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Post by Aggie One on Aug 17, 2005 8:07:49 GMT -5
This thread is intended to give our readers the latest news of importance from other programs that would be of fan interest during this season.
8/17/05 - From the Winston Salem Journal
South Carolina State's starting place-kicker is sidelined for the season after breaking his right leg in a practice Monday.
The Bulldogs' Michael Gaston injured his kicking leg after being hit by another player during a kicking drill. Gaston, 21, Ga., was scheduled for surgery last night.
Last year, Gaston was 5 for 11 with field goals and 33-42 on point after touchdowns.
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Post by Aggie One on Aug 17, 2005 8:17:37 GMT -5
From the Charlotte Observor- Posted on Wed, Aug. 17, 2005 Pirates could scuttle S.C. State title hopes
Hampton has proven to be a tough obstacle
HERB WHITE
Special CorrespondentS.C. State's chances of winning the MEAC title might come down to figuring out Hampton's Pirates. Both finished 6-1 in the league last year, but Hampton beat the Bulldogs 52-36 for the championship and a spot in the I-AA playoffs. S.C. State, which finished 9-2 and missed the playoffs, is 1-9 all-time against Hampton. The Bulldogs' offense is led by former Waddell High standout DeShawn Baker, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2004. Meanwhile, N.C. A&T is trying to bounce back from an injury-marred season that knocked the Aggies down to an uncharacteristic 3-8, 1-6 in the MEAC. The hardest-hit area was at quarterback, where former East Mecklenburg star Marshall Glenn and Rico Watkins are battling to start. If new offensive coordinator Kent Schoolfield can rev up that unit, it'll take some pressure off a defense led by linebacker Chamar Milton and defensive end Rickey Lewis that slipped in 2004. As head coach at Division-II Fort Valley State, Schoolfield was an offensive specialist. His first task is finding consistency at quarterback. "We are looking to be more versatile in the offense," running back Chris Jones said. "Coach Schoolfield promised that we will be more than a block-and-run unit." The defense will get a boost from the return of outside linebacker Montrey Jackson from a neck injury that forced him to miss all of 2004. Set to start last year, his injury was the first in a series that took A&T out of the championship mix. "We're not going to make excuses about last year," Lewis said. "We lost a lot close games we should have won despite the injuries. We are encouraged about the year because we've had 100 percent participation in the weight room during the offseason. Guys are determined not to have a repeat of last year." www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/colleges/12401629.htm
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Post by Bornthrilla on Aug 17, 2005 11:25:38 GMT -5
The SCSU player that injured Gatson should have his scholarship revoked. Gatson was one of the best kickers in the MEAC. That is one freak injury you just can't have.
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Post by Aggie One on Aug 17, 2005 18:03:42 GMT -5
From the Daytona Beach News and Journal 8/17/05www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Sports/CollegeSports/03SportsFBC01081505.htmNOTES
WYATT READY TO GO: Alvin Wyattwas dressed the part. Dressed in black with sunglasses and an assortment of bling-bling, the Bethune-Cookman head football coach stole the show when addressing the media and his players during the school's Media Day gathering Sunday morning. "We've assembled a great football team," Wyatt said. "These players have great character and understand what it takes to be a champion." Wyatt said champions are made because of setbacks. He said the team learned a lot last year when injuries forced a quarterback roulette throughout the season and the hurricanes in the area forced the team to evacuate to Arkansas Pine-Bluff for almost two weeks. "We fought through the adversity and came back champions," he said. MOTTOS: The motto for the 2005 Wildcats will be "Show Stoppers" and "Dream Killers." Wyatt said every time a player steps on the field he's a show stopper and his goal is to be a dream killer for the opponent. NEW ROLE: Wyatt also will have to step into a new role in 2005.
With the resignation of defensive coordinator Rusty Russell for personal reasons, Wyatt will assume the defensive coordinator duties.
Russell resigned just a week before training camp was to begin.
"I'll call the defensive plays," Wyatt said. "I really didn't want to do it because I love offense."
Offensive line coach Brad Bernard will add the title of offensive coordinator to his duties.
