A Zebra Closeup: Niles native officially loves football

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Referee Kevin Violette describes the MEAC as a league comparable to the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), which includes Youngstown State University. "There is an awful lot of talent throughout the league. Some truly outstanding athletes," Violette said. The speed, size and talent of these guys makes for a condition where anything is possible."

Most former football players who wish to remain close to the game generally do so by playing a little touch football, or perhaps by joining a fantasy league. Niles (OH) native Kevin Violette is living out his football fantasy by putting himself smack-dab in the middle of the action. Violette spends his autumn weekends traveling up and down the East Coast as part of an officiating crew that works college games. Violette recently completed his fifth season as an official in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference - a nine team league that includes, South Carlina State, Florida A&M, Norfolk State, Morgan State, Bethune-Cookman, Hampton, North Carolina A&T, Delaware State and Howard.

The MEAC is a Division I-AA conference made up of historically black institutions located across the Atlantic coastline. A 1986 Niles McKinley High graduate, Violette currently resides in Wilmington, N.C. After graduating from Niles, Violette attended Ohio Northern, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Biology. He then earned a Masters Degree in Marine Biology while attending the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. When he's not keeping order on the football field, Violette serves as Director of Enterprise Solutions. The company is the software development group which serves the University of North Carolina Wilmington. "I've always loved football and I always wanted to stay involved in the game in some way," Violette said. "Quite honestly, I never expected it to be as a referee."

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Mitchell has head-coaching offer from Southern University

Lyvonia 'Stump' Mitchell, currently the Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach for the Washington Redskins served as Morgan State's assistant head coach/offensive coordinator (1995) and head coach, 1996-1998, posting an overall record of 8-24.

Mitchell has head-coaching offer from Southern

While the future of just about every member of the Redskins' coaching staff will likely be up in the air following Sunday's game in San Diego, running backs coach Stump Mitchell has an offer on the table. Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., has offered Mitchell its head coaching position, according to a news release from the school. The terms of a contract have not been worked out and the school didn't expect to make any final announcement until after the Redskins conclude their season Sunday against the Chargers.

"Stump Mitchell's 21 years in the NFL, 10 as a player and 11 years as an assistant coach, combined with his head coaching experience, will bring a wealth of diverse knowledge to our football program," Greg LaFleur, Southern's athletics director, said in the news release. Mitchell told Joseph White of the Associated Press today that he'll make a decision after the season is concluded, but the quotes in today's news release from Southern sure sounded like the school was welcoming its new coach on board.

SU picks NFL vet Mitchell

Hours before he learned his fate with Southern University, Stump Mitchell said an offer to become its next football coach would be “a dream come true.” It’s not a dream anymore. Southern’s 24-day search for a new coach ended with its original lead candidate, Mitchell, a man who likely will arrive in Baton Rouge next week with a long history in the NFL, but only three years of experience as a college head coach. Mitchell, the Washington Redskins running backs coach and assistant head coach, has agreed in principle to take over at SU next season, Chancellor Kofi Lomotey said.

“We’re very excited,” Lomotey said. “Stump will be a tremendous addition for us. I believe he’ll add a boost to our athletic department, and he’ll also bring some excitement back to (A.W.) Mumford Stadium.” The Redskins play their final regular-season game Sunday at San Diego, and technically, Mitchell cannot agree to a contract with Southern until after the Redskins’ season ends. “I think it’s great that they considered me as being qualified to take over a program like that,” Mitchell said. “They’ve offered it to me. I don’t know what’s going to happen here. But if it’s not here, it’ll be there,” he said.

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Morgan State Bears 87, Long Island Blackbirds 70

MEAC leading scorer Reggie Holmes leads Bears over Blackbirds in University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Dr. Pepper Classic.

Recap: Long Island vs. Morgan State

Reggie Holmes scored a game-high 23 points to lead the Morgan State Bears to an 87-70 win over the Long Island Blackbirds in the consolation game of the Dr. Pepper Classic at McKenzie Arena. Kevin Thompson scored 13 points and collected 17 rebounds for the Bears (8-5), who were upended by Eastern Kentucky in the event last night. Troy Smith added 16 points and DeWayne Jackson tallied 15 points and seven boards off the bench for Morgan State.

Kyle Johnson had 21 points to pace the Blackbirds (4-8), who have now dropped five in a row. Jamal Olasewere added 13 points, David Hicks scored 12, and Michael Culpo finished with 10 points in the loss. LIU jumped out to a 27-19 lead on a layup by Culpo at the 10:09 mark of the opening half. However, the Bears responded with a quick 9-2 flurry, and they would eventually head to the locker room with a 42-38 halftime advantage. The Bears were simply too much in the second stanza, as they shot 54.8 percent from the floor and knocked down 6-of-9 three-pointers to pull away.

Men's Basketball Outlasted by Morgan State at Dr Pepper Classic

Chattanooga, Tenn. – The Long Island University men’s basketball team was unable to keep pace with an experienced Morgan State squad, falling 87-70 on Wednesday night in the consolation contest at the Dr Pepper Classic in McKenzie Arena. The Blackbirds held a lead for much of the first half and were close early in the second half before the Bears began to pull away.

Long Island (4-8) took a lead early in the contest after rolling off seven unanswered points. Freshman Jamal Olasewere sandwiched two pairs of foul shots around a three-point play by junior Kyle Johnson to give LIU a 12-6 lead at the 16:02 mark in the opening half. Kevin Thompson snapped the run, but the Johnson and sophomore Michael Culpo connected on three pointers in three straight LIU possessions to keep the Bears at bay. Freshman Kenny Onyechi and Culpo hit back-to-back layups to give the Blackbirds their largest lead of the day at 27-19 with 10:09 to play in the opening period.

Morgan State (8-5) promptly held LIU to just three field goals the rest of the half and outscored the Blackbirds, 23-11, to take a four-point lead into halftime. Troy Smith led the charge with seven points during the extended run, including a pair of foul shots with 0:03 left in the period to make it 42-38 at the intermission.

A three-pointer by Culpo got LIU within 50-44 early in the second half, but that was as close as it would be the rest of the way. Morgan State used a 16-4 spurt over the next 6:29 to build an 18-point cushion. DeWayne Jackson scored the final three points in a run of 11 unanswered points to make it 66-48 with 9:32 to play. The Blackbirds managed to cut the deficit to 79-66 with 2:34 to play on a driving layup by junior David Hicks, but Jackson answered with a three-pointer at the other end to push the game out of reach. Reggie Holmes capped the scoring on a jumper with 0:45 left sending LIU to its fifth straight defeat.

Box Score

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College Basketball Conference Power Rankings—New Year Edition

MEAC and SWAC basketball has absolutely nothing to talk about this season other than Morgan State and its leading scorer Reggie Holmes. Both conferences football playing schools would be better served to move that scholarship money from basketball to football and play non-scholarship basketball for 2011 and beyond. They couldn't possible do any worst than what they have shown the past decade.

