MACHIAVELLI
Chairman/C.E.O.
Previewing the SWAC
by Tony Moss, Executive Director of I-AA Football
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
East
1. Alabama A&M
2. Jackson State
3. Alcorn State
4. Alabama State
5. Mississippi Valley State
1. Alabama A&M (8-4, 6-2 SWAC)
Anthony Jones led Alabama A&M to a SWAC East division title and a spot in the league championship game during his first year as head coach in Huntsville, and the pressure will be on his Bulldogs to repeat or surpass last year?s performance. A defense that held nine opponents to 20 points or fewer will miss defensive end and NFL draft pick Robert Mathis (60 tackles, 20 sacks), as well as standout linebackers Jamaal Ware (110 tackles, 6.5 sacks) and Travoris Nunn (54 tackles, 5 sacks). Brian Evans (7 sacks) will be expected to fill in for Mathis on this year?s line, while safety Levernonte Turner (39 tackles, 4 INT) and linebacker Lionel Macklin (35 tackles) should lead their respective units. The offense sputtered at times last season, and Jones hopes that the presence of three new starters on the line won?t help continue that trend. Tackle Robert Louis was a preseason All-American, and will block primarily for returning tailback Jeremiah Bonds (584 yards, 6 TD). Quarterback Tim Robinson (323 rushing yards, 3 TD, 399 passing yards, 3 TD, 7 INT), a part-time starter in 2002, will be back and firing to top target Nicholas Wells (31 receptions, 2 TD). On special teams, Rashad Cylar (7-14 FG, 38.4 punting avg.) has one of the SWAC?s most trusted feet. Key SWAC matchups for the Bulldogs include the conference opener against Grambling State on Sep. 13 in Shreveport, as well as a home affair versus Jackson State on Nov. 8. East
2. Jackson State (7-4, 5-2 SWAC)
Three straight 7-4 finishes meant the door for Jackson State head coach Robert Hughes, who was fired in favor of journeyman I-A assistant James Bell following last season. For some reason, Bell has sought to scrap a pass-happy offense that finished first in I-AA last season (485.5 yards) per game in favor of a more run-oriented system. That means fewer opportunities for quarterback Robert Kent (3374 passing yards, 31 TD, 12 INT, 179 rushing yards, 4 TD) and a talented cast of receivers including Tim Manning (66 receptions, 7 TD), Chris Jones (57 receptions, 9 TD), and Torrey Ross (51 receptions, 6 TD). Top ?02 rushers Tarnaka Counslor (735 yards, 6 TD) and Laurence Nolen (563 yards, 2 TD) are gone, so former backups Brandon Cox (147 yards, 1 TD) and Charles Lee (141 yards, 2 TD) should see a wealth of carries. An offensive line that at times had trouble protecting Kent last season will nonetheless miss departed starters Michael Matthews, Chris Bates, and Chris Hammond. Bell will have work to do on a defense that was inconsistent last year and loses top linebacker Elgin Andrews (121 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 INT) and safety Corey Bonner (47 tackles, 3 INT). The pass rush of tackle Deon DeBoise (38 tackles) and end Bobby Mays (4.5 sacks) will be critical, and Jason Lewis (31 tackles) will have to fill in for Andrews effectively. The secondary is JSU?s deepest area, with safety Lamont Woulard (53 tackles, 3 INT) and corner Michael Cooley (30 tackles) set to star. On special teams, kicker Ashcher Ashley (4-9 FG) and punter Domeneck Addison (34.5 avg.) must improve. Key games on the Tigers? schedule include the Oct. 25 home game with Grambling State and a Nov. 8 trip to division rival Alabama A&M.
