Florida A&M defeats Morgan State 63-59

Rattlers dominant at home against Morgan State

They haven't won a game on the road all season, but that might be just fine with coach Eugene Harris for right now. His Florida A&M men's basketball team is making gains when it plays at home.  For the second consecutive game at the Lawson Center, the Rattlers knocked off one of the powers of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference by downing defending conference champion Morgan State University 63-59 Saturday night.

The win gave the Rattlers (8-18, 3-6) an 8-1 record at home and snapped a two-game losing streak, while preventing the Bears (10-10, 6-3) from creating a logjam at the top of the conference standings. The display that the Rattlers put on was the result of having the entire roster back after injuries had depleted the team, Harris said.


Videographer: RattlerBoosters

Women's Basketball Needs Overtime to Silence Lady Rattlers, 63-54

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Moneshia Davis came off the bench and scored a game-high tying 15 points and Brittany Dodson added 13 points to lead Morgan State to a 63-54 overtime victory over host Florida A&M in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) game on Saturday evening at the Al Lawson Center. The win was the Lady Bears' sixth straight over the Lady Rattlers and just the ninth win in the series' 40 meetings.

Morgan State's Theresa Davis also came off the bench and fell shy of a double-double with a team-high nine rebounds and 10 points to help Morgan State to a 40-10 advantage over FAMU in bench scoring.

Shooting woes keep Rattlers under wraps

The Florida A&M women’s basketball team shot poorly in the first half, picked it up in the second, but reverted to its bad ways in overtime in losing Saturday night at the Lawson Center.

The Rattlers' two leading scorers Antonia Bennett and Tameka McKelton struggled and the team's inefficiency at the free-throw line added up to a 63-54 loss to Morgan State University. It was a loss that could haunt the Rattlers as they head into the final weeks of the regular seasons.

FAMU (10-11, 5-4) fell to a fourth-place tie with North Carolina A&T.

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Harris: Does anyone care about Elizabeth City State's Michael Bonner?

Harris: Does anyone care about Michael Bonner?

At one end of the basketball court in the R.L. Vaughan Center are team photos for the Elizabeth City State teams. In the men’s basketball picture, one of the biggest smiles belongs to Perquimans graduate Michael Bonner. Although he didn’t know it then, it was the only time Bonner would put on an ECSU uniform.

Since then, Bonner has been getting a raw deal. And that is about as nice as I can put it and get it past my editors.

He should be playing with the Vikings and contributing as they make a run in the final weeks of the season. Instead, Bonner is watching the games from the stands. Always with a smile on his face...

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NOTE TO VIKINGS AND HBCU FANS:

Please pass the link to this story "Harris: Does anyone care about Michael Bonner?" on to your friends and let us all assist this deserving student-athlete in receiving a fair decision from CIAA Commissioner Leon G. Kerry.

ECSU beat writer Will Harris of the Daily Advance Newspaper is on point -- that student Michael Bonner has received a raw deal from the professionals that he and his family trusted to provide the proper guidance for both his academic and athletic careers. Why should he suffer for their incompetency?

Will you help by bringing political pressure on the CIAA Commissioner's Office to provide Mr. Michael Bonner with a quick waiver of this silly two-year rule, that should not be applied to the Winston Salem State University situation? Please express your support and ask the Commissioner to render a decision, now, that is long overdue to Mr. Bonner and his family.

You may contact the CIAA commissioner's office at:

Mr. Leon Kerry, Commissioner
E-mail: LeonKerry@aol.com
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Post Office Box 7349
22 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 210
Hampton, Virginia 23666
E-Mail: TheCIAA@aol.com
Office: 757-865-0071
Fax: 757-865-8436

We appreciate your support and assistance on this effort for this deserving CIAA student-athlete. Thank you.

beepbeep

P.S. If this was my son, I would be breaking out a can of whoop ass on the Commissioner's office -- but I won't go there today.


Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

Savannah State's Shannon Sharpe elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Shannon Sharpe: Sharpe also gets call to the Hall

After two years of waiting, TE Shannon Sharpe was one of the seven players chosen to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday evening.

A seventh-round draft choice in 1990, Sharpe went on to be named to the 1990s All-Decade team. He racked up four All-Pro nods and three Super Bowl titles before calling it quits in 2003. At the time of his retirement, he was number one all-time amongst tight ends in both receiving yards and receptions. He's since been passed in both categories by Tony Gonzalez, but is unquestionably one of the greatest to ever play his position.