28. MEAC (Morgan State, Bethune Cookman, NC A&T) 38-81 (31.9 %)

The MEAC already has four teams with 10 or more losses, and only three teams from the MEAC are above .500 (Morgan State, South Carolina State, Bethune-Cookman). Morgan State is the only respectable team from the MEAC, led by one of the nation's leading scorers, Reggie Holmes. It is hard to tell if South Carolina State has the potential to be good because they got crushed by Miami and Iowa, but then played Clemson to the buzzer. Bethune-Cookman does not deserve to be .500. Three of their seven wins are against Division II schools, and two of them are against Independents.

33. SWAC (Prarie View A&M, Alabama A&M, Texas Southern) 22-88 (20.0 %)

Last, and most certainly least, is the SWAC. Alcorn State is most likely the worst team in college basketball. Up until Wednesday night, they had lost every game 15, most of their losses being by much more. On Wednesday night, they played their first home game and only lost to Central Michigan by four. The SWAC has five teams with at least 10 losses. Not one team is an even .500. Two teams are winless (Alcorn State and Arkansas Pine Bluff), and Alabama State and Mississippi Valley State do not have any wins against Division I teams.

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Southern Jaguars 84, Talladega Tornadoes 86

Senior guard Ramondo Banks from Bernice, LA returned home to help the 2009 USCAA Division I National Champions Talladega Tornadoes achieved another college basketball milestone by defeating Southern 86-84. The second year program achieved two humongous milestones last season by defeating five NCAA Division I programs (Alabama State, Alabama A&M, Mississippi Valley State, Southern, and Grambling State) in a single season on its journey to winning the NAIA Division I National Championship in its first season of competition.

Talladega triumphs in tight tilt over SU, 86-84

The game featured six lead changes in the first half alone, a box score that showed neither team with a significant edge in any area and — yes — a frantic final minute that decided the outcome. A couple of missed opportunities kept Southern from winning that final minute. As a result, the Talladega College men’s basketball team left F.G. Clark Activity Center with a victory for the second year in a row, this one an 86-84 triumph that went to the wire.

“I felt like Urban Meyer down the stretch,” Talladega coach William Brown said, referring to the Florida football coach. “My chest got tight.” Then again, Brown, whose NAIA team has lost twice in overtime and once in double overtime, has seen his share of close calls through an 8-8 start. The Tornadoes were on the right end of this one thanks in large part to Kerry Harvis and Micah Hagens, who combined for 48 points on 15-of-29 shooting.

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Delaware State Hornets 49, UCLA Bruins 66

Reeves Nelson leads UCLA to victory over Delaware State

Reeves Nelson scored a career-high 21 points and UCLA defeated Delaware State 66-49 Sunday. The Bruins have won three of their last four games, but their 5-7 record leaves them last in the Pac-10 in nonconference play. UCLA opens its Pac-10 schedule against Arizona State on Thursday at home. Marcus Neal led the Hornets (4-6) with 15 points. Frisco Sandidge added 12. Tyler Honeycutt and Nikola Dragovic scored 11 points apiece for a UCLA, which shot 52 percent from the field.

The Bruins grabbed their largest lead, 51-22, with 12:55 to play before Delaware State ended the game on a 27-15 run. Sandidge scored nine of his points during the run. In what started out as a battle of jump-shooters, the Bruins took over midway through the first half when they started taking the ball inside to Nelson, who helped spark a 14-0 run that put UCLA up 26-10.

Bruins Lock Delaware State in a Full Nelson

Box Score Photo Gallery

Reeves Nelson scored a career-high 21 points and UCLA defeated Delaware State 66-49 Sunday. The Bruins have won three of their last four games, but their 5-7 record leaves them last in the Pac-10 in nonconference play. UCLA opens its Pac-10 schedule against Arizona State on Thursday at home. Marcus Neal led the Hornets (4-6) with 15 points. In what started out as a battle of jump-shooters, the Bruins took over midway through the first half when they started taking the ball inside to Nelson, a 6-foot-8 freshman center.

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What Can the MEAC and SWAC Learn from the Southland Conference?

Coppin State University Coach Ron "Fang" Mitchell has been accused of over-scheduling the Eagles with powerhouse money games. However, the Eagles do have their share of lower Division cup-cake games this season...Lincoln (Pa.), West Virginia Tech and Washington Adventist University.

Raising the level of its competition

To improve seeding in NCAA Tournament, Southland wants teams to cut down on number of lower division foes.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Southland Conference is building its regional television network, and commissioner Tom Burnett is working with ESPN to expand the league’s reach. But there still are obstacles impeding the Southland’s quest for an enhanced national profile. They are seemingly small stumbling blocks, but part of a big issue. Try Harris-Stowe, Paul Quinn or Ecclesia. Maybe the University of Science and Arts or Mid-America Christian. Perhaps a name off Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s schedule — Oklahoma Panhandle State.

Those schools are a sampling of the non-Division I opponents that line Southland men’s schedules this season. They are part of the reason the league is stuck in a rut of being seeded 14 or higher in the NCAA Tournament. Non-Division I schools do not count toward a Division I team’s win total when analyzed by the NCAA Tournament selection committee. The games are a lost opportunity to improve the RPI, the NCAA’s rating of a team’s or league’s strength of schedule, its opponents’ strength of schedule and how it fared against opponents. Division I teams can face up to four non-Division I schools a season, but it’s best not to use the full allotment, if any. Yet the 12 Southland men’s teams combine to face 44 non-Division I opponents this season. That does it no favors with the selection committee, which factors the RPI into its seeding process.

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The MEAC and SWAC should take note of the strategy of the Southland Conference. A 16th seed in the NCAA Tournament is always a guaranteed ticket for a quick exit home.

MEAC Men Basketball Scheduled Cup-Cakes...

1. Delaware State: Holy Family, Wilmington and Mary Washington
2. Coppin State: Lincoln (Pa.), West Virginia Tech and Washington Adventist University
3. South Carolina State: Erskine College, Allen, Southern Wesleyan
4. Florida A&M: Albany State (Ga.)
5. North Carolina A&T: Brevard College, Davis & Elkins and Carson Newman
6. Bethune Cookman: Edward Waters, Florida Gulf Coast, Carver Bible, Florida Christian College and Jacksonville
7. Winston Salem State: Atlanta Christian, Milligan, Ferrum College and Columbia Union
8. Morgan State: None
9. UMES: Stevenson
10. Howard: None
11: Hampton: None
12: Norfolk State: None

SWAC Men Basketball Scheduled Cup-Cakes...
1. Alabama A&M: Oakwood, Martin Methodist, Stillman and Tuskegee
2. Alabama State: Columbus State and West Alabama
3. Alcorn State: Tougaloo College, Mississippi College and University of Detroit-Mercy
4. Grambling State: Centenary College (Louisiana), Paul Quinn College (Texas)
5. Jackson State: Spring Hill
6. Mississippi Valley: Champion Baptist
7. Prairie View A&M: Schreiner, Florida Gulf Coast, Champion Baptist, Ecclesia, Dallas Christian
8. Southern: Xavier (La.), Talladega, Central Arkansas and Chicago State
9. Texas Southern: Northern Colorado, Dickinson State, Jarvis Christan University
10. Arkansas Pine Bluff: None

Other Division I HBCUs
1. Tennessee State (OVC): Detroit-Mercy
2. North Carolina Central (Indep/MEAC): North Carolina Wesleyan, Carver Bible College, Florida Gulf Coast, Tennessee Temple University and The Apprentice School
3. Savannah State (Indep): Webber International, University of North Florida, University of Virginia-Wise, Allen University, Carver Bible College and Jacksonville University.

