WSSU Loses Two More Defensive Players

[Aggie One]

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Monday, August 27, 2007
WSSU Football Notebook: Two defensive players won't play this year

COMPILED BY JOHN DELL


Winston-Salem State has lost two defensive players.

Brian Jones, a redshirt sophomore defensive lineman, has been ruled academically ineligible and linebacker Darrian Bynum has been kicked off the team.

Jones was slated to be a backup, but was ruled ineligible for lack of progress toward his degree.

Bynum, who was a part-time starter the past two seasons, was sixth on the team in tackles last season.

"It was for inappropriate behavior," Coach Kermit Blount said about Bynum's dismissal. "We just don't have time to discipline somebody like that who made some inappropriate comments to a school employee."

Blount will begin his 15th season on Saturday against N.C. A&T at Bowman Gray Stadium.

Blount, who is 81-64-3, is second on the school list for victories behind Bill Hayes, who had 89 career wins.

"No it doesn't seem that long," Blount said about his 15th year. "I guess it feels like it physically, but its flown right by, honestly. I never thought that I would be at one place that long, but that's a tribute to the administration and the school for allowing me to be around that long."

"At some other places I might not have been allowed to stay this long."

The Rams had their final scrimmage of preseason camp on Saturday morning. The best news was they came out of injury free.

"It went pretty well," Blount said about the 60-play scrimmage in which the defense scored twice and the offense scored three times. "There were some mistakes but we hope to correct those by the time A&T comes here."

Much has been talked about in regards to the Rams opening things up a little more on offense. Offensive coordinator Nick Calcutta has been about as vague as he can be when talking about the changes.

Blount said that one thing his running backs need to do better is catch the ball out of the backfield.

Blount, who was the offensive coordinator as well last season, has been known to be conservative. He has always believed in the ball-control type of offense that starts with a good running game.

"That was what I knew as a player and a coach was the trap-option offense," Blount said. "And we still have some of that offense in where we can run the ball, but we are just adding some variations that will make our opponents have to prepare for us a little more."

The Rams' special teams were one of their strengths last season, but this year that group is inexperienced.

Freshman Matt Mitchell has assumed the place-kicking duties and Jermaine Mack, a junior defensive back, will punt for the first time in his career with the Rams.

"Matt is doing excellent," Blount said. "He's going to kick off, and do field goals and extra points and be the backup punter. Jermaine Mack is doing a tremendous job punting for us right now."

Blount acknowledged that Mack has had his ups and downs. "Jermaine is probably going to hit some good ones and some bad ones," Blount said.

Stan Wright, who was the team's long snapper for the past four seasons, exhausted his eligibility and Corey Plummer, a redshirt freshman running back, has assumed those duties.

Quarterback Monte Purvis, a fifth-year senior who is 13-13 in his career as a starter, has liked what he has seen so far.

"Offensivewise, we look pretty good," Purvis said.

"And the defense is flying to the ball on every play just like they did last year."

"Expectationwise, they are a lot higher than last year. We have to finish the games off, something we didn't do a good job with last year."

Jed Bines, a fifth-year senior running back, has rounded into shape nicely this preseason. He was academically ineligible last season.

"It just feels good to back on the team and practicing," Bines said.

Bines, who is the sixth leading rusher in school history, said he couldn't wait to start practicing three weeks ago when camp opened.

"I'm not a secret weapon or anything like that, I'm just trying to get a feel for everything and work my way back in," Bines said.

[Bornthrilla]

Freshman Matt Mitchell has assumed the place-kicking duties and Jermaine Mack, a junior defensive back, will punt for the first time in his career with the Rams.

I'm glad that kicker from last year is gone. He was money from inside the 40. With a converted DB doing their punting, special teams looks like an area were we can gain a big advantage.

[trues]

I know the field goal kicker NCCU has is money in the pot.

[DOOMS]

NCCU's kicker was just short on a 40 some-odd yarder in the first quarter versus Albany State. I was shocked because it was right down the middle and he was kicking from the left hash.

While we might be thinking we can gain a big advantage on special teams I'm sure Winston's thinking the same thing. Sure, our punter's great but who exactly is blocking for him and who's snapping him the ball this year. Who's our kicker? Who returns kicks for us and who returns kicks for them? How's our punt and kick coverage? How's there's?

Not poormouthing, just asking legitimate questions.

[Bigboy]

I think Tre Green is still the long snapper and I think "Speedy" Robinson and Chaz Dawson are the kick returner's. I don't know who will be returning punts. I don't have any idea who will be kicking field goals and kick offs.

[DOOMS]

Tre Green's good at snapping. Speedy should give as a serious improvement at returns.

Kicking might present a problem if the game comes down to it. We haven't made a field goal in over a year.

[DECKS]

Overall I don't think those two players willbe a big loss for WSSU. In the event of injuries I do think it will hurt their depth.

[Aggie One]

Its an all freshman cast. Elliott Simmonds will be doing the kickoffs and long range FGs, Wallace Mills has locked down the primary FG and PAT spot, with Eric Houston as the reserve backup if needed. Simmonds will also be backing Lee Woodson at punter. All have been very solid in practice. Trey Green is the long snapper for the third year in a row.

Punt returns will be handled by Mike Caldwell, Brandon Croley, and Chaz Dawson. Speedy Robinson is your primary kick returner.