Atlanta, GA - The 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame class includes three players of particular local interest: Atlanta Falcons star Deion Sanders (Florida State University), Atlanta native Richard Dent (Tennessee State University) of the Bears and Shannon Sharpe of the Broncos and Ravens, who grew up in south Georgia's Tattnall County and played at Savannah State University, where he was one of the best players in SIAC history.
Sharpe looked ready to cry before even taking the podium, and had already spoken through a cracking voice while being interviewed before the event even began. He made it through his speech without breaking, and it will likely go down as the highlight of the night.
Thank you everyone. The people from the Hall tell me I only have eight to 10 minutes to do this. No chance. First, I'd like to thank the 44 men and women that deemed my play on the field worthy of this honor. Also the city of Canton and the Hall itself. Your efforts are appreciated.
I keep telling myself I'm not going to get emotional. I know that's going to happen. I'm proud and excited where my NFL journey has taken me and my family. 2121 George Halas Drive, Canton, Ohio.
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Sunday, August 7, 2011
Turnovers again focus for Southern Jaguars
Baton Rouge, LA - Thursday afternoon, during the first practice of preseason camp, Southern University’s defense forced four turnovers in the first 30 minutes. If the defense is that productive during games, it could be in for a record-breaking year. On the other hand, if the offense is that sloppy, Southern could be in for another disaster.During last year’s 2-9 season, the Jaguars had a minus-3 turnover margin, ranking eighth in the 10-team Southwestern Athletic Conference. Now, naturally, they’re looking for a better number. A positive number. It is, of course, a two-sided affair: The offense wants fewer mistakes, while the defense wants to force more mistakes.
“We have to get turnovers on this team and give our offense some great field position,” defensive coordinator O’Neill Gilbert said.
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Florida A&M players endure the heat during tests
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| LaVante Page |
"It's burning," said Page, the last player to complete the test that was supervised by strength and conditioning coach Russell Barbarino on the team's practice field. It culminated a series of physical testing for the Rattlers that included power clean, bench press, 225-pound rep test and the vertical and agility jumps.
A handful of players who succumbed to the 90-plus degree heat will have to give the 300-yard run between cones another shot to earn a passing score. The team begins preseason practice on Wednesday, following another round of physical drills, Barbarino said.
"This kind of test not only determines if a person is in shape, but it tests...
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Future Southern schedule includes New Mexico, Georgia
Baton Rouge, LA - Southern University football players report for preseason camp Wednesday intent on restoring pride to their program. In years to come, they’ll fly across the country for big games against big teams, who will presumably cut some big paychecks.SU coach Stump Mitchell said his program has agreed in principle to play two future away games against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents - New Mexico in 2012 and Georgia in 2015. Yes, that’s correct: The University of Georgia.
“This class we’re bringing in right now - a lot of them will be (fifth-year) seniors when we play there,” Mitchell said. “These guys understand we have to take care of business now. But for them, that year is when they’ll go from being a young pup to a grown man.”
Mitchell said that without a permanent athletic director, he has taken temporary responsibility of scheduling future games, though he added that Chancellor James Llorens “has to sign off on it.”
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Saturday, August 6, 2011
Sharpe makes trip from Savannah State to Canton
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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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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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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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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“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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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™
Frazier challenges NCCU Eagles to push themselves
Durham, N.C. - No whistle around his neck. Instead, N.C. Central football coach Henry Frazier III strutted to the field with a bullhorn. "It counts now," Frazier said Wednesday evening before NCCU's first practice.
The coach was savoring the Eagles having officially rejoined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and being eligible to compete for the conference title, eligible to go after an NCAA Football Championship Subdivision crown. The Eagles will get there with trust and effort, Frazier said. That means players both buying what coaches are selling and busting their tails on the field, Frazier said.
"Players play and coaches coach," said Frazier, entering his first season at NCCU after turning a not-so-good Prairie View A&M squad into Southwestern Athletic Conference champions.
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The coach was savoring the Eagles having officially rejoined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and being eligible to compete for the conference title, eligible to go after an NCAA Football Championship Subdivision crown. The Eagles will get there with trust and effort, Frazier said. That means players both buying what coaches are selling and busting their tails on the field, Frazier said.
"Players play and coaches coach," said Frazier, entering his first season at NCCU after turning a not-so-good Prairie View A&M squad into Southwestern Athletic Conference champions.