Another addition on the coaching staff is Chris Issac, who returns to the B-CC staff as the wide receivers coach after serving as the head coach at Deltona High School last year.NEW STARTER: Larry Summers is the lone defensive starter returning for the Wildcats. "He's a big-time motor mouth," Wyatt said. "He's cocky and he's confident. I thought I talked a lot when I played." Wyatt said with so much inexperience on defense, the offense will have to carry the load for about the first three or four weeks. QB OPTIONS: The B-CC quarterback situation is definitely a strength. The Wildcats have a number of options with Jimmie Russell, Jarod Rucker and Lawrence McCloud. One of the newcomers includes Jameel Williams, who was 27-0 as a starter in high school with two state championships. LOCAL IMPACT?: Mainland graduate Travis Roland is penciled is as the starter at strong safety. Roland, who led the state in tackles as a senior in 2003 with 211, saw his first extensive playing time in last year's season-finale against Florida A&M. The 5-foot-9 Roland played linebacker in high school. "(If) he was two inches taller, he wouldn't be here," Wyatt said. "He'd be at Florida, Florida State or USC. He's an awesome football player."
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Post by Blackfoot on Aug 18, 2005 0:30:59 GMT -5
You break the place kicker's leg??? Stoopit.
Show Stoppers and Dream Killers huh......
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Post by Aggie E on Aug 18, 2005 6:21:01 GMT -5
Spartans lose potential starting QB to knee injury By PAUL WHITE, The Virginian-Pilot © August 18, 2005 NORFOLK — A sudden injury bug at Norfolk State claimed its most significant victim Wednesday — a contender for the Spartans’ starting quarterback job. Senior Antoine Alston, who entered the preseason neck-and-neck with Brandon Brooks , went down with what’s believed to be a serious injury to his right knee during a scrimmage. While nothing is definitive , coach Pete Adrian said Alston may be lost for the season. ’’It’s a tough blow,’’ Adrian said. Even with Alston, the Spartans lack depth at quarterback. Brooks started every game last season, but Alston’s last live action at quarterback came two years ago at Virginia Union. Alston was moved to receiver upon transferring to NSU last year. The only other quarterbacks in camp are true freshmen — former Warwick High standout Cody Brodus and Korey Jones, a graduate of Wilson High. Adrian’s hope was to bring them along slowly. Now one likely will need to be prepared to step in immediately should anything happen to Brooks. In addition, Alston was being groomed to be the team’s punter . On Wednesday, true freshman Don Carey, a Booker T. Washington graduate, handled punting duties during the scrimmage. Alston’s injury was 1 of 3 the Spartans sustained Wednesday. Freshman offensive lineman Tim Joyner, from Ocean Lakes by way of Fork Union Military Academy, and sophomore defensive lineman Broderick Henry also went down. The type and extent of their injuries is still to be determined. And on Tuesday, ex-Western Branch star Dominic Scott, a fullback, also suffered a knee injury. NOTES: Freshman running back Andre Cook continued his strong preseason by contributing a 38-yard touchdown run. The Spartans’ celebration was short-lived, though — Alston was injured on this play . ... Lineman Sherron Williams and outside linebacker Brandon Feagin earned praise from coordinator Mark DeBastiani for their work on defense. Booker T. Washington’s Feagin is succeeding despite learning a new position for the third straight year. He began his Spartans career as a tight end before being moved to defensive end before the 2004 season.... Sen. George Allen, who was visiting NSU as part of his Listening Tour to get briefings on university projects, addressed the team and showed off his passing arm by firing a few strikes to tight end Jonathan Allen. ... With Adrian believing the best way to install so much new information is through live repetition, the Spartans will scrimmage for the third time in seven days at 9 a.m. Saturday . home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=90816&ran=98103
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Post by Aggie One on Aug 18, 2005 17:37:05 GMT -5
From the Nasville Tennessean 8/18/05-www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050818/SPORTS0604/50818004/1038Many of 22 rookies climbing depth chart
