Pete Richardson and his staff peek over at the rapid progress on the project that began in March.

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VIEW: http://www.subr.edu/stadiumproject/index.htm

The Lemoine Company is beginning work on a new state-of-the-art 40,000-square-foot sports complex in the North End Zone of A.W. Mumford Stadium on the campus of Southern University in Baton Rouge. The expansion will add 2,500 seats to the 26,500-seat stadium. Along with the stadium enclosure, the project will include new training facilities, lockers rooms, offices, a weight room, sports memorabilia spaces, meetings rooms, about 500 club-level seats and 2,000 end zone seats. With 18 months to completion, construction will begin in February and is scheduled to be completed in July 2009. Total cost for the project is approximately $16.4 million.

VIEW: http://www.lemoinecompany.com/awmumford.htm

Inside UAPB Camp

The excitement is back at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. This is the first year for head coach Monte Coleman and you can see the difference in practice. Defensively, the Golden Lions should be solid with Stewart Franks, Kevin Thornton, Jared Dorn, Ledarius Anthony, and Tim Turner all returning from last season.

Offensively, returning starters include Jonathon Moore at quarterback, Mickey Dean, and Martell Mallet at the running back spot. The Offensive line should be solid and there are high expectations for the upcoming season.

To get an inside preview of Golden Lion camp click on the video icon.

Wright resigns as DSU wrestling coach

DOVER, DE -- For the fifth time in six years, Delaware State must find a new coach for its wrestling team following the departure of Reggie Wright, who resigned over the weekend. Wright coached the 2007-2008 season at DSU after being picked by school president Allen Sessoms and then-athletic director Chuck Bell to stabilize the program. Athletic director Rick Costello said Wright left to pursue "other opportunities."

Costello said he will conduct a nationwide search for Wright's replacement and that he expects to make a hire prior to the start of the season. The team is scheduled to begin practices, with or without a coach, in three weeks. Contacted last week by text message, Wright seemed surprised about questions of his departure. On Wednesday, his phone service had been disconnected.

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Gorman’s Loyd commits to Grambling State

Las Vegas, NV - Recent Bishop Gorman graduate Kevin Loyd missed most of his senior year with the Gaels basketball team recovering from knee surgery. Now, he has a chance at becoming Grambling State’s starting point guard. The 5-foot-10 Loyd committed to the Grambling, La., school last week and started classes Aug. 18. “It’s a blessing in disguise the way things happened,” Loyd said. “I would have never thought I would be in this position right out of high school.”

He had a bone removed from his right knee last September and spent two months on crutches. He saw limited action in 10 games at the end of the year, but had done enough as a junior — 10 points and 7.5 assists per game — to impress Grambling’s staff when Gorman coach Grant Rice gave them game film. “He’s a real good basketball player who we feel will move the program forward,” first-year Grambling coach Rick Duckett said. “We needed leadership and a steady hand at the point and felt he’s someone to build the program around.”

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North Carolina A&T: Playing With Purpose

N.C. A&T will honor fallen teammate while trying to end long losing streak

N.C. A&T's 27-game losing streak meant nothing in late May. The Aggies had more to think about than football, after one of their most popular players -- offensive lineman Chad Wiley -- collapsed after a routine workout May 27 and died the next day of complications from heat-related illness. "We as his brothers are going to miss him," said Tim Shropshire, a close friend and teammate.

The Aggies want to play well this season in honor of Wiley, who had been a two-year starter. They also want to end their losing streak, currently the NCAA's longest. "They had tremendous respect for Chad," Coach Lee Fobbs said. "I think they are going to play like wild bandits for him." Optimism is high, because for the first time in his three seasons at A&T, Fobbs has veteran leaders he can count on.

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Still Time: WSSU's debut in MEAC is two seasons away

For the most part, Winston-Salem State's trek toward full membership in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference has been smooth. The Rams, who will be playing their third season in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA), are 6-8 the past two years against MEAC opponents. They won't be eligible for the conference title until 2010 so they have two more seasons to prepare for that challenge.

The Rams will be much younger this season, but Coach Kermit Blount's expectations haven't changed. "I just expect us to compete hard," Blount said, "and I expect my coaches to have the team prepared to play." There are holes to fill on offense, starting at quarterback. Monte Purvis, a three-year starter, graduated, and a fierce battle for the starting job has been waged in the preseason.

