UAPB's Terron Armstead is the most intriguing and important rookie on the New Orleans Saints roster

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana  --  Left tackle is one of the few things the New Orleans Saints have gotten right over the years.

Even before Drew Brees and Sean Payton arrived, the Saints have manned the offense's second most important position with a standout blocker. It's largely been a position of strength for two decades.

Dating to 1994, the Saints have started a Pro Bowl-caliber player at left tackle every season. The lone exceptions were 2003, 2004 and 2005 when veteran Wayne Gandy was signed to bridge the gap between Kyle Turley and Jammal Brown. Before them, Hall of Famer Willie Roaf had the job. For the last three years, it's been in the capable, powerful hands of Jermon Bushrod. That foursome combined to make 15 Pro Bowls and nine All-Pro teams.

The run ended when Bushrod signed with the Chicago Bears in March free agency. His departure left the Saints with a yawning hole on their left flank, a situation that Saints coach Sean Payton admitted in March made him lose sleep.

Rule No. 1 in Payton's offense is protect Brees. It all starts there. The security Bushrod and Brown provided to Brees has been one of the least appreciated factors behind the offense's unprecedented prolificacy.

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UAPB Golden Lions Wrap- Up Spring Practice with Black and Gold Game

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas  --  On Saturday, with the campus still buzzing from Terron Armstead's draft announcement, head coach Monte Coleman and his coaching staff closed out their 2013 spring drills with the annual Black and Gold game at Golden Lions Stadium.

With the marching Musical Machine of the Mid- South, M-4, and a host of Golden Lions fans in the stands, two squads comprised of current Golden Lions players took the field in a 80-plus play scrimmage. Red shirt junior quarterback Ben Anderson, who led the Golden Lions to the 2012 SWAC championship was the signal caller for the gold squad; while freshman Brandon Duncan was responsible for the black squad.

The Black Squad got on the score board first, as Duncan hit Joel Porchia on 25-yard fade pattern to the back pylon of the end zone to give the black squad the early lead. Sophomore kicker Tyler Strickland, who kicked the game winning field in the SWAC championship game, tacked on the PAT to make the score read 7-0.

After the black team caused a fumble, Strickland would knock down a field goal to push the black team's point to 10. The gold team offense moved to ball between the thirties but couldn't quite finish drives early in the game to match the productivity that black team offense was able to produce. With the ball back in tow and Duncan under center, the black team offense would reach pay dirt once again as Michael Wilson crossed the goal line from five yards out for a 17-0 lead.

Both squads would go into the intermission looking to regroup and pick up right where they left off. Coleman and his staff wanted to simulate real game time situations; so they played four 12-minute quarters with game officials.

Anderson seemed to be the Anderson of old, as he rambled off long scampers to move his gold squad down the field and put them in scoring position. Mid-way through the third quarter that's just what he did. On a delayed quarterback draw, Anderson scrambled up the middle form about ten yards out to give the gold team new life, with first score of the afternoon. Strickland handled all kicking duties and added the PAT for a 17-7 score.

After a black team interception, Anderson once again led the gold team on a comeback. This time he marched the team down the field to set up a first and ten situation from the 11 yard line. The gold team offense then took three shots at the end zone, before Strickland would be called upon for a field goal attempt, which was successful closing the black team's margin to seven.

The gold team defense held the black team offense to three and out, forcing a turnover on downs, but time would expire on the gold team's efforts. Anderson, with time running out took a shot at the back of the end zone only to have his receiver come down out of bounds as the clock read zero; giving the game its final, 17-10.

“I was pleased with enthusiasm of our players today. We saw some things we liked and some areas where we want to improve”, said Coleman. “We structured our camp to be a little tougher than normal because we wanted to push our kids. We don't want to be a one hit wonder. We are looking to defend our title and win many more.”



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2013 NFL Draft: FAMU's Brandon Hepburn talks about being picked by Lions

Brandon Hepburn, #52 rulls down a USF Bull.
(Photo Courtesy: FAMU Athletics) 

DETROIT, Michigan  --  Below is a recap of what linebacker Brandon Hepburn had to say about being picked in the seventh round by the Detroit Lions on Saturday. (Quotes provided by the Lions.)