Delaware State: A speed bump for UCLA? Not likely

A speed bump for UCLA? Not likely

The Bruins, looking for some momentum heading into Pac-10 Conference play later this week, meet Delaware State today -- a deliberate, disciplined team that moves at a snail's pace. Momentum has been tough to come by -- or too often moving in the wrong direction -- for a struggling UCLA team this season. So when the Bruins face Delaware State at Pauley Pavilion this afternoon, they will be eager to grab a second consecutive victory. But they can't be too eager, not against an opponent that tends to move at a snail's pace.

Delaware State (4-5) averages only 49 shots a game by holding the ball for 15 or 20 seconds, trying to score near the end of each possession. Impatient defenses can get burned with back-cuts and back-screens. "It's going to be a game where the tempo is slow," Coach Ben Howland said. Last week, the Hornets held No. 17 Ohio State to a season low in scoring, losing 60-44. "They may be the most disciplined team I've ever seen in my life," Ohio State Coach Thad Matta said. "I would have had a hard time in that one as a player. Our guys had to focus for the full 40 minutes."

Heading into the UCLA game, Hornets Coach Greg Jackson has a 311-221 career record. More importantly, the Hornets are nearly unbeatable at Memorial Hall with a 74-22 record over the past ten years.

Ben Ball Gameday Roundup: End Of Out Of Conference Season

Excerpts:
"The only plan we had was to limit their possessions and keep them out of transition, and I thought for the most part our kids did that. We don't have the talent that they have." It was as close to a stall game as you'll find during the era of the shot clock. Ohio State was held to a season-low in points despite coming in 10th nationally (84.7 per game). "To hold them to 60 points is obviously a success for us," Jackson said. "We had a plan to come in and shorten the game and keep them on the defensive end as much as possible. The only chance we had was to limit possessions and take them out of areas that they like to operate."

The Hornets are lead in scoring by Marcus Neal, who averages 13 points a game and Frisco Sandidge who leads the team with 6.4 rebounds per game. Sandidge is also second in the scoring department as he averages about 12 points per game. Despite some recent struggles, Delaware State has played solid defense all season and that can be reflected in the stats. So far this year, DSU has only allowed opposing teams to score 58.8 points per game, which is the nation's 26th best scoring defense. The Hornets also rank pretty high in turnover margin (22nd with +4.8) and steals (15th 10.0).

Delaware State starting guard Jay Threatt has been one of the best players in the country in steals this season. As of Dec. 13, Threatt was ranked No. 5 in the nation in steals with an average of four per game and had recorded 25 overall. Also, Threatt tied the school record for steals in a game Nov. 16 against Wilmington when he recorded nine. The Hornets are now 0-4 on the road this season. This is just the 3rd meeting between the Hornets and UCLA with the Bruins leading the series 2-0 with both games being contested in Pauley Pavilion. UCLA posted a 56-37 victory in the last meeting on Nov. 19, 2005.

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Unfinished business: Grambling State Tigers Football

Unfinished business: Grambling didn't live up to own championship expectations

By Grambling’s standards, 7-4 isn’t cutting it. After consecutive trips to the SWAC Championship — including a victory to claim the conference crown in 2008 — it’s hard to call the Tigers’ 2009 season anything but a disappointment. “Coming into the season we wanted a championship,” junior defensive end Christian Anthony said. “It’s always our No. 1 thing. Winning is the No. 1 thing. We fell short of that goal. ”Watching the Tigers, they had the look of a championship-caliber team. The talent was there, with nearly all of GSU’s 2008 starters returning on both offense and defense. The coaching was there, too. But it never quite came together. A tendency to self-destruct early in games, combined with a few untimely injuries, turned the Tigers from the odds-on favorite to win the SWAC to also-rans.

Grambling's Anthony earns two All-America honors

Celebrated Grambling defender Christian Anthony has been named to the 2009 Sports Network Football Championship Subdivision All-America team, released on Wednesday. The team is headed by Walter Payton Award winner Armanti Edwards and Buck Buchanan Award recipient Arthur Moats. Anthony was one of just two from the Southwestern Athletic Conference to be included on the first team, joining kick returner Mareo Howard of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Grambling punt returner Kiare Thompson earned second-team honors. Anthony was also named to the American Football Coaches Association’s FCS All-America first team. He was one of only three from the SWAC on that unit, joined by Southern wide receiver Juamorris Stewart and Prairie View punter Pedro Ventura.

Grambling’s Christian Anthony named SWAC defensive player of year

Grambling State end Christian Anthony has been named the 2009 Southwestern Athletic Conference defensive player of the year. “I don’t think about all of these honors,” said Anthony, who has one more year of eligibility. “My whole thing is to go out and play as hard as I can every game.” Grambling kicker Ari Johnson was named freshman of the year. GSU offensive lineman Revay Smith, linebacker Cliff Exama and returner Kiare Thompson were named first-team All-SWAC. Running backs Frank Warren and Cornelius Walker earned second-team nods. Anthony, a Birmingham, Ala., led the SWAC in solo tackles (55) as he tied for sixth in the conference with 76 tackles. “He’s as good as anybody I’ve ever coached,” said Grambling coach Rod Broadway. “I think he has an opportunity to do something special. I think he will have an opportunity to play on Sundays.”

Photo of Grambling's Dillon honored by SportsCenter; see the shot!

A photo of Grambling quarterback Greg Dillon scoring during the Tigers’ 31-13 victory over Southern in the State Farm Bayou Classic was selected as the SportsCenter Bud Light Freeze Frame photo of the week. The photo taken by Associated Press photographer Patrick Semansky is of an upside down Dillon scoring as he dives into the endzone over Southern cornerback Tim Berry in the first half of the game. The shot of Dillon beat out photos of UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel holding his players back after they nearly had an all-out fight with USC and of Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt celebrating after making the game-winning catch against the Arizona Cardinals. The winning photo was selected by a national online poll of voters from the Sportscenter website. The photo of Dillon received 62 percent percent of the votes.

