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2013 Black College Football Preview

STAFF Publisher/CEO Dwayne Fulton Editor/Advisor Roscoe Nance Photo Editor Cornelius Walls Contributing Photographers Cornelius Walls J.B. Carter III Sidney R. Jackson Sports Information Directors SWAC, MEAC, CIAA, SIAC Graphics Nick Adams Orlandes Abrams

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HBCU 2012 YEAR in REVIEW By Roscoe Nance “Forgettable.” That’s how history will remember the 2012 Black College football season for a number of schools that we have grown accustomed to dominating the opponents. Traditional powers such as Grambling State, Florida A&M, South Carolina State and Albany State were relegated to also-ran status in their respective conferences, and they were also conspicuous by their absence in the national rankings at the end of the year. Their places were taken by the likes of Winston-Salem State, Miles, North Carolina Central, North Carolina A&T and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, up-and-coming programs with relatively new coaches leading them. “You have some years like that,’’ says South Carolina State Coach Emeritus Willie Jeffries, a member of the Black College and National Foundation College Halls of Fame. “Some of the top teams are down somewhat in personnel. I think they’ll resurface.’’ Only time will tell if 2012 was the beginning of a new world order among HBCUs or merely blip on the radar screen. Jeffries, however, says this season should lay the foundation for better competition going forward. “I say it’s good for conferences when you get some teams at the top that aren’t usually at the top,’’ he says. “I foresee a more competitive brand of football. The also-rans have gotten their confidence up and the teams that are use to being on to aren’t going to take it (losing) lying down.’’ “Change is afoot,’’ says Lut Williams, publisher of Black College Sports Page. “There is a new transfusion of new blood, new coaches, new energy. It’s has been a quick change kind of thing.’’ Winston-Salem State led the way, winning its second consecutive Black College National Championship under third-year coach Connell Maynor. The 14-1 Rams became just the second HBCU to play in the NCAA Division II Championship Game – they lost to Valdosta 35-7 – after posting their second straight unbeaten regular season en route to their second CIAA championship in a row. Miles, with second-year coach Reginald Ruffin at the helm, is another of the new kids on the block. The Golden Bears failed to repeat as SIAC champions after winning the conference crown for the first time in school history in 2011. But they still made history by reaching the Division II playoffs for the first time. Nowhere did the winds of change howl louder than they did in the MEAC. Brian Jenkins coached Bethune-Cookman to the second conference championship of his three-year tenure – the Wildcats shared the 2010 title with South Carolina State and Florida A&M. Each of the coaches of the next four teams in the final conference standings was in his second season, Gary 2

2013 Black College Football Preview

Photo:WSS Carlos Fields Jr., Winston-Salem State Harrell of second-place Howard and Rod Broadway at North Carolina A&T, Kermit Blount at Delaware State and Henry Frazier III of North Carolina Central, who tied for third place. South Carolina State, which won or shared three MEAC championships between 2008-10; Florida A&M, which won six conference titles between 19952010, Hampton, a five-time champion from 1997-2006, and defending champion and preseason favorite Norfolk State were at the opposite end of the MEAC spectrum . They were a combined 13-19 in the conference and finished four, five, sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively, in the conference. None had a winning record in MEAC play, and South Carolina State had its first losing season in Coach Buddy Pough’s 11-year tenure when the Bulldogs finished 5-6. “The mighty have fallen,’’ Williams says. No HBCU has been mightier than Grambling State, historically the yardstick by which black college football programs

are measured, and no one had a greater fall than the G-Men. Grambling, the preseason favorite to win its 23rd conference crown, was winless in the SWAC for the first time in school history and 1-10 overall with its only victory coming against Concordia. “It’s baffling how Grambling and Norfolk State could fall as precipitously as they did,’’ Williams says. Grambling’s fall from grace in the SWAC coincided with something of a resurgence of three of the conference’s more downtrodden programs, Alcorn State, Mississippi Valley State and Southern. Jay Hobson, the first white head football coach in SWAC history, coached Alcorn to a respectable 4-5 conference Arkansas Pine Bluff, 2012 SWAC champions. record and a 4-7 overall finish in his first season. The Braves winning percentage. He is tied for third on the black college opened the season with a bang when they beat Grambling career victory list with former Southern coach Arnett W. 22-21 in the Port City Classic in Shreveport, La. “Ace’’ Mumford, trailing only “Big John’’ Merritt, who won Third-year Mississippi Valley coach Karl Morgan guided 235 games at Jackson State and Tennessee State, and the the Delta Devils to a 5-6 overall record and a 5-4 conference legendary Eddie Robinson who 408 games at Grambling. mark which included their first victory against Grambling Former Florida A&M All-American linebacker Earl in 16 years. It was their best showing since 2006 when the Holmes, the Rattlers’ defensive coordinator, replaced Taylor Delta Devils were 6-5 under Willie Totten and 5-4 in the on an interim basis. Other hires were Kevin Weston at Clark conference. Atlanta; Lawrence Kershaw, Fayetteville State; Dwone Southern was 4-7 for the second consecutive season, but Sanders, Langston; Darryl Williams (interim), Livingstone; the Jaguars’ record is deceiving. They defeated their three biggest rivals – Jackson State, Florida A&M and Grambling. Latrelle Scott, Virginia State, and Jon Anderson, West Virginia State. Had it not been for a botched extra point attempts in back The coaching changes continued well into the offseason to-back one-point losses to Alabama A&M and Alabama as Savannah State fired Steve Davenport in April after he State, the Jaguars could well have had their first winning posted consecutive 1-10 records in his two seasons. Former season since 2009. Hampton and Jackson State offensive coordinator Earnest As it were, their record was good enough for Dawson Wilson was hired as his replacement on June 7. Wilson Odums to have the interim tag removed from his coaching is the 24th head coach in the program’s history. Savannah title last week. Odums led Southern to a 4-5 record after he State hasn’t had a head coach for more than three seasons in replaced Stump Mitchell after the Jaguars began the season the last 21 years. Bill Davis was the last coach whose tenure 0-2. Odums is just the second coach in school history to lasted more than three seasons. Davis coached the Tigers defeat Jackson State. Florida A&M and Grambling in their from 1986-92. The Tigers haven’t had a winning record since first season, joining Pete Richardson. 1998. Mitchell was the first coaching casualty of the 2012 The most embarrassing coaching move – or non-move as season, and he had plenty of company when the year it turned out – involved Donald Hill-Eley at Morgan State. ended. Daryl McNeill at Clark Atlanta, Kenny Phillips at Fayetteville State, Elvin James at Livingstone, Andrew Faison Hill learned in November that the school was looking to replace him when he accidentally received an e-mail outlining at Virginia State, Mickey Joseph at Langston, O.J. Abanishe the plan to let him go with a year remaining on his contract. and Earl Monroe at West Virginia State were either fired or Hill was not allowed to have contact with the team for six reassigned. weeks before the University said Hill would be back for his In a surprise move, Florida A&M’s Joe Taylor, 12th season.. winningest active black college coach, resigned with two The season didn’t hold true to form in terms of preseason games remaining in the season. Taylor finished his career predictions. Winston-Salem of the CIAA was the only with a 233-96-4 record, which place him in the top five favorite to win its conference championship. The Rams among NCAA Division I FCS coaches, and a .709 career w w w. f u l t o n s p o r t s m e d i a . n e t

The 2012 season also featured a number of outstanding individual performers, including by newcomers on the HBCU scene who transferred down a level from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). These included: • Tuskegee running back Derrick Washington, who led all black college ball carriers with 1,679 yards and 14 touchdowns after transferring from the University of Missouri. Washington was No. 4 in total rushing yards for NCAA Division II.

Southern Heritage Classic, TSU vs. JSU were also the only repeat conference champion from 2011. Arkansas-Pine Bluff won its first SWAC championship in 46 years. Perennial SIAC champ Tuskegee captured its 26th conference crown and laid unofficial claim to the Comeback Team of the Year. The Golden Tigers were 10-2 after posting a 4-6 mark a year ago. Their only regular season loss was a 7-6 defeat at the hands of Alabama A&M in their season-opener. Their other loss was to Elizabeth City State in the Pioneer Bowl. Bethune-Cookman won the MEAC championship with a perfect 8-0 conference record and a 9-3 overall mark. Arkansas-PineBluff was the most unlikely of the four conference champions. The Golden Lions opened the season with a 13-10 victory against Langston, a squad that they lost to 19-12 in 2011. Their narrow victory didn’t offer much encouragement for a championship season. But they continued to improve and served notice to the conference with a 24-21 road victory against Alabama State. “While I think they a team on the rise, I don’t think the expectations were there for them to win the SWAC,’’ says Donal Donal Ware, host of the nationally syndicated radio talk show From The Pressbox To Press Row. “That win against Alabama State opened my eyes.’’ Alabama A&M had the most puzzling season among HBCUs. The Bulldogs started the season 6-0 but ended the year by losing four of their last five games. Only their archrival Alabama State ended the year on a more disappointing note. The Hornets were the preseason favorites to win the SWAC East Division. Not only did they fail to win their division, they lost to Tuskegee in the Turkey Day Classic, which was the inaugural game played in their new $62 million, 26,000-seat stadium.

2013 Black College Football Preview

• Alabama State running back Isaiah Crowell, who was third in the SWAC with 842 rushing yards and scored 15 touchdowns after transferring from the University of Georgia. • Jackson State quarterback Clayton Moore, who transferred from Akron and, led the Tigers to the SWAC East Division championship. Moore, who became the starter in Jackson State’s third game, passed for 1,705 yards and 15 touchdowns. Other top individual performers included: • Winston-Salem State quarterback Kameron Smith, who passed for 3,312 yards and 43 touchdowns while leading the Rams to their second consecutive unbeaten season and berth in the Division II championship game. • Arkansas-Pine Bluff defensive end Brandon Thurmond, who led the FCS with 17.5 quarterback sacks. • Jackson State wide receiver Rico Richardson, who led all black college pass catchers with 1,158 yards and a 19.3 yards a catch average. • Tennessee State defensive back Steven Godbolt, who led the FCS with six pass interceptions. • Winston-Salem receiver Juahann Butler and Jameze Butler, who both surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for pass receptions. Butler caught 62 passes for 1,236 yards and 12 touchdowns, and Massey caught 60 for 1,220 and 15 touchdowns.

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2011 Hall of Fame Inductees

2012 Hall of Fame Inductees

LEM BARNEY - Jackson State University

WILLIE BROWN - Grambling State

MEL BLOUNT - Southern University

HARRY CARSON - South Carolina State University

ROOSEVELT “ROSEY” BROWN - Morgan State

ELDRIDGE DICKEY - Tennessee State University

WILLIE DAVIS - Grambling State

JAMES “SHACK” HARRIS - Grambling State

“BULLET” BOB HAYES - Florida A&M

CLAUDE HUMPHREY - Tennessee State University

JOE “TARZAN” KENDALL - Kentucky State

STEVE McNAIR - Alcorn State

ART SHELL - Maryland Eastern Shore

WILLIE RICHARDSON - Jackson State University

DOUG WILLIAMS - Grambling State

JOHNNY SAMPLE - Maryland Eastern Shore

EARL BANKS - Morgan State

RAYFIELD “BIG CAT” WRIGHT - Fort Valley State

WILLIE JEFFRIES - South Carolina State

CLEVE ABBOTT - Tuskegee University

COLLIE J. NICHOLSON - Grambling State

JACKIE GRAVES - Contributor

2013 Black College Football Preview

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2013 Black College Football Preview

Conference Predictions SWAC West 1. Arkansas Pine Bluff 2. Southern University 3. Prairie View A&M 4. Grambling University 5. Texas Southern

SWAC East 1. Alabama State 2. Jackson State 3. Alabama A&M 4. Mississippi Valley State 5. Alcorn State University

MEAC West 1. Bethune-Cookman 2. South Carolina State 3. North Carolina A&T 4. North Carolina Central 5. Florida A&M 6. Howard University

SIAC East 1. Albany State 2. Fort Valley State 3. Morehouse 4. Benedict 5. Clark-Atlanta

CIAA Southern 1. Winston Salem State 2. Shaw University 3. Saint Augustineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4. Johnson C. Smith 5. Fayetteville State 6. Livingstone

7. Norfolk State 8. Delaware State 9. Hampton University 10. Morgan State 11. Savannah State

SIAC West 1. Tuskegee 2. Miles College 3. Stillman College 4. Kentucky State 5. Lane 6. Central State

CIAA Northern 1. Chowan 2. Elizabeth City State 3. Bowie State 4. Virginia Union 5. Virginia State 6. Lincoln w w w. f u l t o n s p o r t s m e d i a . n e t

2013 Black College Football Preview

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2013 Black College Football Preview

Congratulations to all 2012 HBCU Football Champions!