By MAURICE PATTON Staff WriterSo many freshmen, so little time. By inviting 22 first-year players to preseason camp, Tennessee State Coach James Webster served notice that youth would be served this year. “The first year or two with a new coaching staff, you’ll often see a lot of freshmen play because hopefully you’re recruiting better players into the program, because you need to make some changes,” Webster said. “Then, as you get further along, those freshmen and sophomores are becoming juniors and seniors, and you don’t see as many.” More than one-third of those true freshmen have paid dividends in the early going, playing their way into the “two-deep” depth chart as starters or backups on offense, defense and special teams. “That says we’re trying to upgrade the talent,” Webster said. “It says we did a good job of evaluating what we had in the spring, we did a good job of evaluating the freshmen and brought in freshmen that could help.” Of the eight players expected to make their collegiate debuts in the Sept. 3 John Merritt Classic against Alabama A&M, Webster is particularly pleased with the play of Georgia prep product Sherard Graddick, who is projected as a starter at inside linebacker. “He’s a natural,” Webster said. “He’s got instincts. Linebackers are a special breed. If you have to coach them very much, they’re not a linebacker. He does a lot of things naturally. Now, he’s just got to learn the system.” At 5-foot-9 — “in my shoes,” he says — and 187 pounds, Graddick doesn’t fit the prototype at linebacker. “Looking at my size, I didn’t know if I’d have the chance to play,” he said. “But I know I’ve got the intensity and the work ethic. I came out and worked hard, and I saw myself moving up the depth chart every day. “I’ve just got an eye for the field, like a running back. I’ve got a vision for the field on the defensive side of the ball. I just see the ball and go get it.” Built more like the classic linebacker, Miguel Hall has found a home at tight end and will see significant playing time in the opener if he doesn’t start. “Eddie Woods is doing a great job at tight end, but we run a lot of two-tight end sets, so Miguel will play,” Webster said. “He’s a great athlete. He’ll be playing on Sundays if he stays healthy.” For Hall, the chance to play didn’t catch him off-guard. Where he’ll be playing, though, was a pleasant surprise. “It’s a good move for me, with my background, a good opportunity for me to see more time on the field,” he said. “… I was just coming in, playing my hardest, not holding anything back. That’s what you’ve got to do if you’re going to play. “I didn’t expect to challenge for a starting position, but I expected to play and I knew what I had to do.” That’s the mindset, combined with some physical ability, that exemplifies most of the true freshmen currently in camp. “We’ve improved our speed and talent,” Webster said. “They’ve come in high-strung, running around with a lot of intensity. They’re really going to help us.”
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Post by Aggie One on Aug 18, 2005 17:45:56 GMT -5
From WBOC Channel 16 - 8/18/05www.wboc.com/Global/story.asp?S=3702442&nav=MXEad8zM
DOVER - The Delaware State offense is starting from scratch this season. They have to find a new starting quarterback. Luckily for them, there are a bunch of guys who want the job. Vashon Winton is the only returning Hornet. Winton red-shirted last year as a freshman but spent the spring getting as many reps as he could. "I consider myself 10 steps ahead of the other quarterbacks as far as me knowing the system and everything like that, but I mean, may the best man win," said Del State quarterback Vashon Winton. But Shane Lopes says don't count him out. He's a junior transfer with playing time at both Arizona and a junior college. He also holds numerous high school passing records in California. "I feel like this team has a lot of potential and I just feel like if I can contribute to our success, you know that would just be a dream come true really," said Del State quarterback Shane Lopes. Kurt Eldon is also grabbing some attention. Eldon comes to Del State with some junior college experience too and is one of the bigger QB's at 6 foot 2 and 200 pounds. But whoever wins the starting role, they all agree on one thing, the Hornets will be a team to wreckon with this season. "It's really exciting to be with the guys because you can feel the belief that we're going to be successful this year and that's the first step," Lopes said. Coach Al Lavan will have to choose a starter soon. The Hornets open their season on the road Sept. 3 at Florida A&M.
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Post by DECKS on Aug 18, 2005 17:51:32 GMT -5
Dang! BCC only has one starter returning on defense!
