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Boxtorow.com
MEAC Coaches interviews and predictions
Previews by Kerry Flagg, Boxtorow.com Editor-in-Chief
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South Carolina State |
South Carolina State (9-3, 7-1)
Last season the Bulldogs finished tied atop the MEAC standings and made it to the FCS playoffs, where they lost to Georgia Southern. In 2011, Head Coach Buddy Pough and his team are expected by many to at least match last year’s accomplishments. They were picked by their MEAC peers and Boxtorow.com to take the conference crown despite their need to fill some big shoes, especially on offense. The Bulldogs will have to replace quarterback Malcolm Long, a three-year starter, their leading rusher, three offensive linemen and a key receiver. There is still plenty of talent remaining in Orangeburg, however, as evidenced by the nearly 100 players that showed up to the first day of summer practice. Coach Pough will need someone to step up at wide receiver, though, after learning the leader from last year, Lennel Elmore (48 catches, 595 yards, 2 TDs) has been ruled ineligible. Junior Derrick Wiley (10-14, 103 yards, TD) is the only returning signal-caller with any experience and he’ll lean on running back Asheton Jordon, who ran for 622 yards and five touchdowns despite missing time with an injury. Sophomore Tyler McDonald (33 catches, 333 yds., 2 TDs) and junior Thomas Williams (19-250-2) lead the receiving corps and tight end Antuanne Kerr (13-189-1) also returns. Senior Juavahr Nathan (6-3, 310) leads a stout but inexperienced unit up front. Defensively, the Bulldogs return preseason All-MEAC defensive back Dominique Ellis (52 tackles, sack, int.), linebacker Donovan Richard (93 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 recovered) and linemen Pat Washington (6-0, 250) and Ronell Ferguson (6-3, 275; 4 sacks). South Carolina State kicks off the 2011 campaign on the road against Central Michigan.
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Buddy Pough
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Florida A&M |
Florida A&M (8-3, 7-1)
Head Coach Joe Taylor was used to finding success against MEAC opponents while leading the Hampton Pirates, but he has since proven he can also win at one of the HBCUs most storied programs. The Rattlers have won no fewer than eight games during his first three seasons and with 17 starters back, they seem poised to do so again. Leading the charge for the offense is the line, which returns preseason All-MEAC selections in guard Robert Hartley (6-7, 320), tackle Brandon Curry (6-6, 320) and center Shelley Anthony (6-3, 295). The trio returns to anchor an offense that finished fourth in the conference with a 21.9 points per game average. Sophomore quarterback Austin Trainor (51-109, 580, 2 TDs, 6 ints.) won the starting job during spring practice, but will be pushed this summer by Memphis transfer Tyler Bass. Junior Eddie Rocker (47-172-2) will try to fill the shoes of the departed Phillip Sylvester at running back, but the team’s top two receivers—6-3 senior Kevin Elliott (30-381-1) and junior Antonio Lawrence (26-395-3)—return. On defense, third-leading tackler John Ojo (57 tackles, 2 ints.) leads the secondary and 285-pound senior Jerry Willis (31 tackles, 4.5 sacks) is back to anchor the defensive line. As close games are often decided by special teams, FAMU should hold an edge there as well—both punter Brandon Holdren (40.1 yards per kick) and kicker Trevor Scott (10-14 in FGs, long of 47) were named preseason All-MEAC. |
Joe Taylor
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Bethune-Cookman |
Bethune-Cookman (10-2, 7-1)
The Wildcats, led by Head Coach Brian Jenkins, have adopted a “look forward, not back” attitude when it comes to the 2011 season. Though they were among the trio of teams that finished atop the MEAC standings and were voted HBCU National Champions in both Boxtorow.com polls, the team is focused solely on what lies ahead. There must be something in the water in Florida, because Bethune will also be led offensively by some big and experienced linemen in center Natiel Curry (6-2, 300) and tackles Alex Monroe (6-5, 305) and Marquell Rozier (6-7, 320). The Wildcats will need to find a replacement for Matt Johnson at quarterback, but sophomore Jackie Wilson (27-57, 371 yds. 3 TDs, 2 ints.) did see time in eight games last season. He’ll be joined by experienced returnees in running back Isidore Jackson (118 rushes, 514 yds. 8 TDs) and 6-3 sophomore receiver Eddie Poole (33-550-8). And while the Wildcats’ offense brings back plenty of talent from a unit that led the MEAC in scoring, the team’s strength is their defense; the top four tacklers, led by MEAC preseason Defensive Player of the year Ryan Lewis, return. Lewis, a senior linebacker, led the team with 81 total tackles last season, and also recorded five sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles. Also returning at linebacker is the team’s second-leading tackler, Reggie Sandilands (80, 3.5 sacks) and they’ll line up behind 280-pound senior tackle Jameil Farrington (29 tackles) and end Ryan Davis (third on team with 57 tackles, 6.5 sacks). Michael Williams (44 tackles, 6 ints.), a 6-3 safety, will lead the secondary as the Wildcats prepare for their season-opener against Prairie View A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Sept. 4. |