SWAC Arkansas Pine Bluff

MEAC Bethune-Cookman

SIAC Tuskegee

CIAA Winston-Salem w w w. f u l t o n s p o r t s m e d i a . n e t

PRE-SEASON TEAMS

2013 Preseason All-SWAC 1st Team OFFENSE Pos. Name QB Ben Anderson RB Isaiah Crowell RB Justin Billings WR Lee Doss WR Ladarius Eckwood TE Dezmond Beverly OL Kenny Eagle OL Tre Glover OL Damien Love OL Dillon Bonnet OL Edmund Davis PK Bobby Wenzig P Bobby Wenzig RS Virgil Williams

Institution Arkansas - Pine Bluff Alabama State Arkansas - Pine Bluff Southern Arkansas - Pine Bluff Arkansas - Pine Bluff Arkansas - Pine Bluff Prairie View A&M Alabama State Prairie View A&M Alabama State Alabama State Alabama State Southern

DEFENSE Pos. Name DL Robert Simpson DL Damien Lee DL Tedderick Terrell DL DeMarcus Berry LB Jer-ryan Harris LB Jerome Howard LB Anthony Balancier DB Qua Cox DB Ryan Shaw DB Kevin Eugene DB Virgil Williams

Institution Mississippi Valley State Arkansas - Pine Bluff Jackson State Arkansas - Pine Bluff Arkansas - Pine Bluff Prairie View A&M Southern Jackson State Arkansas - Pine Bluff Mississippi Valley State Southern

2013 Preseason All-SWAC 2nd Team OFFENSE Pos. Name QB Dray Joseph RB Tommy Gooden RB Rakeem Sims WR Julian Stafford WR Montaurius Smith TE Justin Robinson TE Olatunde’ Idowu OL Keathric Brown OL Jordan Arthur OL Clint Marsh OL Justin Goodrich OL Antonio Griggs PK Chris Barrick P Travis Jatzlau RS Johnta’ Hebert

Institution Southern Jackson State Jackson State Mississippi Valley State Alabama A&M Alabama State Prairie View A&M Arkansas - Pine Bluff Jackson State Grambling State Alabama A&M Mississippi Valley State Prairie View A&M Prairie View A&M Prairie View A&M

DEFENSE Pos. Name DL Carlton Jones DL Reginald Bailey DL Arthur Miley DL Corey Johnson LB Xavier Lofton LB Todd Wilcher LB DeMarques Taylor DB Cameron Loeffler DB Jamison Knox DB Le’Tevin Wilcox DB Derrick Harris

Institution Alabama State Alabama A&M Southern Alabama A&M Arkansas - Pine Bluff Jackson State Alabama State Jackson State Alcorn State Texas Southern Alabama A&M

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Ben Anderson (QB) - Arkansas - Pine Bluff Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Qua Cox (DB) - Jackson State

2013 Black College Football Preview

by Roscoe Nance

SWAC East Alabama State Coach: Reggie Barlow 2011 Record: 7-4 overall, 7-2 SWAC Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: The Hornets, playing their first full season in their $62 million on-campus state, for the second consecutive season are the preseason favorites to win the SWAC East. That proved to be the kiss of death in 2012 as they finished second to Jackson State. Their hopes for unseating Jackson State hinge on how successful they are in replacing QB Greg Jenkins, a free agent signee with the Oakland Raiders, how much production they are able to get from RB Isiaiah Crowell and their ability to replace several key starters on defense. Redshirt sophomore Daniel Duhart and junior transfer Arsenio Favor, who played two seasons at Southern Mississippi, are the leading candidates to replace Jenkins. Duhart played in seven games last season and completed 29 of 42 passes for 288 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He threw a touchdown pass on his first collegiate drive and earned SWAC Newcomer of the Week honors after passing for 192 yards (22-of-31) with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a come-from-behind win at Prairie View. Favor played in 12 games over two seasons for the Golden Eagles. Last season he played in five games with three starts and completed 37 of 67 passes for 650 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Crowell, the 2011 SEC Freshman of the Year at the University of Georgia, was the third-leading rusher in the conference with 842 yards after getting off to a slow start. Coach Reggie Barlow expects more from him after having gone through spring drills and offseason conditioning with the Hornets. Alabama State suffered heavy losses on defense, including All-SWAC FS Kejuan Riley, CB Saeed Lee and lineman Jimmy Daniels. DEs Carlton Jones and Chris Terry are back to anchor the line. The return of DT Derrick Billups, who

sat out season, solidifies the defensive front. The linebacker corps, which includes veterans Brandon Slater, Leland Baker and DeMarques Taylor, is the strength of the defense. The secondary is inexperienced with SS Deandre Rashada the only returning starter. Look for the Hornets to play a more aggressive style under defensive coordinator Kevin Ramsey, who molded Texas Southern into one of the top units in the nation during the four seasons that he mentored the Tigers’ defense. The kicking game is will be strong with Bobby Wenzig handling the punting and place-kicking duties. Jackson State Coach: Rick Comegy 2011 Record: 7-5 overall, 7-2 SWAC Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: The Tigers have experience on their side in their quest to return to the championship game, and they are wellmotivated after their overtime loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the 2012 SWAC Championship Game. The Tigers return 51 lettermen, including eight starters on offense and seven on defense. Senior quarterback Clayton Moore developed into the offensive leader and guided the Tigers to five straight wins down the stretch. He passed for 1,863 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he rushed for an addition 633 yards and an scored 11 times on the ground. Wide receiver Zachary Pendleton, who had 33 receptions for 457 yards, is expected to become Moore’s No. 1 target. DeSuan McKenzie and Tobias Singleton, who each had 15 catches, are counted on to fill the void left with the departure of SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Rico Richardson. The secondary is the strength of Jackson State’s defense. All-SWAC cornerback Qua Cox had a conference high five interceptions. Safety Cameron Loeffler is among the surest tacklers in the conference. Loeffler led Jackson State with 84 tackles, and he also had 4.5 sacks. Sophomore end Teddrick Terrell is expected to be the leader on the defensive line. Terrell had 37 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, in 2012. Senior Todd Wilcher and John McNabb anchor a solid linebacker corps. Alabama A&M Coach: Anthony Jones 2011 Record: 7-4 overall, 6-3 SWAC Offense: Pro Set Defense: 4-3 Outlook: Anthony Jones, the dean of SWAC coaches, faces w w w. f u l t o n s p o r t s m e d i a . n e t

a mammoth rebuilding job as he enters his 12th season at Alabama A&M. The Bulldogs lost 23 seniors from the squad that won the first six games last season and was ranked No. 1 among HBCUs. Their biggest losses were on offense, where Jones must replace Deaunte Mason, a four-year starter at quarterback, and running back Kaderius Lacey, the leading rusher in the conference in 2012. Brandon Wells, Chris Leachmen, Kyle Harmyk and Jaymason Lee are vying to replace Mason. None has taken a snap in a Division I game. Lacey spot will be filled by committee with Brandon Eldemire and Brendon Johnson sharing the load. The receiving corps, led by G’Alonzo Milton and Rashaad DeJarnett, is the strength of the offense. But it remains to be seen if the quarterbacks will be capable of getting the ball to them while operating behind an inexperienced line that lost three All-Conference performers. Linemen Reginald Bailey, Corey Johnson and Phillip Harvey give the Bulldogs along the defensive front after playing as backups last season. Jeremy Isabelle is being counted on to fill Vernon Marshall’s shoes at linebacker. The secondary will be solid if A.J. Clark, a converted quarterback, develops at free safety. Alcorn State Coach: Jay Hopson 2011 Record: 4-7 overall, 4-5 SWAC Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple 40 Outlook: Alcorn State was the surprise team in the SWAC last season, posting a 4-7 record under Coach Jay Hopson, who wasn’t hired until late May. The Braves won’t sneak up on opponents this season after improved showing of a year ago. Pass defense was Alcorn’s calling card in 2012. The Braves led the SWAC and were fourth in the FCS, allowing just 156.yards a game through the air. Junior Devon Francois leads the secondary. Francois had 41 tackles. Other returnees in the secondary are Jamison Knox, Anthony Williams and Hendricks Taylor. An inexperienced defensive line, which only returns junior Carrington Aloese and sophomore Rickey Joseph, needs to develop an effective pass rush to help the secondary with its coverage.The Braves need to get better offensive production. Running back Arnold Walker is a big back who can get tough yards. He was the Braves’ leading rusher with 392 yards. Sophomore John Gibbs and Jordan Payne, two of the three quarterbacks who shared playing time last season, are back. Gibbs started eight games but was never established himself as the top guy. He or Payne needs to take command. Brandon Vessel could also see action. Senior wide receiver Tavoris Doss gives the Braves a big-play threat in the passing game and on kickoff and punt returns. 16

2013 Black College Football Preview

Mississippi Valley State Coach: Karl Morgan 2011 Record: 1-10 overall, 1-8 SWAC Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: Mississippi Valley State was the most improved team in the conference in 2012. The Delta Devils’ 5-6 record gave them the most victories since 2006, and they defeated Grambling and Southern in the same season for the first time since 1984 when Archie “Gunslinger’’ Cooley was their coach and the Satellite Express, featuring Willie Totten and Jerry Rice, was the scourge of the SWAC.Unlike those golden days of yesteryear, defense, not offense, was the Delta Devils’ hallmark in 2012; the same should be true this season despite losing seven seniors from the unit that led the SWAC and was fourth in the FCS in total defense allowing just 279 yards a game. All-SWAC defensive lineman Robert Simpson returns to anchor the line. Simpson recorded 59 tackles, including 22.5 for losses, which led the nation, and seven sacks. Rico Shaw, D’Ondre Jackson, Cedric McField and converted tight end Jacob Avery will join Simpson on the defensive line. Safety Kevin Eugene leads the secondary. Eugene was second in the SWAC with four interceptions last season has been named ot the 2013 CFPA watch list. The Delta Devils have gaping holes at quarterback and running back that must be filled. Juniors Carl Davis and Jeremy Collins are vying to replace Garrick Jones at quarterback. Junior Cortez Frizell is counted on to shoulder the load in the running game that saw All-SWAC performer Brandon Stansell and Tray Bateaste rush for 1,214 yards combined.

SWAC West Arkansas-Pine Bluff Coach: Monte Coleman 2011 Record: 10-2 overall, 8-1 SWAC Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: The Golden Lions are heavy favorites to emerge from the West. They return 20 starters – 10 on offense and 10 on defense – from last season’s 10-2 squad that set a school record for most victories in a season. All-SWAC redshirt junior quarterback Ben Anderson, MVP of the SWAC Championship Game, leads the Golden Lions’ offense. Anderson threw for 2,346 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. He will have plenty of help on offense with a trio of All-SWAC skill position players on hand. Running back Justin Billings was the second-leading rusher in the

conference with 852 yards in 2012, and he averaged a conference-best 5.8 yards per carry; wide receiver Ladarius Eckwood had 52 catches for 752 yards and six touchdowns, and tight end Dez Beverly had 46 catches for 434 yards and six touchdowns. The offensive line is a big, experienced unit. The only loss is left tackle Terron Armstead, who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. That leaves guards Kenny Eagle, All-SWAC pick, and Keathric Brown and tackles Me’Kale Carter (6-5, 285) and LaFarious Hoskins (6-5, 325) as the anchors.The Golden Lions should be solid on defense as well. Linebackers Jer-Ryan Harris, an All-SWAC performer, Xavier Lofton and Kyle Walker played well in spring drills. Damian Lee and DeMarcus Berry are counted on to provide a strong pass rush. Gyovanni Harvey and All-SWAC free safety Ryan Shaw, a 2013 CFPA watch list nominee, anchor the secondary. Grambling State Coach: Doug Williams 2011 Record: 1-10 overall, 0-9 SWAC Offense: Multiple/Pro Defense: 4-3 Outlook: Grambling is in an uncustomary situation after going winless in the conference for the first-time ever. Coach Doug Williams focused the Tigers getting bigger, faster and more aggressive on both sides of the ball. The Tigers also need to increase their offensive productivity after averaging just 18.2 points a game in 2012. They will again rely on quarterback DJ Williams, the coach’s son, to run the offense. Williams passed for 930 yards and two touchdowns, numbers that he needs to improve dramatically if Grambling is to contend for the title. Frank Rivers, who split time with Williams the past two seasons, has transferred to Albany State.The Tigers are deep at running back with Cedric Skinner, Juwan Marin and Jeremy Runner and Justin Fortson returning. But again, productivity is an issue. Skinner was the Tigers’ leading rusher with 365 yards. Fortson was the most impressive ball carrier in spring drills Anthony McGhee, 37 catches for 514 yards, and Robert Bailey, 11 catches for 143 yards, are the top returning receivers. Dennis “Dirt’’ Winston, a defensive assistant at Grambling from 1992-97, returns as defensive coordinator and has installed a 4-3 scheme. Linebackers Aaron Breed, Steve Orisakwe and Rod Stevens were solid in spring drills, creating a sense of optimism that the Tigers defense will be significantly better.The addition of freshman kicking specialist Jonathan Wallace will give Grambling a boost on offense and defense. Williams is counting on Wallace to handle the punting and place-kicking

chores. He expects Wallace to help the Tigers when it comes to field position with his punts and kickoffs, and he is capable of making field goals from beyond 40 yards. Prairie View Coach: Heishma Northern 2011 Record: 3-8 overall, 3-6 SWAC Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: The Panthers haves 67 returning lettermen on hand – with nine offensive starters among them – as the Panthers look to make amends for their disappointing 3-8 record in 2012. The fact that the Panthers are no longer under the practice restrictions they were slapped with last season for their APR shortcomings is just as significant as the number of veterans they return. Look for the Panthers to have a potent offense again this season after leading the conference in total yards (416.6 a game), ranking second in passing offense (393.8) and third scoring (27.7). The quarterback tandem of De’Auntre Smiley and Jerry Lovelocke will run the offense. They combined to pass for 2,462 yards and 16 touchdowns. They will operate behind a veteran offensive line that features four returning starters. Running backs Fred Anderson and Courtney Brown will split carries again after rushing for 1,105 yards and 11 touchdowns between them in 2012. Johnta Hebert, the 2012 SWAC Freshman of the Year, gives the Panthers depth at running back. He also provides speed and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Defense was the Panthers’ Achilles heel last season as they ranked in the bottom third in the conference in most major categories. Coach Heishma Northern hired Charles McMillan as defensive coordinator in hopes of returning the Panthers to their former defensive prominence. He must replace six starters, including the entire defensive line. Junior college transfer Darrien Patterson and sophomore Meshak Williams are expected to anchor the line. Junior Jerome Howard leads the linebacker corps. The secondary will be inexperienced as the four projected starters, safeties Korey Austin and Adrian Grant and cornerbacks Stephen Meighan and Chris Motley have only had limited playing time.