3. Alcorn State (6-5, 3-4 SWAC)
Alcorn State posted its second straight 6-5 record a year ago, a mark that could have been better had injuries and inconsistency not aided the Braves in dropping three of their final four. Head coach Johnny Thomas will look to quarterback Donald Carrie (2197 passing yards, 19 TD, 17 INT) for better leadership down the stretch, with tailback Sidney Dumas (265 yards, 2 TD) to take some of the pressure off in the backfield. Carrie?s top wideouts from a year ago, Kris Peters (52 receptions, 8 TD) and George Jones (33 receptions, 5 TD), have both graduated, leaving Corvin Johnson (27 receptions, 2 TD) as the go-to guy there. Guard LeDarien Strauss anchors the trenches. Alcorn?s strength could be a defense that welcomes back its top six tacklers, including an All-America-type corner in Tyrone Parsons (53 tackles, 7 INT). Dwan Wilson (78 tackles, 7 sacks) was the cornerstone of the linebacking corps last season, and tackle Bryan Williams (44 tackles, 2 sacks) heads a veteran pass rush. Punter and Australia native Shane Phillips (38.5 avg.) was solid as a freshman last season, but kicker David McConnell (8-16 FG) must improve his consistency. Lonnie Teagle (13.8 punt return avg., 14.7 kickoff return avg.) is one of the league?s most dangerous return men despite his 5-4 stature. Schedule-wise, Grambling and Alabama A&M will both have to visit Normal, though the season finale with rival Jackson State is away.
4. Alabama State (6-6, 2-5 SWAC)
A subpar year at Alabama Sate was followed by a nightmarish off-season, one that led to an internal investigation of impropriety within the football program and ultimately the ouster of popular head coach L.C. Cole. Former Memphis assistant Charles Coe was hired as interim coach in August, and will have to win the support of a group of players fiercely loyal to the old regime. Another new face, Arkansas transfer Tarvaris Jackson, is slated to play quarterback, but top receivers Machion Sanders (52 receptions, 10 TD) and Shawn Holmes (32 receptions, 3 TD) have both departed. That means running backs Jatavious Abrams (637 rushing yards, 3 TD, 22 receptions) and Tennessee Transfer Keldrick Williams could assume more of the workload. Up front, tight end Chris Coleman (17 receptions, 6 TD) could be a leader in both the trenches and passing game. Defensively, Coe will have to contend with the departure of star defensive end Earl Cochran (62 tackles, 9.5 sacks) and linebacker Al Walker (106 tackles, 6 sacks), among others. Top returnees include linebacker Marcus Winn (67 tackles, 6 sacks), safety Antwan Hill (40 tackles, 10 INT), and defensive lineman Timothy Parham (49 tackles, 4 sacks). All-America punter David Beckford (43.9 avg.) is gone along with kicker Chris Nichols (8-11 FG), so youth will be served in the kicking game. The Hornets will be tested early in non-league games against Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman, and will later have to travel to play SWAC foes Southern and Jackson State, among others.
5. Mississippi Valley State (5-6, 3-4 SWAC)
Willie Totten did a terrific job in his first year as head coach at Mississippi Valley State, leading his alma mater to a 5-6 record after it finished 0-11 in 2001. The Delta Devils welcome back a substantial portion of last year?s offensive nucleus, including Carey Weaver (2116 passing yards, 15 TD, 13 INT, 144 rushing yards, 3 TD) at quarterback and Hiawatha Brown (302 yards, 1 TD) in the backfield. Top receiver O.J. Moore (51 receptions, 3 TD) has departed, meaning Jimmy Davenport (31 receptions, 2 TD) and quarterback-turned-tight end Ian Richardson should factor more into the passing game. All-conference honoree Mario Branch is gone from the line, but four players with starting experience should stabilize things. On defense, Totten will have to account for the absence of players like end Joseph Crear (14.5 sacks) and linebackers Cedric McDonald (108 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and Willie Gator (54 tackles, 2 INT). Linebacker Daimeon Collins (59 tackles, 3 INT) figures to be the leader of this year?s unit, along with top cover corner O?Keefe Henderson (51 tackles, 4 INT). Kicker Joseph Blanco (8-17 FG) is among the returnees on special teams, and Trey Butts (26.7 avg.) has punting experience. The Valley schedule is kind, with division foes Alabama A&M, Jackson State, and Alabama State all slated to visit Itta Bena.