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Grambling's offensive line must mature quickly

GRAMBLING — The responsibility of protecting Grambling's young quarterback — whoever it may be when the Tigers open their season on Aug. 30 against Nevada — will fall on the shoulders of an equally young offensive line. Though the Grambling line will feature two senior starters, it will also feature three freshmen. Corey Williams and Revay Smith, both seniors, line up at left guard and center, respectively. Redshirt freshman Victor Phillips is at left tackle, while true freshmen Greg McGrue (guard) and Quint Roberts (tackle) anchor the right side.

GSU RB Frank Warren misses pass against Pitt last season.

"We' re trying to gel," offensive line coach James Spady said. "You've got a very short period of time to do it in, and we've got new guys coming in. We're trying to find our identity as a group, and it's going to take a little time. It may take halfway through the season, or we may gel next week, but we're making progress, and that's all I can ask."

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Bethune-Cookman's Wyatt Has 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. 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.

VIDEO: http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1569844333/bclid1126080948/bctid1745137062

Barlow to employ ASU QB platoon for starters

A couple of weeks ago, Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow made it perfectly clear he wanted one starting quarterback running his offense. Thursday, he made it perfectly clear that he can't decide between the top two candidates for that position. So, he's going to do what he promised he wouldn't do. ASU will use the quarterback platoon when it opens the 2008 season at Florida A&M next Saturday.

Junior Reid Herchenbach will start the game and play the first and third quarters. Sophomore Anthony Speight will take over in the second and fourth quarters. "It's not ideal and it's not what I want," Barlow said. "But I think it's the only fair things for these two guys (Herchenbach and Speight). We told them both when they came here that they would each have an equal shot at winning the job, and to this point, neither one has outplayed the other."

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JSU Tigers seek consistent answer to line question

The Jackson State offensive line has, by far, been the most difficult position to evaluate during training camp. The group started slow and had shaky efforts in two scrimmages. Penalties and small mistakes have been prevalent. And the starting defensive line has been terrorizing the unit.

On the flip side, the offensive line is visibly better with 10 days left before the season opener against Hampton on Aug. 31 than it was when camp opened. That defensive line that's been winning the battle should be one of the best in the conference. And there's no doubt the O-line group, returning three starters, is physically bigger than the 2007 version.

That yin and yang has led to the offensive line depth chart changing almost on a daily basis.

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Ex-Cat Pulley enrolls at Florida A&M

Curtis Pulley, who was dismissed from the University of Kentucky football team earlier this month, has enrolled at Florida A&M University, Pulley’s new school confirmed Thursday. Pulley, who was projected as UK’s starting quarterback this season, was kicked off the Wildcats team for violating team rules. His off-the-field issues included two incidents this summer involving police. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Pulley was Kentucky’s 2004 Mr. Football at Hopkinsville High School.





















Pully (#15) will have two seasons remaining to play for the Rattlers and is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position with RS Sophomore Eddie Battle.

Pulley split time at backup quarterback and wide receiver during his first two seasons at UK before redshirting last year. He competed with Mike Hartline for the starting quarterback job last spring and was believed to be the front-runner before his troubles began.

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Pair should give boost to Jaguars baseball program

Two of Southern’s latest baseball signees checked in with school beginning this week.

Terrell Stringer, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound right-handed pitcher originally from Phenix City, Ala., was the 1,264th pick (42nd round) by the New York Mets in 2006, when he was a Class 6A All-State honorable mention at Smiths Station High.

Shortstop/second baseman D.J. Henderson (6-2, 175) of Southeastern High School in Detroit was picked in the 30th round, with the 916th overall pick, by the Philadelphia Phillies. Stringer further bolsters a pitching staff, while Henderson can help fill in at second base. “Terrell was the one we had to have,” Cador said. “We tried to recruit him out of high school, and we got him two years later. We needed that one big arm.”

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Southern gearing up for scrimmage

Southern will have a fine-tuning scrimmage tonight in A.W. Mumford Stadium after staging a major evaluation scrimmage Saturday. Tonight’s full-gear workout, around 6 p.m., will be closed, unlike Saturday’s, which was open.“It’s going to be a situational thing, concentrating on down and distance, substitutions, almost like a game situation, if we can get out there,” Southern coach Pete Richardson said.