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QB Carrothers transfers from Grambling to WSSU
Winston Salem, N.C. - Anthony Carrothers Jr. — the starting quarterback at Grambling State last season as a freshman — has transferred to Winston-Salem State. Carrothers, a dual threat, guided Grambling to a 9-2 record in his first season out of Charlotte's Independence High School."There's no quarterback controversy," coach Connell Maynor of the Rams said Friday after announcing the Carrothers' transfer. "Kam (Kameron Smith) is still our starter, but he's got to keep his job just like every starter who is coming back."
Smith helped the Rams to an 8-2 record last season but missed spring practice because of surgery for Crohn's disease. Maynor said Smith will start practice next week 100 percent healthy.
Last season, Carrothers (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) passed for 1,443 yards (93 for 170) and seven touchdowns, with eight interceptions. He also rushed for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Carrothers' father, Anthony Sr., played for WSSU in the early 1980s.
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A Wild Journey For Laurel High Grad/Bowie State's Erhie
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| OgheneMaro Erhie |
What makes the Erhie story unique is that while he attended and graduated from Laurel High he never played football for the Spartans.
"I was mostly a soccer player. I was not really interested in football," Erhie, a 2006 graduate of Laurel, told Patch on Thursday. Erhie played soccer while at Laurel High and did not play organized football until he was a walk-on at Morgan State in Baltimore.
"I guess I got really big. I liked (watching) football and wanted to play," he said. "I think I made quite an impression at Morgan State. I never dressed but I was on the practice squad in 2007."
He then transferred to Division II Bowie State and last season he made the CIAA All-Rookie team as a 6-foot-6, 340-pound offensive lineman for the Bulldogs.
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Friday, August 5, 2011
Savannah State Tigers open Camp
Savannah, GA - The renovated T.A Wright Stadium is not even complete yet, but that didn't stop the Savannah State football team from hitting the field at their new home. Wednesday afternoon, Head Coach Steve Davenport and the Tigers opened up pre-season camp with a two hour practice on the new field turf at T.A Wright stadium.
"It feels good to get to work," said Davenport. "We're all about competition here...no job is taken yet." The Tigers are coming off a 1-10 season in 2010.
"There's a lot of excitement in the air all around campus," said Senior Running Back Justin Babb. "New" is the word around camp. In 2011 the Tigers have a new head coach, new conference in the MEAC, and a new stadium.
A total of ninety-four players have checked into camp under Tigers Coach Steve Davenport.
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PHOTO GALLERY: TED WRIGHT FOOTBALL STADIUM RENOVATIONS
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"It feels good to get to work," said Davenport. "We're all about competition here...no job is taken yet." The Tigers are coming off a 1-10 season in 2010.
"There's a lot of excitement in the air all around campus," said Senior Running Back Justin Babb. "New" is the word around camp. In 2011 the Tigers have a new head coach, new conference in the MEAC, and a new stadium.
A total of ninety-four players have checked into camp under Tigers Coach Steve Davenport.
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PHOTO GALLERY: TED WRIGHT FOOTBALL STADIUM RENOVATIONS
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North Carolina A&T Aggies Sign Interchangeable Parts
GREENSBORO, N.C. - North Carolina A&T head men's basketball coach Jerry Eaves didn't attempt to replace 6-foot-9 first-team All-MEAC superstar Thomas Coleman because it is hard to replace 17.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Instead, Eaves decided to replace the Aggies style of play. On Friday, Eaves released the rest of his 2011 recruiting class with all four players being either 6-6 or 6-7. The class includes Anthony Estes (6-7, 195, Washington, D.C.), Waylan Siverand (6-7, 220, Houston, Texas), Simon Barres (6-6, 212, Paris, France) and Jordan Herrera (6-6, 210, Silver Spring, Md.). Earlier this year, the Aggies announced the signing of Jean Louisme (6-4, 205, Fort Myers, Fla.) to bring the Aggies recruiting class total to five.
"There are going to be times this season when every guy on the floor is going to be 6-6," said Eaves. "This is going to help us match up with athletic teams in our league like Hampton. There are going to be points in the game where everyone on the floor for us can handle the ball, and everyone on the floor for us can guard three or four positions."
Estes attended Brisbane Academy in Charlotte. As a senior, he averaged 18.0 points and 12.0 rebounds. Estes also played at Our Savior in New York. He is an inside/outside player who can post and shoot the 15-footer.