West
1. Grambling State
2. Southern
3. Texas Southern
4. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
5. Prairie View A&M
1. Grambling State (11-2, 7-1 SWAC) West
Grambling State did it again last year, winning its third straight SWAC title and finishing among the I-AA Top 25. Quarterback Bruce Eugene (4483 passing yards, 43 TD, 16 INT, 535 rushing yards, 9 TD) made the Tigers go, and enters the 2003 season as a prime contender for the Walter Payton Award. His top target, wideout Tramon Douglas (87 receptions, 16 TD), is also back, though tailback Karrell Charles (740 yards, 9 TD) is not. Look for untested sophomore Henry Tolbert to get the backfield call. A major concern for Williams was the graduation of All-SWAC linemen Terry Riley and Brandon James, and center Lance Wright and tight end Gershone Jessie will be among the players expected to perform well there. Gone are defensive fixtures such as linebacker Ronald Johnson (81 tackles), linemen Willie Gray (33 tackles) and Antwan Lawrence (4 sacks), and defensive backs Chris Brown (54 tackles, 6 INT) and Denmark Reed (60 tackles, 6 INT). Leaders of the ?03 Tiger defense will be safety Michael Daigre (69 tackles, 3.5 sacks), linebacker Antoine Smith (66 tackles), and corner Octavious Bond (42 tackles, 7 INT). GSU possesses one of the top kickers in the league in Brian Morgan (7-21 FG), and newcomer Darien Morgan is expected to punt. Tough non-league games for the G-Men include I-A San Jose State and I-AA No. 1 McNeese State. Alcorn State, Jackson State, and Alabama State will provide difficult road games in SWAC play.
2. Southern (6-6, 5-2 SWAC)
Southern finished 6-6 and behind Grambling in the SWAC West for the third straight time last season, though a 48-24 pasting of the G-Men in the Bayou Classic left the Jaguars a pleasant taste entering the offseason. Quarterback Quincy Richard (1279 passing yards, 11 TD, 9 INT, 217 rushing yards, 4 TD) is back to lead the Southern offense, and should thrive if Pete Richardson can find suitable replacements for the Jaguars? top three receivers, all of whom have departed. Tailback Lashun Peoples (780 yards, 3 TD) returns, and will work behind an offensive line that will miss graduated guard Gary Jenkins and could start more than one freshman. There are major losses on the other side of the ball as well, with safeties Herman Hartman (79 tackles, 2 sacks) and Randy Williams (60 tackles, 5 INT) and linebackers Chris Cooper (72 tackles) and Jabari Greene (62 tackles) all gone. Cornerback Lenny Williams (72 tackles, 6 INT) is an All-America candidate at one corner, and Kendrick Paul (56 tackles) paces the linebackers. Two LB transfers ? Tarus Morgan (Mississippi State) and Don Expose (Copiah-Lincoln CC) ? should also fit in. Colby Miller (34.3 avg., 7-14 FG) returns as a multi-dimensional kicker, though freshman Breck Ackley could have the edge on field goal duties. Southern also brings back a dangerous return man in diminutive Ezra Landy (6.8 punt return avg., 24.8 kickoff return avg.). Southern?s SWAC schedule includes a tough road game at Jackson State, home affairs with Alabama A&M, Alabama State, and Alcorn State, and the annual Bayou Classic against Grambling on Nov. 30.
3. Texas Southern (4-7, 3-4 SWAC)
Texas Southern?s miserable 2002 season featured five losses by seven points or fewer, including an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Division III Stillman. Head coach Bill Thomas will attempt to get his club back on track, a tough task due to the graduation of All-America linebacker Lernard Mack (102 tackles, 9 sacks) and defensive back Oliver Celestine (82 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 6 INT). An abundance of talent does return on that side of the ball, most notably end Robert Watson (54 tackles, 4 sacks), linebacker Damondrick Goins (51 tackles, 3.5 sacks), and corner Chris Dottin (50 tackles, 3 INT). On offense, three quarterbacks that saw time last year ? Jacob Chavan (1515 passing yards, 9 TD, 12 INT), Carlos Pierson (676 passing yards, 6 TD, 8 INT, 148 rushing yards), and Gerred Lundon (199 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 INT) ? will once again vie for duties, with tailback Tim Boutte (674 yards, 4 TD) a shoo-in for a backfield spot. Gone is star wideout Cortez Hankton (64 receptions, 13 TD), meaning Toric Goins (45 receptions, 1 TD) will have to step in as a playmaker. Senior Omar Ornelas anchors an improving line. TSU boasts one of the top special teams corps in the league, with punter Glenn Wilson (36.7 avg.) and kicker Vince Patrick (14-19 FG) each slated to be back and Corey Alexander (11.4 punt return avg., 32.4 kickoff return avg., 1 TD) noted for his return abilities. The Tigers will play SWAC foes such as Jackson State, Alcorn State, and Southern at home, but will have to travel to hostile territory to face Alabama A&M and Grambling, among others.
4. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-8, 2-5 SWAC)
Arkansas-Pine Bluff failed to make a dent in the SWAC last year, as the Golden Lions were blown out several times and even lost to sub-I-AA teams Lane and Kentucky State. Head coach Lee Hardman has brought in 12 JC transfers to attempt to remedy depth issues that are among the worst in the league. Quarterback Antonio Lovelady (1318 passing yards, 11 TD, 9 INT) will be the starter this year after splitting time in ?02, and tailback Calvin Thomas (446 yards, 5 TD) also returns. Top wideouts Korea McKay (66 receptions, 7 TD) and Phillip Doolin (46 receptions, 11 TD) have left Pine Bluff, meaning tight end Brian Jones (35 receptions, 3 TD) and Virginia Tech transfer Ron Moody will have to maintain a presence in the passing game. Transfers will play a prominent role on an offensive line that lost tackle Courtney Van Buren to the NFL. Most of the key pieces from last year?s defense are back, including linebacker Haywood Small (72 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and defensive backs Randy Caldwell (61 tackles, 7 INT) and Tyrone Walker (51 tackles, 6 INT). End Taylor Harris (27 tackles, 3.5 sacks) is the best returning pass rush specialist, and JC transfer safety Darryl Adams should also factor into the team?s defensive plans. All-purpose kicker Aaron Wall (43.1 punting avg., 8-14 FG) is likely to be replaced by returnee John Lajb. On the schedule, Jackson State, Alabama A&M and Southern will be among the difficult road opponents, though Alcorn State, Alabama State, and Grambling must all head to Pine Bluff.
5. Prairie View A&M (1-10, 0-7 SWAC)
Prairie View stumbled to a typical last-place finish in 2002, earning head coach Larry ?Hardhat? Dorsey a pinkslip after three seasons at the helm. Enter C.L. Whittington, an alumnus and former NFL standout who will be taking on his first collegiate head coaching assignment. Whittington will install a west coast offensive system, with Joseph Vaughn (546 passing yards, 3 TD, 4 INT, 149 rushing yards) taking over at QB for graduated Deshun Baker (767 passing yards, 5 TD, 12 INT). With no experienced returnees at running back, look for Vaughn to throw often to returning wideouts Robert Douglas (25 receptions), Charles Washington (24 receptions, 1 TD), Bertrum Jackson (23 receptions, 1 TD) and tight end Jason Ford (9 receptions, 3 TD). Three starters return on the offensive line, with 316-pound senior Brian Marshall the probable leader. Defensive end Ronnie Nunn (61 tackles, 6.5 sacks) and linebacker Charles Land (64 tackles) are the most significant graduation casualties on the other side of the ball, where Whittington will rely on players like linebacker Corey Stewart (70 tackles) and linemen Jadon Brunn (4.5 sacks) and Sammie August (31 tackles) to hold down the fort. The secondary could be an Achilles heel, with Thurman Roy (29 tackles, 4 INT) the most distinguished returnee in that area. Also of concern is a kicking game that lost Charles McCall (2-6 FG) and Baker (32.7) the punter. Freshman Jose Collazo could be thrown into the fire in either area this fall. The non-league schedule features winnable games against NAIAs Texas College and Paul Quinn, while a home date with Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 1 might serve as the Panthers? best chance for a SWAC win.