Videographer: gridironvids; Top Ten Draft Steals: Shannon Sharpe

Hall of Fame Class of 2011 profile: Shannon Sharpe

Position: Tight end
Height: 6-2 Weight: 230
Teams: 1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens
• 14 seasons, 204 games
• Selected by Denver in the seventh round (192nd overall) of 1990 draft.
• At time of retirement, his 815 career receptions and 10,060 yards and 62 TDs were all NFL career records for a tight end.
• His 214 receiving yards vs. Kansas City in 2002 is an NFL single-game record for a tight end.
• Tied NFL record with 13 receptions in single postseason game (vs. Raiders, 1993).
• Three times during career amassed over 1,000 yards receiving.

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Videographer: TheNFLhistory; 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame class Announcement

DALLAS — Former Bears defensive end Richard Dent, a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist in seven of the last eight years, was voted in Saturday as part of the Class of 2011. “It’s very appreciated, and I’m very happy,” Dent said on NFL Network. “Long time coming.”

Dent was the MVP of Super Bowl XX, but he had to be patient to earn election, joining coach Mike Ditka (1988), running back Walter Payton (1993), linebacker Mike Singletary (1998) and defensive tackle Dan Hampton (2002). The Bears have a record 27 enshrinees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Dent will be inducted Aug. 6 in Canton, Ohio, along with running back Marshall Faulk, linebackers Chris Hanburger and Les Richter, contributor Ed Sabol, cornerback Deion Sanders, and tight end Shannon Sharpe.

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UAPB Golden Lions Ink 13 Student-Athletes On National Signing Day

UAPB Golden Lions Head Coach Monte Coleman

PINE BLUFF, Ark.- The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff football program has announced the addition of 13 student-athletes who have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Golden Lions.

"We are elated to be the position to bring in a list of several talented players that we feel can come in and make immediate impacts within our football program," said UAPB Head Coach Monte Coleman.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff expects to continue to receive additional letters of intent over the upcoming days. Today marked the official National Signing Day for prepsters across the country. For the Golden Lions coaching staff It was a day that was greeted with much optimism for the near future.

"Are coaches were extremely diligent in searching for the best possible student-athletes to bring into our program to address our needs both offensively and defensively. This signing class while not extremely large in numbers, is very rich with quality student-athletes that should be able to be productive in the systems we have in place on both sides of the ball."

Arkansas-Pine Bluff will open the season on September 3rd against Langston University. The 2011 Golden Lions football schedule is set to be released later this week.

Please feel free to continue to check back for an updated list of student-athletes as Arkansas-Pine Bluff receives additional commitments during the upcoming days and weeks.


Videographer: coachsaulsberry; Mose Frazier Full Senior Year Highlights

2011 University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Football Signees (as of Feb. 2nd at 5:00 pm)

2011 UAPB Signees

Kendon Andrews LB 6’2 215 El Dorado HS (El Dorado, AR)

Caleb Ealy OL 6’2 260 Westfield HS (Houston, TX)

Mose Frazier WR 6’0 170 Whitehaven HS (Memphis, TN)

Troy Goss DL 6’3 270 Shiloh Christian HS (Springdale, AR)

Wesley Hawthorne WR 6’1 180 James Martin HS (Arlington, TX)

Jawahn Hunt RB 6’0 180 Pine Bluff HS (Pine Bluff, AR)

Antonio Jenkins LB 6’0 190 Watson Chapel HS (Pine Bluff, AR)

Lyron McClenney OL 6’3 285 Arkansas Baptist College (Little Rock, AR)/Miami Norland

Toddre Pamplin OL 6’2 295 West Memphis HS (West Memphis, AR)

William Ross LB 6’3 225 New Mexico Military Institute (Roswell, NM)

Ryan Savage OL 6’6 325 New Mexico Military Institute (Roswell, NM)

Kevin Rucker, Jr. ATH 5’11 185 Idabel HS (Idabel, OK)

Dewayne Watts QB 6’1 198 Arkansas Baptist College (Little Rock, AR)

by UAPB Media Relations

16 Student-Athletes Sign FVSU Letters of Intent

Fort Valley State University Head Football Coach Donald Pittman has announced that 16 student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play football with the Wildcats beginning in the 2011 season. The class includes two quarterbacks, two running backs, four receivers, two offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, one linebacker, and one kicker.

"As a program, we are extremely pleased with the student-athletes who have decided to become a part of the Wildcat football family," said Pittman. "We believe that these recruits have the potential to help us take Wildcat Football to next level. I, and the rest of the coaching staff, look forward to working with these recruits to make them better players and quality young men."