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Post by Aggie One on Aug 19, 2005 18:10:53 GMT -5
Revised 2005 Black College Football TV Schedule ESPNU (Confirmed, Live)
Thur., August 25 Benedict @ Morehouse 7:30pm Sat., September 3 Delaware State @ Florida A&M 7:00pm Thur., September 8 Alcorn State @ SE Louisiana 7:30pm Sun., September 11 Kentucky State @ Albany State 3:00pm Thur., September 15 Hampton @ NC A&T 7:30pm Sun., September 25 Miles @ Stillman 4:00pm Thur., October 6 SC State @ Norfolk State 7:30pm Thur., November 3 Southern @ Texas Southern 7:30pm Thur., November 10 Morgan State @ SC State 7:30pm Fri., November 18 Ark.-Pine Bluff @ Texas S'thern 8:00pm Thur., November 24 Tuskegee @ Alabama State 2:00pm
ESPN2 (Live) Sat., September 3 SC State vs. Alabama State SWAC/MEAC Challenge (Birmingham) 3:30pm ESPN CLASSIC (Live) Sat., Dec. 3 Pioneer Bowl SIAC rep. vs. CIAA rep. (Mobile) 2:00pm
ESPNU or ESPN CLASSIC (LIVE) Sat., Dec. 10 SWAC Championship Game (Birmingham) 2:00pm
CIAA/ESPN Plus (Live) Sat., October 8 Fayetteville St @ N. C. Central 6:00pm Sat., October 22 Bowie State @ Virginia Union 1:30pm Sat., November 5 CIAA Championship Game (Durham, NC) 1:00pm
NBC (Live) Sat., Nov. 26 Grambling State vs. Southern Bayou Classic (New Orleans) 2:00pm TURNER SOUTH (Live) Sat., Sept. 24 Florida A&M vs. Tennessee State Atlanta Classic (Atlanta) 4:00pm CSTV (Live) Sat. Oct. 1 Alabama State vs. Southern 4:00pm Sat., Oct. 15 Jackson State @ Southern 8:30pm Sat., Nov. 19 Alcorn State @ Jackson State 2:00pm BET (Tape) Sat., September 3 Hampton vs. Jackson State Detroit Classic (Detroit) 7:30pm Sat., September 10 Tennessee St. vs. Jackson St. Southern Heritage Classic (Memphis) 7:00pm Sat., September 17 Morgan State vs. Savannah State Ohio Classic (Cleveland) 7:00pm Sat., September 24 Hampton vs. Morgan State NY Urban League Classic (E. Rutherford, NJ) 9:00pm Sat., October 1 Tennessee State vs. NC A&TCircle City Classic (Indianapolis) 7:00pm Sat., October 8 Tuskegee vs. Morehouse Morehouse-Skeege Classic (Columbus, GA) 7:30pm
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Post by Aggie One on Aug 21, 2005 7:51:50 GMT -5
From the Durham Herald -8/20/05www.herald-sun.com/sports/18-638415.htmlPublic gets first look at 2005 Eagles By MIKE POTTER : The Herald-Sun mpotter@heraldsun.com Aug 20, 2005 : 8:49 pm ET Rod Broadway put this season's N.C. Central football team on display to the public for the first time on Saturday. And the third-year Eagles coach liked some of what he saw. "What was I happiest about? That we came out without any injuries," Broadway said after the controlled scrimmage in front of a primarily student crowd of about 1,000 on a hot "Meet the Eagles Day." "But we've got to protect the ball a little bit better, especially with the running backs. The ball is floating a little bit. [Former N.C. State star] T.A. McLendon got cut [from pro camp] after three days because he couldn't hold onto the ball." The white-clad offense scored 20 points, 10 each with starting quarterback Adrian Warren and backup Kenny Patterson. Warren hit junior transfer Julius McClellan (Coahoma, Miss., Community College) for a 61-yard scoring strike on the second play of the game, while Patterson later found Daunté Fields, a junior transfer from North Carolina, from 32 yards out. Brandon Gilbert hit field goals of 26 and 32 yards and connected on both of his extra-point attempts. Warren was the CIAA offensive player of the year in 2004, while Gilbert is on the preseason All-CIAA team. "We've got some good depth at the wide receiver spots," Broadway said. "And [Patterson] threw some good balls and made some good reads. He's improving." But the coach wasn't happy about his defense. "We've got to get better defensively quick," Broadway said. "We've got some athletes on that side of the ball, but we've got to execute better." Broadway did have good words for defensive tackle Ronald Dowdy, a senior transfer from Florida. "He had three or four sacks and might have had five or six more," Broadway said. The Eagles, who finished 8-2 last season and had the best record among the teams that didn't make the NCAA Division II playoffs, open at home Saturday at 6 p.m. against NAIA power Edward Waters. "I'm interested in how some of these guys do when we get in a game," said Broadway, who is 12-8 as NCCU coach. "When you're playing for real, some guys go into a shell and some bust out." NOTES -- Tickets are on sale for the Eagles' preseason banquet, Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel. For more information, call 530-5170 or 530-7057.