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Southern Coach: Dawson Odums Offense: Pro Style Defense: 4-3 2011 Record: 4-7 overall, 3-6 SWAC Outlook: The Jaguars could provide Arkansas-Pine Bluff with its biggest challenge in the West if they can continue the improvement that they showed last season under interim Coach Dawson Odums. Odums replaced Stump Mitchell basis two games into the season and led the Jaguars to four victories in their last nine games. Along the way, they beat their three biggest rivals – Florida A&M, Jackson State and Grambling State. Had it not been for a pair of botched extra point conversions in back-to-back one-point losses to Alabama A&M and Alabama State, they could have their first winning record since 2009. As it turned out, that was good enough for Odums, who began the season as the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, to have the interim tag removed from his title and give Jaguar Nation for better things this season. Second-team All-SWAC junior quarterback Dray Joseph is the unquestioned leader of the Jaguars’ offense. Joseph threw for 2,511 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2012. He led the conference in passing yards per game (228) and total offense (2,640). Redshirt freshman running back Lenard Tillery, who sat out the 2012 season, is expected to add the big-play element to Southern’s ground game, which hasn’t produced a 1,000-yard rusher since 2003 and was last in the conference in 2012 with 79.5 yards a game. Senior Darris Clayton is also expected to play a prominent role in the rushing attack after gaining 183 yards in a backup role last year. All-SWAC wide receiver Lee Doss will again be Joseph’s No. 1 target. Doss had 65 receptions for 703 yards in 2012. Junior college transfer Sam Altman, redshirt freshman Justin Morgan and freshman Chuck Baker, a Rivals 3-star athlete who committed to LSU, are counted on to complement Doss. Southern’s defensive unit has experience with eight starters returning. Senior Kadeem Lewis and junior Arthur Miley anchor the defensive line and are strong pass rushers. Anthony Balancier returned to linebacker, his natural position, last season after playing safety in 2011 and led the Jaguars in tackles. The secondary is inexperienced, but has some talent, led by Virgil Williams and South Alabama transfer Dionte McDuffy. Texas Southern

2013 Black College Football Preview

Coach: Darrell Asberry 2011 Record: 2-9 overall, 2-7 SWAC Offense: Pro I Defense: 4-3 Outlook: The uphill climb continues for second-year coach Darrell Asberry as he attempts to rebuild the Tigers’ program. The Tigers are on probation for NCAA rules violations and have also been penalized for APR shortcomings. Texas Southern returns nine defensive starters who gained considerable experience a year ago. The Tigers brought in veteran defensive coordinator Michael Vite to revamp the unit that was in the bottom three in the conference in virtually every statistical category in 2012. They also hired former Alabama State defensive coordinator Cedric Thornton to work with the linebackers. The secondary will be the strength of the defense with junior Tray Walker and redshirt senior Steve White as the leaders. down for the Tigers. Redshirt junior Jamal Smalls has been in the system for a year, giving him an edge.Help could be on the way from the Tigers’ recruiting class, which includes highly touted Aaron Hush, a 6-4, 290-pound defensive end. Hush signed with Temple out of high school, but he was injured and ended up playing at Dean College in Massachusetts. Running back Daveonn Porter was ranked No. 20 among junior college running backs last season while playing at Coahoma (Miss.) Community College. Porter is counted on to rev up a ground game that averaged 96.2 yards a game, No. 9 among 10 teams in the conference.

Photo: Sydney R. Jackson Alabama A&M taking the field.

SWAC Composite Schedule August 29, 2013 Jackson State vs. Tulane New Orleans, LA - 7:00 p.m.

Alabama State vs. Grambling State Montgomery, AL - 5:00 p.m. Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs.Alcorn State Pine Bluff, AK - 6:00 p.m.

August 30, 2013 Southern vs. Houston Houston, TX - 7:30 p.m.

Prairie View vs. Alabama A&M Prarie View, TX

August 31, 2013 Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Arkansas State Jonesboro, AK - TBA

September 28, 2013 Alabama State vs. Alcorn State Pine Bluff, AK - 5:00 p.m.

Magic City Classic Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State Birmingham, AL - 2:30 p.m. Shreveport Classic Prairie View vs. Jackson State Shreveport, LA - 4:00 p.m. Southern vs. Alcorn State Baton Rouge, LA - 5:30 p.m.

Alabama State vs. Jacksonville State Mongomery, AL - 5:00 p.m.

Grambling State vs. Lamar Grambling, LA - 6:00 p.m.

November 2, 2013 Alabama State vs.Kentucky Lexington, KY - TBA

Alabama A&M vs. Texas Southern Huntsville, AL - 6:00 p.m.

Grambling State vs. Mississippi Valley State Grambling, LA - 2:00 p.m.

Grambling State vs. Alabama A&M Grambling, LA - 6:00 p.m.

Southern vs. Jackson State Baton Rouge, LA - 6:00 p.m.

Alcorn State vs. Alabama A&M Lorman, MS - 4:00 p.m.

29th Labor Day Classic Texas Southern vs. Prairie View Houston, TX - 7:00 p.m.

Prarie View vs. Stephen F. Austin Nacogdoches, TX - 6:00 p.m.

Texas Southern vs. Southern Houston, TX - 6:00 p.m.

October 5, 2013 Alabama A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State Huntsville, AL - 1:00 p.m.

November 7, 2013 Alcorn State vs.Prairie View Lorman, MS - 6:30 p.m.

Alcorn State vs. Warner University Lorman, MS - 2:00 p.m.

November 9, 2013 Alabama State vs. Southern Montgomery, AL - 1:00 p.m.

Alcorn State vs. Edward Waters Lorman, MS - 4:00 p.m.

September 1, 2013 MEAC / SWAC Challange Southern vs. Houston Houston, TX - 7:30 p.m.

September 7, 2013 Mississippi Valley State vs. Delta State University Itta Bena, MS - 1:30 p.m. Alcorn State vs. Mississippi State Starkville, MS - 2:30 p.m.

W.C. Gorden Classic Jackson State vs. Alabama State Jackson, MS - 5:00 p.m.

4th Annual Louis Crews Classic Alabama A&M vs. Tuskegee Huntsville, AL - 6:00 p.m.

State Fair Classic Grambling State vs. Prairie View Dallas, TX - 4:30 p.m. Jackson State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Jackson, MS - 6:00 p.m. Texas Southern vs. Alabama State Houston, TX - 6:00 p.m. Texas Southern vs. Alabama State Houston, TX - 6:00 p.m.

Mississippi Valley State vs. Texas Southern Itta Bena, MS - 1:00 p.m. Alabama A&M vs. Jackson State Huntsville, AL - 1:00 p.m. Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Grambling State Pine Bluff, AK - 2:30 p.m. November 16, 2013 Alabama A&M vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Huntsville, AL - 1:00 p.m.

Prairie View vs. Texas State San Marcos, TX - 6:00 p.m.

October 12, 2013 Alabama State vs. Prairie View Montgomery, AL - 1:00 p.m.

Grambling State vs. ULM Monroe, LA - 6:00 p.m.

Mississippi Valley State vs. Jackson State Itta Bena, MS - 2:00 p.m.

Mississippi Valley State vs. Alabama State Itta Bena, MS - 1:00 p.m.

Circle City Classic Alcorn State vs. Grambling State Indianapolis, IN - 3:00 p.m.

Jackson State vs. Alcorn State Jackson, MS - 2:00 p.m.

Southern vs. Northwestern State Natchitoches, LA - 6:00 p.m.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. McNeese State Lake Charles, LA - 7:30 p.m. September 14, 2013 Missouri Classic Grambling State vs. Lincoln (MO) Kansas City, MO - 4:30 p.m.

Southern Heritage Classic Jackson State vs. Tennessee State Memphis, TN - 6:00 p.m. Alabama A&M vs. South Carolina State Orangeburg, SC - 6:00 p.m. Southern vs. Prairie View Baton Rouge, LA - 6:00 p.m. Texas Southern vs. Sam Houston State Huntsville, TX - 7:00 p.m. September 19, 2013 Jackson State vs. Texas Southern Jackson, MS - 6:30 p.m. September 21, 2013 Mississippi Valley State vs. Southern Itta Bena, MS - 1:00 p.m.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Texas Southern Pine Bluff, AK - 6:00 p.m. Southern vs. Alabama A&M Baton Rouge, LA - 6:00 p.m. October 19, 2013 Texas Southern vs. Alcorn State Houston, TX - 2:00 p.m. Prairie View vs. Mississippi Valley State Prairie View, TX - 2:00 p.m. Texas Southern vs. Alcorn State Houston, TX - 2:00 p.m. Jackson State vs. Grambling State Jackson, MS - 2:00 p.m.

Prairie View vs. Abilene Christian Prairie View, TX - 1:00 p.m.

Texas Southern vs. Howard Houston, TX - 2:00 p.m. Southern vs. Clark Atlanta Baton Rouge, LA - 6:00 p.m. November 23, 2013 Alabama A&M vs. Georgia Tech Atlanta, GA - TBA Prairie View vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Prairie View, TX - 1:00 p.m. November 28, 2013 90th Turkey Day Classic Alabama State vs. Stillman Montgomery, AL - 3:00 p.m.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Southern Pine Bluff, AK - 2:30 p.m.

November 30, 2013 40th Bayou Classic Grambling State vs. Southern New Orleans, LA - 1:30 p.m.

October 26, 2013 Mississippi Valley State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Itta Bena, MS - 2:00 p.m.

December 7, 2013 2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship Houston, TX - TBA

Grambling State vs. Texas Southern Grambling, LA - 2:00 p.m.

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2013 Black College Football Preview

Photo by Cornelius Walls w w w. f u l t o n s p o r t s m e d i a . n e t

2013 Black College Football Preview

PRE-SEASON TEAMS

2013 Preseason All-MEAC 1st Team OFFENSE Pos. Name QB Damien Fleming RB Isidore Jackson RB* Malcolm Williams RB* James Owens WR Lenworth Lennon WR Simon Hewyard TE Joseph Hawkins C Brandon Cunningham OL Alex Monroe OL Kevin House OL Zerrie Patterson OL Joshua Matthews

Institution Florida A&M Bethune-Cookman Delaware State Florida A&M Florida A&M Savannah State Norfolk State Delaware State Bethune-Cookman Florida A&M Florida A&M Howard

DEFENSE Pos. Name DL LeBrandon Richardson DL Damon Chisholm. DL Rodney Gunter DL Javon Hargrave LB Jarkevis Fields LB Ernest Adjei LB Lyndell Trail DB Nick Addison DB Julien David DB D’Vonte Graham DB Terrick Colston P Nick Belcher PK Chase Varnadore RS D’Vonte Graham

2013 Preseason All-MEAC 2nd Team OFFENSE Pos. Name QB Jordan Reid RB Aquanius Freeman Jr. RB Brendon Riddick WR Eddie Poole WR Derrick Demps TE David Wilson C Ronald Canty OL John Smith OL Jamal Wilson OL Williams Robinson OL Charles Goodwin

Institution North Carolina Central Howard Norfolk State Bethune-Cookman Norfolk State Howard North Carolina A&T Howard Hampton North Carolina A&T North Carolina Central

DEFENSE Pos. Name DL Tyree Hearn DL George Riddick DL Matthew Davis DL Demarco Bisbee LB D’Vonte Grant LB Justin Hughes LB Travis Crosby DB Davon Moore DB Joe Rankin DB Ryan Smith DB* John Wilson DB* Jonathan Pillow P Matthew Cornellus PK Oleg Parent RS James Owens

Institution Bethune-Cookman Howard Delaware State South Carolina State Bethune-Cookman Delaware State Norfolk State Bethune-Cookman Howard North Carolina A&T Delaware State South Carolina State Florida A&M North Carolina A&T

Institution North Carolina A&T Norfolk State Hampton Morgan State North Carolina A&T South Carolina State North Carolina A&T Delaware State Morgan State North Carolina Central Savannah State Florida A&M North Carolina Central North Carolina Central Florida A&M

Co-Offensive Players of the Year: Damien Flemming, Florida A&M and Isidore Jackson, Bethune-Cookman Defensive Player of the Year: Jarkevis Fields, Bethune-Cookman