2011 Fort Valley State Football Signees

Name                          Pos.   HGT   WGT         Hometown/Previous School

Jonathan Adams        DL      6'4     280           Stone Mtn., GA/S.W Dekalb H.S. 
Brandon Baker           OL       6'4     290          Columbus, GA/Northside H.S. 
Tony Collins                OL       6'3     270          East Point, GA/Tri-Cities H.S. 
Chartavious Danzy     C         6'1     285          Tennile, GA/Washington Co. H.S. 
Jonte Davis                 QB       5'8    170           East Point, GA/Tri-Cities H.S. 
Deonzo Farrie             DE       6'6    240           Stone Mtn., GA/S.W. Dekalb H.S. 
Eric Horsley                 RB      5'8    180            Dallas, TX/Madison H.S. 
Tyler Hunt                    K         5'10   165           Jonesboro, GA/Lovejoy H.S. 
Alex Martin                   LB       5'10   190           Tifton, GA/Tift Co. H.S. 
Cameron Pearson    QB       6'7     215           Dallas, TX/Madison H.S. 
Travis Richmond       RB       5'7     165           Fort Valley, GA/Peach Co. H.S. 
Justin Scott                 TE        6'4     200           Bessemer, AL/Hueytown H.S. 
Tarvarus Talley           DT       6'1     270          Columbus, GA/Carver Col.H.S. 
Jevon Watson            WR       6'3    185           Hampton, GA/Lovejoy H.S. 
Jacovi White               WR       6'2     225          Cusseta, GA/Chatta. Co. H.S. 
Ronald Wilcots          WR       6'2     180          Dallas, TX/ Madison H.S 

by FVSU Office of Sports Information

Robinson named Grambling interim head coach

GRAMBLING, LA – Grambling State University President Frank G. Pogue today announced that he has appointed GSU Linebackers Coach Andre Robinson as interim head football coach. Mr. Robinson, an alum and standout collegiate linebacker has been the University’s linebackers coach since 2004.

While a student athlete, Robinson became the first defensive player to be named as Grambling State’s Most Valuable Player. During his collegiate career, from 1977 to 1981, he helped lead the G-Men to three straight SWAC championships. Robinson was named the Bayou Classic’s Most Valuable Player in 1980 in the Tigers’ 43-6 victory over the Southern Jaguars. The following year, he was a consensus All-American selection by the Associated Press, Kodak, The Sporting News and the Sheridan Press and also was named the SWAC’s Defensive Player of the Year.

“Andre Robinson links the legacy of Eddie Robinson to the present football championship era. Andre was an accomplished player at Grambling who was recognized nationally,” says GSU Athletic Director Lin Dawson. During his 30-year coaching career, he has built on his success as a player by developing excellent athletes who were under his tutelage.”

The University is launching its search for a permanent head football coach. While announcing interim appointment, President Pogue noted that Grambling State University enjoys the finest reputation in athletics of any other HBCU and most other institutions in the country: “Our goal is to maintain this cherished reputation of being winners,” he said. “Andre Robinson’s willingness to assume the interim role will allow the University time to identify the strongest candidates.”

Robinson called it an honor and privilege to be asked to step in as the interim head coach. “We will stay our course and remain focused on our young men and keep them together and have a winning football team this season,” he said. “I’m ready and up for the task before me.”

By GSU Public Relations

Morgan State Signs 20 Prospects to National Letters

MSU Bears Head Coach Donald Hill-Eley

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Morgan State football coach Donald Hill-Eley has announced the signing of twenty (20) players to national letters of intent to play for the Bears beginning next fall. The list released Thursday consists of 12 high school signees and eight junior-college recruits.

Overall, the twenty (20) signees included five (5) defensive linemen, five (5) linebackers, two (2) quarterbacks, two (2) offensive linemen, two (2) tight ends, two (2) cornerbacks and one (1) wideout.

Morgan State University Football
2011 National Letter of Intent Signees

Damarco Bisbee, DL, 6-3, 280, Lansing, Mich., J.W. Sexton HS
Notes: CAAC All-Conference ... All-Area Dream Team ... All State Dream ... AP All-State Team

Calvin Fuller, LB, 6-3, 210, Aiken, S.C., Georgia Military, Lucy Laney H.S.
Notes: First Team All-Region, First Team All-Area

Moses Skillon, QB, 6-5, 210, Hollywood, Fla., Hallandale HS
Notes: 28 TDs ... 2,000 yards ... First Team All-Broward

Jamil Lawson, DT, 6-5, 340, Norfolk, Va., Booker T. Washington HS
Notes: Second Team All-District/Eastern District ... All District on Offense and Defense

Anthony Drayton, WR, 5-10, 175, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Stranahan HS
Notes: MVP North-South All Star ... 13 TDs ... 2,100 All-purpose yards.