Comments? Criticism? Applause? Send your comments to Tony Moss www.sportsnetwork.com
by Tony Moss, Executive Director of I-AA Football
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
East
1. Alabama A&M
2. Jackson State
3. Alcorn State
4. Alabama State
5. Mississippi Valley State
1. Alabama A&M (8-4, 6-2 SWAC)
Anthony Jones led Alabama A&M to a SWAC East division title and a spot in the league championship game during his first year as head coach in Huntsville, and the pressure will be on his Bulldogs to repeat or surpass last year?s performance. A defense that held nine opponents to 20 points or fewer will miss defensive end and NFL draft pick Robert Mathis (60 tackles, 20 sacks), as well as standout linebackers Jamaal Ware (110 tackles, 6.5 sacks) and Travoris Nunn (54 tackles, 5 sacks). Brian Evans (7 sacks) will be expected to fill in for Mathis on this year?s line, while safety Levernonte Turner (39 tackles, 4 INT) and linebacker Lionel Macklin (35 tackles) should lead their respective units. The offense sputtered at times last season, and Jones hopes that the presence of three new starters on the line won?t help continue that trend. Tackle Robert Louis was a preseason All-American, and will block primarily for returning tailback Jeremiah Bonds (584 yards, 6 TD). Quarterback Tim Robinson (323 rushing yards, 3 TD, 399 passing yards, 3 TD, 7 INT), a part-time starter in 2002, will be back and firing to top target Nicholas Wells (31 receptions, 2 TD). On special teams, Rashad Cylar (7-14 FG, 38.4 punting avg.) has one of the SWAC?s most trusted feet. Key SWAC matchups for the Bulldogs include the conference opener against Grambling State on Sep. 13 in Shreveport, as well as a home affair versus Jackson State on Nov. 8. East
2. Jackson State (7-4, 5-2 SWAC)
Three straight 7-4 finishes meant the door for Jackson State head coach Robert Hughes, who was fired in favor of journeyman I-A assistant James Bell following last season. For some reason, Bell has sought to scrap a pass-happy offense that finished first in I-AA last season (485.5 yards) per game in favor of a more run-oriented system. That means fewer opportunities for quarterback Robert Kent (3374 passing yards, 31 TD, 12 INT, 179 rushing yards, 4 TD) and a talented cast of receivers including Tim Manning (66 receptions, 7 TD), Chris Jones (57 receptions, 9 TD), and Torrey Ross (51 receptions, 6 TD). Top ?02 rushers Tarnaka Counslor (735 yards, 6 TD) and Laurence Nolen (563 yards, 2 TD) are gone, so former backups Brandon Cox (147 yards, 1 TD) and Charles Lee (141 yards, 2 TD) should see a wealth of carries. An offensive line that at times had trouble protecting Kent last season will nonetheless miss departed starters Michael Matthews, Chris Bates, and Chris Hammond. Bell will have work to do on a defense that was inconsistent last year and loses top linebacker Elgin Andrews (121 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 INT) and safety Corey Bonner (47 tackles, 3 INT). The pass rush of tackle Deon DeBoise (38 tackles) and end Bobby Mays (4.5 sacks) will be critical, and Jason Lewis (31 tackles) will have to fill in for Andrews effectively. The secondary is JSU?s deepest area, with safety Lamont Woulard (53 tackles, 3 INT) and corner Michael Cooley (30 tackles) set to star. On special teams, kicker Ashcher Ashley (4-9 FG) and punter Domeneck Addison (34.5 avg.) must improve. Key games on the Tigers? schedule include the Oct. 25 home game with Grambling State and a Nov. 8 trip to division rival Alabama A&M.