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by Roscoe Nance Bethune-Cookman Coach: Brian Jenkins 2012 Record: 9-3 overall, 8-0 MEAC Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Outlook: The Wildcats return the core of the of the 2012 MEAC championship team – 15 starters – that was undefeated in conference play for the first time in school history and reached the FCS playoffs for the second time in three years. The Wildcats have been among the top offensive teams in the FCS during Coach Brian Jenkins first thee seasons, and they should be formidable once again with RB Isidore Jackson, the 2013 preseason MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, and WR Eddie Poole as the catalysts. Jackson was the No. 2 rusher in the MEAC in 2012 with 1,069 yards, and Poole, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, led the Wildcats in receiving and has caught a pass in 35 consecutive games. QBs Quentin Williams, Jackie Wilson and Brodrick Waters each got considerable playing time a year ago and all of them return. Williams eventually emerged as the starter and passed for 1,173 yards. He is likely to retain that role. But look for Waters and Wilson to again provide the Wildcats with a change of pace. The offensive line, anchored by All-American T Terrance Hackney, is big and experienced. The Wildcats boast an aggressive, ballhawking defense that returns seven starters, including LB Jarkevis Fields, the 2013 preseason MEAC Defensive Player of the year who made 103 tackles in 2012. DBs Nick Addison, Tim Burke and Dion Hanks return to a secondary that had 20 INTs. South Carolina State Coach: Buddy Pough 2012 Record: 5-6 overall, 4-4 MEAC Offense: Multiple/Pro I Defense: 4-3 Outlook: The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back from 24

2013 Black College Football Preview

Photo: Bethune-Cookman Isidore Jackson, RB their first losing season in 12 seasons and the first in Coach Buddy Pough’s 11-year tenure. Injuries plagued the Bulldogs in 2012 as they lost LB Joe Thomas for the final six games and RB Jalen “Scoot’’ Simmons played the entire season with nagging ailments. Thomas is back this season, but Simmons is expected to sit out after undergoing offseason surgery. Former offensive line coach Joe Blackwell returns for a second stint on the Bulldogs’ coaching staff, this time as offensive coordinator. His mission is to rev up an attack that was 10th among the conference’s 11 teams in scoring (18.5 points a game) and eighth in total yards (308.0). A more mature offensive line will help. The Bulldogs are counting on QB Richard Cue to have a big year. He threw for 1,819 yards and 11 TDs last season. With Simmons (521 rushing yards) likely out for the season, the running game is suspect. Julius Pendergrass (273 yards) is penciled in as the featured back. The Bulldogs uncharacteristically struggled on defense, particularly against the run, as they allowed 363.3 yards a game with 175.1 of those coming on the ground. A healthy Thomas should help in that department. The front four of Javon Hargrave, Marquis Parks, who was injured most of 2012, Curtis Hill and Andrew Carter is physical an active. S Kimaro McFadden and CB Steven Murray anchor a secondary that features four returnees with starting experience.

North Carolina A&T Coach: Rod Broad 2012 Record: 7-4 overall, 5-3 MEAC Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: Multiple Outlook: The Aggies were one of the most improved teams in the MEAC in 2012 as they finished third in the championship race. They have a good nucleus of veterans returning, giving them reason to be optimistic that they will do even better this season. The offensive line, led by 2013 preseason All-MEAC C Ronald Canty, returns four starters. They should provide QB Lewis Kindle with plenty of protection. WR Marquis Gorham (38 receptions, 391 yards) and Darren Bullock (20 catches, 239 yards) will be prime targets in the passing game. The Aggies have a big question mark at running back, where they must replace Mike Mayhew. Ricky Lewis (437 yards rushing, 6 TDs) is the leading returning rusher. Kwashaun Quick (196 yards rushing) and Dominique Drake (185 yards rushing) will play bigger roles this season as well, and their productivity will be critical to the Aggies’ success. The Aggies return seven defensive starters and will be strong on that side of the ball provided they are able to rebuild their front four. Senior DE Tyree Hearn is the only returning starting lineman. The linebacker corps and secondary, led by All-MEAC safety D’Vontae Graham are veteran-laden and should be capable of compensating for whatever shortcomings the Aggies might have up front. North Carolina Central Coach: Henry Frazier III 2012 Record: 6-5 overall, 4-4 MEAC Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: The Eagles enter year three of the Henry Frazier coaching era poised to climb up in the MEAC standings. They had their first winning record since 2007 and tied for third place in their second season back in the conference. QB Jordan Reid, who took over as the starter in the third game, will be the helm from the outset and that should be a plus. He will operate behind an experienced offensive line that returns four starters and is anchored by All-MEAC LT Charles Goodwin. That group will clear the path for solid stable of running backs that is expected to be highly productive. Andre Clarke averaged 5.1 yards a carry and scored nine touchdowns in eight games before suffering a season-ending injury. Redshirt sophomore Idreis Augustus

returns after missing the 2012 season with an injury. He led the Eagles in rushing in 2011 with 429 yards and averaged 4.7 yards a carry even though he only played in the final seven games. Sophomores Kevin Thompson and Deyonta Wright and redshirt freshman Shaheed Swinson will also get some carries. The Eagles will have to retool their defense after losing eight starters, including all three linemen from the unit that ranked second in the conference. The linebacker corps of Tazmon Foster, Ty Brown, Demontray Ryland and Tyrige Williams is the Eagles’ strong suit on defense. FS Ryan Smith, one of the surest tacklers in the conference, is the only returning starter in the secondary. Florida A&M Coach: Earl Holmes 2011 Record: 4-7 overall, 4-4 MEAC Offense: Multiple/Pro I Defense: Multiple Outlook: A new era will dawn for the Rattlers as Earl Holmes begins his first full season at the helm. Holmes took over as acting coach when Joe Taylor retired with two games remaining last year and was 1-1. QB Damien Fleming is the Rattlers’ offensive linchpin. The 2013 preseason Co-Offensive Player of the Year passed for 2,147 yards and 16 TDs in 2012. But this season he will operate behind a line that is relatively inexperienced. C Douglass Almandares and LT Zerrie Perry are the only returning starters in the trenches. WRs Lenworth Lennon (71 catches, 699 yards), Admasen Felix (31 catches, 368 yards) and Dewayne Harvey (25 catches, 256 yards) are proven pass catchers. The Rattlers’ running game is unproven. Senior RB James Owens and redshirt junior Demont Buice are expected to be the top two ball carriers. Owens was primarily a kick returner. He carried the ball 65 times from the line of scrimmage and gained 341 yards. Buice was the leading rusher in the Rattlers’ spring game. Al-tarek Burse, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility after breaking his leg in the 2012 season-opener, will give the Rattlers some depth. The defensive line will be manned by new starters, senior Francis Mayes and sophomores Michael Lovejoy and Matthew Helms. The secondary will be the Rattlers’ strength on defense with CB Devontae “Terry’’ Johnson and SS Jonathan Pillow, a pair of 2013 preseason All-MEAC picks, as the anchors. CB Patrick Aiken and FS Devan Roberts add experience.

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Howard Coach: Rayford Petty (Interim) 2012 Record: 7-4 overall, 6-2 MEAC Offense: Pro Set Defense: 3-4 Outlook: The Bison will be hard-pressed to duplicate their second-place finish in the conference of a year ago as Rayford Petty has replaced Gary Harrell, who has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons, on an interim basis. The Bison lost four senior starters on the offensive line. That leaves LT Joshua Matthews as the lone veteran among the group that will be called on to protect QB Greg McGhee and open holes for the running game, which will be handled by newcomers as well. The Bison must replace Terrence Lefall, who rushed for a conference-best 1,200 yards in 2012. Aquanius Freeman and William Parker, who combined to rush for 700 yards and six TDs last season, will get most of the carries. Starting WRs Jonathan Booker and Matt Colvin return after strong finishes last season and will provide McGhee with a pair of dependable targets – provided the offensive line can give him time to get rid of the ball. All MEAC TE David Wilson is another effective pass catcher. The Bison defense is the team’s strong suit. Godspower Offor, a transfer from Wake Forest, Toavan Sheats and Joseph Dillard join Damon Gresham Chisolm, a 2013 preseason All-MEAC pick, to give the Bison a formidable front four. The Bison will be without All-MEAC LB Keith Pough, who graduated, but that unit remains solid with University of Buffalo transfer Khan Brown, Tabian Resby and Devin Rollins. All-MEAC FS Julien David anchors the secondary, which will get a boost with the return of SS Cameron Alton, who missed the 2012 season with an injury. Norfolk State Coach: Pete Adrian 2012 Record: 4-7 overall, 2-6 MEAC Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Outlook: The Spartans have 50 lettermen and 13 starters on hand as they try to make amends for their fist losing record in three years. They return a number of weapons on offense, led by quarterback Nico Flores, a 2013 preseason All-MEAC pick who threw for 1,067 yards in 2012, one of three different signal callers who started last season. Flores was the starter in all four of the Spartans’ victories, and he played well in spring drills. Transfers Malik Stokes (Bowling Green) and Tyler Clark (Old Dominion) will challenge Flores, who needs to cut down on his interceptions (9). TE Joseph Hawkins (27

2013 Black College Football Preview

catches, 322 yards), is a 2013 preseason All-MEAC pick who should be a dependable target. WRs Keith Johnson, DeAndre Sangster and Isaac White will be counted on to have bigger impacts and fill the voided left by the departure of Xavier Boyce. RB Brendan Riddick (401 rushing yards, seven TDs) had a strong freshman season and is expected to play a bigger role in the Spartans’ offense. The offensive line should be solid with three returning starters, LG Cameron Williams, RT Jairus Spain and Mike Phillips, who will move from guard to center. The Spartans also hope to have 2011 All-American tackle Blake Matthews back. Matthews missed the entire 2012 season with a knee injury. The Spartans’ defense was No. 1 in the nation in passing yards allowed (136.5) and should be formidable once again. Three starters return in the secondary, CB Marcus Center, SS Keenan Lambert and FS Darrin Marrow. Junior DT George Riddick and sophomore NG Shawn Fauntleroy bring experience to the defensive line. LyndenTrail leads a linebacker corps that lost three of four starters but could be more productive than it was last season. Marcell Coke is the only returning starter. However, Deon King and Mike Pivott, like Trail, who had 70 tackles in 2012, were key backups last season, and should be ready for expanded roles.

Delaware State Coach: Kermit Blount 2012 Record: 6-5 overall, 5-3 MEAC Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: The Hornets closed the gap on the rest of the conference in 2012 when they had their first winning record since 2007. With 41 lettermen and 15 starters returning, there is optimism in the Hornets’ camp for back-to-back winning campaigns for the first time since the 2006-07 seasons. The first order of business for Coach Kermit Blount as he enters his third season is to settle on a replacement for QB Nick Elko, who attempted all but one of the 413 passes that the Hornets attempted. Sophomore Osayah Obado and redshirt freshman Cory Murphy are the leading candidates. RB Malcolm Williams will be the main man in the Hornets’ ground game. FS Davon Moore, 2013 preseason All-MEAC DT Ernest Adjei, who made 93 tackles last season, and DT Rodney Gunter return as anchors of the defensive unit, which was third in the MEAC in fewest points allowed.

Hampton Coach: Donovan Rose 2012 Record: 3-7, 3-5 MEAC Offense: Air Raid Defense: Zone Blitz Outlook: The Pirates slipped a couple of notches in 2012 after putting together back-to-back winning season as injuries, inexperience and APR penalties combined to derail them.. None of those should be factors this season. The Pirates will have a new look on offense with the departure of QB Travis Champion and RB Jeremiah Schwartz, who rushed for 1,043 yards in 2012 and averaged a conferencebest 115.9 yards a game. RB Antwon Chisolm should be a capable replacement for Schwartz. Chisolm rushed for a team-high 796 yards in 2011. QBs Brian Swain and Jaylian Williamson saw limited duty last season and will compete to replace Champion. The Pirates’ offense suffered a setback when coordinator Earnest Wilson was hired as head coach at Savannah State after spring drills. Glen Ferebee, a former high school coach in the Tidewater, Virginia area. The Pirates will also have a new look on defense under firstyear coordinator Bernard Clark; preseason All-MEAC DE Matthew Davis will provide a potent pass rush. LB Delbert Tyler, the Pirates’ top returning tackler, will assume more responsibilities against the pass and the run this season. Morgan State Coach: Donald Hill-Eley 2012 Record: 3-8 overall, 2-6 MEAC Offense: Pro Set Defense: 3-4 Outlook: The Bears, who struggled mightily on both sides of the ball last year, are hoping for a breakout year as they return 18 starters – 10 on defense, six on offense and two on special teams. Three consecutive losses by a total of 10 points after a 3-2 start was the Bears’ undoing. The key for them on offense this season will be how well they can fill holes at running back, tight end, center and wide receiver. QB Robert Council, who split time with Seth Higgins, is the top returning rusher. The top rusher among returning RBs is Tracy Martin, who gained 74 yards on just 20 carries. The Bears anticipate more production from QB Seth Higgins, who passed for 1,116 yards and nine TDs while sharing time with Council. WRs Andrew King (25 catches, 334 yards) and Chris Flowers (16 catches, 198 yards) are the leaders of a receiving corps that needs to step up its production. The defense is experienced but needs to improve dramatically over last season when

it was in the bottom three in the conference. The Bears brought in former Hampton head coach Jerry Holmes to be their coordinator and turn things around, realizing that the defense is likely to have to carry the team in the early going the offense finds itself. Preseason All-MEAC DT Demarco Bisbee and LBs Christopher Robinson and Stephen Blissett are the bulwarks of the Bears’ defense. Savannah State Coach: Earnest Wilson 2011 Record: 1-10 overall, 0-8 MEAC Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: It looks like another long year for the Tigers, who have only won one conference games in their first two years in the MEAC and haven’t had a winning record since 1998 when they were in the SIAC. Former Hampton offensive coordinator Earnest Wilson took over as coach on June 7 and has had little time to install his high-powered Air Raid Offense. Wilson’s system should be a perfect fit for QB Antonio Bostick and WR Simon Heyward, the Tigers’ passcatch combo. Bostick threw for 1,629 yards in 2012; Simon hauled in 44 passes for 751 yards and six TDs. The Tigers only had four seniors last season, but they lost 27 lettermen during the offseason. However, they return 10 starters on offense and nine on defense. The pressing question is how well and how quickly will the Tigers able to pick up Wilson’s system, particularly on defense. Last season opponents averaged 466 yards and 44.9 points a game.