"He wants to bang," said Eaves. "He is probably the most aggressive young man I have ever recruited. He can really put the ball on the floor and attack."
Siverand is gifted athletically and academically. He attended Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, N.H. In the classroom, Siverand graduated with a 3.6 grade point average. As a postgraduate for Kimball Union, he started all 26 games and averaged 12.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. He graduated from Hightower High School in Houston in 2009. Siverand gets off the floor quickly, runs extremely well and has tremendous length.
"He is a super smart young man," said Eaves. "By far, he is the best athlete I have ever recruited. With this young man, our pressure defense is back. He is long, athletic and can jump out of the gym. He just has to learn how to play on this level."
Barres played in various places in Europe before finishing his prep career at Evelyn Mack Academy in Charlotte. There, he averaged 11.0 points and 7.0 rebounds.
"He is mature young man and player with a nice body and nice range," said Eaves. "He has a European-style game to him where he can step out and hit the three, the medium-range jump shot and he can put the ball on the floor."
Jordan Herrera attended Cloud Community College for one season after attending Hesston Junior College. At Cloud, he averaged 11.0 points and 5.0 rebounds. As a prep standout, he attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.
"On defense, he anticipates well," said Eaves. "He wants to steal the ball to get dunks and layups. He is 6-6, but he is long and active."
By Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information
Georgia lines up 2015 football game with Southern Jaguars
Athens, GA - Georgia’s scheduling philosophy in football under athletic director Greg McGarity includes playing one Football Championship Subdivision opponent a year.The Bulldogs have lined up another, Southern University, on Sept. 5, 2015 in Athens.
The schools have a memorandum of understanding to play that season, according to senior associate athletic director Claude Felton. The Southwestern Athletic Conference school is located in Baton Rouge, La.
Georgia would pay Southern $650,000 as the guarantee. There is no signed contract yet.
Georgia has lined up one FCS (formerly I-AA) game each of the next six seasons: Coastal Carolina (2011), Georgia Southern (2012, 2016), Appalachian State (2013), Charleston Southern (2014).
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Note: Coach Stump Mitchell may be a better "athletic director" than a football coach. In one quick swoop, Mitchell may have raised the bar for HBCUs from $500,000 to $650,000 for a "money game" with a strong BCS program. Are you reading this SCSU and FAMU, who have future games scheduled with Arizona, Miami, South Florida and Ohio State, respectively. South Carolina State played at Georgia Tech in 2010, and earned a minimum of $225,000 for their blowout. This does not include the unnamed sum earned from shared ticket sales.
FAMU will play at South Florida on September 17, 2011, and will receive a "guarantee" of $400,000, a relatively low figure in today's college football economy. SCSU will earn $500,000 playing at Indiana on September 17.
FAMU continues to avoid playing at Florida State, but the across-campus Seminoles are paying Sun Belt Conference Louisiana-Monroe $1.3 million to play in Tallahassee on September 3, 2011. If you are going to schedule a blowout, at least get paid well for the opportunity.
-beepbeep
Pittsburgh Steelers releases S.C. State Harrison
Orangeburg, S.C. - Lake City native Josh Harrison was among five players released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday.
Harrison, a standout at South Carolina State, was signed as a free agent by the team last week and has been with the Steelers in training camp.
Harrison was a two-year starter at left tackle at S.C. State and was a two time all-MEAC selection. Conference coaches voted Harrison MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, and he also was selected to play in the HBCU Classic in Atlanta.
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Harrison, a standout at South Carolina State, was signed as a free agent by the team last week and has been with the Steelers in training camp.
Harrison was a two-year starter at left tackle at S.C. State and was a two time all-MEAC selection. Conference coaches voted Harrison MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, and he also was selected to play in the HBCU Classic in Atlanta.
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FAMU’S Angel Signs Stellar Inaugural Class for 2011-12
Tallahassee, FL - Florida A&M Head Men’s Track and Field Coach Wayne Angel announced the signing of ten student-athletes to grant-aid today for the 2011-2012 season.
“I am very pleased and excited about the potential and possibilities of these student athletes,” said second year coach Angel. "They are tough, talented and have a no-nonsense approach to work, which will be necessary in helping FAMU in re-establishing its presence in the MEAC.