Richardson said he had no preset idea of how many plays Southern would go. “We’re basically looking at situational stuff, some of the calls we’ve deciphered,” Richardson said.

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New vision for Coppin State athletics

As AD, former NFL player Derrick Ramsey wants the school to become synonymous with the city.

At first glance, it seems an odd choice - Coppin State naming Derrick Ramsey as athletic director. Ramsey, an All-America football star in college, played nine years in the NFL. But Coppin has no football team. Ramsey last worked as Kentucky's deputy secretary of commerce, where he oversaw the state's Fish and Wildlife Service. Around Coppin, the only fish are the fried lake trout in North Avenue carryouts, and wildlife consists of a few squirrels that scrounge for food on the campus quad.

But yesterday, as Ramsey, 6 feet 6 inches, surveyed his new domain, he saw nothing but opportunity - a chance for Coppin to become Baltimore's hometown favorite. "This city is up for grabs," said Ramsey, 51. "There is no one school with which everyone identifies. Baltimore screams out for an institution to take it over, and we're going to do that with integrity and character."

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UMES Tyson is academically ineligible

UMES men's starting basketball shooting guard Ed Tyson will not return to the team next season because he is academically ineligible, the school announced yesterday.

Tyson, an All- Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference second-team player, averaged a conference-best 20.2 points while starting in all 32 games for the Hawks last season. He also led the team with 54 steals, 1,176 minutes, 219 field goals and 73 three-pointers.

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FAMU RB Page powerful

Rattlers freshman LaVonte Page packs a wollop in a 5-11/211 pound frame with wheels that can motor past most cornerbacks.

A voice from the sidelines gave LaVonte Page a little encouragement during Tuesday's football practice. Page had shaken off two defenders, leaving them sprawling on the turf. "To the house," reverberated across the field from the sideline. "To the house, baby." It was great encouragement, but the freshman running back from Douglasville (Ga.) High School has been showing that he is driven for more than a week now.

"That just desire to score," he said, sweat rolling down his forehead. "If you have the desire to score, nobody can stop you. That's all I have to do. "I was taught when you get the ball you cut and run hard," Page said. "I just keep my legs moving. You never know how many chances you get to go into the end zone, so I try to go every chance I can." Page had several explosive runs Tuesday, as he's been doing since arriving on campus.

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Whistler honors former Vigor, Jackson State, NFL star Robert Brazile with street name

ROBERT BRAZILE, former Jackson State All-American linebacker who was a first round draft pick of the Houston Oils and a seven-time Pro Bowl selection with the Oilers. His 1974 JSU class included the legendary RB Walter Payton, 1st round pick and Pro Football Hall of Famer (Chicago Bears) and 20 year NFL offensive tackle Jackie Slater, 3rd round pick, Pro Football Hall of Famer, (Los Angeles/St.Louis Rams). Brazile is the only linebacker from the 1970s All-Decade Team not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Long before he was nicknamed "Dr. Doom" for his brutal hitting in the NFL, Robert Brazile was known as "Catfish," and "Bubba" to his neighbors along Till Street and Felder Avenue in Whistler (Alabama). Brazile was honored Tuesday morning when Robert Brazile Jr. Avenue was unveiled. Brazile — a member of the Prichard Sports and Leadership Hall of Fame, the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame, the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, Senior Bowl Hall of Fame and Alabama Sports Hall of Fame — said it was heartwarming to be recognized by his community.

"Growing up on this street, I had so many parents. I had to answer to everyone up and down this street and I couldn't let them down," he said. "The best part of this dedication is that my parents got the opportunity to see it. People are getting streets named after them every day and their parents aren't around to see it; some of the honorees aren't even around."

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TSU shores up holes on defense with new faces

TSU defensive coordinator Rod Reed.

Tennessee State's new defensive linemen are facing old problems. Not only did the unit struggle against the run last year, but the top linemen also are gone. So Rod Reed, who coached linebackers last year and took over as defensive coordinator this year, is trying to make improvements with young and inexperienced players.