3. Alcorn State (6-5, 3-4 SWAC)
Alcorn State posted its second straight 6-5 record a year ago, a mark that could have been better had injuries and inconsistency not aided the Braves in dropping three of their final four. Head coach Johnny Thomas will look to quarterback Donald Carrie (2197 passing yards, 19 TD, 17 INT) for better leadership down the stretch, with tailback Sidney Dumas (265 yards, 2 TD) to take some of the pressure off in the backfield. Carrie?s top wideouts from a year ago, Kris Peters (52 receptions, 8 TD) and George Jones (33 receptions, 5 TD), have both graduated, leaving Corvin Johnson (27 receptions, 2 TD) as the go-to guy there. Guard LeDarien Strauss anchors the trenches. Alcorn?s strength could be a defense that welcomes back its top six tacklers, including an All-America-type corner in Tyrone Parsons (53 tackles, 7 INT). Dwan Wilson (78 tackles, 7 sacks) was the cornerstone of the linebacking corps last season, and tackle Bryan Williams (44 tackles, 2 sacks) heads a veteran pass rush. Punter and Australia native Shane Phillips (38.5 avg.) was solid as a freshman last season, but kicker David McConnell (8-16 FG) must improve his consistency. Lonnie Teagle (13.8 punt return avg., 14.7 kickoff return avg.) is one of the league?s most dangerous return men despite his 5-4 stature. Schedule-wise, Grambling and Alabama A&M will both have to visit Normal, though the season finale with rival Jackson State is away.
4. Alabama State (6-6, 2-5 SWAC)
A subpar year at Alabama Sate was followed by a nightmarish off-season, one that led to an internal investigation of impropriety within the football program and ultimately the ouster of popular head coach L.C. Cole. Former Memphis assistant Charles Coe was hired as interim coach in August, and will have to win the support of a group of players fiercely loyal to the old regime. Another new face, Arkansas transfer Tarvaris Jackson, is slated to play quarterback, but top receivers Machion Sanders (52 receptions, 10 TD) and Shawn Holmes (32 receptions, 3 TD) have both departed. That means running backs Jatavious Abrams (637 rushing yards, 3 TD, 22 receptions) and Tennessee Transfer Keldrick Williams could assume more of the workload. Up front, tight end Chris Coleman (17 receptions, 6 TD) could be a leader in both the trenches and passing game. Defensively, Coe will have to contend with the departure of star defensive end Earl Cochran (62 tackles, 9.5 sacks) and linebacker Al Walker (106 tackles, 6 sacks), among others. Top returnees include linebacker Marcus Winn (67 tackles, 6 sacks), safety Antwan Hill (40 tackles, 10 INT), and defensive lineman Timothy Parham (49 tackles, 4 sacks). All-America punter David Beckford (43.9 avg.) is gone along with kicker Chris Nichols (8-11 FG), so youth will be served in the kicking game. The Hornets will be tested early in non-league games against Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman, and will later have to travel to play SWAC foes Southern and Jackson State, among others.
5. Mississippi Valley State (5-6, 3-4 SWAC)
Willie Totten did a terrific job in his first year as head coach at Mississippi Valley State, leading his alma mater to a 5-6 record after it finished 0-11 in 2001. The Delta Devils welcome back a substantial portion of last year?s offensive nucleus, including Carey Weaver (2116 passing yards, 15 TD, 13 INT, 144 rushing yards, 3 TD) at quarterback and Hiawatha Brown (302 yards, 1 TD) in the backfield. Top receiver O.J. Moore (51 receptions, 3 TD) has departed, meaning Jimmy Davenport (31 receptions, 2 TD) and quarterback-turned-tight end Ian Richardson should factor more into the passing game. All-conference honoree Mario Branch is gone from the line, but four players with starting experience should stabilize things. On defense, Totten will have to account for the absence of players like end Joseph Crear (14.5 sacks) and linebackers Cedric McDonald (108 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and Willie Gator (54 tackles, 2 INT). Linebacker Daimeon Collins (59 tackles, 3 INT) figures to be the leader of this year?s unit, along with top cover corner O?Keefe Henderson (51 tackles, 4 INT). Kicker Joseph Blanco (8-17 FG) is among the returnees on special teams, and Trey Butts (26.7 avg.) has punting experience. The Valley schedule is kind, with division foes Alabama A&M, Jackson State, and Alabama State all slated to visit Itta Bena.
