MVSU 's Kevin Monzon funeral set for Saturday in hometown

Kevin Monzon
(Courtesy MVSU Athletics)

 ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- The funeral for Mississippi Valley State golf and football student-athlete Kevin Monzon has been set for Saturday, May 4 at 1 p.m. in his hometown of Crystal Springs, Mississippi.

The funeral will take place the Crystal Springs High School gymnasium (201 Newton Street, Crystal Springs, MS 39059).

Visitation is set for Friday, May 3 from 5-8 p.m. at Stringer Funeral Home (26141 Highway 27) in Crystal Springs.

The burial site will be at Crystal Springs Cemetery (300 South Jackson Street).

Monzon, the starting placekicker for the Delta Devil football team in 2012, passed away April 25 in a car accident in Leflore County, Mississippi.


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Funeral Services For Former S.C. State Bulldog Standout Set

Otis Matthew Key, Jr.
(Courtesy SCSU Athletics)

JOHNSTON, South Carolina — Funeral services for former SC State defensive lineman Otis Matthew Key, Jr. will be conducted Friday, May 3, at 1 p.m. at the Bethlehem Baptist Church on Highway 23, in Johnston.
      

Key, 25, died April 26.
      

The Johnston, SC native and Strom Thurmond High graduate played from 2006-09 for the Bulldogs at defensive end and nose guard, while playing on two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships team as a junior and senior.
       

A viewing will take place on Thursday at Amos and Son Funeral Home at 412 Railroad Ave., Johnston, S.C. 29832.

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Holmes wants Florida A&M Rattlers more physical

TALLAHASSEE, Florida --  Just a handful of FAMU football players made it to the weight room early Thursday morning. They stretched, lifted weights and did some lighter work.

Among them was Michael Ducree, an inside linebacker who sat out spring practice with a minor ankle injury. His rehab is over and now he has to adhere to head coach Earl Holmes’ mantra: stronger, faster and physical.



“It’s what we needed because there were so many games (last season) that we weren’t able to finish,” Ducree said. “When it came down to the last five minutes of the game, we weren’t physical enough. The game comes down to inches and if you’re more physical you’ll get in there.”

Throughout spring, Holmes made it clear he wanted ...

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Albany State University Golden Rams Sends Three to NFL Camps

(COURTESY ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS)

ALBANY, Georgia  --  Albany State football players Justin Blash, Nathan Hoyte and Ronnie Tubbs have been invited to participate in NFL teams camps as free agents.  Blash will be headed to the New York Giants’ tryouts, while Hoyte and Tubbs will participate with the New Orleans Saints.  A press conference will be held to celebrate the three players’ achievement.  It will be held on Albany State campus at Lovett Hall on May 1^st at 11 a.m.

“I am happy for the guys to have this opportunity to do something they love,” said ASU football coach James “Mike” White.

Blash, a 6’5, 345-pound defensive tackle from Alma, Georgia, served as the Golden Rams defensive anchor in 2012.  He recorded 30 tackles (14 solo, seven for a total of 18 yards lost), 1.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries and three fumble recoveries.  Blash was named to the 2012 SIAC All-Conference First Team.

Hoyte, a 5-10, 195-pound running back, established himself as ASU’s leading rusher this past season.  A Baltimore, Maryland native, Hoyte totaled 927 rushing yards with a 4.9 average.  He also had 10 touchdowns and collected 83 receiving yards.  Because of his stellar season, Hoyte was named to the 2012 SIAC All-Conference Second Team.

Despite a season filled with injuries, Tubbs, a Yazoo City, Mississippi native, was still one of the team’s focal points.  While playing wide receiver, the 6-3, 180-pound Tubbs caught 22 passes for 221 yards and scored a touchdown.

With the trio being invited to participate in the NFL camps, this marks the first time the Golden Rams’ program has had this many players to receive invitations in one season.

“For a school our size, it’s a rarity to have three players selected to work with NFL teams,” said ASU athletics director Dr. Richard Williams.  “We are extremely proud of these young men, and we look forward to their continued success.


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XU's Jackson will speak Saturday at LABC coaching clinic

Dannton Jackson

 NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Dannton Jackson will be one of the featured speakers Saturday (May 4) at the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches coaching clinic in Baton Rouge.
    
The clinic is from 10 a.m.-2:15 p.m. at the LSU Basketball Practice Facility on North Stadium Drive. Jackson will speak 45-60 minutes on individual development, including individual improvement within the team concept.
    