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MEAC Composite Schedule August 29, 2013 Western Illinois vs. Hampton Macomb, IL -7:00 p.m.

Norfolk State vs. Old Dominion Norfolk, VA - 1:00 p.m.

Ohio State vs. Florida A&M Columbus, OH - TBA

Howard vs. Morgan State Washington, D.C. - 1:00 p.m.

Florida State vs. Bethune-Cookman Tallahassee, FL - TBA

Florida A&M vs. South Carolina State Tallahassee, FL - 2:00 p.m.

North Carolina Central vs. Towson Durham, NC - 2:00 p.m.

Savannah State vs. North Carolina Central Savannah, GA - 2:00 p.m.

North Dakota State vs. Delaware State Fargo, ND - 3:30 p.m.

Bethune-Cookman vs. South Carolina State Daytona Beach, FL - 4:00 p.m.

Palmetto City Classic Benedict vs. South Carolina State Columbia, SC - 4:00 p.m.

November 2, 2013 Bethune-Cookman vs. North Carolina Central Durham, NC - 12:00 p.m.

Norfolk State - Charleston Southern Norfolk, VA - 4:00 p.m.

North Carolina A&T vs. Virginia Lynchburg Greensboro, NC - 1:00 p.m.

MEAC/SWAC Challenge Florida A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State Orlando, FL - 11:45 a.m.

Coastal Carolina vs. Hampton Conway, SC - 6:00 p.m.

Morgan State vs. Hampton Baltimore, MD - 1:00 p.m.

Western Kentucky vs. Morgan State Bowling Green, KY - 6:00 p.m.

Savannah State vs. South Carolina State Savannah, GA - 2:00 p.m.

September 2, 2013 Clemson vs. South Carolina State Clemson, SC - TBA

September 26, 2013 North Carolina Central vs. Howard Durham, NC - 7:30 p.m.

Norfolk State vs. Florida A&M Norfolk, VA - 2:00 p.m.

September 7, 2013 Robert Morris vs. Morgan State Coraopolis, PA - 12:00 p.m.

September 28, 2013 Morgan State vs. Norfolk State Baltimore, MD - 1:00 p.m.

Rutgers vs. Norfolk State Piscataway, NJ - 12:00 p.m.

South Carolina State vs. Hampton Orangeburg, SC - 2:00 p.m.

North Carolina Central vs. St. Augustine Durham, NC - 2:00 p.m.

Savannah State vs. Delaware State Savannah, GA - 6:00 p.m.

Florida A&M vs. Tennessee State Tallahassee, FL - 2:00 p.m.

October 5, 2013 Norfolk State vs. Savannah State Norfolk, VA - 1:00 p.m.

August 31, 2013 Duke vs. North Carolina Central Durham, NC - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Michigan vs. Howard Ypsilanti, MI - 4:00 p.m. South Carolina State vs. Coastal Carolina Orangeburg, SC - 6:00 p.m. Norfolk State vs. Maine Norfolk, VA - 6:00 p.m. Georgia Southern vs. Savannah State Statesboro, GA - 6:00 p.m. September 1, 2013 Tennessee State vs. Bethune-Cookman Nashville, TN - TBA

Delaware vs. Delaware State Wilmington, DE - 3:30 p.m.

Morgan State vs. Florida A&M Baltimore, MD - 1:00 p.m.

AT&T Nations Football Classic Howard vs. Morehouse College Washington, D.C. - 4:00 p.m.

Howard vs. North Carolina Central Washington, D.C. - 1:00 p.m.

Bethune-Cookman vs. Virginia Union Daytona Beach, FL - 4:00 p.m.

Delaware State vs. Bethune-Cookman Dover, DE - 2:00 p.m.

Appalachian State vs. North Carolina A&T Boone, NC - 6:00 p.m.

Atlanta Football Classic North Carolina A&T vs. South Carolina State Atlanta, GA - 4:00 p.m.

Troy vs. Savannah State Troy, AL - 6:00 p.m. William & Mary vs. Hampton Williamsburg, VA - 7:00 p.m. September 14, 2013 Charlotte vs. North Carolina Central Charlotte, NC - 12:00 p.m. Florida A&M vs. Samford Tallahassee, FL - 2:00 p.m. Old Dominion vs. Howard Norfolk, VA - 4:00 p.m. North Carolina A&T vs. Elon Greensboro, NC - 6:00 p.m.

October 26, 2013 Hampton vs. Delaware State Hampton, VA - 1:00 p.m.

September 21, 2013 Miami FL vs. Savannah State Coral Gables, FL - TBA

August 30, 2013 Army vs. Morgan State West Point, NY - 7:00 p.m.

Towson vs. Delaware State Towson, MD - 7:30 p.m.

October 10, 2013 North Carolina Central vs. South Carolina State Durham, NC - 7:30 p.m. October 12, 2013 Howard vs. Bethune-Cookman Washington, D.C. - 1:00 p.m.

Delaware State vs. Howard Dover, DE - 4:00 p.m. November 9, 2013 Hampton vs. North Carolina Central Hampton, VA - 1:00 p.m. Morgan State vs. North Carolina A&T Baltimore, MD - 1:00 p.m. Howard vs. Savannah State Washington, D.C. - 1:00 p.m. South Carolina State vs. Florida A&M Orangeburg, S.C - 1:30 p.m. Bethune-Cookman vs. Norfolk State Daytona Beach, FL - 4:00 p.m. November 14, 2013 South Carolina State vs. Morgan State Orangeburg, SC - 7:30 p.m. November 16, 2013 North Carolina A&T vs. Savannah State Greensboro, NC - 1:00 p.m. Florida A&M vs. Delaware State Tallahassee, FL - 2:00 p.m. North Carolina Central vs. Norfolk State Durham, NC - 2:00 p.m. Bethune-Cookman vs. Hampton Daytona Beach, FL - 4:00 p.m.

Delaware State vs. Norfolk State Dover, DE - 1:00 p.m.

Texas Southern vs. Howard Houston, TX - 5:00 p.m.

Hampton vs. North Carolina A&T Hampton, VA - 2:00 p.m.

November 23, 2013 Norfolk State vs. South Carolina State Norfolk, VA - 1:00 p.m.

Savannah State vs. Florida A&M Savannah, GA - 6:00 p.m.

FIU vs. Bethune-Cookman Miami, FL - 6:00 p.m.

October 19, 2013 North Carolina A&T vs. Delaware State Greensboro, NC - 1:00 p.m.

Hampton vs. Tennessee Tech Hampton, VA - 6:00 p.m.

Norfolk State vs. Hampton Norfolk, VA - 1:00 p.m.

Savannah State vs. Fort Valley State Savannah, GA - 6:00 p.m.

North Carolina Central vs. Morgan State Durham, NC - 2:00 p.m.

South Carolina State vs. Alabama A&M Orangeburg, SC - 6:00 p.m.

Florida A&M vs. Howard Tallahassee, FL - 2:00 p.m.

Liberty vs. Morgan State Lynchburg, VA - 7:00 p.m.

Bethune-Cookman vs. Savannah State Daytona Beach, FL - 4:00 p.m.

2013 Black College Football Preview

North Carolina A&T vs. North Carolina Central Greensboro, NC - 1:00 p.m. Hampton vs. Howard Hampton, VA - 1:00 p.m. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Classic Florida A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman Orlando, FL - 2:00 p.m. Delaware State vs. Morgan State Dover, DE - 2:00 p.m.

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PRE-SEASON TEAM

2013 Preseason All-CIAA OFFENSE

Pos. TE OL OL OL OL OL WR WR QB RB RB KR PK

DEFENSE

Pos. DL DL DL DL LB LB LB DB DB DB DB PR P

Name Khari Lee Austin Hochman David Gatlin Rico Arellano Chris Bearden Nathaniel Hartung Robert Holland Fred Scott Keahn Wallace Colon Bailey, Jr. Maurice Lewis Darnell Evans Brett Symonds

Name

Oladimeji Layeni TJ Batchelor Javarous Faulk Donnie Owens Kenneth White, Jr. Chaz Robinson Carlos Fields, Jr. Curtis Pumphrey Nigel Rios Darnell Evans Sean Smith Denzel Duchenne Brett Symonds

2013 Black College Football Preview

Institution Bowie State Bowie State Elizabeth City State Johnson C. Smith Winston-Salem State Winston-Salem State Chowan Johnson C. Smith Johnson C. Smith| Fayetteville State Winston-Salem State Shaw Elizabeth City State

Institution

Bowie State Chowan Saint Augustine’s Winston-Salem State Livingstone Saint Augustine’s Winston-Salem State Bowie State Elizabeth City State Shaw Virginia State Virginia Union Elizabeth City State

by Dwayne Fulton

CIAA North Elizabeth City State Coach: Waverly Tillar 2012 Record: 8-4 Overall, 6-1 CIAA Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Outlook: For two seasons, the Vikings have went 8-4 overall and 6-1 in CIAA Conference play. Could this be the year that the Vikings dethrone the powerful Rams? Head coach Waverly Tillar feels with a post season win over Tuskegee in the Pioneer Bowl XIV, his Vikings are ready for greatness. Replacing All –American running back DaRont’e McNeill and Quarterback Namon Jones on offense might be a tough task. The offense will be in the hands of the three top receivers, Keith Strickland, Antonio Huff and Senior Gary Langston. Senior offensive lineman, David Gatlin will lead the charge in the trenches for the Vikings. On Defense, the Vikings will have many new faces; only returning two starters. All-CIAA performer, Nigel Rios and linebacker Julius Williams will have to fire up the Vikings defense. The kicking game will feature All-CIAA senior Brett Symonds punting and fields goals. Look for the Vikings to be on top of the north division, but can they knock off WSSU? Chowan Coach: Tim Place 2012 Record: 6-4 Overall, 5-2 CIAA Offense: Multiple Defense: Situational Outlook: The Chowan Hawks was the surprise team of the CIAA in 2012 surpassing expectations by finishing second in the North Division. Head Coach Tim Place hopes his hawks can repeat their performance from a year ago to stay on top of the North Division. All-CIAA receiver Robert Holland will be called upon to lead the Hawks on offense. Also watch for receiver Ryan Nolan to make big plays for the Hawks. Under center will be quarterback Cameron Stover. The Hawks return eight starters on defense led by All-CIAA linebacker

T.J. Batchelor who had 77 tackles, 45 solos and 12.5 sacks. Coach Place looks forward to his team having a successful season. Coach Place has stated that the Hawks need to play hard, fast, smart, together, and disciplined for all sixty minutes of all ten games so that the Hawks can make a run at a CIAA championship at the end of the season. Virginia Union Coach: Michael Bailey 2012 Record: 5-5 overall, 3-4 CIAA Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Outlook: For the past two seasons, the Panthers have finished in the middle of the North Division. Head coach Michael Bailey must find a way to get his Panthers over the .500 record hump. On offense second year quarterback Kenneth Graham must step-up to lead the Panthers especially after losing All-CIAA running back Jerell Washington. The defense for Virginia Union must stop opponents to give Panthers a chance to win. Defensive standouts, Fritz Fenelon and Devin Wallace, will lead the Panthers Defense. Coach Bailey will be searching for players to step up and make a name for them. The running game must be strong and the defense has to show up and show out to win on game day. Virginia State Coach: Latrell Scott 2012 Record: 4-6 Overall, 3-4 CIAA Offense: Unknown Defense: 3-4 Outlook: Virginia State will start the 2013 football season with a new head coach on the sidelines. Latrell Scott will try to lead the Trojans to an era of winning. Maybe this attitude adjustment will get the Trojans back on track to winning. When you bring in a new coaching staff and system, no player’s positions are secure. Some bright spots on offense will be receiver Javon Smallwood that had 40 catches, 508 receiving yard and six touchdowns last season. The Trojan’s running game should be stable with running back Lamont Britt. Now who’s quarterbacking the Trojans, we might have to wait and see. On defense, pre-season CIAA defensive back Sean Smith along with linebacker Brandon Robinson who had 86 tackles and defensive lineman Ronald Lewis that had 5.5 sacks last season will give Virginia State a stable defense.

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Bowie State Coach: Damon Wilson 2012 Record: 5-5 Overall, 2-5 CIAA Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: Bulldog fans, this might be the breakout season for Bowie State with 16 returning starters. Head coach Damon Wilson is excited about his Bulldogs making a run at the North Division title. On offense returning field general and quarterback Jared Johnston will have weapons in All-CIAA tight end Khari Lee and running back Keith Brown. AllCIAA lineman Austin Hochman and junior center Jonathan Mason will be the cornerstone in the trenches. Defensively the Bulldogs will have All-CIAA standouts defensive lineman Oladimeji Layeni, defensive back Curtis Pumphrey, safety Delante White and linebacker Antoine Young who led the Bulldogs with 95 tackles. If the Bowie State Bulldgos can put it all together in 2013, look for an eight game winning season.