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Post by Aggie One on Aug 21, 2005 8:04:48 GMT -5
From the Tallahasse Democrat - 8/2/05www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/sports/12435854.htmPosted on Sun, Aug. 21, 2005 QB race wide-open
Kiser, defense shine in scrimmage
By Heath A. Smith
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITERFlorida A&M head football coach Rubin Carter still isn't sure who his starting quarterback will be for the season opener. Carter is sure that whoever gets the job should make it a priority to get the ball in the hands of Roosevelt Kiser. The junior from Fort Lauderdale did it all in FAMU's first full scrimmage Saturday. Kiser showed why he was tabbed as a preseason All-MEAC selection at wide receiver, catching seven passes for 93 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown reception. Kiser also showed off some of his old high school quarterbacking skills, hitting quarterback Albert Chester on a 28-yard option pass for a touchdown. "That young man is special," Carter said after the scrimmage. "I've learned that already being on the job just two weeks. I know who our go-to guys are, and certainly he is one of those guys. "He's very energetic and very elusive. You get the ball in his hands and he can go the distance at any time." While Kiser wowed the fans, it was the defense, in particular the first unit, which really stole the show Saturday. The first unit didn't give up any touchdowns or big plays. "I thought that we came out and executed pretty well on defense," Carter said. "We're working some different schemes, especially some things that will help us get off the field on third down. It's going to be pretty critical for us to be able to come out and stop drives. "The first group didn't give up big plays on defense and that certainly is something we don't want to do." As pleased as Carter was with the first-team defense, he was equally concerned about his quarterback situation. Chester had to take the majority of the snaps with both the first and second units after senior Josh Driscoll left the field after participating in several series. Driscoll had been out most of last week with a sore hamstring and stomach cramps but had participated in practice Friday. Redshirt freshman Chris Owens is still out with a sprained right knee, leaving Chester as the only healthy scholarship quarterback on the roster. Chester came out strong early in the scrimmage, leading the first-team offense to a touchdown on its second drive, but he struggled later in the scrimmage and finished with three interceptions. "Certainly I am concerned, but I thought that Chester came out and did some good things," Carter said. "He was efficient on some things, but not as consistent as I wanted him to be. He showed the ability to move the ball around in the pocket a bit. "We just want him to be able to expand his vision a little bit down the field on the second- and third-level routes. If he does that, then certainly he will have a chance to be able to help us." The defense did its best to blur Chester's vision, getting to him five times for touch sacks. "The defense has a little bit of an advantage because they see what we do every day," Chester said. "When they hear some calls they shift right into the call. I'm not going to use that as an excuse. We just have to focus and finish." NoteworthyFreshman defensive end Joseph Wims sprained his right knee during Saturday's scrimmage and is listed as day-to-day.
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Post by Aggie One on Aug 21, 2005 8:11:49 GMT -5
From the Newport News - 8/21/05www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-71191sy0aug21,0,3916858.story?coll=dp-sports-local Roundup: Hampton defense looks good in intrasquad scrimmage
STAFF, WIRE SERVICE REPORTS
Published August 21, 2005If Saturday morning's intrasquad scrimmage is any indication, the Hampton University defense is well ahead of the offense. With the Armstrong Stadium field showing wear from Friday night's storm, the defense held the offense scoreless throughout the session, forcing multiple turnovers and sacks. Linebacker Rudolph Foye began the session with a sack, and after three consecutive fumbles, Foye intercepted a pass by Princeton Shepherd. Shepherd, the returning starter at quarterback, still appears to have the upper hand against Antwan Smith, a transfer from Kent State. Shepherd took snaps with the No. 1 offense against the No. 1 defense at the end of the session. The offensive highlight came from the third string. Daniel Brooks completed a pass of about 40 yards to freshman Niyeem Lee, who reached around defender Tobin Lyon for a spectacular catch. Coach Joe Taylor feels that the Pirates are fine after a week of practice. "This was your typical first scrimmage, and our main goal today was to find out who are the personnel that we want to go with," he said. "I'm still satisfied that we have a good football team, and now the focus is on game-planning and getting ready for Jackson State." The Pirates, ranked first in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network black-college