Jackson served as LABC president during the 2008-09 academic year. As head coach of the Gold Rush for the past 10 seasons, Jackson has compiled a 226-98 record with three Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season co-championships and seven appearances in the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship. Xavier was 24-8 in 2012-13, sharing the GCAC regular-season championship with Philander Smith and qualifying for nationals for the third consecutive year. The Gold Rush ranked 24th for the second consecutive season in the NAIA Division I Coaches' Top 25 Postseason Poll.
    
Jackson was GCAC Coach of the Year each of the past two seasons.
    
Following the clinic will be the LABC's annual awards banquet at 6 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel.


By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

CIAA commissioner impressed by WSSU Rams’ achievements

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  The CIAA’s first full-time female commissioner made a stop in the Twin City last week to congratulate Winston-Salem State University on its athletic and academic accomplishments.

Jacque Carpenter gave high praise to WSSU during the remarks she delivered April 25 at the school’s 2013 Athletic Celebration Awards Luncheon at Benton Convention Center.

“Winston-Salem, you are the bomb,” she said to a crowd of hundreds. “There are people who are mad about what you do. You never missed a step in coming back into the (CIAA) conference (from the MEAC). Your teams are nationally known – Winston-Salem is on the map. You’re part of the top 20 teams in the country, not just for HBCUs … not just for athletics, but for academics.”

WSSU is currently home to three CIAA Championship teams – including the Men’s Tennis squad, which landed the title for the first time in school history – and 115 student-athletes made the Dean’s List this year, according to school officials.



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Gold Rush hang on to program's highest-ever rank, No. 5

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana is fifth for the second consecutive time in NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll announced Tuesday. It's the highest rank in the program's history.
    
The Gold Rush (14-7) are in the top 10 for the 18th consecutive poll, in the top 15 for the 24th consecutive time and in the top 25 for the 48th consecutive time. The XU men clinched their fifth consecutive automatic berth in the NAIA National Championship with a 6-2 victory against Milligan in the final of an NAIA unaffiliated group tournament at Jonesboro, Ga., on April 21. The national tournament will begin May 14 at Mobile, Ala.
    
The top six teams are the same as in the previous poll, which was announced April 16. Embry-Riddle (Fla.) is No. 1 for the second consecutive poll and extended its lead over No. 2 Auburn Montgomery from one to 11 points. The Eagles collected 9-of-12 first-place votes after receiving 5-of-13 two weeks ago. AUM received one first-place vote, and unbeaten and No. 3 Vanguard received two.
    
The final poll before the national tournament will be announced Monday.

NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, April 28) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) (9) 20-2 310 1 2 Auburn Montgomery (1) 18-3 299 2 3 Vanguard (2) 22-0 297 3 4 Westmont 11-10 278 4 5 Xavier 14-7 272 5 6 Bethany (Kan.) 19-1 266 6 7 Bethel (Tenn.) 20-1 251 8 8 Lindsey Wilson 16-3 244 9 9 Cumberland 17-4 232 10 10 Concordia (Calif.) 11-12 221 11 11 Belhaven 15-4 208 14 12 Aquinas 23-4 202 13 13 Oklahoma Baptist 15-10 184 16 14 William Carey 8-5 183 7 15 Northwood (Fla.) 12-5 173 15 16 Lewis-Clark State 7-7 162 12 17 McPherson 22-6 151 18 18 Northwestern Ohio 13-7 144 17 19 Warner 12-9 121 19 20 Pikeville 10-5 120 20 21 Graceland 14-6 114 23 22 Campbellsville 10-9 106 22 23 Olivet Nazarene 10-10 98 RV 24 Davenport 18-7 77 24 25 Webber International 10-12 70 21 Others receiving votes: Indiana Wesleyan 69, Martin Methodist 56, Coastal Georgia 35, St. Francis (Ill.) 17, Grace 11, Asbury 9, St. Thomas (Fla.) 9, Mobile 8, Hope International 5, Spring Arbor 3, Our Lady of the Lake 3.

Ed Cassiere, SID
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
XULAATHLETICS

XU Gold Nuggets retain No. 1 rank in NAIA coaches poll

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana held on to its No. 1 ranking Tuesday in the NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
    
The Gold Nuggets (17-7) received 8-of-12 first-place votes and 308 points. They were 3-0 since the previous poll on April 16; all the victories occurred in an NAIA unaffiliated group tournament, which Xavier won for the second consecutive year.
    