Lincoln Coach: Ramon Flannigan 2012 Record: 1-9 Overall, 1-6 CIAA Offense: Multiple Defense: Hybrid 3-3-5 Outlook: Fresh out of the SWAC, new head coach Ramon Flannigan will work his magic to get the Lions back on track. The Lions had a losing season but the covers are not bare. With six returning starters on offense and six returning starters on defense, the Lions will have the fire power to win. On offense, Coach Flannigan will get the chance to work with one of the top quarterbacks in the CIAA, Doug Cook with 2,752 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. Now who’s going to run and catch the ball will be a mystery. On defense the Lions will have a solid nucleus in safety Brion Robinson, defensive back Jacob Lockley, defensive back Tyahir Mitchell, linebackers Dawan Marzett and Carl Richardson.

2013 Black College Football Preview

CIAA South Winston-Salem State Coach: Connell Mayner 2012 Record: 14-1 Overall, 7-0 CIAA Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple 4-3 Outlook: The Rams are coming off a banner year where they made a run at the national title. Congrats to Coach Mayner and his coaching staff. On offense the Rams will be without star quarterback Kameron Smith and other key players. But don’t worry; help is on the way in Phillip Sims and Anthony Carrothers. The backfield will be solid with All-CIAA running back Maurice Lewis who rushed for 1,027 yards and made 13 touchdowns. Opening holes for Lewis will be two All-CIAA linemen Nathaniel Hartung and Chris Bearden. The Rams had the number one defense in the CIAA led by defensive player of the year linebacker Carlos Fields league leading 113 tackles. This young man might play on Sundays. All-CIAA defensive linemen Donnie Owens and top defensive back Larry Hearne will lead a tough defensive crew. Over the past years, Winston-Salem State didn’t rebuild, they just reloaded. Look for the Rams to stay on top of the CIAA. Shaw University Coach: Robert Massey 2012 Record: 4-6 Overall, 3-4 CIAA Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Outlook: The expectations will be high for Coach Massey and his Bears. Returning a number of key players on offense and defense, the Bears will look to finish high in the Southern division. On offense the bears will look for top performances from running back Marquise Grizzle and wide receiver Derek Grant. All-CIAA candidate lineman Ron Davis will anchor a much improved offensive line. The defense will feature All-American candidate defensive back and punt, kicker, returner Darnell Evans; along with defensive linemen Evan Strange and Derrick Herring. The Bears fans hope to see an improvement from their 4-6 overall and 3-4 conference record in 2012.

Saint Augustine Coach: Michael Costa 2012 Record: 6-4 Overall, 4-3 CIAA Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Outlook: The St. Augustine’s fans have been treated to two winning seasons in the past three years. Head coach Michael Costa and his Falcons will hope to keep the winning rolling with 58 returning players and 16 starters. The Falcons’ offense will be led by two very talented wide receivers Brian Richards and Jermaine Jones. Sophomore running back Roderick Davenport will handle the ball out of the backfield. The offensive line will be very strong with top returnees, Ruben Velazquez, Jadarius Dean and Au’Darius Blackwood upfront. Byron Munro is hopeful for the quarterback position. The Falcons defense will feature all CIAA performer defensive linemen Javarous Faulk with 13 sacks in 2012 and linebacker Chaz Robinson with 98 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions. Also keep your eyes on defensive linemen Shonquez Nelson and Christopher Roberts. The secondary will be much improved with Jordan Griffith, Karea Roseboro and Dominique Marsh. Johnson C. Smith Coach: Steven Aycock 2012 Record: 6-4 Overall, 5-2 CIAA Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: The Golden Bulls ended their season on a four game winning streak. With 21 returning starters, Coach Aycock hopes the Golden Bulls can keep the streak alive. Thee offense will be in the hands of the number one signal caller in the CIAA this season. All CIAA quarterback Keahn Wallace had 2,280 yards passing 22 touchdowns and a 63% pass completion. Protecting the quarterback will be the key for the Golden Bulls success. Up for the task will be All CIAA lineman Senior Rico Arellano along with George Orrr, Cameron Ransom and Kevin Billups. Wide receiver Fred Scott who earned all CIAA honors last season, and running back Denzel Hartley can add some offensive punch. On defense Coach Aycock will have high expectations for defensive back Damion Miles, defensive lineman Darius Robinson. The Golden Bulls will have a good linebacker core in seniors Spencer Shine, and Darius Wallace and sophomore Austin Jacques.

Fayetteville State Coach: Lawrence Kershaw 2012 Record: 2-8 Overall, 1-6 CIAA Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Outlook: New coach, new attitude, new vision will hopefully bring new wins for the Bronco fans. On offense, the Broncos will have a solid running game in All CIAA returning back Colon Baily Junior who produced 1,015 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. Andre Montgomery will also help out in the backfield. The offensive line will be strong with eight returning linemen. Ricardo White, Kasunn Williams and senior Antonio Allen must lead the receivers in scoring points for the Broncos. On defense leading tackler Michael Johnson with 93 tackles and four interceptions will spearhead a revamped defense. Linebacker Joseph McLean and defense back Simeon Marshall will assist in leading the Broncos defense to victory. Livingstone College Coach: Daryl Williams 2012 Record: 1-9 Overall, 0-7 CIAA Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: The Blue Bears have shown tremendous improvement over the past two seasons. Head Coach Daryl Williams wants his players to stay focused as they get better. Last season freshman quarterback Drew Powell showed the CIAA his skill level passing for over 2,322 yards and 18 touchdowns earning him offensive rookie of the year. Two returning starters on the offensive line, senior Allyne Hall and junior Raymond Phillips, will hold down the trenches. Standout wide receiver senior Anthony Holland who had 38 receptions for 641 yards and six touchdowns will lead a core of receivers in Brandon Bennett and Jalen Hendricks. The defense will be led by two all CIAA linebackers, Kenneth White and Tyheim Pitt. The defensive line will be anchored by Hillman Evans, Adam Powell and Markell Harris. Also secondary standout Malcolm Childress must force added pressure on opponents in the CIAA.

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CIAA Composite Schedule September 5, 2013 UNC Pembroke vs. Winston-Salem State Pembroke, NC - 8:00pm ET

Edward Waters vs. Livingstone Jacksonville, FL - 2:00pm ET Johnson C. Smith vs. Davidson Charlotte, NC - 2:00pm ET Saint Francis (PA) vs. Lincoln (Pa) Loretto, PA - 2:00pm ET

Shaw vs. Charleston (W.V.) Durham, NC - 1:00pm ET

Virginia State vs. Kentucky State Ettrick, VA - 4:00pm ET

St. Anselm vs. Bowie State Manchester, NH - 1:00pm ET

Albany State vs. Elizabeth City State Albany, GA - 7:00pm ET

Johnson C. Smith vs. Fayetteville State Charlotte, NC - 2:00pm ET

UNC Charlotte vs. Chowan Charlotte, NC - 12:00pm ET

Virginia Union vs. Fayetteville State Richmond, VA - 7:00pm ET

NC Central vs. Saint Augustine’s Durham, NC - 2:00pm ET

September 28, 2013 Bowie State vs. Saint Augustine’s Bowie, MD - 1:00pm ET

Virginia State vs. Bowie State Ettrick, VA - 2:00pm ET October 26, 2013 Bowie State vs. Virginia Union Bowie, MD - 1:00pm ET

Commemorative Classic Livingstone vs. Johnson C. Smith Charlotte, NC - 4:00pm ET

Virginia Union vs. Winston-Salem State Richmond, VA - 1:00pm ET

Alderson-Broaddus vs. Virginia-Lynchburg Philippi, WV - 12:00pm ET

Elizabeth City State vs. Newberry Elizabeth City, NC - 6:00pm ET

Lincoln (Pa) vs. Livingstone Lincoln University, PA - 2:00pm ET

Fayetteville State vs. Virginia State Fayetteville, NC - 6:00pm ET

Virginia State vs. Johnson C. Smith Ettrick, VA - 3:00pm ET

September 14, 2013 Tusculum vs. Elizabeth City State Greenville, TN - 1:30pm ET

16th Down East Viking Classic Elizabeth City State vs. Fayetteville State Rocky Mount, NC - 4:00pm ET

Wingate vs. Saint Augustine’s Wingate, NC - 1:30pm ET

Chowan vs. Shaw Murfreesboro, NC - 6:00pm ET

Chowan vs. Alderson Broaddus Murfreesboro, NC - 12:05pm ET

October 5, 2013 Livingstone vs. Virginia Union Salisbury, NC - 1:00pm ET

Eddie McGirt Classic Johnson C. Smith vs. Bowie State Charlotte, NC - 2:00pm ET

Winston-Salem State vs. Bowie State Winston-Salem, NC - 1:30pm ET

Winston-Salem State vs. Virginia-Lynchburg Winston-Salem, NC - 6:00pm ET

Virginia Union vs. Shaw Richmond, VA - 7:00pm ET

Winston-Salem State vs. Johnson C. Smith Winston-Salem, NC - 1:30pm ET

Sacred Heart vs. Chowan Fairfield, CT - 1:00pm ET

Lincoln (Pa) vs. Virginia Union Lincoln University, PA - 2:00pm ET

Cape Fear Classic Shaw vs. UNC Pembroke Wilmington, NC - 1:00pm ET

Saint Augustine’s vs. Livingstone Raleigh, NC - 2:00pm ET

3rd Cleveland Football Classic Winston-Salem State vs. Tuskegee Cleveland, OH - 1:00pm ET

Fayetteville State vs. Shaw Fayetteville, NC - 4:00pm ET

2013 Black College Football Preview

October 19, 2013 Cheyney vs. Millersville Cheyney, PA - 1:00pm ET

Fayetteville State vs. Saint Augustine’s Fayetteville, NC - 2:00pm ET Lincoln (Pa) vs. Virginia State Lincoln University, PA - 2:00pm ET Chowan vs. Elizabeth City State Murfreesboro, NC - 3:00pm ET

Saint Augustine’s vs. Johnson C. Smith Raleigh, NC - 1:30pm ET Winston-Salem State vs. Shaw Winston-Salem, NC - 1:30pm ET October 9, 2013 Elizabeth City State vs. Bowie State Elizabeth City, NC - 1:00pm ET Lincoln (Pa) vs. Chowan Lincoln University, PA - 1:00pm ET Shaw vs. Saint Augustine’s Durham, NC - 1:00pm ET

Elizabeth City State vs. Virginia State Elizabeth City, NC - 1:00pm ET

September 21, 2013 Bowie State vs. Concord Bowie, MD - 1:00pm ET

Saint Augustine’s vs. Stillman Raleigh, NC - 1:30pm ET

October 12, 2013 Bowie State vs. Chowan Bowie, MD - 1:00pm ET

West Va Wesleyan vs. West Virginia State Buckhannon, WV - 1:00pm ET

Livingstone vs. Winston-Salem State Salisbury, NC - 1:00pm ET

Livingstone vs. Fayetteville State Salisbury, NC - 1:30pm ET

Fayetteville State vs. Chowan Fayetteville, NC - 4:00pm ET

Sacred Heart vs. Lincoln (Pa) Fairfield, CT - 6:00pm ET

Johnson C. Smith vs. Shaw Charlotte, NC - 1:00pm ET

Virginia Union vs. Elizabeth City State Richmond, VA - 1:00pm ET

Johnson C. Smith vs. Lincoln (Pa) Charlotte, NC - 2:00pm ET

Mayor’s Cup | Veteran’s Game Livingstone vs. Catawba Salisbury, NC - 6:00pm ET

Saint Augustine’s vs. Winston-Salem State Raleigh, NC - 1:30pm ET

Chowan vs. Virginia State Murfreesboro, NC - 1:00pm ET

Saint Augustine’s vs. Elizabeth City State Raleigh, NC - 1:30pm ET

5th Two Rivers Classic Fayetteville State vs. UNC Pembroke Fayetteville, NC - 6:00pm ET

Elizabeth City State vs. Lincoln (Pa) Elizabeth City, NC - 1:30pm ET

November 2, 2013 Bowie State vs. Lincoln (Pa) Bowie, MD - 1:00pm ET

Shaw vs. Virginia State Durham, NC - 1:00pm ET

41st New York Urban League Classic Virginia State vs. Benedict East Rutherford, NY - 3:00pm ET

Virginia Union vs. Chowan Richmond, VA - 1:00pm ET

September 7, 2013 Battle of the First Cheyney vs. Lincoln (Pa) Cheyney, PA - 1:00pm ET

Bethune-Cookman vs. Virginia Union Daytona Beach, FL - 4:00pm ET

Shaw vs. Livingstone Durham, NC - 1:00pm ET

Virginia-Lynchburg vs. Livingstone Lynchburg, VA - 1:00pm ET Central State vs. Johnson C. Smith Wilberforce, OH - 1:30pm ET Virginia State vs. Virginia Union Ettrick, VA - 1:30pm ET Winston-Salem State vs. Fayetteville State Winston-Salem NC - 1:30pm ET October 16, 2013 CIAA Championship North Champion vs. South Champion Winston-Salem, NC - 1:00pm ET

2013 Black College Football Preview

PRE-SEASON TEAMS

2013 Preseason All-SIAC 1st Team OFFENSE Pos. Name QB David Thomas RB Floyd Graves RB Justin Williams OL Devonte Jones OL Christopher Tolbert OL Drew Wilkins OL Richard Washington OL Terrance Owens WR Antonio Pitts WR Jessie Atkins TE Zach Thomas K Eduardo Hernandez KR Thomas Williams

DEFENSE Pos. Name DL Bernard Little DL Clarence Christian DL Devin Gainer DL Peter Dele LB Bernard Williams LB LeRon Furr LB Quavon Taylor DB Carlos Wilson DB Joe Beckham DB Dexter Moody DB Jack Howard P Temitayo Agoro PR Dondre Purnell

