Savannah, GA - The late Bill Davis’ unique recruiting pitch lured Shannon Sharpe to Savannah State back in the mid-1980s, sending him on a football journey that will culminate with his enshrinement Saturday in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Davis envisioned great things for the tall and slender kid from Glennville. But even Sharpe wasn’t absolutely convinced that his would-be coach was telling the truth.
“He said, ‘if I owned an NFL team and if I had the first pick in the draft, you’d be the first player off the board,’” said Sharpe in a telephone interview Tuesday.
With his older brother, Sterling, already shining at South Carolina and headed toward a first-round selection in the NFL draft, Shannon bit on the cheese Davis left for him. He wanted to follow Sterling into the NFL.
“When he told me that, it resonated with me,” Sharpe said. “I thought, obviously, here is a coach that thinks a lot about my ability and thinks I could add a lot to the program. It was the best choice that I could have made.”
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Induction speeches will cap whirlwind weekend for Shannon Sharpe
CANTON, Ohio — It was during lunch when Shannon Sharpe understood that what he was really doing this weekend was rushing a fraternity.
The luncheon here Friday was for Pro Football Hall of Famers only. Gold jacket attire was mandatory. Sharpe didn't wear one, nor did anyone else in his Pro Football Hall class of 2011. That would come later Friday night at the formal gold jacket ceremony.
Deacon Jones, the original sack artist and star of the Fearsome Foursome for the Los Angeles Rams, was a featured speaker. Sharpe, as a newbie, a pledge, was not allowed to speak. But it was while he sat silently at attention that he was struck by the impact of his moment.
"When you play high school, you know there's college," Sharpe said. "When you play college, there are the pros. And the pros, you graduate to the Hall of Fame. And when you get to the Hall of Fame, that's it. That's your last stop."
Slideshow: Photos of Sharpe at the Gold Jacket Presentation to the 2011 class of Enshrinees.
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Saturday, August 6, 2011
Tennessee State University's Richard Dent Joins Pro Football Hall Of Fame In Class Of 2011
Chicago, IL - Back in 1983, defensive end Richard Dent was an eighth-round selection out of Tennessee State by the Chicago Bears. Twenty-eight years later, Dent will find himself in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. A member of the storied mid-1980s Bears defenses, Dent made his reputation in the league by becoming a feared sack artist. His 137-1/2 career sacks have him tied for sixth all-time with 2010 Hall of Fame inductee John Randle. But that doesn't tell the whole story of Dent's dominance.
After playing in all 16 games as a rookie, Dent followed that up in 1984 with 17-1/2 sacks, third best that year. He didn't let up in 1985, leading the league with 17 sacks. He was in midst of recording double-digit sacks in eight of 10 season from 1984-93. In 1993, Dent, 33, had 12-1/2 sacks, his last great season. He would float around the league for the next four seasons to San Francisco, back to Chicago, then in Indianapolis and finally finishing things with Philadelphia.
Dent garnered a number of awards during his 15-year career. He was the 1985 Super Bowl MVP, which saw him record 1-1/2 sacks in the Bears' 46-10 romp over the Patriots. He made four Pro Bowls...
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Tennessee State star Richard Dent enters Pro Football Hall of Fame today
Excerpt:
TSU Took a Chance
The defensive coordinator at Tennessee State, Joe Gilliam happened to be teaching a graduate course in public health. One of his students was William Lester, Dent’s coach at Murphy High in Atlanta. Gilliam was also responsible for recruiting in Georgia, and one spring day, he stopped by the school. Lester put in a tape and asked what he thought.
“I said, ‘I have cornerbacks that are bigger than Richard Dent and he’s an offensive tackle. He just won’t cut it, Coach,’” Gilliam said. Lester wouldn’t take no for an answer, though, and when fall practices started, Gilliam said he showed up with Dent in tow even though there was no scholarship offer.
“He says, ‘We can’t leave him in Atlanta. He won’t make it, Coach.’ I said, ‘I can understand. He comes from a pretty rough area and all that, but I just don’t have a scholarship for him.’ He says, ‘Coach, I can’t leave him. So I brought him.’ He says, ‘You do what you can for him. I know you'll do that.’ ”
He remembers Lester telling him, “Well, you got him” and then leaving.