Seth Higgins, QB, 6-4, 210, Edgewood, Md., Edgewood HS
Notes: Two-time All-Conference ... Threw for 1,500 yards in seven years during his senior year

TierneyYates, LB, 6-2, 210, Los Angeles, Calif., Bakersfield College 
Notes: 1 Team All-Conference ... 70 Tackles, 7 sacks, 13 TFLs, 6 fumbles recoveries

Tyrell Okoro, OL, 6-4, 295, Ozone Park, N.Y., Bayside High HS
Notes: All-Queens Team... Offense gained over 2,000 yards rushing ... Collected 40 Tackles and 12 tackles for loss

Cordell Robinson, LB, 6-1, 230, Los Angeles, Calif., Pasadena CC...Notes: Two-time All-Conference

Kris Westphal, TE, 6-4, 215, Gaithersburg, Md., Gaithersburg HS
Notes: All-County ... All-Conference ... 33 receptions for 327 yards, including 8 touchdowns

Lakendrick Ross, DE/DT, 6-4, 285, Portsmouth, Va., IC Norcum HS
Notes: All-Eastern District ... 1st team All District ... Defensive Player of the Year

Denzel Stanback, TE, 6-3, 220, Washington D.C., Friendship HS
Notes: All-Conference selection

Thomas Perry, LB, 6-3, 225, Colerain, N.C., Bertie HS
Notes: Defensive Player of the Year ... All-Area ... All-Region

Jeffrey Perry, CB, 5-10, 180, Mirmar, Fla., Miramar HS

Joseph Wilson, OT, 6-3, 290, Chicago, Ill., College of Dupage
Notes: JC All-American

Kyle Bell, DE/DT, 6-3, 280, Visalia, Calif., College of Sequoias
Notes: All Conference

Randon Key, DT, 6-5, 310, Newport News, Va., Fork Union Military
Notes: 2 Times All-Tidewater

Earvin Gonzalez, K, 5-10, 200, Visalia, Calif., College of Sequoias

Tony Mack, CB, 6-3, 190, Ladson, S.C., Feather River CC
Notes: Shrine Bowl ... All State

Chris Outten, LB, 6-1, 235, Camden, S.C., Feather River CC
Notes: All-Conference ... RED Zone Player of the Year


Videographer: TheCoachva; "Jamil "The Hummer" Lawson, " DT-6-4,340

by MSU Media Relations

Former Alcorn State receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux headed to Minnesota Vikings

VANCOUVER - It might be a long, long stretch to suggest that Emmanuel Arceneaux is going to become the next Donald Driver. But Driver too was undersold when he was drafted in the seventh round in 1999 by the Green Bay Packers out of Alcorn State, a small, historically black university in Lorman, Miss. Driver went on to become the Packers all-time leading receiver.

Arceneaux, another unheralded Alcorn State prospect, from the NFL's perspective, will have his signing with the Minnesota Vikings officially confirmed today after he and his agent, Bardia Ghahremani, reached agreement on a three-year, $1.8 million deal early Saturday morning with the club.



New receiver took Canadian detour to NFL

Emmanuel Arceneaux wondered if his football career was over when he wasn't selected in the 2009 NFL draft after his career at Alcorn State.

He figured he might end up "sitting at home on the couch and just working a normal job." He chose a different path and headed to the Canadian Football League. Now, after two productive seasons with the B.C. Lions, Arceneaux is set to sign a three-year deal with the Vikings.

The contract could be worth as much as $1.8 million and includes a $75,000 signing bonus.

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Savannah State Releases 2011 Football Schedule

SSU 2011 Football Schedule (click here)

SAVANNAH, Ga.- A new stadium, a new conference, a new coach and five home games highlight the 2011 Savannah State football schedule.

The Tigers will play in a brand new Theodore A. Wright Stadium as members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) under the direction of new head football coach Steve Davenport. After playing just two home games last year, SSU will play five games at home in 2011, all against MEAC opponents.

Included in the schedule are first ever matchups with Southeastern Louisiana and Appalachian State as well as eight MEAC games. SSU will start the season with four road games.

Savannah State will play former Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rival Albany State on September 3 at a yet to be determined location.

After road trips to Southeastern Louisiana (Sept. 10) and Appalachian State (Sept. 17), the Tigers will play their first official MEAC game on the road against North Carolina Central on Sept. 24.

SSU will play Howard on October 1 at 7:00 p.m. for their first home contest of the season in the “Coming Home/Hall of Fame Game”.

Following a road trip to Morgan State (Oct. 8), the Tigers return home for a three-game home stand.