Prior to the April 16 poll, no Xavier team in any sport had been ranked first in an NAIA coaches poll.
    
No. 2 Auburn Montgomery, a 6-3 loser to the Gold Nuggets on April 6 at the new XU Tennis Center, received the other four first-place votes and 305 points. Brenau collected 293 points and dropped from second to third after losing 5-2 to AUM in the championship dual of the Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament on April 20.
    
AUM's climb from third was the only change among the top 13 teams.
    
Xavier is 10-0 this season against ranked NAIA opponents; all the losses were to NCAA Division I teams. The Gold Nuggets have clinched a berth in the NAIA National Championship, which will begin May 14 at Mobile, Ala. The final poll before nationals will be announced Monday.

NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, April 28) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Xavier (8) 17-7 308 1 2 Auburn Montgomery (4) 13-8 305 3 3 Brenau 12-4 293 2 4 SCAD Savannah 12-2 281 4 5 William Carey 11-8 269 5 6 Lindsey Wilson 17-2 259 6 7 Lewis-Clark State 11-8 257 7 8 Westmont 17-2 241 8 9 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 10-10 234 9 10 Oklahoma Baptist 13-10 220 10 11 Vanguard 11-15 209 11 12 Northwood (Fla.) 8-7 201 12 13 Concordia (Calif.) 9-11 189 13 14 Olivet Nazarene 16-6 182 tie-14 15 SCAD Atlanta 7-3 162 19 16 Coastal Georgia 8-8 161 tie-14 17 Indiana Wesleyan 22-1 157 16 18 Cumberland 14-6 152 17 19 Milligan 19-3 139 21 20 Campbellsville 11-9 113 20 21 St. Thomas (Fla.) 6-9 110 18 22 Marian (Ind.) 16-9 99 22 23 Davenport 20-9 92 RV 24 Lee (Tenn.) 4-7 80 23 25 Southeastern (Fla.) 7-11 64 25 Others receiving votes: Ashford 57, Nebraska Wesleyan 36;, Bethel (Kan.) 29, Northwestern Ohio 21, Robert Morris (Chicago) 19, Belhaven 16, Evangel 15, Cumberlands 13, Hope International 5, Graceland 3, Georgetown (Ky.) 3.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT:XULAATHLETICS

Tennessee State Women's Basketball Adds Two

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State women's basketball has added guard Diamond Beatty and forward Shekinah Gibson to the recruiting class of 2013 as both signed a National Letter of Intent.

Beatty is a 5-7 combo guard from Tinley Park High School, about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. The Illinois native is a three-time all-conference selection, as well as a three-time team MVP. As a senior, Beatty averaged 19 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game. She scored over 1,000 points in her career, including 568 as a senior while shooting 44 percent from three.

Fellow OVC schools Eastern Illinois and UT-Martin recruited Beatty, along with Western Illinois and South Carolina Upstate.



Gibson comes to TSU from Forest High School in Ocala, Florida. The 5-10 forward shot 55 percent from the floor while averaging 17 points, 14 rebounds and two steals a game in a senior season that saw Forest reach the 7A Regionals for the second straight year.

An all-state selection for District 7, Gibson put up 41 points and 16 rebounds against Buchholz on December 6 and 22 points and 20 rebounds in a 52-42 victory over Vanguard on January 24. The future Forensic Science major also participated in volleyball and track in high school.

Follow TSU Athletics on Facebook.com/TSUTigers, Twitter @TSU_Tigers and YouTube.


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HU's Lewis sets early summer standard in 100 hurdles

Yvette Lewis

WALNUT, California  --  Yvette Lewis knew she was running fast and clearing hurdles in a blur. But when she crossed the finish line at the Mt. Sac Relays and glanced at the clock, she did a double-take.

Lewis blazed through the 100-meter hurdles in 12.43 seconds April 20 in Walnut, Calif., shattering her personal best and recording the fastest time in the world this year at one of the spring’s elite track meets.

“I didn’t really focus on anything but my form and get out of the blocks and run,” Lewis said. “The next thing I know, the clock says 12.43. I was pretty excited.”

Lewis’ performance doesn’t get listed officially because the wind, 2.7 miles per hour, exceeded the allowable limit. Still, it wasn’t a jet stream-like aid and was a remarkable performance this early in the summer track season.