“We have added depth and talent to our sprint and hurdles groups, our 4x100 and 4x400 relays will bring a lot of excitement to the hill and hopefully ignite a fire in the hearts and minds of our students and alumni to come out and support us,” Angel said.
Here are the 2011-12 signees:
Elias Chesire- Distance- (Eldoret, Kenya) distance star with times of 3:52, 8:17, 14:28 and 29.40 respectively in the 1500, 3k, 5k and 10k. Chesire and FAMU distance ace Shuaib Winters will look to be a formidable tandem in the MEAC.
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VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS
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| Coach W. Wayne Angel |
“We have added depth and talent to our sprint and hurdles groups, our 4x100 and 4x400 relays will bring a lot of excitement to the hill and hopefully ignite a fire in the hearts and minds of our students and alumni to come out and support us,” Angel said.
Here are the 2011-12 signees:
Elias Chesire- Distance- (Eldoret, Kenya) distance star with times of 3:52, 8:17, 14:28 and 29.40 respectively in the 1500, 3k, 5k and 10k. Chesire and FAMU distance ace Shuaib Winters will look to be a formidable tandem in the MEAC.
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VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS
Javins signs with Talladega Lady Tornadoes softball team
TALLADEGA, AL — After learning of the cuts in athletic programs in junior colleges, Lindsey Javins wasn’t sure what the future held for her. But on Tuesday, she secured plans for the next three seasons by signing a scholarship to play with the Talladega College Lady Tornadoes softball team.“I’m excited to have a new team and a new coach,” Javins said. “I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.” TC head coach Mallory York is excited about the addition of Javins to the softball squad.
“She is another great pick,” York said. “She comes from a great coach that I have actually competed with. We played at Jeff State so in know the coach very well. She called and told me about Lindsey. I was very opened minded; I knew she was going to be a great athlete also because where she was coming from. She also has a very good attitude, I am looking forward to coaching her.”
SUNO athletic director looking forward to building program
New Orleans - House Bill 537 was a proposal to merge Southern University at New Orleans and the University of New Orleans, a measure intended to solve the educational crises at the two universities.The bill aimed to solve problems, but it also created problems for SUNO Athletic Director Elston King. He waited for months, not knowing if he would have an athletic program to oversee in the future. The bill forced him to put recruiting on hold.
But when the bill died in the Legislature on May 18, King rejoiced.
"We're very relieved, because our athletes didn't know for sure if there was going to be a SUNO," King said. "That's what stopped us from recruiting some great kids. But now that this is over with for at least this year, I really do believe we're going to put that on a platform for next year."
Now free to address the future of his program, King hopes to add golf and tennis within...
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B-CU Wildcats to be tested with tough schedule
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Most people recognize Bethune-Cookman University as a school with a great marching band, "The Marching Wildcats," but this past year, the band might have played second fiddle to the upstart football program.
Under the direction of second-year head coach Brian Jenkins, the Wildcats completed a 10-2 season in 2010, which saw them claim a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, advance to their first NCAA FCS playoff appearance since 2003 and take the National Black College Football title.
With the recent success of last season, Jenkins must rely on stellar student athletes including senior linebacker Ryan Lewis. Lewis was named preseason MEAC Defensive "Player of the Year." Lewis has been named to the All-MEAC First Team as well and is joined by offensive linemen Natiel Curry and Alex Monroe, defensive end Ryan Davis, linebacker Reggie Sandilands, and safety Michael Williams.
Named to preseason All-MEAC Second Team are running back Isidore Jackson, wide receiver Eddie Poole, and offensive lineman Marquell Rozier. No defensive players were named.
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Under the direction of second-year head coach Brian Jenkins, the Wildcats completed a 10-2 season in 2010, which saw them claim a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, advance to their first NCAA FCS playoff appearance since 2003 and take the National Black College Football title.
With the recent success of last season, Jenkins must rely on stellar student athletes including senior linebacker Ryan Lewis. Lewis was named preseason MEAC Defensive "Player of the Year." Lewis has been named to the All-MEAC First Team as well and is joined by offensive linemen Natiel Curry and Alex Monroe, defensive end Ryan Davis, linebacker Reggie Sandilands, and safety Michael Williams.
Named to preseason All-MEAC Second Team are running back Isidore Jackson, wide receiver Eddie Poole, and offensive lineman Marquell Rozier. No defensive players were named.
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