Savannah State will play host to Florida A&M (Oct. 15) for “Church & Community Day” at 7 p.m.

After an OPEN date on Oct. 22, SSU will celebrate HOMECOMING on Oct. 29 against Hampton at 2:00 p.m.

Norfolk State visits the Port City on November 5 for “Band Weekend/High School Day” and SSU travels to Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 12.

The Tigers close out the 2011 campaign on Nov 19 with South Carolina State on “Senior Day/Military Appreciation Day”.

MEAC games on the schedule include NCCU, Howard, Morgan, FAMU, Hampton, Norfolk State, Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State.

Albany State, Appalachian State, Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State all made the playoffs in 2010. Albany State made the Division II playoffs while the remaining schools participated in the FCS playoffs.

SSU 2011 Football Schedule (click here)

by SSU Sports Information

SSU's Davenport signs 20 players

Two days after announcing the hiring of five assistants, first-year Savannah State University football coach Steve Davenport on Wednesday announced the signing of 20 players to national letters of intent.

Davenport, who was hired Jan. 7 after four seasons as the running backs coach at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, signed 13 players from Georgia high schools. None of the signees are from the Coastal Empire.

"I don't have a lot of relationships that were built in Savannah, but I will," said Davenport, a 43-year-old Decatur native. "We're going to extend ourselves to the coaches in the community, and to the community as a whole. But this wasn't an opportunity to do that. I got the job so late I hit the ground running, and ran to where I knew I would be accepted. We'll get to the people of Savannah."



Tigers Ink 20 Football Recruits

SAVANNAH, Ga.- Savannah State head football coach Steve Davenport announced the signing of 20 young men who have decided to continue their educational career at SSU. “We wanted to bring in quality student-athletes and good football players,” said Davenport.

Of the 20 signees, 13 hail from the state of Georgia in the Atlanta metro area. Davenport thinks that linebacker Jordan Mincy, wide receiver Vaughn Cornelia, defensive lineman Evince Dossous, wide receiver Kristopher Drummond and defensive end Brandon Rhodes could come in a possibly get some playing time early.

Full Signee List (Click Here)

Mitchell hoping effort pays off for Southern Jaguars

Less than three months after his first season ended with a 2-9 record, Stump Mitchell said he knew his second recruiting class had to count for quite a lot. This time around, his program couldn’t afford to whiff.

Mitchell, who introduced 17 new recruits to a crowd of faithful fans Wednesday night at the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union, said he wanted the complete package among this year’s signees — players who weren’t just ready for college football, but those who were coming to campus with a lofty grade-point average.

After all, he said, student-athletes aren’t worth much to a football program if they can’t remain students.

SU’s Mitchell re-recruiting former players

Second-year coach Stump Mitchell was, without much doubt, pleased with his second class of recruits at Southern University, which included 17 signees. But there’s another piece to a potential turnaround at SU, which posted a 2-9 record — the worst in school history — in Mitchell’s first season.

It was almost as important, Mitchell said, to re-recruit some players who are already on campus — former SU veterans who were academically ineligible last season.

The Official List of 2011 Southern U. Football Signees

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Delaware State Hornets name Blount football coach

Delaware State University today named Kermit Blount head football coach. Blount spent 17 seasons coaching Winston-Salem State before resigning in November 2009. Blount went 91-87-3 at the North Carolina university, from which he graduated in 1980.

The Virginia native won his 90th career game in 2008 when the Rams beat Delaware State 27-26.

Blount replaces Al Lavan, who after taking over in 2004 wound up as the third-winningest coach in Delaware State history with a record of 41-36 and guided the Hornets to the MEAC championship (10-2 overall, 8-0 MEAC) and its first appearance in the Division I-AA playoffs in 2007.



DSU names new football head coach

The Delaware State Hornets have a new football coach to lead them in the 2011 season. Kermit Blount replaces Al Lavan whose contract was not renewed after this past season.

Blount is a North Carolina native. He comes to the Dover campus after 16 years as the head football coach for Winston-Salem State University. His resume there includes two Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Championships and a total of three CIAA Championship game appearances. He's also had teams in the Pioneer Bowl on two occasions.

“Coach Blount has proven he knows how to guide student-athletes to championship-level seasons as well as accomplish high standards of academic success,” Dr. Harry Williams, DSU President said. “The Search Committee is to be commended for its diligence in reviewing the candidates, in engaging in earnest deliberations and arriving at its recommendation.”

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NCCU ANNOUNCES 26 RECRUITS IN FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS

Eight Signees from North Carolina, Including Four from State Champions Hillside High

DURHAM, N.C. – Twenty-six student-athletes signed national letters of intent on Wednesday (Feb. 2) to become part of head football coach Henry Frazier III’s first recruiting class at North Carolina Central University.