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After playing in all 16 games as a rookie, Dent followed that up in 1984 with 17-1/2 sacks, third best that year. He didn't let up in 1985, leading the league with 17 sacks. He was in midst of recording double-digit sacks in eight of 10 season from 1984-93. In 1993, Dent, 33, had 12-1/2 sacks, his last great season. He would float around the league for the next four seasons to San Francisco, back to Chicago, then in Indianapolis and finally finishing things with Philadelphia.
Dent garnered a number of awards during his 15-year career. He was the 1985 Super Bowl MVP, which saw him record 1-1/2 sacks in the Bears' 46-10 romp over the Patriots. He made four Pro Bowls...
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Tennessee State star Richard Dent enters Pro Football Hall of Fame today
Excerpt:
TSU Took a Chance
The defensive coordinator at Tennessee State, Joe Gilliam happened to be teaching a graduate course in public health. One of his students was William Lester, Dent’s coach at Murphy High in Atlanta. Gilliam was also responsible for recruiting in Georgia, and one spring day, he stopped by the school. Lester put in a tape and asked what he thought.
“I said, ‘I have cornerbacks that are bigger than Richard Dent and he’s an offensive tackle. He just won’t cut it, Coach,’” Gilliam said. Lester wouldn’t take no for an answer, though, and when fall practices started, Gilliam said he showed up with Dent in tow even though there was no scholarship offer.
“He says, ‘We can’t leave him in Atlanta. He won’t make it, Coach.’ I said, ‘I can understand. He comes from a pretty rough area and all that, but I just don’t have a scholarship for him.’ He says, ‘Coach, I can’t leave him. So I brought him.’ He says, ‘You do what you can for him. I know you'll do that.’ ”
He remembers Lester telling him, “Well, you got him” and then leaving.
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2011 Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida Classic Tickets on Sale
Tickets to America’s preeminent HBCU football game may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, at the Amway Center box office, by phone (407.839.3900) or any Ticketmaster outlet. This year’s game will be played on Saturday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m. in Orlando’s Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium while being televised nationally on ESPN Classic.
Tickets are available for as low as $10.75 (3rd level, corner), while other seats are available at great price levels ($27 end zone, $37 goal line or lower-deck corner). Priority seating for the game is available with season ticket packages purchased through either B-CU or FAMU. For Wildcat ticket information, call 386.481.2202; for FAMU, call 850.599.3141.
Student tickets are available for $27 and may be purchased through the student’s respective school.
Group tickets (20 or more) may be purchased through Florida Citrus Sports (407.423.2476) or at the FCSports Box Office, located in the South end of the stadium (open Mon. and Wed., Noon – 4:00 p.m.; Fri., 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.).
Parking is on sale and available by visiting www.ClickandPark.com.
Fans should purchase their tickets at one of the approved locations listed above. Buying from any alternative source increases the risk of receiving a counterfeit ticket.
Proceeds from the BCBS of Florida Classic and all official ancillary events support the participating institution’s mission of providing educational opportunities through scholarships for all students.
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Jenkins wins ASU QB job
Barlow said he wanted to wait on the start of preseason practice to name a starter in order to give last year's starter, Devin Dominguez, a chance to win his position. Dominguez, a star pitcher for the Hornets' baseball team, missed the spring under new offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss, then returned home to Indiana for the summer.
"Basically, it comes down to just playing football," Dominguez said. "All concepts are similar in the passing game. There are a lot more reads in the running game, but I'm coming along better than I thought. I thought I would be completely lost."
Dominguez started his career as a tight end and receiver for the Hornets, but...
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VISIT: ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY
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MVSU Sean Woods winning - more than just on court
Itta Bena, MS - Mississippi Valley State coach Sean Woods won’t enter the season with the goal of winning 20 games despite the fact that he’s got a team that may be favored to win the SWAC. It’s easy to see why.
Just look at the schedule: at North Carolina, at Florida, at Wisconsin, at Notre Dame, at South Carolina, at Arkansas, at Northwestern, at Iowa State, at Ole Miss, at DePaul. That doesn’t even include a tournament out in Las Vegas. Woods, the former Kentucky star, won’t play at home until conference play. But wins are actually secondary for Woods and the Delta Devils men’s basketball program.
The priority? Earning paychecks as the sacrificial lambs to the big boys.