2009 Sports Network Football Championship Subdivision All-America Team

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE: QB - Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State, Sr; RB - Deji Karim, Southern Illinois, Sr; RB - Pat Paschall, North Dakota State, Sr; FB - Tommy Fraser, Coastal Carolina, Sr; WR - Terrell Hudgins, Elon, Sr; WR - Marc Mariani, Montana, Sr; WR - Tim Toone, Weber State, Sr; TE - Clay Harbor, Missouri State, Sr; C - Kyle Mutcher, Weber State, Sr; G - Jeff Hansen, Montana State, Sr; G - Matthew McCrackern, Richmond, Sr; T - Vladimir Ducasse, Massachusetts, Sr; T - Ben Ijalana, Villanova, Jr; AP - Matt Szczur, Villanova, Jr.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE: DE - Arthur Moats, James Madison, Sr; DE - Danny Batten, South Dakota State, Sr; DL - Christian Anthony, Grambling, Jr; DT - Sean Lissemore, William & Mary, Sr; DT - Mychal Savage, Youngstown State, Sr; LB - Matt Coen, Lehigh, So; LB - Brandin Jordan, Southern Illinois, Sr; LB - J.C. Sherritt, Eastern Washington, Jr; LB - D.J. Smith, Appalachian State, Jr; CB - Cortez Gilbert, Appalachian State, Sr; CB - Josh Morris, Weber State, Sr; SS - Jeromy Miles, Massachusetts, Sr; FS - Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, Fs; S - Terrell Whitehead, Norfolk State, S.

FIRST TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS: PK - Matt Bevins, Liberty, So; P - Trevor Ward, Southern Utah, Sr; KR - Mareo Howard, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, So; PR - Leroy Vann, Florida A&M, Sr.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE: DE - Dane Fletcher, Montana State, Sr; DE - Adrian Tracy, William & Mary, Sr; DL - Austen Lane, Murray State, Sr; DT - Christian Clark, Sacramento State, Jr; DT - Martin Parker, Richmond, Jr; LB - George Howard, Morgan State, Sr; LB - Adrian McLeod, Western Carolina, Sr; LB - Terrence Thomas, Villanova, Jr; LB - Jabara Williams, Stephen F. Austin, Jr; CB - Korey Lindsey, Southern Illinois, Jr; CB - Patrick Stoudamire, Western Illinois, Sr; SS - Terrence Klein, New Hampshire, Sr; FS - Charles Graves, Delaware, Sr; S - J.J. Vercammen, Dayton, Jr.

SECOND TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS: PK - Zach Kutch, Illinois State, Sr; P - Jonathan Plisko, Old Dominion, Fr; KR - Scotty McGee, James Madison, Sr; PR - Kiare Thompson, Grambling, Jr.

THIRD TEAM OFFENSE: QB - *Ryan Perrilloux, Jacksonville State, Sr; QB - *Dominic Randolph, Holy Cross, Sr; RB - Brent Grimes, Central Arkansas, Sr; RB - Toddrick Pendland, McNeese State, Jr; FB - Marlin Meeks, Nicholls State, Sr; WR - Duane Brooks, Stephen F. Austin, Sr; WR - Pat Simonds, Colgate, Sr; WR - Juamorris Stewart, Southern, Sr; TE - Nathan Overbay, Eastern Washington, Sr; C - Chaz Millard, Eastern Illinois, Sr; G - Dorian Brooks, James Madison, Sr; G - Terran Hillesland, Montana, Sr; T - Levi Horn, Montana, Sr; T - David Pickard, Southern Illinois, So; AP - Taiwan Jones, Eastern Washington, Jr.

THIRD TEAM DEFENSE: DE - Tim Knicky, Stephen F. Austin, Sr; DE - Tim Kukucka, Villanova, Sr; DL - James Ruffin, Northern Iowa, Sr; DT - Sam Daniels, James Madison, Sr; DT - Ko Quaye, South Dakota, Sr; LB - Kadarron Anderson, Furman, So; LB - Luke Bonus, Hofstra, Sr; LB - Rob Damon, Rhode Island, Jr; LB - Jacque Roman, Appalachian State, Sr; CB - Jeremy Caldwell, Eastern Kentucky, So; CB - T.J. Heath, Jacksonville State, Jr; SS - Anthony Beck, Prairie View, Sr; FS - Jason House, Southern, Jr; S - Anthony DiMichele, Holy Cross, Jr.

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‘Rob’ Museum Nearing Reality

GRAMBLING, LA — When a museum is dedicated in memory of Eddie Robinson in February (2010), the stars will definitely be out to pay a lasting tribute to the late and legendary leader of Grambling State University’s football program. Mike Tomlin, the youngest head coach ever to win a Super Bowl championship, will be the keynote speaker for a gala banquet scheduled for the GSU Assembly Center on Feb. 12 starting at 7 p.m. Many of the former National Football League players guided by Robinson during his record-setting 57-year career at GSU are scheduled to be in attendance, both for the banquet and the museum’s ribbon-cutting ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. Feb. 13.

Among the expected celebrities to be present for either or both events are former NFL quarterbacks Doug Williams and James “Shack” Harris; Pro Football Hall of Famers Willie Davis, Willie Brown and Charlie Joiner and former Pro Bowl defensive back Everson Walls, among many others. Also expected to appear will be Grant Teaff, former head coach at Baylor University and current executive director of the American Football Coaches Association. Invitations have been sent to the 200-plus players who starred at GSU under Robinson and later played in the NFL.

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Wake-Up Call: Vann's records make sweet music

Two-time All-American. For Florida A&M University senior LeRoy Vann (Tampa Blake High), it's a sweet sound and the best way to be remembered. Vann, a record-setting return man who garnered national attention this season through ESPN's SportsCenter and on the pages of Sports Illustrated, again made first team on the Walter Camp Football Championship Subdivision All-America team, which was announced Wednesday. "I almost can't believe some of the things that have happened to me playing college football," said Vann, a 5-foot-9, 185-pounder who plays cornerback.

To Vann, one of the most unbelievable things was when former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard visited the FAMU campus to do a story for ESPN's College GameDay program. "That was crazy," Vann said. "I didn't know until right before it happened that he was coming to talk to me. I felt like a little girl, blushing and everything. I could hardly talk." All modesty aside, Vann's FAMU career was something to talk about.

FAMU's record-setting kick return specialist LeRoy Vann was named to the 2009 Sports Network Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) All-America team on 12/23/09. It was the second straight year that the 5-9, 185-pound fireball from Tampa, Florida was named to the first team, thanks to a memorable senior season which witnessed him take a school record five punts back for touchdowns; tie a single-season NCAA record for TD punt returns, while setting a new single-season return yardage mark for the school and the MEAC. Vann also finished his career as just the fifth player in NCAA FCS history to compile at least 1,000 yards on both punt returns and kickoff returns and he holds the career mark for combined kick returns for touchdown, 11 in the past two years (eight punts, three kickoffs). Vann has been named to four (4) All-American teams in the past two years as a kick returner.