Institution Miles Miles Kentucky State Tuskegee Tuskegee Morehouse Morehouse Miles Miles Albany State Central State Benedict Morehouse

Institution Fort Valley State Morehouse Benedict Stillman Clark Atlanta Fort Valley State Tuskegee Stillman Miles Albany State Lane Morehouse Stillman

2013 Preseason All-SIAC 2nd Team OFFENSE Pos. Name Institution QB Justin Nared Tuskegee RB Devonta Parker-Johnson Miles RB Michael J. Thornton Tuskegee OL Michael D. Thornton Tuskegee OL Marquis Franklin Fort Valley State OL Aderus Hood Miles OL Derrick Miles Stillman OL Matt Reese Tuskegee WR Marquel Franklin Tuskegee WR DJ Fife Miles TE Stephen Clements Tuskegee K Cade Berryman Kentucky State KR Dondre Purnell Stillman

DEFENSE Pos. Name Institution DL Jordan Paige Central State DL Kevdrick Blue Tuskegee DL Reginald Woods Tuskegee DL Kenneth Townsend Kentucky State LB El-Malik Chinn Tuskegee LB Marcavius Dudley Albany State LB Reginald Virges Miles DB Thomas “Trey” Wolfe Fort Valley State DB Duron Furr Fort Valley State DB Tracey White Fort Valley State DB Joseph Blount Central State P Brian Currey Benedict PR Desmond Reese Tuskegee

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by Dwayne Fulton

SIAC East Albany State Coach: James “Mike” White 2012 Record: 6-4 overall, 5-2 SIAC Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 3-4 Outlook: 2012 was a rather uncharacteristic year for Albany State. Injuries and misfortune plagued the Golden Rams as the juggernaut found themselves out of postseason for the first time since 2003. Although the season was considered a disappointment, Albany State managed to salvage its season to earn their 11th consecutive winning season under head coach James “Mike” White with a 6-4 record. Despite of last season’s misfortune, the Golden Rams aim to return back to prominence with the return of 11 starters, including eight from the notorious “Dirty Blue” defense. Last season, Albany State remained the SIAC’s top defense. The Golden Rams led the league in total defense (290.6), rushing defense (109.2), opponent’s first downs (15.8) per game. Expect the unit to be stronger this season as 2012 First Team All-Conference selection and Preseason All-American safety Dexter Moody, who became a household name with seven interception, which led the SIAC. The 6-foot-3 senior ball hawk will anchor the defense that will also be powered by its veteran core of linebackers, senior Marcavius Dudley and sophomores Larry Whitefield, John Rouse, and Tavarius Washington, who all played well as freshman. While only three starters return on offense, the focus of the offseason was improving the offense. One way the team upgraded was reuniting with former offensive coordinator Steve Smith who spent the last two years coaching in the NFL after leading Albany State to its first Black National Championship in 2010. Another area of focus was the quarterback position, where 6-foot-5 junior Frank Rivers, who threw for 967 yards and 10 touchdowns in six starts at Grambling last season, will take over the reigns as the Golden Rams starting QB. Rivers will have one of the top receivers in the SIAC, junior Jessie Atkins, a All-SIAC second team selection as one of his primary targets, alongside Orion Ponder. Atkins, 38

2013 Black College Football Preview

who averaged 17.4 yards per catch last season and made several big plays. Dalviness Green and Ryan Knuckles will compete for the starting running back position that was left by All-SIAC selection Nathan Hoyte, who signed a free agent contract with the New York Giants. Senior offensive guard Victor Moli returns to anchor the offensive line, which should be much improved this season. Expect the defense to carry Albany State early, but in the end, look for the Golden Rams in the hunt to win the SIAC East Division Championship. Morehouse College Coach: Rich Freeman 2012 Record: 3-7 overall, 2-7 SIAC Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Outlook: In 2013, the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers football program will be in “reload mode.” Major injuries to key players in 2012 resulted in a disappointing 3-7 record that interrupted the winning momentum of the previous five years, when the team amassed a record of 36-15. Morehouse’s biggest loss is that of David Carter, who finished his career as the all-time leader in scoring, rushing and touchdowns in school history. Carter’s shoes are expected to be filled by Shelton Hamilton, a 230-lb junior who showed great potential, gaining 377 yards in five games last season. Head coach Rich Freeman said he foresees a “very tight race for the starting quarterback job.” Rio Johnson, a transfer from East Carolina, and veterans Joshua Harris and Jordan Tolliver will compete for the starting spot held by Donnay Ragland who graduated magna cum laude. Morehouse returns a strong receiving corps, led by Devon Mann. Drew Wilkins, first team All-SIAC, and Richard Washington second team AllSIAC, return to anchor a Morehouse offensive line that was third-best in the SIAC last season. Much of the reloading will be done on defense, because of the loss of five key starters. The entire linebacker corps was lost to graduation and completed eligibility. Three defensive starters – Elijah Anderson, Brandon Houston and Justin Oliver – were voted All-SIAC. The defense will be bolstered by the return of All-SIAC defensive tackle Clarence Christian. Cornerback Demario Dixon, who has All-SIAC potential, will also return. He was hampered by injury for most of last year. Lance White, the team’s third-leading tackler, heads a list of veteran defenders that includes Austin Clark, Mitchel DeWALT and Richard Sanders.

Benedict College Coach: James Woody 2012 Record: 1-9 overall, 1-6, SIAC Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 4-3 Outlook: For Benedict, bigger, faster, and stronger was the theme of the offseason. Last year was a season to forget for the Tigers, who will seek its first winning season since 2009. For the mission to be accomplish. The Tigers will return 16 out of 22 starters this year, which should help a highly competitive schedule which features non-conference games against South Carolina State and Virginia State, to match its tough conference games against SIAC East opponents. One primary point of emphasis for the Tigers this season will be scoring as the team only managed to average 16 points per game and 225.9 yards per game last season. With a year under his belt, redshirt-sophomore quarterback Marcus Graham will look to be more productive in the spread offense this season. Last season he completed 43.6 percent of his passes for 1,336 yards and threw eight touchdowns. Running back Chris Johnson, the Tigers top rusher last season, returns as the feature back, while Kendariss Brown is primed for a breakout year after finishing with 29 catches for 368 yards and five touchdowns in 2012. Stevon Wilkerson and former defensive lineman Dyrell Porcha will anchor the offensive line, which should be much improved this season. Eight starters return defensively for Benedict, which should be one of the most improved units in the SIAC. The Tigers lone All-SIAC selection Devon Gainer and Martin Epps, both seniors, lead the way for the Tigers. On special teams Brian Curry and Eduardo Hernandez return to perform punting and kicking duties respectively. If Benedict can pick up some wins early, look for the Tigers to scratch the surface towards .500 this season. Clark Atlanta Coach: Kevin Weston 2012 Record: 2-8 overall, 1-6 SIAC Offense: Wing T Defense: 3-3-5 Outlook: Clark Atlanta will have a new look this season as the team welcomed new head coach Kevin Weston. Weston comes to the AU Center, after serving eight years on the coaching staff in the capacity of assistant head coach, defensive and recruiting coordinator at Tusculum College. As it has been in the past the strength of Clark Atlanta will be their defense. The Panthers will look to wreak havoc

on opponents this season with a variety of sets out of the 3-3-5 attacking defensive formation. The goal is to attack, apply pressure, and force turnovers, while minimizing scoring opportunities for the opposing offenses. Leading the way is All-SIAC performer Bernard Williams, a hard hitter, who will be counted on heavily to be the catalyst of the front seven. Donald McElver will be a force on the defensive line, while Antonio Ford is the top returner in the secondary. Since the Panthers will be installing the Wing-T offense, fundamentals were the primary focus of the offseason. In addition, the team emphasized on making strides in every phase of the game, after a dismal 2-8 finish last season. CAU will depend heavily on the depth and experience on the offensive line, where the team will return all five starters led by Joseph Evans and Rick Hart, who transferred from Memphis last season. Antonio Ford, the team’s top returning running back, will be the feature back in the offense, but expect to see many new faces at other skill positions including quarterback. On special teams, Weston’s philosophy is to win the battle each week by having the top players on each special teams unit. With a young team and incoming freshman class of 25 talented players, mostly from the metro Atlanta area, look for the Panthers to lay down the foundation for the program’s new identity. Fort Valley State Coach: Donald Pittman 2012 Record: 8-4 overall, 6-1 SIAC Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 4-4 Outlook: It was a banner year for Fort Valley State as the team returned to prominence after capturing the SIAC East Division and earning the school’s first playoff berth since 2001. Although Fort Valley lost in the SIAC Championship and first round in the Division II playoffs, the team used the heartbreak to fuel the postseason workouts. Last season, the Wildcats used its high powered, no huddle offense to outpace opponents which featured a formidable rushing and passing attack. Fort Valley State averaged 27.6 points per game, which was at the top of the conference. The Wildcats defense led the SIAC in forced turnovers with 40. The expectations are high for veteran head coach Donald Pittman. Fort Valley will have arguably the toughest schedule in the SIAC this season. Aside from facing SIAC East Division opponents, the Wildcats will play non-conference games against Washburn University and defending National Champion Valdosta State for their home opener. Early in the season, coach

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Pittman will look for the defense to champion the torch as several big names return including All-American LeRon Furr, whose name is rising among NFL prospects. Furr was the SIAC’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. All-SIAC selection Bernard Little will be the big man up front on the defensive line. It will be impossible for opposing defenses to pass on Fort Valley. The secondary led by Thomas “Trae” Wolfe and safety Tracy White, who combined for 11 of FVSU’s 24 ints last season return. There will be many burning questions on the offensive side where there is uncertainty at the quarterback position. Although there will be some holes to fill in the skill area, there is no question that Fort Valley State’s strength will come from its offensive line. Marquis Franklin and Ryan Riggins, who missed 2012 with injury, will anchor the unit that will return three starters. Seth Hill, Germaine Tait, and Jonquez Sanders will be a triple threat out of the backfield that combined for over 1,200 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns last season. Transfers DeAngelo Smith (South Carolina) and Justin Jordan (Southern Miss) will be the will fill the missing voids at the receiver position. One void Fort Valley will have to fill is on special teams left by kicker and punter Justin Rosebaum. If the team can establish continuity on offense, Fort Valley will be dangerous this season and a legit contender for the SIAC Championship.

SIAC West Central State University Coach: EJ Junior 2012 Record: 4-7 Offense: Multiple Pro-Set Defense: 4-3 Outlook:One of the most storied programs in black college football is the SIAC’s newest member and will be looking to make an immediate impact in 2013. The Marauders will compete in the SIAC West Division and will have to prove themselves in a touch schedule that includes seven games on the road. What will aid Central State’s transition to the SIAC is the fact that 17 out of 22 starters return, including all 11 players on offense. After a breakout season in 2012 where he amassed over 3,000 yards in the air and on the ground, senior quarterback Mike Wilson is primed for another big year as all of his top targets, including sophomore tight end Zach Thomas, and wideouts Steven Heard and Jeremy Turner return. The offensive line will be anchored by senior tackle Kyle Jackson and center Dequan Slaughter 40

2013 Black College Football Preview

to clear paths for the backfield tandem of senior Terrell Clement and redshirt freshman Jordan Hughes. While Central State will have some voids to fill on defense with the departure of Great Lakes Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year Robert Martin, the Marauders defense will be formidable this season. Jorden Paige, who had 9 sacks and 12 tackles for losses last season, will be a force off the edge and defensive back Joseph Blount is the team’s field general in the secondary. In all, Central State should be able to fit the mold and be competitive in the SIAC this season. Kentucky State University Coach: Joshua Dean 2012 Record: 2-8 overall, 0-7 SIAC (5th SIAC West Division) Offense: Pro Defense: 4-3 Outlook: Kentucky State is looking to bounce back after a dreadful 2012 campaign in which it finished 2-8 overall. The team is in a time of transition with first year interim head coach, Josh Dean, who took over the program in January after the dismissal of former coach Wayne Dickens. KSU is a veteran team that is returning 17 total starters from both sides of the ball. That experience paired with an infusion of new talent should combine for a successful 2013 season for the Thorobreds. KSU will be modifying its pro style offense to effectively find ways to get the ball in the hands of its playmakers. The running game will be the strength for the Thorobreds as top rusher Justin Williams and power back Jacquise Lockett return to provide a potent 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Going into fall practice, Adam Robinson earned the spot as the front runner for the quarterback position, but there are at least two other quarterbacks that will compete for the starting position. The Thorobreds are returning a veteran offensive line that will be built heavily on size and strength. KSU scrapped the 4-2-5 scheme and will transition to the base 4-3 defense. The defensive line will be led by senior All-SIAC performer Kenny Townsend and mid-year transfer Deshawn Ross, while the linebackers will be led by one of the SIAC’s top tacklers Terry Horton, who finished with 75 tackles, five sacks, and an interception last season. The Thorobreds secondary will be a stronger unit as all four starters return. KSU will have a two kicker rotation, Cade Berryman and Cam Lee. In the return game, freshman Mo Tapper and Raquel Cooper will share duties, in addition to the dangerous Justin Williams.