`That’s the major necessity for us,” Woods said. ``We’ve got to play buy games to keep the athletic department and my program afloat.” By his count, he’ll earn $778,000 for the 10 guarantee games he’s signed up for this season.
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NCCU Announces Partnership With TRU-PAK Moving Systems
DURHAM, N.C. (NCCUEaglePride.com) – North Carolina Central University and Tru-Pak Moving Systems, Inc., have partnered to unveil a brand new truck with NCCU style on Monday, Aug. 1 in front of McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. Tru-Pak Moving Systems, Inc., now “The Official Mover of NCCU Football,” will use the 28-foot truck to transport the Eagles’ gridiron equipment to road games and will be added to Tru-Pak’s fleet of more than 200 trucks.
“I can’t think of a finer institution to give this gift to than NCCU,” stated Allyson Siegel, Executive Vice President of Tru-Pak Moving Systems, Inc. “Producing leaders in the world for years in both the classroom and on the athletic field, NCCU is leading the way for other institutions. I am very excited about the upcoming season and look forward to being part of their success in years to come.”
The truck will be used primarily to aid the NCCU football program move its equipment to and from the site of competition, which will enhance the travel experience for the student-athletes and support staff; while also giving the institution visibility not only across North Carolina, but nationwide as the truck will be used as part of the normal fleet during the week and the rest of the year.
“I’m so excited about our new partnership with Tru-Pak Moving Systems,” said NCCU Athletics Director Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree. “As our program grows, we are looking to form great corporate sponsorships such as this. Ms. Allyson Siegel has been wonderful in her support of our athletics program, and most importantly, our student-athletes. We will move in style this season.”
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VISIT: NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
VISIT: NCCUEAGLEPRIDE
“I can’t think of a finer institution to give this gift to than NCCU,” stated Allyson Siegel, Executive Vice President of Tru-Pak Moving Systems, Inc. “Producing leaders in the world for years in both the classroom and on the athletic field, NCCU is leading the way for other institutions. I am very excited about the upcoming season and look forward to being part of their success in years to come.”
The truck will be used primarily to aid the NCCU football program move its equipment to and from the site of competition, which will enhance the travel experience for the student-athletes and support staff; while also giving the institution visibility not only across North Carolina, but nationwide as the truck will be used as part of the normal fleet during the week and the rest of the year.
“I’m so excited about our new partnership with Tru-Pak Moving Systems,” said NCCU Athletics Director Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree. “As our program grows, we are looking to form great corporate sponsorships such as this. Ms. Allyson Siegel has been wonderful in her support of our athletics program, and most importantly, our student-athletes. We will move in style this season.”
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VISIT: NCCUEAGLEPRIDE
AT&T Announced as Title Sponsor of Nation's Football Classic™
Washington, DC - Events DC announced today that AT&T has signed a multi-year deal to serve as the title sponsor of the Nation’s Football Classic™, an annual black college football game featuring Howard University against Morehouse College at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The inaugural game, now entitled the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™, will be held Saturday, September 10 at 3:30 p.m.
“AT&T is a perfect fit for the Nation’s Football Classic™” said Erik A. Moses, managing director of the Events DC Sports and Entertainment Division. “Title sponsor support for this game from AT&T, one of the world’s most recognizable brands, is consistent with the way we believe this new HBCU tradition in the nation’s capital will be embraced by the greater Washington region and the nation for years to come.”
In addition to serving as title sponsor, AT&T will headline the AT&T Kickoff Rally, a spirited event celebrating the start of the weekend’s events with music and appearances by celebrities, city officials and representatives from the participating schools.
“AT&T looks forward to celebrating the inaugural game with students, alumni and supporters as we honor the rich tradition, camaraderie, heritage and excellence of these proud institutions,” said Jennifer Jones, vice president of Diverse Markets, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “The AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ is just one of the ways we continue to show our commitment to all customer segments.”
The official schedule of events surrounding the Classic will take place Thursday, September 8 through Sunday, September 11. In addition to the much anticipated on-field matchup between two historic rivals, events include educational activities, fan experiences and networking opportunities. All events are free to the general public (except for the football game).
Tickets for the inaugural AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, the Howard University box office located at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Seats are priced $15 to $60.