It's hard to believe that Vann actually arrived at FAMU as a preferred walk-on player. While at Blake, he had dreams of earning a scholarship to a large school. But college coaches didn't share that vision. "They thought I was too small," Vann said. "I wasn't the average size they were looking for. But I think it's more than size. You've got to have no fear. You've got to play with heart."

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HU's Tracy White Making Most of First NFL Real Chance

PHILADELPHIA, PA - For six years, he ran around covering punts and tackling kick returners and pouncing on loose footballs in the Lambeau Field end zone after Greg Lewis fumbles. For six years, he was Tracy White, special teamer. Now, he's Tracy White, football player. After bouncing from Seattle to Jacksonville to Green Bay to Philadelphia exclusively as a special teamer, the 28-year-old White has emerged for the first time as a real-life NFL linebacker.

White, in his second season with the Eagles, has been playing in many two-linebacker nickel formations with Will Witherspoon, a combination that doesn't have much size but offers plenty of speed. On Sunday, in his 97th career game, he recorded his first interception, picking off Alex Smith late in the second quarter to set up a field goal in the Eagles' 27-13 win over the 49ers.

And on a unit that has gone through eight starters this year, White has been a valuable - and improbable - contributor. "To tell you the truth, I really didn't think I'd ever get a chance (to play defense)," White said. "But they gave me my shot, and I made the most of it. It took seven years to do it, but I got my chance." White played at Division 1-AA Howard University, a historically black college in Washington, D.C., and began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Seahawks in 2003.

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The Tracy White File...
Tracy White started all 44 games played at Howard University and led the Bison each season in tackles, becoming the school's all-time leader with 500, to go along with 22 sacks and six interceptions. As a junior, he was named the Black College Defensive Player of the Year. White also earned All-MEAC three times (2000-2002); twice MEAC Defensive Player of the Year (2001-2002); and twice Buchanan Award finalist (2001-2002). White is 6’0, 230 from St. Stephen, South Carolina (Timberland High School) and was a star linebacker for the Bison.

After being undrafted in the 2003 NFL Draft, White signed with the Seattle Seahawks on 05/01/03. After spending two seasons with the Seahawks, in which he saw mostly special teams work, he was waived on 09/03/05. White was immediately claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played in 15 games, mostly on special teams. On 12/28/05 before the season finale, he was placed on the injured reserve list with an ankle injury. The Jaguars did not offer him a contract for the next season, making him a free agent.

White signed with the Green Bay Packers on 03/17/06. On 03/16/08, White re-signed with the Packers to a two-year contract after visits with the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers. The contract was worth $1.8 million and the deal included a $250,000 signing bonus. He was released by the Packers on 10/07/08 and was signed by the Philadelephia Eagles on 10/14/08 to a two year contract as a special teams player.

MERRY CHRISTMAS MEAC/SWAC AND OVC FANS...

A&M Chancellor Supports Prairie View A&M Stadium Efforts

HOUSTON, Texas - The chancellor of the Texas A&M System told FOX 26 Sports Wednesday he is 100 percent behind efforts by school officials at Prairie View A&M to build a new football stadium and athletics facility. It will be the first new stadium and facility on the Prairie View Campus in nearly 50 years. This season the Panthers won their first SWAC football championship in nearly 50 years. Head Coach Henry Frazier helped put Prairie View back on the map and Chancellor McKinney has taken note.

Chancellor McKinney used his November '09 visit to the 6,000-seat Blackshear Stadium, which opened in 1960, to talk about ideas for funding improvements. "Prairie View needs a new stadium," McKinney said. "The stadium they have is rundown and needs to be replaced. I am trying to help them raise money for the project. "It's vital and absolutely necessary to build a stadium for Prairie View that reflects the growth and the success of the school." McKinney said he and George Wright, the president of Prairie View, have been discussing ways to enhance sports programs at the second oldest public institution of higher learning in the state of Texas.

"Building a new athletics facility and stadium at Prairie View is tremendously important," said McKinney. "My opinion is athletics is the front door to our universities. "It's important we get people on our campus. Education is our mission. Athletics is the front door." Prairie View officials have completed 90 percent of their athletics economics study according to Athletics Director Fred Washington. Washington said the first phase, which involves the football stadium and athletics facility, will cost roughly $30 million with groundbreaking expected in around two years. "This is probably one of the largest undertakings that our university and our athletics department has taken on in its existence," said Washington. "We haven't built a new facility since the 60's. "So this is going to be huge for us."

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Former Hampton Pirates All-American Latrell Scott Named Head Football Coach at Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. – The University of Richmond has introduced Latrell Scott as its new head football coach. Scott, who has previously served as assistant coach with the Spiders, was introduced by Director of Athletics Jim Miller as the school’s 34th football coach during a press conference December 15th at the Robins Center. A highly-regarded recruiter and graduate of nearby Lee-Davis High School, Scott brings 11 years of coaching experience back to the Spiders after spending the last two seasons as the wide receivers coach at the University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia, respectively.

“Coach Scott will provide great leadership for our football program,” said Miller. “He is an energetic young coach and proven recruiter who many of our players know and respect. He is a Richmond native, former assistant head coach here, and a great fit for the University. Latrell Scott will continue the Richmond tradition of attracting student-athletes of high-character who are champions on and off the field.”

“Growing up in Richmond, and having the experience of coaching at the University of Richmond previously, the opportunity to be the head coach is incredible,” said Scott. “The students, faculty, staff, and administration of this University are second-to-none, and with their continued support, we will continue the success that we have come to expect from the Richmond Football program.”

Prior to joining the Volunteers’ staff in 2008, Scott, 34, served for three years at Richmond under former head coach Dave Clawson as the wide receivers coach. He was promoted to assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator before the 2007 campaign. Richmond was 26-12, made two NCAA Playoff appearances and beat a BCS team (Duke) with Scott on staff. The Spiders shattered the offensive record books in 2007, which ended with a then-school record 11 wins and the school’s first-ever appearance in the National Semifinals.

Richmond’s leading pass-catcher was now-rising senior Kevin Grayson with a school-record 68 receptions for a freshman-record 970 yards and seven TDs. Then-senior Arman Shields began 2007 with a monster effort against Vanderbilt, catching 12 balls for 107 yards, before an injury limited him to just two more brief appearances. His skills and development under Scott, however, were enough to earn him a spot in the NFL Combine and a fourth-round NFL Draft selection by the Oakland Raiders. Of the 10 team records eclipsed in that season, Scott’s wide receivers helped the Spiders set new standards for scoring average (34.9), touchdowns (63) and total offense (5,675).

Scott inherits a Richmond team that went 11-2 in 2009, won the CAA Football Championship and reached the Quarterfinals of the NCAA Playoffs – the program’s third-consecutive postseason appearance and 10th in school history. The 2008 National Champions return eight starters next season, including arguably the best receiving and linebacking corps in CAA Football. Scott arrived in Richmond after spending three seasons as wide receivers coach at VMI. During his tenure in Lexington, the Keydets led the Big South Conference in passing in 2003. His first coaching assignment was at Fork Union Military Academy, where he spent two seasons before being named an assistant at Western Carolina in 2001.