The 2011 NCCU recruiting class consists of 23 high school seniors and three transfers. Among the signees are 12 linemen (6 offense, 6 defense), five defensive backs, two linebackers, two wide receivers, a quarterback, running back, fullback, tight end and a return specialist.

“Our goal was to recruit an athlete at every position, just to create some competition,” said Frazier, who took over the Eagles gridiron program on Jan. 3. “That’s what we were able to do.


Videographer: NCCUEagles

by Kyle Serba, Associate A.D. for Media Relations, www.NCCUEaglePride.com

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PVAMU Panthers Sign 20 Student-Athletes To National Letters Of Intent

A total of 20 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play football for Prairie View A&M University on Wednesday.

“Recruiting has gone well as we’ve met our critical needs,” said first-year head coach Heishma Northern. “I’m happy with our assistant coaches for going out and doing their due diligence as they did a fine job of keeping our class intact after the coaching change.”

Northern also mentioned the difference in recruiting as a head coach for the first time compared to being a coordinator.

“One of the first things that stood out was that I had to make the sales pitch of what myself and the program is going to do for the kids,” he said. “As a coordinator, my biggest thing was bringing players to the table and letting Coach Frazier decide but now I had to make the ultimate decision on whether we’re going to offer a particular kid and decide if the scholarship was going to be a full, partial or walk-on opportunity. I had to make some tough decisions regarding that situation but that comes with the territory of being a head coach.”



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Tennessee State Tigers Ink Twenty-Two Football Players

Coach Rod Reed and his staff have signed twenty-two football players to National Letters of Intent on national signing day, February 2, 2011.

The Tigers inked twelve players on defensive, nine players on offense and one player termed an athlete. The 2011 recruiting class consists of five players from Tennessee, five from the state of Florida, three players from Louisiana, two players each from Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. One player each comes from the states of South Carolina, North Carolina and Indiana.

The position breakdown sees the addition of six defensive linemen, four linebackers and two defensive backs. The offensive additions are as follows, three tight ends, two wide receivers, two running back and one each at offensive line and quarterback. The one player listed as an athlete has played as running back, quarterback, receiver and kick returner.

2011 TSU Football Class

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Taylor calls class best since he has arrived at FAMU

One of the promises Joe Taylor made when he took over as head football coach at Florida A&M was to have his recruiting staff cast a wide net. Call it a promise kept if the class of signees announced Wednesday is an indication.

Taylor reached as far as Hawaii for help to shore up the Rattlers' offensive line, signing offensive guard Pieper Kawika. FAMU beat out nine other schools, including Duke from the ACC and Marshall of Conference USA, for the services of the 6-foot-3, 320-pound two-time all-state lineman from Moanalua High School.

In all, FAMU signed 22 of the 25 prospects it pursued during the recruiting period. Taylor hailed the class, which includes three Division I transfers and one from a junior college, as the best he's recruited since taking over the FAMU program.


Videographer: FAMUSPORTS

2011 FAMU Rattlers Signees

Aiken, Patrick, 5-10/170, CB, Pembroke Pines, Fla./Flanagan H.S.

Bass, Tyler, 6-4/210,QB, r-Jr. Atlanta, Ga./Memphis

Broaddus, James, 6-5/245, DE Choctawhatchee, Fla./Choctawhatchee H.S.

Brinson, Sherrod, 6-1/270 OC Madison, Fla./Madison HS

Carroll, Jeremiah, 6-4/290 OL Dothan, Ala./Northview HS

Carter, Ravonne, 5-11/190 DB Fr. Miami, Fla./New Mexico

Gibson, LaDontae, 6-4/280 OL/DL Madison, Fla./Madison HS

Harrison, Delmus, 5-11/185 RB Tallahassee, Fla./FAMU DRS

Harvey, DeWayne, 6-3/200 Ath Tallahassee, Fla./Florida HS

Hypollite, Ellie 6-4/275 DL Jr. Bartow, Fla./Eerie JC

Liford, Gene 6-9/280 OL Monticello, Fla./Aucilla HS

James, Dane 6-1/180 QB Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Boyd Anderson

McGhee, Rickey 6-2/190 WR Crawfordville, Fla./Rickards HS

Morris, Michael 6-5/230 TE Jacksonville, Fla./Andrew Jackson H.S.