AT&T NATION'S FOOTBALL CLASSIC™ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, September 8
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Presidential Symposium: Beyond the Stereotypes – Academics, Athletics, Character and Black Male Achievement – Howard University Cramton Auditorium. Through panel discussions, this event will showcase the positive roles colleges and communities play in improving educational and social opportunities for Black males.
Friday, September 9
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. UNCF Empower Me Tour / HBCU College Showcase and Recruitment Fair – Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. College-bound students and their parents participate in seminars focused on financial education, college readiness, career readiness, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, service and philanthropy. In addition, admission and recruitment information on HBCUs will be available.
Noon – 2:00 p.m. AT&T Kickoff Rally – Downtown D.C. location--Join the fun at the official Kickoff Rally in the heart of the nation’s capital. Reps from participating schools, city officials, music and much more.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. "The Game Before The Game": Howard vs. Morehouse Student Debate – Howard University Cramton Auditorium. Witness the academic rivalry between Howard and Morehouse as they showcase each school’s tradition of developing great orators.
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. HBCU Alumni Networking Reception - DC Renaissance Hotel. Alumni from all HBCUs gather for networking and fellowship.
Saturday, September 10
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. NFC Fan Festival – RFK Stadium Festival Grounds--Fan Festival featuring games, music and exhibit booths.
3:30 p.m. AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ – RFK Stadium -- Howard University Bison vs. Morehouse College Maroon Tigers
Sunday, September 11
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Chapel Service – Howard University Rankin Chapel at Cramton Auditorium. Morehouse President Robert Franklin delivers keynote address.
About the AT&T Nation's Football Classic™
“AT&T is a perfect fit for the Nation’s Football Classic™” said Erik A. Moses, managing director of the Events DC Sports and Entertainment Division. “Title sponsor support for this game from AT&T, one of the world’s most recognizable brands, is consistent with the way we believe this new HBCU tradition in the nation’s capital will be embraced by the greater Washington region and the nation for years to come.”
In addition to serving as title sponsor, AT&T will headline the AT&T Kickoff Rally, a spirited event celebrating the start of the weekend’s events with music and appearances by celebrities, city officials and representatives from the participating schools.
“AT&T looks forward to celebrating the inaugural game with students, alumni and supporters as we honor the rich tradition, camaraderie, heritage and excellence of these proud institutions,” said Jennifer Jones, vice president of Diverse Markets, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “The AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ is just one of the ways we continue to show our commitment to all customer segments.”
The official schedule of events surrounding the Classic will take place Thursday, September 8 through Sunday, September 11. In addition to the much anticipated on-field matchup between two historic rivals, events include educational activities, fan experiences and networking opportunities. All events are free to the general public (except for the football game).
Tickets for the inaugural AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, the Howard University box office located at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Seats are priced $15 to $60.
AT&T NATION'S FOOTBALL CLASSIC™ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, September 8
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Presidential Symposium: Beyond the Stereotypes – Academics, Athletics, Character and Black Male Achievement – Howard University Cramton Auditorium. Through panel discussions, this event will showcase the positive roles colleges and communities play in improving educational and social opportunities for Black males.
Friday, September 9
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. UNCF Empower Me Tour / HBCU College Showcase and Recruitment Fair – Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. College-bound students and their parents participate in seminars focused on financial education, college readiness, career readiness, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, service and philanthropy. In addition, admission and recruitment information on HBCUs will be available.
Noon – 2:00 p.m. AT&T Kickoff Rally – Downtown D.C. location--Join the fun at the official Kickoff Rally in the heart of the nation’s capital. Reps from participating schools, city officials, music and much more.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. "The Game Before The Game": Howard vs. Morehouse Student Debate – Howard University Cramton Auditorium. Witness the academic rivalry between Howard and Morehouse as they showcase each school’s tradition of developing great orators.
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. HBCU Alumni Networking Reception - DC Renaissance Hotel. Alumni from all HBCUs gather for networking and fellowship.
Saturday, September 10
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. NFC Fan Festival – RFK Stadium Festival Grounds--Fan Festival featuring games, music and exhibit booths.
3:30 p.m. AT&T Nation’s Football Classic™ – RFK Stadium -- Howard University Bison vs. Morehouse College Maroon Tigers
Sunday, September 11
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Chapel Service – Howard University Rankin Chapel at Cramton Auditorium. Morehouse President Robert Franklin delivers keynote address.
About the AT&T Nation's Football Classic™
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