West
1. Grambling State
2. Southern
3. Texas Southern
4. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
5. Prairie View A&M
1. Grambling State (11-2, 7-1 SWAC) West
Grambling State did it again last year, winning its third straight SWAC title and finishing among the I-AA Top 25. Quarterback Bruce Eugene (4483 passing yards, 43 TD, 16 INT, 535 rushing yards, 9 TD) made the Tigers go, and enters the 2003 season as a prime contender for the Walter Payton Award. His top target, wideout Tramon Douglas (87 receptions, 16 TD), is also back, though tailback Karrell Charles (740 yards, 9 TD) is not. Look for untested sophomore Henry Tolbert to get the backfield call. A major concern for Williams was the graduation of All-SWAC linemen Terry Riley and Brandon James, and center Lance Wright and tight end Gershone Jessie will be among the players expected to perform well there. Gone are defensive fixtures such as linebacker Ronald Johnson (81 tackles), linemen Willie Gray (33 tackles) and Antwan Lawrence (4 sacks), and defensive backs Chris Brown (54 tackles, 6 INT) and Denmark Reed (60 tackles, 6 INT). Leaders of the ?03 Tiger defense will be safety Michael Daigre (69 tackles, 3.5 sacks), linebacker Antoine Smith (66 tackles), and corner Octavious Bond (42 tackles, 7 INT). GSU possesses one of the top kickers in the league in Brian Morgan (7-21 FG), and newcomer Darien Morgan is expected to punt. Tough non-league games for the G-Men include I-A San Jose State and I-AA No. 1 McNeese State. Alcorn State, Jackson State, and Alabama State will provide difficult road games in SWAC play.
2. Southern (6-6, 5-2 SWAC)
Southern finished 6-6 and behind Grambling in the SWAC West for the third straight time last season, though a 48-24 pasting of the G-Men in the Bayou Classic left the Jaguars a pleasant taste entering the offseason. Quarterback Quincy Richard (1279 passing yards, 11 TD, 9 INT, 217 rushing yards, 4 TD) is back to lead the Southern offense, and should thrive if Pete Richardson can find suitable replacements for the Jaguars? top three receivers, all of whom have departed. Tailback Lashun Peoples (780 yards, 3 TD) returns, and will work behind an offensive line that will miss graduated guard Gary Jenkins and could start more than one freshman. There are major losses on the other side of the ball as well, with safeties Herman Hartman (79 tackles, 2 sacks) and Randy Williams (60 tackles, 5 INT) and linebackers Chris Cooper (72 tackles) and Jabari Greene (62 tackles) all gone. Cornerback Lenny Williams (72 tackles, 6 INT) is an All-America candidate at one corner, and Kendrick Paul (56 tackles) paces the linebackers. Two LB transfers ? Tarus Morgan (Mississippi State) and Don Expose (Copiah-Lincoln CC) ? should also fit in. Colby Miller (34.3 avg., 7-14 FG) returns as a multi-dimensional kicker, though freshman Breck Ackley could have the edge on field goal duties. Southern also brings back a dangerous return man in diminutive Ezra Landy (6.8 punt return avg., 24.8 kickoff return avg.). Southern?s SWAC schedule includes a tough road game at Jackson State, home affairs with Alabama A&M, Alabama State, and Alcorn State, and the annual Bayou Classic against Grambling on Nov. 30.
3. Texas Southern (4-7, 3-4 SWAC)
Texas Southern?s miserable 2002 season featured five losses by seven points or fewer, including an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Division III Stillman. Head coach Bill Thomas will attempt to get his club back on track, a tough task due to the graduation of All-America linebacker Lernard Mack (102 tackles, 9 sacks) and defensive back Oliver Celestine (82 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 6 INT). An abundance of talent does return on that side of the ball, most notably end Robert Watson (54 tackles, 4 sacks), linebacker Damondrick Goins (51 tackles, 3.5 sacks), and corner Chris Dottin (50 tackles, 3 INT). On offense, three quarterbacks that saw time last year ? Jacob Chavan (1515 passing yards, 9 TD, 12 INT), Carlos Pierson (676 passing yards, 6 TD, 8 INT, 148 rushing yards), and Gerred Lundon (199 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 INT) ? will once again vie for duties, with tailback Tim Boutte (674 yards, 4 TD) a shoo-in for a backfield spot. Gone is star wideout Cortez Hankton (64 receptions, 13 TD), meaning Toric Goins (45 receptions, 1 TD) will have to step in as a playmaker. Senior Omar Ornelas anchors an improving line. TSU boasts one of the top special teams corps in the league, with punter Glenn Wilson (36.7 avg.) and kicker Vince Patrick (14-19 FG) each slated to be back and Corey Alexander (11.4 punt return avg., 32.4 kickoff return avg., 1 TD) noted for his return abilities. The Tigers will play SWAC foes such as Jackson State, Alcorn State, and Southern at home, but will have to travel to hostile territory to face Alabama A&M and Grambling, among others.
4. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-8, 2-5 SWAC)
Arkansas-Pine Bluff failed to make a dent in the SWAC last year, as the Golden Lions were blown out several times and even lost to sub-I-AA teams Lane and Kentucky State. Head coach Lee Hardman has brought in 12 JC transfers to attempt to remedy depth issues that are among the worst in the league. Quarterback Antonio Lovelady (1318 passing yards, 11 TD, 9 INT) will be the starter this year after splitting time in ?02, and tailback Calvin Thomas (446 yards, 5 TD) also returns. Top wideouts Korea McKay (66 receptions, 7 TD) and Phillip Doolin (46 receptions, 11 TD) have left Pine Bluff, meaning tight end Brian Jones (35 receptions, 3 TD) and Virginia Tech transfer Ron Moody will have to maintain a presence in the passing game. Transfers will play a prominent role on an offensive line that lost tackle Courtney Van Buren to the NFL. Most of the key pieces from last year?s defense are back, including linebacker Haywood Small (72 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and defensive backs Randy Caldwell (61 tackles, 7 INT) and Tyrone Walker (51 tackles, 6 INT). End Taylor Harris (27 tackles, 3.5 sacks) is the best returning pass rush specialist, and JC transfer safety Darryl Adams should also factor into the team?s defensive plans. All-purpose kicker Aaron Wall (43.1 punting avg., 8-14 FG) is likely to be replaced by returnee John Lajb. On the schedule, Jackson State, Alabama A&M and Southern will be among the difficult road opponents, though Alcorn State, Alabama State, and Grambling must all head to Pine Bluff.
5. Prairie View A&M (1-10, 0-7 SWAC)
Prairie View stumbled to a typical last-place finish in 2002, earning head coach Larry ?Hardhat? Dorsey a pinkslip after three seasons at the helm. Enter C.L. Whittington, an alumnus and former NFL standout who will be taking on his first collegiate head coaching assignment. Whittington will install a west coast offensive system, with Joseph Vaughn (546 passing yards, 3 TD, 4 INT, 149 rushing yards) taking over at QB for graduated Deshun Baker (767 passing yards, 5 TD, 12 INT). With no experienced returnees at running back, look for Vaughn to throw often to returning wideouts Robert Douglas (25 receptions), Charles Washington (24 receptions, 1 TD), Bertrum Jackson (23 receptions, 1 TD) and tight end Jason Ford (9 receptions, 3 TD). Three starters return on the offensive line, with 316-pound senior Brian Marshall the probable leader. Defensive end Ronnie Nunn (61 tackles, 6.5 sacks) and linebacker Charles Land (64 tackles) are the most significant graduation casualties on the other side of the ball, where Whittington will rely on players like linebacker Corey Stewart (70 tackles) and linemen Jadon Brunn (4.5 sacks) and Sammie August (31 tackles) to hold down the fort. The secondary could be an Achilles heel, with Thurman Roy (29 tackles, 4 INT) the most distinguished returnee in that area. Also of concern is a kicking game that lost Charles McCall (2-6 FG) and Baker (32.7) the punter. Freshman Jose Collazo could be thrown into the fire in either area this fall. The non-league schedule features winnable games against NAIAs Texas College and Paul Quinn, while a home date with Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 1 might serve as the Panthers? best chance for a SWAC win.
Comments? Criticism? Applause? Send your comments to Tony Moss www.sportsnetwork.com