Brian Jenkins
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Hampton |
Hampton (6-5, 5-3)
Entering his third season as head coach Donovan Rose, a former Pirates defensive back and longtime assistant, is finally beginning to emerge from Joe Taylor’s large shadow. After winning just five games (three in conference) during his first season, the Pirates finished a respectable 5-3 in conference (6-5) overall, good enough for fourth place. And although they have some big shoes to fill, especially on defense, the Pirates seem poised to resume challenging the MEAC elite. Unlike several teams in the conference, Hampton won’t have to replace their signal-caller thanks to the return of 6-5, 230-pound David Legree. The former Syracuse recruit completed 138-288 passes last season for 1,679 yards, nine TDs and seven interceptions; he also ran for 265 yards and two scores. Divine Davis, the only other quarterback on the roster with any experience, saw limited action in just two games. Joining Legree in the backfield will be 2010 conference Rookie of the Year, Antown Chisholm (131-607-4) who averaged more than 4.5 yards per carry. The two will line up behind a group led by linemen David Luckett (6-2, 270) and Devon Dickenson (6-5, 315), and when he throws, Legree will no doubt look to last year’s leading receiver Javaris Brown (40-639-5). Senior receivers Isaiah Thomas (29-315-2) and Dyrri McCain (11-144-1) also return. Defensively, the Pirates will have to replace All-MEAC players Kendrick Ellis and Ricardo Silva, among others, but still return plenty of talent to a unit that was second in the conference, led by defensive back Micah Pellerin (41 tackles, 2 ints.). Sophomore linebacker Delbert Tyler (64 tackles) and junior tackle Daryell Walker (13 tackles) will also be counted on to lead defensively. Jordan Stovall, who averaged 37.9 yards per punt, and kicker Rodrigo Hernandez (6-11 in field goals) also return. |
Donovan Rose
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Norfolk State |
Norfolk State (6-5, 4-4)
The Spartans and Head Coach Pete Adrian return 14 starters from a team that won its final four games after starting the 2010 season 2-6, good enough to finish fifth in the conference. However, with so many key players returning a similar start will not be acceptable. The offense will be led by senior quarterback Chris Walley (167-272, 1,859 yds., 10 TDs and 8 ints.); he was also third on the team with 190 yards on the ground. And though leading rusher DeAngelo Branche is gone, Walley will be joined by several key offensive returnees. Junior Takeem Hedgeman, last year’s second-leading rusher, returns after gaining 220 yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries, as do leading receivers Victor Harrison (52-580-2) and 6-3 Reggie Garrett (30-436-3). Senior Kendall Noble (6-4, 290), a Boxtorow Preseason All-American, is the Spartans’ only returning starting lineman. The MEAC’s third best defense in 2010 should again be a strength with eight starters returning, led by preseason All-MEAC lineman Josh Turner (6-0, 315) who finished fourth on the team with 46 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Other key Spartan defenders include all four starting linebackers—seniors Onyemechi Anyaugo (47 tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble), Hasan Craig (29 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries), Corwin Hammond (team-leading 76 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 ff) and junior Terrence Pugh (27, 2 sacks)—each of whom stands at least 6-1 and weighs more than 220 pounds. Joey Christine (21 tackles), a 300-pound senior, joins Turner in the trenches and safety Ricardo Volcin (6-2, 210; 43, int., ff) will lead the secondary. Also back are kicker Ryan Estep (long of 45) and punter Troy Muenzer. |
Pete Adrian
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North Carolina Central |
North Carolina Central (3-8)
This is a season of firsts for the NCCU Eagles. For the first time since
leaving the CIAA, they’ll be eligible to compete for the MEAC title. And
they’ll be doing so under first-year head coach Henry Frazier III,
formerly with Prairie View A&M and Bowie State. After turning around both
programs—with Prairie View, in particular, leading the program with the
nation’s longest losing streak to a SWAC title—Frazier is ready to make
his mark in the MEAC. Fortunately for him, the program returns 14
starters to aid him in that quest. Four senior offensive linemen return
for the Eagles—Timothy Charity, James Frye, Justin Gray and Dominique
Moore—and they will continue to provide protection for senior quarterback
Michael Johnson who completed 57% of his passes (108-189) for 1,179 yards,
six touchdowns and eight interceptions despite starting just six games.