The former NCAA champ at Hampton University and Peninsula District star shaved more than three-tenths of a second off of her previous P.R. (12.76). She ran 12.84 the previous week at the Florida Relays.

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Menchville grad signs hoops scholarship at West Virginia State

MENCHVILLE, Virginia  --   Jordan McMillian, a 2012 graduate of Menchville who spent the past season at Mount Zion Prep in Baltimore, has signed with West Virginia State University of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC)**.

McMillian averaged 10.8 points a game as a senior for the Monarchs and was a part of two Peninsula District tournament championship teams. He said his only offer coming out of Menchville  was from a junior college in Alabama.

“I took an SAT  prep class, and helped my score (increase) by 50 to 100 points,” McMillian said. “So I went from 900-something to 1,000-something. And I got a lot more exposure to colleges.

“I like the pace West Virginia State  plays.  They get up and down the court and score a lot of  points. I like to score a  lot of points, so that works for me.”

McMillian (6-foot-4, 195 pounds) was recruited by the Yellow Jackets as a shooting guard.  West Virginia State went 10-19 last season.

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**NOTE:  West Virginia State University is a charter member of the newly formed Mountain East Conference (MEC).  The university will transition to the new conference effective September 1, 2013, along with eleven other charter institutions.

Members of the Mountain East will be Charleston (W. Va.), Concord, Fairmont State, Glenville State, Notre Dame (Ohio), Shepherd, Urbana, Virginia-Wise, West Liberty, West Virginia State, West Virginia Wesleyan and Wheeling Jesuit University.

Howard Bison Agrees to Terms with Buffalo Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C.  --Howard University standout Keith Pough joins 16 undrafted rookie free agents, who have agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills on Monday, April 29.

"He was a dominant player in the MEAC conference.  He's 6'2" and 235 and he has long arms and just needs to get a little bit bigger and stronger," said Buffalo Bills College Scott Tom Roth. "His production was great at Howard.  He's got pass rush ability, a great motor. He ran 4.9 at the Combine, but he plays around 4.75. He plays a lot faster.  A SAM backer for us."

During his career, the Orangeburg, S.C., native recorded 349 tackles, while setting a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) career record in tackles for losses with 71.

Keith Pough
(Photo Courtesy: Howard Bison Athletics)

Pough was a highly awarded Howard student-athlete during his past two seasons, and received recognition as one of the top defensive players in the FCS.

Pough's leadership was a key to the Bison's second place 7-4 overall and 6-2 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standing at the end of the 2012 season.  With Pough as team captain, Howard reached its best season record since 1998.

Throughout the post season, Pough received numerous honors, including the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year award, the Sports Network FCS All-American award, a 2012 Boxtorow All-American Team member accolade, a College Sporting News 2012 Fabulous Fifty FCS All-American Team member honor, a 2012 Sheridan Broadcasting Network Black College All-American team member award, and the Pigskin Club of Washington Metropolitan Player of the Year honor.

Pough received his invitation to the 2013 NFL Combine, following his participation in the 88^th Annual East-West Shrine Bowl, which made school history, as Pough received the first ever invitation.

Howard kicks-off the 2013 season with Eastern Michigan University on Saturday, Aug. 31 in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

For more information on Howard Football, visit the official athletics website at www.howard-bison.com.

By Ariel V. Germain, Assistant Sports Information Director

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

HOWARD-BISON.COM

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.”


COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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


COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Ramon Flanigan Introduced As The Lincoln University Head Football Coach



Ramon Flanigan Was Introduced As The Lincoln University Head Football Coach

(Click photo to enlarge)

 LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA – The Lincoln University officially introduced Ramon Flanigan, the former Division I offensive coordinator for Mississippi Valley State, as the new Lincoln Lions head football coach at a Monday press conference at the Student Union Building Theater.

Flanigan, who replaces Coach Olabaniji (O.J.) Abanishe after five seasons, is the second Lion head coach in its NCAA Division II era.

“The Lincoln University Lions have selected the perfect candidate in Coach Ramon Flanigan, and we are honored to have him as the leader of The Lincoln Lions Football Program,” said Dr. Robert R. Jennings, president of the University. “Coach Flanigan is both an experienced coach and former, record-setting Southern Methodist University quarterback and All-American.  I can think of no better combination in a coach to make our program consistent with our University's history, and that is, first.”