"They get to go against a pretty good offensive line every day in practice so they get their noses bloodied a little bit,'' Reed said. "It's good to watch them sit in there and fight." Even with likes of All-OVC defensive end Shaun Richardson and nose tackle Lamar Divens, who signed with San Diego, TSU finished 88th nationally in run defense (193.5 yards per game) and 74th in total defense (386.4). Harold Ayodele, who rotated at tackle with Maurice Davis, did not to return for his final year of eligibility.

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Support for SCSU pours forth in force

Orangeburg icon and former SCSU Bulldogs legendary head football coach Willie Jeffries served as event Master of Ceremonies.

The city of Orangeburg was truly “Garnet and Blue Country” Tuesday evening. A sizable crowd packed the Russell Street Square Tuesday to show their support for the 2008 South Carolina State football team. From young and old, alumni to non-S.C. State graduates and public and SCISAA Orangeburg County high school students, nearly every demographic was well-represented at the hour-long pep rally.

For S.C. State punter and Orangeburg native Aaron Haire, the spirit of unity was both encouraging and long overdue. “It’s one thing I’ve been hoping,” Haire said. “One thing that really determines a team success is having a community behind us and providing strong support. I was used to that growing up in Orangeburg and playing football for the Orangeburg-Wilkinson Bruins. So I’m happy that they’re starting to come out for the Bulldogs of South Carolina State.”

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S.C. State camp-style drill the last for Bulldogs

By SCSU Sports Information

South Carolina State conducted its last camp-style football drill on Tuesday during a two-hour workout in full pads that began with a lot of enthusiasm but tailed off near the end amid high temperatures, according to Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough. The drill got underway at approximately 10 a.m.

“Today (Tuesday) was our last day of camp-style practices,” Pough said. “We made it through as it got pretty hot out there. The first half of practice was not bad as both the offense and defense looked sharp. But, as it warmed up, we were not able to sustain things. The defense did play well through most of the workout, but the offense struggled during the second half after looking pretty good at the outset.

“It’s time, I believe,” he continued “that we have to go full speed ahead. We have to increase our intensity and toughen up mentally.”

Several Bulldogs, who missed Monday’s practice due to a stomach virus, returned to the field Tuesday although they appeared to be slowed a bit. Later Tuesday, the Bulldogs joined the community for a “kickoff” pep rally in downtown Orangeburg. S.C. State will take Wednesday off as classes get under way, before returning to drills Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

Winston-Salem State to start basketball practice this week

Senior forward Jamal Durham, 6-6/215, Winston - Salem, N.C./North Davidson High School.

Rams preparing to play in Bahamas tournament at the end of the month

Winston-Salem State's young basketball team will get a head start this year by opening practice Wednesday. WSSU is taking advantage of an NCAA rule that permits a school to play in an early tournament once every four years. The Rams will have what amounts to 10 extra practices and then play two games at the end of this month in the Bahamas.

Coach Bobby Collins, who will be in his third season with the Rams, said: "I think this is great because we'll be able to bring them all together, and we'll see what we have real early." The official opening day for other college programs is Oct. 15. The Rams will open practice Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Gaines Center, and then have nine more practices before leaving for the Bahamas on Aug. 29. They will play two exhibition games and then return to campus on Sept. 1. Collins said that his team won't miss any classes.

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WSSU Rams 2008/09 Men's Basketball Schedule

Aug 29-31- Tournament in Nassau, Bahamas

Nov 14 - at Georgia Tech
Nov 18 -at Eastern Kentucky
Nov 24 Wake Forest
Nov 27-30 at Illinois State Tournament (Normal, Ill.)

Dec 6 at S.C. State
Dec 13 at N.C. State
Dec 18 at N.C. Central
Dec 30 Averett
Dec 31 at Old Dominion

Jan 5 Columbia Union
Jan 10 at Maryland Eastern Shore
Jan 12 at Delaware State
Jan 17 at Howard
Jan 19 at Hampton
Jan 24 N.C. A&T
Jan 26 Norfolk State
Jan 31 at Florida A&M

Feb 2 at Bethune-Cookman
Feb 7 Morgan State
Feb 9 Coppin State
Feb 11 N.C. Central
Feb 14 Howard
Feb 16 Hampton
Feb 21 at N.C. A&T
Feb 28 Florida A&M

Mar 2 Bethune-Cookman
Mar 5 S.C. State
Mar 14 N.C. Central (MEAC Tournament game at Joel Coliseum)

OU will face Mississippi Valley State in NIT basketball opener

NORMAN -- Oklahoma hosts Mississippi Valley State to open the NIT Season Tip-Off Nov. 17, according to the tournament schedule released Tuesday. The Sooners, who are seeded No. 2 overall in the 16-team field, should be heavy favorites against MVSU, a squad that went 17-16 a year ago and 12-6 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The game tips off at 8 p.m. and will be televised by ESPNU.
