A three-year starter at tight end during his playing days at Hampton University, Scott earned All-America honors following his senior season. He played on two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and NCAA playoff teams and also competed in the Gridiron All-Star Classic in Orlando, Fla. Scott graduated with a sport management degree in 2001. Scott is married to the former Brandi Bradby of New Kent, Va.

Personal
Born: July 17, 1975 in Richmond, Va. Family: Wife, Brandi

Education
High School: Lee-Davis High School, Mechanicsville, Va. College: Hampton University (sport management), 2001

Playing Experience
Hampton University (1994-97)

Coaching Experience
1999-2000: Fork Union Military Academy
2001: Western Carolina (wide receivers)
2002-04: VMI (wide receivers)
2005-06: Richmond (wide receivers/recruiting coord.) **FCS Quarterfinals
2007: Richmond (asst. head coach/WRs/recruiting coord.) **FCS Semifinals
2008: Tennessee (wide receivers)
2009: Virginia (wide receivers)

What They're Saying About Latrell Scott

"Latrell Scott is an outstanding young coach. He brings great energy to recruiting and is dynamic on the field working with players. Latrell is trustworthy and engaged very well with families, prospects and staff. Richmond has made a great choice and I wish him very well."
--Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee Head Coach (1992-2008)

"This is a great hire by the University of Richmond. Latrell will do a great job. He knows the school, he knows Virginia and he knows the league. I'm confident he'll pick up right where Mike London left off." -- Joe Taylor, Florida A&M Head Coach and Scott's former coach at Hampton University.

"I'm very excited for Latrell. He is well-known in the coaching fraternity for his communication and recruiting ability. With him being at Richmond previously, he understands the academic requirements it takes to be successful. He's a good football coach and I'm confident he'll continue the championship tradition at my alma mater." --Mike London, Virginia Head Coach

Video: Former UVA Receivers Coach Named Richmond Head Coach

UR names Scott football coach

University of Richmond Athletic Director Jim Miller called Dave Clawson a few days ago. The subject: Latrell Scott, whom Miller was considering as the Spiders' football coach. Clawson, UR's coach during 2004-07 and now Bowling Green's coach, acknowledged the conventional wisdom that Scott, 34, was probably a couple of years away from having the background expected of a head-coaching candidate. But Clawson, for whom Scott worked at Richmond, also made a point that Miller noted.

"In two years, you're not going to be able to get him as a head coach," Clawson told Miller. "If you wait, he may not be available." Miller did not wait. UR named Scott its coach yesterday after an eight-day search that began with Mike London accepting the University of Virginia job vacated by Al Groh. Miller met with Scott, a Virginia assistant this season, over the weekend. Scott never has been an offensive or defensive coordinator, which bothered Miller less than it would have several years ago. "I think we're on the cutting edge of that, on the front side, of having more coaches who specialize in being the CEO of the program," Miller said.

Hampton University graduate Scott to coach Richmond Spiders in football

RICHMOND - Hampton University graduate Latrell Scott has received his first head-coaching job, and it's at one of the Football Championship Subdivision's top programs. Scott, 34, was introduced Tuesday as coach at the University of Richmond. He becomes the 34th head coach in program history, one of the youngest coaches in the country, and takes over at an opportune time. The Spiders won the national championship for the first time last season. This year, they spent time at No. 1 in the nation, shared the Colonial Athletic Association championship with Villanova and advanced to the playoff quarterfinals, losing to Appalachian State in the closing seconds.

Scott, who played tight end for HU and graduated in 1999, is widely respected as a dynamic recruiter. At his news conference, he said keeping the Spiders' 14 current verbal commitments is his top priority. "If you want to ask the question if I think I'm prepared, I think I've been prepared by some of the best," Scott said, mentioning coaching mentors like former Richmond coaches Dave Clawson and Mike London, former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer and former Virginia coach Al Groh. "I've been raised by some of the best head coaches in the country."

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Alcorn State Made the Correct Decision

Collins given three-year extension

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State has extended the contract of head football coach Earnest Collins by three years. The Braves (3-6, 3-4) sat alone in first place in the Eastern Division midway through the season after being picked to finish last. Alcorn couldn’t hold on, but a win against Jackson State gave the program three wins for the first time since 2006 when the team finished 6-5. Collins coached the Braves this season on a one-year deal, following the firing of former coach Johnny Thomas and weeks of turmoil within the program.

“We are delighted that Coach Collins will continue to lead the Alcorn State University Braves football program,” said Mrs. Brenda T. Square, interim director of athletics. “He and the entire football staff share the University’s vision for excellence and they care about the welfare of our student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom.” In 2008, Collins served as the defensive coordinator/associate head coach for the Braves. Prior to joining the Braves’ staff, Collins spent a year coaching secondary for the University of Central Florida, where the Knights ranked third in the C-USA defensive statistics.

Alcorn made the correct decision

I’m sure most Alcorn State fans remember what was going on with the football program about this time last year. To put it mildly, it was chaos. Seven assistant coaches were fired without the knowledge of the head coach. Then, after the head coach threatened to sue the school, the assistants were reinstated, and then the head coach, Ernest Jones, was fired himself. Through all of the turmoil, one man stood out and was left with picking up the pieces and trying to rebuild what had been torn down. That man was Earnest Collins. Collins, was the defensive coordinator under Jones and was named interim head coach after Jones was fired.

Collins might have only been just that, an interim, if some senior football players hadn’t met with Alcorn State President George Ross and convinced him to make Collins the head coach on a permanent basis. So Collins was given the job full-time, but only received a one-year contract, which put him in a tough situation from the outset. Most coaches don’t operate on one-year contracts, and schools usually extend a coach’s contract before it comes down to the last year because they don’t want the coach to be seen as a lame duck.

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FAMU Rattlers Haul in More Division I-A Transfers

Coach Joe Taylor is making major strides in recruiting Florida blue chip talent, including opening the doors for top D-IA transfers like Steven Robinson, Jarien Moreland and James Poe.

Former Lincoln lineman looks to rejuvenate career at FAMU »

Offensive guard Steven Robinson is coming home to rekindle the passion that just a year ago put him on the radar of several major college football programs. Robinson, a two-time All-Big Bend selection out of Lincoln High School, has enrolled at FAMU where he plans to play his final three years of football. Robinson said he is currently going through the enrollment process after signing to become a Rattler. He played in eight games this past season at the University of Central Florida, but the fire that made him want to play the game was being diminished as he tried to fit into the program, Robinson said.