On making the most of his time at Florida A&M: "Well, yeah, I actually came in as a tight end. I came in actually as a walk-on. I first played tight end and I redshirted the 2008 season. I came in and earned myself a scholarship that next semester, so that was a blessing. I did my best at the tight end position. I was a blocking tight end and the second tight end in our option. Then I moved to outside linebacker and started a few games in 2010. Moving into the 2011 season, I played primarily outside and also the inside linebacker during dime packages. Toward the end of the season I played mostly the inside backer in our 3-4 scheme. Moving into the 2012 season, I just cut loose, kind of put it all together and just tried to put my best foot forward. So, I believe my body kind of stands tall along with the things that God has been able to do with my life. I'm ecstatic to be a Detroit Lion and I'm ready to go to work."

On how the Lions are looking at him: "There are still some things I'm still figuring out. I'm still caught up in the ...

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Four Alabama State Hornets To Get NFL Opportunity

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  Former Alabama State players Terren Jones, Kejuan Riley,  Saeed Lee and Greg Jenkins will get the opportunity to pursue an NFL career.

Jones has signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons, and will be joined in Atlanta by Riley and Lee, both of whom will get tryouts in rookie camp. Jenkins will have a tryout with the Raiders.

“It's a blessing,” Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow said. “These four guys have been great players for the University. I'm proud of them. The opportunity is all they can ask for. Nigel Carr was given this same chance last year, and he made the best of it (with the eventual Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens). I'm confident all four of these gentlemen can play in the NFL. This is outstanding for our program to have four guys get an opportunity at the NFL level. I commend our coaches for doing a good job in recruiting these talented players and know they will represent us well.”

Jones (6-7, 320, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., played in the Raycom All-Star Game in January, was named to  six All-America team this offseason: Sheridan Broadcasting Network, The Sports Network, American Football Coaches Association, the Associated Press, Boxtorow.com, and College Sporting News.  In 2012, the three-time All-SWAC selection helped the Hornets gain more than 400 yards four times and score at least 30 points in six consecutive games. Alabama State rushed for more than 2,000 yards this season with a conference-best 31 rushing touchdowns.

“It's a huge blessing,” Jones said. “They didn't draft any linemen, so I knew I needed to jump on this opportunity. I look forward to the opportunity to compete.”

Riley (6-2, 208, Wetumkpa, Ala.) was another consensus All-America selection: Sheridan Broadcasting Network, Sports Network, American Football Coaches Association, Boxtorow.com, and College Sporting News. Riley, who played in the 2013 East-West Shrine Game, completed his stellar career as Alabama State's career leader in both interceptions (21) and interception return yards (348). Riley, who led or tied for the conference lead in interceptions each of the final three years, finished his career with 231 tackles (145 solo) with four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He also averaged 22.3 yards on 15 kick returns and 7.5 yards on 28 punt returns during his career.

“This is a great chance for me to show I can compete with the best and show everybody I belong,” Riley said. “Going into this process, I felt all I needed was one opportunity. I'm going in with a chip on my shoulder and it's going to stay there.”

Lee (5-11, 160, SR, Miami, Fla.)was a two-year starter and four-year letterman for the Hornets, and finished his career 115 tackles (71 solo) with five interceptions, a pair of sacks and four fumble recoveries. Lee, along with Jones, played in the Raycom All-Star Game in January.

“It's a great blessing from God,” Lee said. “However, I haven't done anything yet. It's great to have my teammates there. Coming from the same school, we have the same chip on our shoulders to prove ourselves.”

Jenkins (6-1, 205, SR, Dade City, Fla.), who graduated from Alabama State earlier in December with a degree in criminal justice, finished his Hornet athletic career ranked sixth in total offense (4,003 yards) and eighth in passing yards (3,166). Jenkins, who played in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and played both quarterback and wide receiver during the practice week and in the game, accounted for 35 touchdowns (20 passing/15 rushing) in winning 13 of 19 career starts while playing in 21 career games in two seasons with the Hornets. This past season, Jenkins set career highs in passing yards (1,691), rushing yards (507) and rushing touchdowns (eight) while passing for nine touchdowns.

