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

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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...

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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

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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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