“I just didn’t feel like I was going to reach my fullest potential,” he said. “I was playing football but I wasn’t enjoying it. I was starting to lose that passion so I said I can’t sit here and let my years go by.” Robinson is expected to fill a void on the Rattlers’ offensive line where they’ve lost three seniors. His UCF teammates James Poe, a 6-foot-4, 237 pound tight end-fullback and, 6-5, 313 pound center Jarien Moreland also have transferred to play at FAMU.

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Players Bio:
Steven "Moose" Robinson

Class: RS Freshman, Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla., High School: Lincoln, Height/Weight: 6-3/306, Position: Offensive Line.

TRUE FRESHMAN SEASON (2008): Earned a redshirt.

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned four letters in football for head coach Kyle Rice at Lincoln High School ... Named first-team Class 4A All-State by the Florida Sports Writers Association following his senior season ... Earned All-Big Bend first-team honors by the Tallahassee Democrat as a junior and senior ... Four-year starter on the offensive line ... Earned third-team All-State honors as a junior ... Also lettered in wrestling, track and field and played the tuba in the school band ... Ranked as the No. 25 offensive guard prospect in the country by ESPN.com ... Ranked as the No. 24 offensive guard prospect in the country and the No. 69 overall prospect in the state of Florida by Scout.com ... Ranked No. 90 on the top 100 high school football prospects 2007 list by the Orlando Sentinel ... Also recruited by Clemson, Georgia, Minnesota, South Carolina and USF.
Majoring in Criminal Justice.

Jarien Moreland

Class:RS Freshman, Hometown: Belle Glade, Fla., High School: Glades Central,
Height/Weight: 6-4/321, Position: Offensive Line.

TRUE FRESHMAN SEASON (2008): Earned a redshirt.

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned four letters for head coach Willie Snead at Glades Central High School ... Helped lead his team to the 2006 Class 3A state championship as a junior and Class 3A Region 4 titles as a sophomore, junior and senior ... Ranked No. 36 nationally among offensive guards by Rivals.com and the 90th best prospect in the state of Florida ... Ranked No. 95 nationally among offensive tackles by Scout.com ... Also received recruiting interest from Florida State, LSU, Miami (Fla.), Pitt and USF.

James Poe

Class:RS Sophomore, Hometown: Orlando, Fla., High School: Freedom, Last College:
Georgia Military College, Height/Weight: 6-4/232, Position: Running Back.

PRIOR TO UCF: Attended Georgia Military College before coming to UCF ... Played for Freedom High School in Orlando ... Selected as the team MVP his final two years after being ranked as the fifth-best running back in the state with 1,500 rushing yards as a senior, and 700 yards as a junior ... Also recruited by West Virginia, Louisville, Florida, East Carolina and Iowa. Major is undecided.

Bethune-Cookman Excited About New Football Coach

B-CU excited about new football coach

DAYTONA BEACH -- There was no doubt in Lynn Thompson's mind that Bethune-Cookman's search committee made the right choice in selecting Rutgers assistant Brian Jenkins as the Wildcats' next head football coach. He discovered over the weekend that many B-CU fans agree with him. "I was at the mall (Sunday night) and people stopped me. They were very excited about our choice," said Thompson, the Wildcats' athletics director. The school, who has been without a coach since Alvin Wyatt was fired Nov. 21, will introduce Jenkins today.

"He's a wonderful young man with a bright future," Thompson said. "His name came up early in the process, and the more we looked we saw something about him that everybody on the committee felt was attractive. This guy stood out as a good fit for our university and its mission. We feel he'll do a great job." Jenkins, 38, was on the Rutgers sideline Saturday night during its 45-24 victory over UCF in the St. Petersburg Bowl at Tropicana Field. He was with the Scarlet Knights for one season, coaching wide receivers. He came over to Rutgers from Louisiana-Lafayette, where he spent seven years as the running backs coach and special teams coordinator. He also was an assistant coach in NFL Europe and at Bowling Green, Eastern Illinois and Western Kentucky universities.

Rutgers assistant Brian Jenkins to take Bethune-Cookman head coaching job...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Another Rutgers assistant football coach is on the move, with wide receivers coach Brian Jenkins set to become the head coach at Bethune-Cookman immediately following the Knights' St. Petersburg Bowl game against Central Florida on Saturday, according to someone familiar with the move. Jenkins, 38, who is from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., arrived at Rutgers this year from Louisiana-Lafayette. The Bethune-Cookman job opened when the school fired Alvin Wyatts following a 5-6 season and a 90-54 record after 13 years.

Brian Jenkins is new Bethune-Cookman coach‎

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Former Rutgers assistant Brian Jenkins is the new coach at Bethune-Cookman, replacing Alvin Wyatt. Athletic director Lynn Thompson introduced Jenkins during a press conference Monday. Wyatt was fired on Nov. 23, two days after the Wildcats' 42-6 season-ending loss to archrival Florida A&M. Despite finishing 5-6 for the third time in four years, Wyatt departed as the winningest coach in Bethune-Cookman history, going 90-54 in 13 seasons. Jenkins coached wide receivers at Rutgers. He finished his duties with the Scarlet Knights during the St. Petersburg Bowl. "In coach Jenkins, we follow a new initiative with a new vision for our football program," said Thompson, adding that Jenkins was the unanimous choice among a search committee considering 87 applicants. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

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Tennessee State Selects New Football Coach

Coach Rod Reed's $160,000 salary is among the highest for FCS coaches in the state. Tennessee Tech Coach Watson Brown's salary for the 2008-09 fiscal year was $149,350, UT Martin Coach Jason Simpson's was $105,000 and Austin Peay Coach Rick Christophel's was $95,917, according to figures released by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Rod Reed officially named head football coach at Tennessee State ...

Nashville, Tenn. - Tennessee State University president, Dr. Melvin N. Johnson, and athletics director Teresa Phillips, officially named Rod Reed head football coach. The announcement was made during a press conference (12/18) in the lobby of Kean Hall in front of family, friends, faculty, staff, alumni and former players. Reed, who served as associate head football coach in 2009, replaces James Webster who resigned on November 19, 2009. He will be the twenty-first head coach of the Tennessee State Tigers program, dating back to 1912.

Reed, 43, was a four-year letter winner at TSU (1984-88) and helped lead the Tigers to the second round of the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs in 1986. Reed, who played linebacker, capped off his career as a Sheridan All-American football player his senior season. Rod is the son of the late Robert Reed, who was the first All-American for the TSU legendary football head coach "Big John" Merritt.

This will be Reed's first assignment as head coach in which he brings 17 years of experience in the coaching ranks. In addition to his time at Tennessee State, he has held positions at East Texas Baptist College, Prairie View A&M, Bethune-Cookman University (formerly Bethune-Cookman College) and Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Fla.

As a recruiter, Reed is responsible for bringing several notable players into the TSU program. Reed is noted for recruiting Javarris Williams (2009 seventh round draft pick, Kansas City Chiefs), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2008 first round pick, Arizona Cardinals), Shaun Richardson, Lamar Divens (Baltimore Ravens) and Cornelius Lewis.