Nettles, Michael 6-5/290 OL Miami, Fla./Miami Palmetto

Newton, Brenton 6-3/255 TE/FB Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Boyd Anderson

Pieper, Kawika 6-3/320 OG/C Fr. Honolulu, Hawaii/Moanalua HS

Powell, Darius 6-0/206 Ath Gainesville, Fla./East Side

Turner, Casey 5-11/190 RB r-Fr. Jacksonville, Fla./Rutgers University/Ed White H.S.

Ward, Kevin 6-4/285 OG Raleigh, N.C./Broughton HS

Williams, Anthony 6-0/175 WR Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Boyd Anderson

FAMU signee ready to shine in classroom

Crista Wright, a math teacher at Gainesville Eastside High School, wasn't sure what to think of Darius Powell the first couple of days he was in her classroom. He appeared a little too shy, although as a sophomore he had already demonstrated that he was a star on the school's football team. That threw Wright for a loop.

"He wasn't that typical, 'Oh, I'm playing football. I'm the star; look at me,' " she said. "He was very driven by his academics. He became a leader in the classroom. He would take other athletes under his wings and encourage them to make sure they were doing their homework."

Florida A&M Rattlers – Meet the Class

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School

Aiken, Patrick CB 5-10 170 Pembroke Pines/Flanagan
Snake Bites: All-Broward County Team selection … Recorded 54 tackles, 12 pass break-ups, two interceptions, eight tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles, 326 yards in kick returns with two TDs his senior year of play.

Bass, Tyler QB 6-4 210 Atlanta, Ga./Memphis
Snake Bites: In 2009 at Memphis, Bass played in four of the 12 games at quarterback, making three starts as the Tiger signal caller … Averaged 213.2 yards of total offense per game (45.0 rushing, 168.3 passing) … Ranked No. 73 nationally among quarterbacks by Scout.com … Tabbed No. 57 nationally among athletes by Scouts Inc. … Also rushed for 606 yards and 11 TDs on 81 carries.

Florida A&M fans cheer recruits

Right after winning one of the give-away prizes that were handed out during the celebration of Florida A&M catches on National Signing Day, Cicero Hartsfield dashed to find a Sharpie. He had to have coach Joe Taylor's signature on the football that he'd won.

It was a little more than Hartsfield came for when he showed up at The Moon on Wednesday night. He and about 200 other FAMU boosters and fans were there for their first look at the new Rattlers.

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Hilton Takes Over As North Carolina A&T Athletics Director

Aggies Athletics Director Earl Monroe Hilton III

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Chancellor Harold L. Martin has announced the appointment of Earl Hilton as the new North Carolina A&T intercollegiate director of athletics.

"For the last three months, Mr. Hilton has served as interim athletics director," said Martin. "During this time, we have had the opportunity to examine his work ethic and professional practices, and we have been impressed with both his managerial and interpersonal skills. We are anticipating significant changes and growth in our athletics programs under Earl's leadership."

Hilton is no stranger to N.C. A&T. He worked as the department's finance, compliance and personnel director from 2000-02. After his first stint with Aggie Athletics, he spent eight years an assistant vice chancellor for student affairs at the university. His duties included budget oversight, personnel development and management. In addition to his role in student affairs, Hilton assisted Aggie Athletics in its second-cycle NCAA certification. Before becoming the interim director of athletics, he was the chairman of N.C. A&T's 2011 NCAA re-certification committee.

"In many ways, student affairs and athletics mirror one another," said Hilton. "Both areas offer an environment to nurture, train and protect the welfare of our students. I want to assure you that N.C. A&T Athletics will be steeped in individual accountability, transparency and student safety."

Before coming to N.C. A&T, Hilton worked as Buffalo State's NCAA compliance director from 1997-2000. He also handled the departmental budget and served as the recreational and intramural supervisor. In 1993, he became an academic counselor at Texas Tech.

Hilton received his B.S., degree in political science in 1992. He also has a master's degree in public administration and Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech.

Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information               Release: 02/03/2011

Broadway Named North Carolina A&T Football Coach

North Carolina A&T Head Coach Rod Broadway

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Director of Athletics Earl Hilton has announced the appointment of Rod Broadway to become North Carolina A&T's new football coach. Broadway will become the school's 18th head football coach.

"Mr. Broadway's record speaks for itself," said Hilton. "We are very excited with the new turn North Carolina A&T football took today. We are looking forward to Mr. Broadway restoring the winning tradition our fans have become so accustomed to having."

Broadway comes to N.C. A&T with impressive credentials. He spent four years as the head coach of N.C. Central. After leaving the Eagles' program he had a four-year stay at Grambling State University. Between those two universities, he compiled a combined record of 68-23, .750 winning percentage.

"I'm excited about coming to N.C. A&T," said Broadway. "Their tradition and fan support is second to none. I'm looking forward to the challenge that lies before us. If everything I hear about Aggie Pride is true, we're going to win and win big here."