Wide receiver Geovonie Irvine had 53 catches for 758 yards and five
touchdowns averaging 14.3 yards per catch and will surprise the MEAC this
year. Sophomore Jordan Reid (29-53, 305, 2 TDs, 3 ints.), who saw time in
seven games last season, also returns. The Eagles will look to pint-sized
junior running back Arthor Goforth (5-7, 165; 215 yds., 3 TDs) to pick up
the slack after the departures of Tim Shankle and Tony McCord, but
283-pound fullback George Mobley returns and will serve as the team’s
battering ram. On defense, NCCU lost their top three tacklers, but
returns senior linebacker Roger Stewart (50 tackles, 3 sacks, int.),
lineman Xavier Proctor (34 tackles) and defensive back David Ingram (27
tackles, 3 ints.). Prior to facing a full MEAC schedule, the Eagles open
the season at Rutgers and then against Central State in Cleveland. |
Henry Frazier III
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Morgan State |
Morgan State (4-7, 3-5)
After maintaining a 4-4 conference record for three consecutive seasons, Coach Donald Hill-Eley’s Bears took a slight step backwards last season, finishing just 3-5 in MEAC play. This year, the team will look to right the ship, led by several veterans returning at key positions. Leading-rusher David Brown returns and will look to build on the 439 yards and two touchdowns he amassed in 2010. Jourdan Brooks (266 yards), a 245-pound senior, and junior Brian Mann (224, TD) also return. The Bears used a quarterback-by-committee system last year, and both Delonte Williams (69-143, 830, 5 TDs, 9 ints.) and Donovan Dickerson (46-120, 397, TD, 8 ints.) return. Fortunately for both signal-callers, All-MEAC tight end Lamont Bryant (6-6, 210) returns and should provide them a big target, especially in the red zone. Also back is 6-4 receiver and team leader Chuka Okakpu (28-325-4) and senior Derrick Sherman (13-96). Senior lineman Lawrence Brewer was named preseason All-MEAC first team. On defense, leading-tackler Reshaude Miller (67, 4 ints.) returns to the secondary. At 6-4, he has a knack for finding himself in between opposing quarterbacks and their intended targets. He is joined defensively by junior linebacker and second-leading tackler Allen Stephens (65, 3 sacks) and end Bakari Smith (39, 2 sacks, int.). |
Donald Hill-Eley
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Delaware State |
Delaware State (3-8, 2-6)
The Hornets are another team looking for a fresh start under first-year head Coach Kermit Blount, who made the move to Dover after 16 seasons at Winston-Salem State. Fortunately for Blount and his staff, the DSU cupboard was left far from bare, as 17 starters return from a team that went 2-6 in the MEAC. MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year junior receiver Justin Wilson is back after leading the MEAC in receptions (59), receiving yards (937) and touchdown catches (11), the first player in conference history to lead the league in all three categories. Senior Darius Jackson (37-394-3) and junior Donnell Dixon (26-304-3) also return and should help make junior Nick Elko’s (39-68, 540, 7 TDs, 3 ints.) transition to starting quarterback a smooth one. The return of the Hornets’ top three rushers—Jaashawn Jones (161-724-4; preseason first team All-MEAC), James Rosseau (46-154-3) and Mick Williams (18-86-1)—and four starting offensive linemen should also help. The defense lost All-MEAC tackle Andre Carroll, but returns end Olusegon Ayanbiola (37, 5 sacks) and tackle Darrell Brown (28, tackles), linebackers Brandon Harvey (83 tackles) and Quentin Ferguson (56 tackles). Starting safeties Matt Spicer (55, 2 ints.) and Tavis Tabb (32, int.) are back but both starting corners will have to be replaced. |
Kermit Blount
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North Carolina A&T |
North Carolina A&T (1-10, 1-7)