“It's a blessing to have this opportunity,” Jenkins said, who will likely get his NFL opportunity at the receiver position. “I can't wait to get back on the field.”


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Very Latest Update: HBCU's 2013 NFL Undrafted Free Agent Signings

Arizona Cardinals
Jamaal-Johnson Webb, OL, Alabama A&M    VIDEO
Padric Scott, DT, Florida A&M   VIDEO

Atlanta Falcons
Brandon Thurmond, OLB, Arkansas Pine-Bluff    VIDEO
Terren Jones, OL, Alabama State   VIDEO
Kejuan Riley, FS, Alabama State  VIDEO
Saeed Lee, CB, Alabama State

Baltimore Ravens
Roger Gaines, OT, Tennessee State 

Buffalo Bills
Keith Pough, LB, Howard    VIDEO
Vernon Kearney, CB, Lane College

Dallas Cowboys
Jakar Hamilton, FS, South Carolina State

Detroit Lions
Travis Tarpley, WR, Delaware State   VIDEO

Green Bay Packers
Jamal Giddens, LB, Norfolk State

Kansas City Chiefs
Kaderius Lacey, RB, Alabama A&M   VIDEO
Rico Richardson, WR, Jackson State    VIDEO

New Orleans Saints
Nathan Hoyte, RB, Albany State (Ga.)
Ronnie Tubbs, WR, Albany State (Ga.)

New York Giants
Justin Blash, DT, Albany State (Ga.)

New York Jets
KJ Stroud, WR, Bethune-Cookman   VIDEO

Oakland Raiders
Kentrell Harris, DE, Virginia Union DE  VIDEO
Greg Jenkins, QB/WR, Alabama State  VIDEO

San Francisco 49ers
Sherman Carter, OL, Tennessee State  VIDEO

Seattle Seahawks
Jajuan Harley, S, Tennessee State

St. Louis Rams
Joseph LeBeau, LB, Jackson State  VIDEO

Tennessee Titans
Travis Harvey, WR, Florida A&M    VIDEO



Updated: 6:59 a.m., 4/30/13  beepbeep

Alabama State picks up commitment from JUCO F Maurice Strong

SWAINSBORO, Georgia --  Alabama State basketball seems to have addressed one of its biggest areas of need the day before the NCAA's spring signing period begins.

With the departure of 6-foot-7 forward tandem seniors Phillip Crawford and Shawntez Patterson, the Hornets have added strength to their frontline---literally.

Tuesday morning, online reports surfaced that 6-6 JUCO power forward Maurice Strong had committed to Alabama State.

CB Hoops, an outlet out of Columbus, broke the news first via its Twitter account.



Strong averaged a double-double at Aiken Technical College as a sophomore, putting up 14.6 points while shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 10 rebounds in 27 games for a Knight's squad which finished a couple games below .500. at 13-15. Their season ended with a 78-74 loss to Cape Fear Community College in the first round of the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 10 D-1 tournament.

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Johnetta Harris-Perry Named TSU Women’s Basketball Coach

Johnetta Hayes-Perry
Head Women's Basketball Coach
Texas Southern University

HOUSTON, Texas  --  Texas Southern University Director of Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland has announced that current TSU associate head coach Johnetta Hayes-Perry has been named the next head women’s basketball coach at Texas Southern.

Hayes-Perry arrived to Texas Southern after a two year stint at UNC-Wilmington, where she spent two seasons as an assistant coach on former TSU head women’s basketball coach Cynthia Cooper-Dykes’ staff. At UNCW Hayes-Perry was a part of a staff that led the program to two 20 win seasons and two postseason appearances. This past season Hayes-Perry was instrumental in the Lady Tigers historic success as Texas Southern participated in the WNIT postseason for the first time in school history.