Things could get much more difficult in the second round Nov. 18, when, provided they win the night before, the Sooners face the winner of the Davidson-James Madison game at 8:30 p.m. Davidson returns All-America candidate Stephen Curry from a 29-7 team that nearly upset eventual national champion Kansas in the Elite Eight last March.

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Southern back into school mode

VIDEO: Countdown on for Southern football

Classes started Monday at Southern, and to that end the Jaguars started their school-week schedule Sunday. As they will weekly all season, SU had a brief practice Sunday and did not practice Monday. SU coach Pete Richardson and staff made the change to light Sunday workouts/no Monday practices early in the 2004 season because of heavy class/practice conflicts on Mondays.

The practice schedule allows SU coaches to have Mondays to break down game film and better plan the key weekday practices — Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This week, with Sunday’s hour-long workout in the books, SU will practice two hours Tuesday through Friday afternoons and again Saturday morning. During game weeks, SU will have two-hour workouts Tuesday through Thursday and an hour walkthrough on Friday and then go one-and-a-half hours Sunday to recover from a Saturday game.

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Southern's Line Leaders

SU offensive tackles having fun while doing job

Here’s Southern senior right tackle Myles Williams. He’s got his shoulder pads and helmet in one hand. He’s got a host of sleepy teammates, trying to shake the double whammy of the early hour and the grind of being deep into the long week of two-a-days, walking past him to get their gear in the frigid bellows of the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

And so Williams bellows out, Monday Night Football style, “Are You Ready for Some Football?” This is the guy quarterback Bryant Lee calls, “Big Cheesy.” Williams, for his part, has a few choice nicknames to fire right back at Lee. In no way will Williams, a four-year starter, kowtow to the pretty-boy status of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s preseason offensive player of the year.

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PVAMU quarterback Spivey receives 6th year of eligibility

Prairie View A&M quarterback Mark Spivey went 5-1 as a starter last season.

Prairie View A&M quarterback Mark Spivey has been granted a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA, giving him a sixth year of eligibility. Spivey, a Westfield product, missed the 2004 season and most of the 2005 campaign with shoulder injuries, but posted the best performance of his collegiate career last season, going 5-1 as a starter and leading the Panthers to their first winning season since 1976.

“He’s the leader of our offense, and he’s looking very sharp in practice,” coach Henry Frazier III said. “I’m expecting him to pick up where he left off last year."

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FAMU RT Okeafor returns from injury

Robert Okeafor walked off FAMU's football practice field Monday feeling that for the first time since last season he's accomplished something. "I felt like I was very much a contributor," he said. "The offensive line was in synch and the chemistry was there. It was like getting back to work."

Okeafor indeed is back to work at right tackle for the Rattlers. He returned to contact workout Monday for the first time since sustaining a torn meniscus in his left knee last season.

"It's like a kid in a candy store," he said. "I get back out there and get a chance to hit again. "I've been itching for awhile since I've gotten a chance to hit somebody so it's good to finally get that itch scratched and get a little contact under my belt."

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FAMU DB Beach trying to reclaim eligibility

Defensive back Jason Beach might not be playing another season at FAMU after all. Coach Joe Taylor hedged on saying with certainty that Beach won't be back, but he said enough to indicate that Beach won't get another season with the Rattlers. "I'm not too optimistic to be honest with you," Taylor said following Monday's practice, which Beach didn't attend.

"He has gotten what he came here for," Taylor said. "He has gotten his degree." Beach, who graduated with honors last December, was hoping to regain time that he missed during the 2004 season. That year, he left school to be with family members who were affected by Hurricane Dennis.

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