poll and 13th in The Sports Network's Division I-AA poll, open their season against Jackson State at 1 p.m. on Sept. 3 in Detroit. NORFOLK STATEA solid passing game highlighted the Spartans' third scrimmage, which took place Saturday morning at Dick Price Stadium. Much of the 90-minute practice focused on specialized situations, including kickoff coverage, red-zone and goal-line work. Starting quarterback Brandon Brooks had a solid scrimmage, tossing four touchdowns in red-zone situations. Two came on fade routes to Robbie Delgardo and one each to tight ends Donald Alexander and Jonathan Allen. "I think we're improving every time out," new coach Pete Adrian said. "A lot of teams take a step forward and then go backward a little, but this team hasn't done that. I'm pleased with our progress." Another highlight was the punting of Antonio Gomez. After focusing on his place-kicking in the first two weeks of camp, Gomez, who has performed both tasks each of his first two years, again has added punting to his job description due to an injury to Antione Alston. NSU, coming off a 1-8, 1-6 MEAC season, opens its season at 6 p.m. on Sept. 3 at home against Virginia State
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Post by Aggie One on Aug 23, 2005 18:01:30 GMT -5
From the Nashville Tennessean - 8/23/05www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=SPORTS0604Discipline Rules At TSU With Webster now at helm, the Tigers are working harder than ever to win By Phil Sweetland Special to The Commercial Appeal August 23, 2005
NASHVILLE -- James Webster, the new Tennessee State football coach, does not mince words when it comes to the core value he plans to instill. Asked whether discipline was part of his coaching philosophy, the former University of North Carolina linebacker with nearly 30 years of experience as an assistant at Division 1 programs, said: "That is my philosophy. That's who I am, a hard worker." Webster, who was named a college head coach for the first time last January at the age of 54, continued: "I don't want to wait for a game to find out who's tough and not tough. I want to find out in practice." Or even during team photo day. On a steamy Aug. 17, the coach noticed that defensive back Darnell Ray's sleeves were rolled up to reveal his tattoos as he posed for photos. Webster interrupted an interview to loudly order Ray to roll down his sleeves so he would not look different from his teammates. What a difference a year makes. Under ex-coach James Reese, team discipline wavered down the stretch of a long, injury-plagued 2004 campaign. The Tigers opened the season with a bang, won their first three games, and edged Jackson State, 21-20, before 55,015 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in the Southern Heritage Classic. But the bang quickly became a thud. TSU lost seven of its final eight games to finish 4-7 (2-5 Ohio Valley Conference), despite the presence of running back Charles Anthony, the OVC Male Athlete of the Year who rushed 306 times for 1,739 yards last season. Anthony was invited to the Tennessee Titans training camp this summer, but got cut. "It's much more disciplined than under coach Reese," said the junior tight end Eddie Woods, one of many ex-Melrose High standouts on TSU's squad. "In practice, it's not fun, but it's gonna be fun in the end." The new coaching staff is making a conscious effort to recruit more heavily from the Shelby-Metro area, a TSU hotbed with a large number of fiercely loyal alumni in the Big Blue Club. The very first assistant he hired was former Melrose coach Kenny Ingram. "Going from high school to college coaching, there's not much difference when it comes down to Xs and Os," Ingram said. "It's just greater expectation, and there's a certain level of maturity that has risen." Once again, the Sept. 10 Southern Heritage Classic will be a superb TSU recruiting tool. "Man, that's the game we circle on our calendar," said sophomore wideout Gerald Morrow, who along with twin brother, Jarrett, makes up one of the OVC's most dynamic duos. Asked how many games the 2005 Tigers would win, Jarrett Morrow smiled and said, "Hopefully, all of 'em. I don't see us losing." Said Webster: "The twins are the top playmakers on our football team. The thing we've got to do is get the ball to them." TSU got a huge lift when ex-Trezevant star Justin Williams, a defensive back who graduated last spring, was granted an extra year of eligibility as a fifth-year senior. "Everybody's working hard, and I trust my coaching staff a lot," Williams said. Senior Bryson Rosser, a 6-4, 210-pounder from New Jersey, went 101-for-209 for 1,219 yards, with six interceptions and 10 TDs a year ago while dividing time with Riley Walker. Rosser will start at QB. Webster knows, however, that defense will be his primary concern, especially on the line and in the secondary. Last year, TSU gave up 219 passing yards per game. Other Memphis players on the TSU roster include running back Tehronne Crump (East); fullback Brandon Williams (Germantown); offensive lineman Brandon Hubbard (East); defensive lineman Christopher Reese (East); and defensive end Courtney Richardson (Fairley). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern Heritage Classic When, where: Sept. 10, 6 p.m., at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Tickets: $10-$35; available at the Liberty Bowl box office, by calling 525-1515 or online at Ticketmaster.com or southernheritageclassic.com. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evaluating: Tennessee State The past: A promising 3-0 start, including a Southern Heritage Classic win over Jackson State, spiraled into a 4-7 finish. Coach James Reese was fired and replaced by James Webster. The present: Webster, along with his staff that includes former Melrose coach Kenny Ingram, is instilling a new attitude in a program that had been in decline. But attitude won't help the Tigers replace departed RB Charles Anthony, who rushed for more than 1,700 yards and was named the OVC Male Athlete of the Year. TSU also has room for improvement on defense. The future: It may take a year or two for Webster's improved system to lead to an improved record. OVC coaches picked the Tigers to finish seventh out of nine teams in their preseason poll. Copyright 2005, commercialappeal.com - Memphis, TN. All Rights Reserved
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Post by Aggie One on Aug 24, 2005 10:51:59 GMT -5
From the Durham Herald- - 8/24/05www.herald-sun.com/sports/nccentral/40-639342.htmlStrong NCCU team to open season Saturday By MIKE POTTER : The Herald-Sun mpotter@heraldsun.com Aug 24, 2005 : 1:14 am ET Rod Broadway said he hasn't gotten a lot of sleep lately thinking about N.C. Central's football opener with Edward Waters on Saturday night. And that's not only because he doesn't know much about the NAIA member Tigers from Jacksonville, Fla. -- who went 8-3 last season, nearly upset eventual CIAA champion Shaw and have new coordinators on both offense and defense -- but because his own team has a lot of mystery. The Eagles will have almost an entirely new defense -- sophomore nose guard Courtney Coard is the only returnee -- and a rebuilt offensive line, and Broadway never has seen them play together against outside opposition. "We have good players," he said in Tuesday's weekly press conference at The Chicken Hut. "I just don't have any idea how ready we're going to be. We'll find out on Saturday." The Eagles and Tigers have met only one time, with NCCU rolling over a then first-year Tiger squad 45-0 at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in 2001. But that was so long ago it's now irrelevant, Broadway said. And expectations aside, he said last season's exciting but disappointing 8-2 finish also is old news. "This is a new season," said Broadway, whose team was picked second behind perennial power Fayetteville State in the CIAA Western Division standings. "Last year means nothing to us now. How we played last year has no bearing on how we'll play this year. "Our intention is to be the best we can be, and make this one of the best teams in black college football." The Eagles should certainly have some building blocks for that. Coard made one preseason All-America team but it was the offense that reaped the lion's share of preseason All-CIAA honors to the surprise of nobody. Five players -- senior quarterback Adrian Warren, senior wideout Torey Ross, junior running back Greg Pruitt Jr., junior tackle Sam Funches and sophomore kicker Brandon Gilbert -- were named to the preseason squad. Last season Warren threw for 1,746 yards and 20 touchdowns and was the CIAA offensive player of the year, while Pruitt was the conference's third leading rusher with 1,103 yards and five TDs. Ross, a transfer from Jackson State who caught 53 passes for 639 yards and 11 touchdowns, was a huge surprise after last year's preseason workouts, according to Broadway. And kicker Brandon Gilbert was 7-of-11 on field goals and missed just one of his 34 extra-point attempts. "If we stay healthy, we'll have the most depth on the defensive line and at wide receiver," Broadway said. Coard and senior Florida transfer Ronald Dowdy (6-4, 285) at end should be the leaders in front of the defense. Warren should have several nice targets in the receiver corps including junior Hinds (Miss.) J.C. transfer Julius McClellan (6-4, 225) and junior UNC transfer Daunté Fields (6-0, 185). "We should have one of the best receiver corps in the nation," Broadway said. "Our third-team receivers would have started for us when I got here three years ago." But he is concerned about depth in several spots. He has been concerned about the linebackers for months. "They're adequate right now," he said. "I'm starting to see some good things." And there are several players, Warren and Gilbert in particular, who must stay healthy for Broadway to get any sleep. "I worry about everything," the coach said. "There are so many hidden variables -- turnovers, penalties, ball security -- that coaches have no control over during the game. "But if we protect the football and play smart and don't commit a lot of penalties, we'll have a chance in every game we play."
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