Texas Southern clinched the number one seed at the 2013 SWAC Women’s Basketball Tournament after winning the schools’ first regular season championship in school history. The Lady Tigers won 15 straight games dating from Jan. 4 to Feb. 28. The Lady Tigers also set new school records for consecutive wins (15) and overall wins during the regular season (20) during their 2012-13 campaign. Freshman Te’era Williams was named SWAC Freshman of the Year while fellow teammate Brianna Sidney was named to the All-SWAC Second Team.

“At the beginning of this process one of our main priorities was to maintain continuity within the program,” said McClelland. “We also wanted to solidify the current recruiting class. The hiring of Coach Hayes-Perry has given us the opportunity to fulfill those major goals of our search.”

Prior to coaching at UNC-Wilmington, Hayes-Perry spent time as an assistant coach at North Texas. In her two seasons in Denton, she played a pivotal role in the development of the Mean Green’s frontcourt as North Texas’ post players set numerous career-bests in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots in her time with the program. She also played a key role in the development of Jasmine Godbout, who became just the second player in program history to earn league Rookie-of-the-Year honors when she was named the Sun Belt’s top newcomer in 2009-10.

Before her stint at North Texas, Hayes-Perry served as head coach at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, where she guided the NAIA program to 42 victories in her two seasons. Hayes-Perry led the Wildcats to a 29-7 record in 2007-08 and helped the school earn its first-ever national ranking as Wiley finished the campaign ranked No. 22 in the country. The 2007-08 Red River Athletic Conference Coach-of-the-Year, Hayes-Perry coached seven all-conference players and the RRAC Newcomer-of-the-Year in 2007-08. Hayes-Perry got her initial start in coaching serving as a graduate assistant at Prairie View A&M under Cooper-Dyke.

“We’re extremely excited about the future of the women’s basketball at Texas Southern with Coach Hayes-Perry at the helm of the program,” said McClelland. “She has significant experience coaching at the Division I level and she also brings with her head coaching experience. We feel that Coach Hayes-Perry undoubtedly provides us with the best option towards making Texas Southern a legitimate contender in the current landscape of women’s college basketball.”

During her playing days Hayes-Perry was a prolific defensive player and four-year letterwinner at Rice. She was a 2003 first-team All-WAC selection after leading the Owls in scoring, rebounds, blocked shots and field goal percentage. She ranked 16^th in the nation that season in blocked shots per game, averaging 2.46 rejections per contest. Hayes-Perry is second all-time in blocked shots at Rice with 142 and ranks sixth in school history with a career rebounding average of 8.1 rpg per game.

“I would like to thank Texas Southern University President Dr. John Rudley, the TSU Board of Regents, and Director of Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland for giving me the opportunity to continue building a legacy here at Texas Southern,” said Hayes-Perry. “I’m really excited and I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Lady Tiger family. I truly feel that our program is headed in a positive direction and I feel like we’ll be able to compete at a high level in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.”

A native of Houston, Hayes-Perry got her head coaching start in 2004 at her alma mater, Sterling High School. In one season at Sterling, she won 22 games and advanced her team to the playoffs. She graduated from Rice in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Psychology and has a Master’s Degree in education administration from Prairie View A&M. Hayes-Perry is married to Merceda Perry Jr. and the couple has a daughter Khloe’ Perry (1).

What They Are Saying About Johnetta Hayes-Perry

“With all that goes into being a coach at the Division I level, what most impresses me about Johnetta Hayes-Perry is her ability to place the integrity of the program, the welfare of the student-athletes, and the foresight of the university above all. Coach Hayes-Perry demonstrates on a daily basis that winning is a state of mind.”
-Cynthia Cooper-Dyke head coach at the University of Southern California (USC)

“Johnetta has been committed to coaching, is knowledgeable and has been eager to learn. She has put herself in various positions and always succeeded in those positions. She has been inquisitive about coaching and looks to expand her knowledge in all areas of this profession. I know that Johnetta is ready to lead the Texas Southern University women’s basketball program both on the court and off. Her ties to Texas make her a natural for recruiting in the state. Johnetta will continue to grow the program on the court, be a great role model for the young ladies that come through the program and a great representative for Texas Southern in the community.”
-Cristy McKinney former head coach at Rice University and Clemson University, currently assistant coach at Elon University


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