Broadway became the head coach at Grambling in 2007. In only his second year at the helm, he led the Tigers to an 11-2 record and the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship. His Grambling teams were 3-1 against archrival Southern. He posted a 35-12 record at Grambling.

At N.C. Central, Broadway won two CIAA Championships, made two NCAA Division II playoff appearances and won 75 percent of his games. He won a Black College National Championship at Grambling and NCCU.

Prior to his tenure at NCCU, Broadway honed his skills on the NCAA football's highest level as the defensive line coach at the University of North Carolina (2001-02), University of Florida (1995-00), Duke University (1981-94) and East Carolina University (1979-80).

As an assistant coach at North Carolina, Broadway helped the Tar Heels to a No. 15 national ranking in total defense and an appearance in the Peach Bowl.

While at Florida, he served as a member of Steve Spurrier's staff and helped the Gators attain four SEC Championships, six bowl appearances and one national championship in 1996.

Broadway's defensive units at Florida led the SEC in sacks from 1996-99 with the 1997 team setting a school record for rush defense with 70.7 yards per game.

A 1977 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Broadway played on the defensive line from 1974-77 and helped lead UNC to the 1974 Sun Bowl and the 1977 Liberty Bowl. Among the honors he earned were the team's "Outstanding Freshman" in 1974 and "Most Outstanding Senior" along with All-ACC honors in 1977.

Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information Release: 02/03/2011

The Offer Broadway Could not Refuse

Broadway agreed to a five-year contract worth $232,500 per year, with the option to brings in his own assistant coaches, plus a car allowance and standard university benefits. All five years are guaranteed.

Alonzo Lee, the outgoing coach at A&T, earned $145,000 last season.

BREAKING NEWS: GSU head coach Rod Broadway resigns (updated 2:55 p.m.)

Rod Broadway has resigned from his post as head coach of the Gramblling State football team, and will take the same position at North Carolina A&T.

GSU announced Broadway's departure in a press release Thursday afternoon. Last Friday Broadway announced he had turned down an offer from North Carolina A&T and would remain at Grambling, but it appears he has either had a change of heart, or never planned to stay at Grambling at all.

Grambling offensive coordinator Bob Leahy said Broadway gave no indication that he was about to resign.

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Jackson State signs 16 to Scholarships on National Signing Day

JACKSON, Miss. - The Jackson State University football team has officially signed 15 football players to National Letters of Intent. One recruit received an academic scholarship to JSU to make 16 the total number of players to officially commit to play for the Tigers Wednesday.

Head Coach Rick Comegy looked to strengthen the offensive line as well as shore the linebacker and defensive back positions.

Below is the complete list of the newest members of the JSU football program:

Sterling Wright, DB, 6-1, 190, Coral Reef High, Miami, FL

Zion Pyatt, OL, 6-6, 280, Lackawanna CC, Baltimore City College HS, Baltimore, MD

Maurice Brooks, OL, 6-2, 295, Coahoma CC, Charleston HS, Charleston MS

Reuben Corley, FB, 6-1, 235, MGCCC, South Panola HS, Batesville, MS

Jeff Travillion, OL, 6-2,305, Hendricks HS, Hendricks, TX

Jordan Helm, DE/OLB, 6-1, 220, Marshall HS, Missouri City, TX

Kris Selita, K/P, 6-1, 175, Dakota HS, MaComb, MI

Jahmal Jones, TE, 6-3, 240, Livingston, Livingston, AL

Alvin Kelly, OL, 6-3, 350, Hahnville HS, Louisiana

Danny Williams, OL, 6-3, 320, Tuscaloosa County, AL

Remund Jackson, OL, 6-4, 295, Tuscaloosa County, AL

Darreon Atkins, DB, 6-0, 170, Round Rock HS, Round Rock, TX:

Mike Johnson, ATH, 5-8, 170, Booker T. Washington High, Tuskegee, AL

*Willie Bell, III, LB, 6-2, 215, Murrah High, Jackson, MS

Tedarian Johnson, LB, 6-3, 230, Murrah HS, Jackson, MS

Mark Webster, DT, 6-2, 265, Pensacola HS, Pensacola, FL

Preferred Walk-Ons
*Eric Wills, 5-8, 185, RB, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC
*Illiard Kelly, 6-3, 260, DE, Raymond
*Rashard Davis, 5-11, 185, CB, Mansfield, Texas
*Joseph Perry, 5-10, 185, CB, Natchez
*Denotes - Academic Scholarship recepients

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By Jackson State University Athletic Office of Media Relations