Director of Athletics Dianthia Ford-Kee echoed those sentiments.

“We welcome Coach Flanigan to The Lincoln University family,” Ford-Kee said. “I believe the search committee did an excellent job in identifying candidates they believed possessed the knowledge and work experience best suited for our program. He has experienced winning as a student, athlete and coach. We believe he will transfer his experiences to our program and move the program forward.”

Flanigan comes to Lincoln from a highly-decorated coaching career in NCAA Division I with Mississippi Valley State and the University of North Texas as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Prior to coming to Lincoln, Flanigan, who also assisted with academic and other administrative duties, worked three years for the Mississippi Valley State football program under head coach Karl Morgan.

“I am honored to be the head football coach at The Lincoln University,” Flanigan said. “The fact that the Administration thought enough of me as a person and as a coach to entrust their football program to me is very humbling.”

Meet Coach Ramon Flanigan/Lincoln Football Fact Sheet

 Before his stint at Mississippi Valley State, Flanigan spent the 2008 season as the wide receivers coach at Prestonwood Christian Academy and was the quarterbacks coach at Galveston Ball High School in 2009.

Before coaching at the high school level, Flanigan spent eight seasons as an assistant coach at the University of North Texas – five as the program's offensive coordinator. In his first season of directing the offense, Flanigan helped the Mean Green amass 3,699 total yards, which was at that time the highest total since 1994. In his second year, he improved the offense to 4,257 total yards of offense and a scoring average of 27.5 points per game, which was also the best for North Texas since 1994. During the 2004 campaign, Flanigan's offense posted more than 4,000 total yards of offense for the second time in school history. While serving as offensive coordinator under then head coach Darrell Dickey, North Texas won four consecutive Sun Belt Conference championships and made four postseason bowl appearances.

Dickey, who is now the offensive coordinator at the University of Memphis, praised Flanigan for his hard work and success over the years.

“Lincoln University is getting an outstanding football coach in Ramon Flanigan,” Dickey said. “He possesses all the qualities and is a man of great character and integrity. Ramon leads by example and represents himself in a first-class manner.”

In six years as the quarterbacks coach at North Texas, Flanigan was responsible for the development of several young quarterbacks and was faced with a similar challenge in 2005. Scott Hall became a starter as a true freshman in 2001 and under Flanigan's direction, improved to lead the Mean Green to its first bowl game in 42 years the following season.

Flanigan was just one of 10 coaches selected to participate in the NCAA's inaugural Expert Coaching Program in June 2004. The program was created for ethnic minority football coaches with at least six years experience to help in the development of minority coaches. He was chosen again in 2005. He also participated in the NFL Minority Internship Program, spending time with the Green Bay Packers.

“He has a rich background,” Floyd Keith, the former Executive Director for the Black Coaches Association, said. “He has coached in Division I and has FCS experience. He is a bright individual and will do an outstanding job at Lincoln.”

Flanigan, a 1997 graduate of Southern Methodist University, led the Mustangs to a 6-5 record, the school's first winning season since 1986. He concluded his SMU career as the school's career leader in total offense with 7,437 yards and as the school's fourth all-time leading passer with 5,640 yards. He is the only player in SMU history to pass for 5,500 or more yards and rush for at least 1,500 yards. He had 30 career passing touchdowns and 27 career-rushing touchdowns for a school record 57 touchdowns produced.

He made his collegiate debut as a true freshman in 1992, but received a red-shirt after partially tearing a thumb ligament against North Texas and missed the final nine games of the season. In 1994, Flanigan was one of 11 players in the country selected to the College Football Association All-American Team. He was a second-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference pick that season after finishing 13th in the nation in total offense (237.1 yards per game). When he has finished his playing career, he proceeded to complete his academic tenure at SMU with a bachelor's degree in Economics with Financial Applications.

Flanigan graduated from Rider High School in Wichita Falls in 1992 after leading Rider to consecutive city championships.

EDITOR'S NOTE: 'THE LINCOLN UNIVERSITY' IS NOW THE OFFICIAL NAME FOR THE INSTITIUTION FORMERLY REFERRED TO AS 'LINCOLN UNIVERSITY' OR 'LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF PA' AND SHOULD BE ADHERED TO IN ALL REFERENCES.

By Brian Howard, Sports Information & Media Specialist

THE LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

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