Rod Reed replaces James Webster as football coach at Tennessee St.

Tennessee State University has named Rod Reed as its new football coach. Reed began as TSU's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2003, and served as top assistant to coach James Webster during the 2009 season. Webster resigned in November. Reed, 43, recruited Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a first round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008, to play for the Tigers.

TSU hopes new coach can revive tradition

The hiring of Rod Reed as Tennessee State's football coach Friday is one of several steps the administration hopes to take that will elevate the program to the prominence it once enjoyed. Reed, 43, a former TSU linebacker, has been on the staff since 2003 and served as defensive coordinator and associate head coach the past two seasons. He has been interim head coach since James Webster resigned after five seasons in November. "We've always had an interest in athletics," TSU president Melvin Johnson said. "You can't live on John A. Merritt Boulevard and work on John A. Merritt Boulevard without having an emphasis on athletics. But the hiring of Rod Reed, along with the other commitments we're making, is our attempt to rejuvenate the program."

TSU was a powerhouse under Merritt from 1963-83, but the Tigers haven't won a playoff game since 1986. Reed's salary will be $160,000, the same as Webster's, TSU Athletics Director Teresa Phillips said. He has not signed a contract, but Phillips said he would be given a five-year deal. Reed, who is TSU's all-time leading tackler (1985-1988), and Morehouse Coach Rich Freeman, another former TSU linebacker (1992-1995), were the only candidates who interviewed.

Watch Press Conference: Rod Reed introduced as TSU's head football coach
(Flash - Video)

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HBCU Senior Bowl: East 26, West 21

Florida A&M's Vann is the man in HBCU Bowl

Children from a youth football team surrounded Florida A&M's Leroy Vann seeking an autograph from the star of the inaugural HBCU Bowl all-star game. Like he did in Saturday's game at Cramton Bowl, Vann didn't disappoint. Vann returned a punt 81 yards for a first-quarter touchdown to highlight the East's 26-21 win over the West and patiently worked through the autograph-seeking mass afterward. "It's like this when I'm home in Tallahassee," Vann said. "If I go anywhere, it's the same way."

Vann, who returned five punts for touchdowns this season and is the NCAA record holder for career return TDs, was the most valuable player Saturday due to his one spectacular play. Because of his resume, the East expected Vann to do it. He had eight career punt returns and three kickoff returns for touchdowns. "He's been making returns like that for the last couple years," East coach Joe Taylor of FAMU, who had nine of his players on the East team. "We had a little orange and green flavor out there. "It was great to coach all of them for one last time."



Photo Gallery: East wins HBCU Bowl

East beats West in HBCU Bowl

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Florida A&M's Leroy Vann got the first HBCU Bowl all-star game off to a fast start Saturday. Vann returned a punt 81 yards for a first-quarter touchdown to highlight the East's 26-21 win over the West. "This was a great opportunity for us to show what we can do and I hope a great experience for the fans, too," Vann said. "We showed that black colleges have talent, too."

Vann returned five punts for touchdowns this season and holds the NCAA record for career return TDs. He returned eight punts and three kickoffs for touchdowns in his career. "That's just who he is," East coach Joe Taylor of Florida A&M said. "He's been making returns like that for the last couple years." East quarterback Dennis Brown of Norfolk State threw for 117 yards and a touchdown. Lamarcus Coker of Hampton caught a 33-yard TD pass late in the second quarter to give the East a 19-14 lead. Early in the fourth quarter, Devan James of Morgan State scored on a 4-yard run to give the East a 26-14 lead. Coker finished with a game-high 82 yards receiving on three catches.

Doug Williams, director of professional scouting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, warns HBCU Bowl players of harsh reality that everyone will not make the NFL -- "Somebody's got to coach, somebody teach, somebody's got to be the governor, somebody's got to be a lawyer, and somebody's got to pick up the trash,"Williams said. "They're all paying and in this economy, a job is a job."

Doug Williams warns players of harsh reality

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Hours before the players who competed in the Russell Athletics Senior Bowl had their first practice for Saturday's game, Doug Williams laid down the harsh truth. Please, understand that his audience was made up mostly of the 80-plus players who came here hoping to impress professional scouts. "Everybody in this room is not going to play in the National Football League," said Williams, the first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. "That's a fact." In other words, all the players in this inaugural all-star game had was an opportunity to make their case. At least a handful of them have proven they deserve an invitation to the NFL combine in February. Williams delivered those words of warning as a guest speaker at a banquet to recognize the players who made up the East and West teams. He didn't have notes. He didn't need any.

FAMU's LeRoy Vann is MVP of HBCU all-star game

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As Florida A&M's LeRoy Vann waited for the high punt to land in his arms, the crowd at Cramton Bowl was almost hushed Saturday afternoon. He ran it back 10 yards and the cheers went up. He crossed the 50-yard line and suddenly the inaugural Russell Athletics Senior Bowl became Vann's personal show with an 81-yard return for a touchdown that helped the East team give FAMU coach Joe Taylor a 26-21 victory over the West. But while Vann was spectacular, the crowd didn't get an opportunity to see the Rattlers' heralded quarterback Curtis Pulley on the field. He aggravated a groin injury that slowed him during the final weeks of the regular season and Taylor elected to sit him out.

FAMU's Taylor has a reunion with Hampton players

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Saturday wasn't just a historic occasion for Joe Taylor as one of the coaches in the first Russell Athletics Senior Bowl. It was an emotional reunion for him and three of the four players from Hampton University who played for the East team. Taylor came to FAMU from Hampton just before offensive linemen Ryan Cave and Nocolas Royal and running back Lamarcus Coker entered their junior year. Brandon Roundtree, the fourth Hampton player on the East squad, transferred from West Los Angeles Community College after Taylor left to become the Rattlers' head coach. The week they spent with Taylor as their coach was a bit of deja vu, Cave said. "It's the same thing all over again," he said. "It's just like he never left. It's really never about just football with Coach Taylor. He always taught us about life; to be successful doing something that makes you happy."

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Pough tabbed Palmetto State Coach of the Year

South Carolina State head football coach Buddy Pough has been named the 2009 Palmetto State College Coach of the Year and five Bulldogs earned a spot on the All-State team as selected by The (Columbia, SC) State newspaper and announced Wednesday. Pough guided SC State to a 10-2 overall record -- 8-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – its second straight MEAC title and back-to-back appearances in the FCS playoffs.

Bulldogs named to the All-State team were running back Will Ford, wide receiver and return specialist Tre’ Young, offensive lineman Johnny Culbreath, linebacker David Erby and defensive back Phillip Adams. Ford, Young and Adams are all departing seniors, while Erby and Culbreath are juniors. Wednesday’s announcement was the second major accolade bestowed on SC State this week. On Monday, SC State was declared the 2009 National Black Champion by the Sheridan Broadcasting Network.

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