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: the Aggies are also introducing a first-year coach, but Rod Broadway is certainly not new to the business, having led successful programs at North Carolina Central and Grambling State. Broadway’s latest challenge will be to turn around the fortunes of a program that has defeated a total of five MEAC opponents over the past three seasons combined. In addition, A&T returns just 33 scholarship players and may receive sanctions from the NCAA due to low graduation rates. Senior running back Mike Mayhew may again have to shoulder much of the offensive load, but his 1,082 yards (on 221 carries) and seven touchdowns show that he is more than capable of doing so. Sophomore Dominique Drake (24-122-2) also returns to the backfield and the two will be the main focus of opposing defenses, as the only two “signal-callers” returning are defensive back Terrence Webb and wide receiver Ricky Lewis. Whoever wins the quarterback job will have last year’s top two receivers—senior Wallace Miles (34-508-2) and junior Torrian Warren (25-298)—to utilize as weapons. Preseason All-MEAC first team defensive backs D’Vonte Graham (7 ints.) and Justin Ferrell (78 tackles, 3 kickoff returns for TD) will lead the Aggies’ defense. |
Rod Broadway
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Howard |
Howard (1-10, 0-8)
There is one other first-year head coach in the MEAC, and much like Frazier, Blount and Broadway his name is certainly familiar to black college football fans. Gary “The Flea” Harrell is a 1994 Howard graduate that, to date, still ranks among the school’s best as a receiver and punt returner. He’s back at his alma mater after holding assistant coaching positions at several HBCUs and a four-year professional playing career. Though Harrell’s area of expertise is on the offensive side, he will no doubt attest to the strength of the Bison being their defense. Among the nine returning defensive starters is All-MEAC linebacker Keith Pough, who finished tied for second in the conference with 100 total tackles last season. His 28.5 tackles for loss led FCS and he also registered 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, an interception and a recovery. Joining him on defense are senior end Sackie Kerkulah (45 tackles, 4 sacks, int.), junior linebacker Kurt Mangrum (76 tackles, 1.5 sacks) and senior defensive back Lanny Kelly (team-best 3 ints.). The Bison return seven offensive starters, and there is no doubt senior receiver Willie Carter (29-563-3) will look to learn all he can from his new head coach. Randy Liggins, Terry Bradden, Casey Council and Jarad Dorsey all return after seeing time under center last season, but combined they threw for just 1,535 yards, eight scores and 19 interceptions. Fortunately for the Bison, all eight players who scored at least one rushing touchdown also return. |
Gary "The Flea" Harrell
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Savannah State |
Savannah State (1-10)
It’s a new era of football for Savannah State as not only do the Tigers join the MEAC but they usher in a new head coach in Steve Davenport. Davenport was able to put together the 10th best recruiting class as ranked by Boxtorow.com and a few of the newcomers could come in and play early. Nine starters return on offense led by running back Shelden Barnes who rushed for 583 yards and 4 TDs as a freshman last year. Justin Babb, who rushed for 820 yards on 6.2 yards per carry in 2009 and was on his way to a productive season last year before he was injured in the third game of the season, received a medical redshirt and will return this season. Senior quarterback Simon DeFilippis who threw for 457 yards and 2 TDs last year edged out sophomore Antonio Bostick (765 yards passing, 4 TDs) in spring drills and goes into summer camp as the starter. DeFilippis main target will be Simon Heyward who caught 56 balls for 423 yards and 1 TD. The defense will have to do much better than it did a year ago when it gave up 40.1 points per game. Senior Sadrak Jean-Baptiste (59 tackles) will lead linebacking unit while Darren Hunter (76 tackles) leads the secondary. |
Steve Davenport
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