Holmes poise to try two Florida A&M QB scenario

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- While anyone of the four FAMU quarterbacks that begin competing in pre-season camp could emerge as starter, coach Earl Holmes apparently is willing to try a two-quarterback scenario if that's what it comes down to.

"I don't rule anything out as far as a two-quarterback system," Holmes said. "I'm a firm believer that the best guy will step up. That's between (Damien) Fleming, Carson Royal, as well as Shazzon Mumphrey and Brian Blackburn."

Fleming, the Rattlers' starter for the past two seasons, ended last year on the sidelines with a foot injury. He missed the entire spring while recovering after surger

During his absence, Royal started the last two games. He followed that by leading the offense in the Orange and Green game, showing flashes of being a leader.

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WSSU's Chase Powell To Transfer To Hampton

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- The Winston-Salem State University Rams have announced that wide receiver/kick returner, Chase Powell, is leaving the program to transfer to Hampton University.

Powell (So, 5-8, 175, Upper Marlboro, MD/Wide HS), had 64 pass receptions for 770 and seven touchdowns in 2013, all team highs for the Rams. He also led WSSU in kickoff returns with 13 returns for 231 yards (17.8 avg). Powell was the 2013 CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year, as well as making the all-rookie team in the CIAA as a kick returner. He was named 2014 Preseason All-CIAA at wide receiver last week at the CIAA Football Media Day.

"I am very happy for him (Powell) that he's a decision maker in his life", says WSSU first year head coach Kienus Boulware. "He knows what he wants and is doing what's best for himself and his family. When you bring the family situation into the picture, then my prayers go out to him. We wish him nothing but the best", added Boulware.

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Coaches expecting a tough battle in this year’s annual rivalry game

COLUMBIA, South Carolina  — S.C. State head coach Buddy Pough and Benedict’s coach James Woody had a chance to talk a little football at the annual Palmetto Capital City Classic’s Kick-off Press Conference Tuesday at the Columbia Convention Center.

Hall of Fame Coach Willie Jeffries, executive director of PCCC, introduced the participating teams and their respective athletic directors and coaches to the media and the public.

Besides the usual jokes and jabs, both coaches took the time to take a more serious approach to the August 30, season opener between the Tigers and Bulldogs at Charles W. Johnson Stadium.

“It will be a challenge for us,” Woody said. “It’s going to take a great football game to beat those guys, but I feel real good about our chances. If we slow the game down, capitalize on some mistakes, and hopefully we can pull a victory out.”

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Mack, NCCU not backing down from challenge

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Jerry Mack might be a new kid on the block, but he’s not backing down from anyone. Neither is his team.

That was the message Mack relayed last Friday at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Football Media Luncheon in Norfolk, Va.

N.C. Central was picked to finish eighth in the conference, a ranking that perturbed Mack, one of four new coaches in the MEAC. Bethune-Cookman was picked to win its third straight conference title.

“We are second to no one and will not back down to anyone,” the NCCU coach said. “We want to be the best in the conference and one of the top FCS teams in the country. And there is only one way to do that, and that’s the right way.”

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FAMU looking for redemption despite tough schedule

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- His statement was cliché, but it is how Earl Holmes choses to explain whether this will be a season of redemption for his FAMU football team.

"Put it this way," Holmes said, as the countdown begins to the start of practice next week. "Time will tell what's at stake as far as what the critics might say. We are going to take it one game at a time."

Remember, the Rattlers finished Holmes' first season as a head coach with a 3-9 record. That put Holmes, just in his second season as a head coach, under the gun.

But he seems to understand why even some of the diehards seem a little impatient.

"As far as redeeming, I feel it's time for us to make a statement," Holmes said." But there are a lot of variables; injury bug and all that stuff.

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Florida Classic still set for Citrus Bowl

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Worry not fans of FAMU and Bethune Cookman football teams.

That's the assurance that came from the office of Orlando's Mayor Buddy Dyer on Tuesday, responding to concerns that renovation of the Citrus Bowl might force the Florida Classic to another venue.

"It's halfway completed and on track to be ready to host FAMU and B-CU for the Florida Classic," Dyer's spokesperson Heather Fagan told the Democrat Tuesday. "It will be game-ready that day."

The annual season-ending rivalry game between FAMU and Bethune-Cookman is scheduled to take place Nov. 22.

"It will be a great experience for the fans," Fagan said.

LIVE CAM:   Construction Cam - Citrus Bowl Stadium Reconstruction ...

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ASU defensive tackle Derrick Billups can be SWAC's best

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Derrick Billups can be the most dominating defensive player in the Southwestern Athletic Conference this season.

That's the attitude he has. And that's the attitude he should have, according to his coach.

"I think he should," Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. "I think if he doesn't, then he would not have lived up to his ability. He just has to do it.

"I believe he has the ability to play in the NFL and he has to set the tone for us every day, in practice as well as in the game. We're going to demand that from him. I think he needs to be that. He has the ability to do it."


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