Lane College Dragons Coach: Derrick Burroughs 2012 Record: 5-5 overall, 3-4 SIAC Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Outlook: Lane College made significant strides last season and will be looking to make a bigger statement in 2013. Derrick Burroughs leads the Lane College Dragons for his fourth season under the helm with high expectations. The Dragons will return seven starters from last year on the offensive side of the ball. The offense will once again use the spread attack, which gave opponents fits last season. Chris Rini will return for his second consecutive season as the Dragons signal caller. Rini dissected opposing defenses last season for 1131 yards and 10 touchdowns before a shoulder injury ended his season after six games. Eric Knowlton, a converted quarterback, and junior Gerald Hatchet will balanced the offensive attack as backfield mates. With the absence of deep threat Hollis Moore, Duke Coleman will be the go-to-guy for the Dragons this season. The team’s strength comes on the offensive line where all starters return, including tackle Georgio Washington, who won SIAC Lineman of the Week at least twice last season. Defensively, the Dragons will miss the likes of All-American linebacker Corey Jones, who led the conference in total tackles and cornerback Vernon Kearny, (Cleveland Browns), but the team will return six starters from the 2012 team that finished 3rd in the SIAC for total defense. The defense unit also collected 12 interceptions to finish 3rd in the SIAC during the 2012 campaign. The defense will continue to follow the 3-4 scheme from last year. Defensive back Jack Howard will be one of the SIAC’s top cover men in the SIAC this season and linebacker Michael Todd, another returning starter look to be the primary field general on defense. A tough schedule awaits the talented squad, but the Dragons will once again be battle tested before facing its SIAC West Division opponents. Miles College Golden Bears Coach: Reginald Ruffin 2012 Record: 8-3 overall, 6-1 SIAC Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 3-4 Outlook: Miles was in the driver’s seat of the SIAC for the first nine weeks of the season, until hopes of defending the SIAC championships were diminished by Tuskegee in the final week of the season resulting in a 27-17 loss to the eventual SIAC Champions. As a consolation prize, the

Photo: Lane College Jack Howard, DB Golden Bears earned its first playoff berth in school history. Once again, Miles will be a heavy favorite to return to Atlanta for the SIAC Championship game and the Division II playoffs. While the task will be daunting, veteran head coach Reginald Ruffin will have his team up for the challenge in every phase of the game. Fifteen starters return from a squad that went 8-3 overall, including All-SIAC performer David Thomas, who will quarterback the Golden Bears read-option spread attack. Thomas passed for 2,059 yards and 13 touchdowns to match his 355 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns on the ground. Last season Miles dominated opponents with its rushing attack that averaged 216.8 yards per game. The three-headed monster, consisting of All-SIAC running back Floyd Graves, Devonta Parker-Johnson, and Denzel Veale return to form one of the most formidable backfields in Division II. The tandem of All-SIAC receiver Antonio Pitts and DJ Fife should be in position to make big plays this season. Up front, Miles will be much improved as three starters returned, coupled with a heralded group of freshman, which will bolster the depth. Coach Ruffin will expect more out of his defense this season as several key players return from a unit which got stronger towards the end of the season. Three year starters Reginald Virges and Julante English will captain one of the SIAC’s top linebacker w w w. f u l t o n s p o r t s m e d i a . n e t

corps. Complimenting the speedy linebacker group will be a talented defensive line that will be led by Joseph Rush. All-SIAC defensive back Joe Beckham III will be the field general and leader of a secondary that will look to force more turnovers this season. The biggest void to fill for Miles will be on the special teams as kicker Patton Chambers was lost to graduation. Once again, the Golden Bears will open its season up against Gulf South opponents North Alabama and West Georgia before starting its gauntlet in the SIAC. Stillman College Tigers Coach: Teddy Keaton 2012 Record: 6-5 overall, 4-3 SIAC Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Outlook: It was a rollercoaster ride for Stillman in 2012. The Tigers started the season with promise and possibility, but ended in disappointment resulting in a 6-5 campaign overall. The 2013 season, however will be an interesting one for the Tigers as a large number of concerns were addressed with staffing, recruiting and retooling. Sophomore quarterback Josh Straughan threw for 1,849 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing 59.4 percent of his pass attempts as a true freshman and will be looking to stretch the field this season with a much better arsenal. On the offensive line, Junior College transfers E.J. Perry, Kevon Cunningham, and Jertysyn Myers will add a boost to the unit that will be much bigger, athletic, and stronger. The backfield will feature a slew of potential starters led by Devon Dozier a transfer from New Mexico State, with the possibility of Dondre Purnell, who will also see time at receiver this year to create match-up problems. While replacing the likes of All-SIAC selection Damien Ford will be tough, the Tigers will have a slew of talented receivers returning led by Charles Payne and junior Raymond Coats. At tight end, Octavian Ford and Devon Mackey should be solid members of the offensive unit. On defense, the Tigers defensive line should be much improved this season with the return of Zamir Carlis. Jeremy Hall, and Peter Dele. Carlis finished with 59 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season while Hall had 40 stops, 9.5 tackles for loss and a sack. On the outside Dele, had 7.5 sacks.. A group of young hungry players make up the linebacker corps for the Tigers. Marcus Matthews and Eric Childs will vie for playing time in the middle. Matthews is the team’s top retuning tackler with 62 stops and 4.5 tackles for loss. With an experience group of returners, the Stillman secondary is probably the backbone of the defensive unit. Seniors Robert

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Crosby and all SIAC selection Carlos Wilson will anchor this group of Tigers, looking to stifle opposing offenses. Big games in the west division against Lane, Tuskegee, and Miles could determine Stillman’s fate this season. Tuskegee University Golden Tigers Coach: Willie Slater 2012 Record: 10-2 overall, 8-0 SIAC Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Outlook: Tuskegee rebounded from Coach Willie Slater’s first losing season in his coaching career in 2011, with a bang in 2012, as Slater managed to earn the conference’s coach of the year award with a major assist from University of Missouri transfer and SIAC Player of the Year Derrick Washington. Washington led the SIAC in rushing and in all-purpose yards, with 1,679 yards, making him second all-time on Tuskegee’s single season rushing list. The coach/player duo led Tuskegee to the program’s 29th SIAC Championship in school history, and encouraged the athletic department to make the decision to drop the annual Turkey Day Classic in order to become eligible for the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Rivals of TU Football expecting a letdown from Washington’s departure in 2013 may be in for a rude awakening, as the Golden Tigers return 16 of their 22 starters on offense and defense from last season. Justin Nared enters his third season as the starting quarterback for Tuskegee. Michael J. Thornton will assume the role of starting running back this season. Thornton averaged 6.9 yards per carry in 2012, and looks to be a suitable replacement. Marquel Gardner will be Tuskegee’s top offensive playmaker, as he looks to get many more receptions this season that the three on averaged that he got per game. He was fifth in the SIAC in total receiving yards last season. On defense, the biggest rebuilding project for the Golden Tigers will be in the secondary. After losing both starting cornerbacks and starting safeties to graduation, the linebacker corps will be the undisputed strength of Tuskegee’s defense. Quavon Taylor will serve as the defensive leader after leading the SIAC in both solo and total tackles from one season ago, and El’ Malik Chinn will look to be as reliable as he always had after accounting for 105 tackles by himself last season. This duo, combined with the other member of the linebacker trio in Marquiste Mason, combined for almost 300 tackles (292 total for the group) in last season’s championship run.

SIAC Composite Schedule September 5, 2013 Ky Wesleyan vs. Kentucky State Owensboro, KY - 6:00pm CT North Alabama vs. Miles Florence, AL - 6:30pm CT

September 7, 2013 Virginia-Lynchburg vs. Lane Lynchburg, VA - 1:00pm ET Ohio Classic Central State vs. Benedict Wilberforce, OH - 1:30pm ET

West Alabama vs. Clark Atlanta Livingston, AL - 11:00am CT

Macon Heritage Football Classic Fort Valley State vs. Valdosta State Macon, GA - 2:00pm ET

North Greenville vs. Albany State North Greenville, SC - 7:00pm ET

September 14, 2013 Central State vs. Kentucky State Wilberforce, OH - 1:30pm ET

Stillman vs. Central State Tuscaloosa, AL - 6:30pm CT

St. Louis Gateway Classic Tennessee State vs. Central State St. Louis, MO - 2:00pm CT

October 26, 2013 Kentucky State vs. Tuskegee Frankfort, KY - 1:00pm ET

Augusta City Classic Benedict vs. Fort Valley State Augusta, GA - 2:00pm ET

Clark Atlanta vs. Albany State Atlanta, GA - 2:00pm ET

Miles vs. Albany State Fairfield, AL - 6:00pm CT

October 5, 2013 Albany State -OPEN-

Fort Valley State vs. Concordia-Selma Fort Valley, GA - 2:00pm ET Morehouse vs. Benedict Atlanta, GA - 2:00pm ET

November 2, 2013 Tuskegee vs. Central State Tuskegee, AL - 1:00pm CT Lane vs. Kentucky State Jackson, TN - 2:00pm CT Stillman vs. Miles Tuscaloosa, AL - 5:00pm ET

Kentucky State vs. Alderson-Broaddus Frankfort, KY -12:00pm ET

Clark Atlanta vs. Shorter Atlanta, GA - 6:00pm ET

Benedict vs. Miles Columbia, SC - 2:00pm ET

Fort Valley State vs. Morehouse Fort Valley, GA - 6:00pm ET

West Texas A&M vs. Central State Canyon, TX - 3:00pm CT

Albany State vs. Benedict Albany, GA - 7:00pm ET

41st New York Urban League Classic Virginia State vs. Benedict East Rutherford, NY - 3:00pm ET

Fort Valley State vs. Tuskegee Fort Valley, GA - 6:00pm ET

November 9, 2013 Tuskegee vs. Miles Tuskegee, AL - 1:00pm CT

Morehouse vs. Clark Atlanta Atlanta, GA - 7:00pm ET

Central State vs. Johnson C. Smith Wilberforce, OH - 1:30pm ET

October 12, 2013 Central State vs. Miles Wilberforce, OH - 1:30pm ET

24th Fountain City Classic Albany State vs. Fort Valley State Columbus, GA - 2:00pm ET

Kentucky State vs. Fort Valley State Frankfort, KY - 1:30pm ET

Benedict vs. Lane Columbia, SC - 2:00pm ET

Albany State vs. Tuskegee Albany, GA - 7:00pm ET West Georgia vs. Miles Carrollton, GA - 7:00pm ET

Lane vs. Tuskegee Jackson, TN - 2:00pm CT

Stillman vs. Lane Tuscaloosa, AL - 5:00pm CT

Savannah State vs. Fort Valley State Savannah, GA - 6:00pm ET

October 24, 2013 Miles vs. Lane Fairfield, AL - 6:00pm CT

Lane vs. Morehouse Jackson, TN - 2:00pm CT

Clark Atlanta vs. Stillman Atlanta, GA - 6:00pm ET

September 28, 2013 Clark Atlanta -OPEN-

Morehouse vs. Edward Waters Atlanta, GA - 7:00pm ET

Stillman vs. Concordia-Selma Tuscaloosa, AL - 5:00pm CT

Miles vs. Kentucky State Fairfield, AL - 4:00pm CT

Kentucky State vs. Stillman Frankfort, KY - 7:00pm ET

3rd AT&T Nation’s Football Classic Howard vs. Morehouse Washington, DC - 3:30pm ET

4th Louis Crews Classic/Hall of Fame Game Alabama A&M vs. Tuskegee Huntsville, AL - 6:00pm CT

Albany State vs. Elizabeth City State Albany, GA - 7:00pm ET

Lane vs. Albany State Jackson, TN - 2:00pm CT

September 21, 2013 Taylor vs. Lane Upland, IN -1:00pm CT

78th Morehouse-’Skegee Classic Tuskegee vs. Morehouse Columbus, GA - 2:00pm ET

3rd Cleveland Football Classic Winston-Salem State vs.Tuskegee Cleveland, OH - 1:00pm ET

Clark Atlanta vs. College of Faith Atlanta, GA - 6:00pm ET

Stillman vs. College of Faith Tuscaloosa, AL - 5:00pm CT Clark Atlanta vs. Edward Waters Atlanta, GA - 6:00pm ET

November 16, 2013 Southern vs. Clark Atlanta Baton Rouge, LA - 6:00pm CT

Stillman vs. Benedict Tuscaloosa, AL - 6:00pm ET

Morehouse vs. Central State Chicago, IL - 1:30pm CT Saint Augustine’s vs. Stillman Raleigh, NC 1:30pm ET

October 17, 2013 Washburn vs. Fort Valley State Topeka, KS - 6:00pm CT

Iris City Classic Clark Atlanta vs. Fort Valley State Griffin, GA - 3:00pm ET

October 19, 2013 Tuskegee vs. Stillman Tuskegee, AL - 1:00pm CT

Palmetto Capital City Classic SC State vs. Benedict Columbia, SC - 4:00pm ET

Lane vs. Central State Jackson, TN - 2:00pm CT

Virginia State vs. Kentucky State Ettrick, VA - 4:00pm ET

MIles vs. Concordia-Selma Fairfield, AL - 6:00pm CT

Benedict vs. Clark Atlanta Columbia, SC - 2:00pm ET

Kentucky State vs. Morehouse Frankfort, KY - 2:00pm ET

West Alabama vs. Central State Livingston, AL - 6:00pm CT

SIAC Championship East Champion vs. West Champion Atlanta, GA - 7:00pm ET November 28, 2013 90th Turkey Day Classic Alabama State vs. Stillman Montgomery, AL - 3:00pm CT

Albany State vs. Morehouse Albany, GA - 2:00pmET

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