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BCU vs SCSU Preview

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BCU Mascot

BCU Mascot (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When Bethune-Cookman squares off against South Carolina State tomorrow night at 6:00, it could very well be a showdown of the two best teams in all of HBCU football.  Both teams enter the contest coming off of impressive victories.  The Bulldogs defeated Georgia State of the formidable CAA conference convincingly on the road.  The Dogs racked up 488 yards of offense on their way to a 33-6 victory over GSU.  Quarterback Richard Cue led SCSU with 300 yards passing and three touchdowns. Wide Receivers Caleb Davis and Lennel Elmore both eclipsed the 100 yard receiving mark in the contest.

The Wildcats started slowly in their Week 1 matchup and fell behind 21-0 against Alabama State.  But the Beach Cats found their form in the 2nd quarter and steamrolled to a 38-28 win in last week’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge.  Senior quarterback Brock Waters replaced Jackie Wilson midway through the second quarter and was responsible for three BCU touchdowns (2 passing and 1 rushing) in the contest.  Waters (100 yds) joined running backs Isidore Jackson (123 yds) and Rodney Scott (103 yds) as 100 yard rushers in last week’s contest.  BCU tallied 551 total yards of offense on the afternoon and will hope to carry that momentum into Oliver C Dawson Stadium where they have experienced a good deal of success recently.  In fact, the Wildcats have won 4 of their last 5 meetings on the Bulldog’s home field; the last of which was 14-0 shutout in 2010. 

The Wildcats and Bulldogs are eerily similar in terms of overall talent, team speed, and size but the similarities do not just stop there.

  • SCSU head coach Buddy Pough has never finished worse than 2nd in the MEAC’s final standings; but neither has BCU coach Brian Jenkins.
  • Bethune returns 9 starters on offense from 2011; and so do the Bulldogs. 
  • SCSU loss 7 starters from last season’s defense; BCU loss 6 starters from their 2011 defense.
  •  Both teams have dual threat quarterbacks (SCSU-Richard Cue; BCU-Brock Waters/Jackie Wilson) and a host of talented wide receivers.  The teams also have very experienced offensive lines and a plethora of new but talented starters on defense.
  • The teams are 8-7 in their last 15 head-to-head matchups with BCU holding the 1 game advantage during that span.
  • Bethune has won 4 of the last 5 games played in Orangeburg, while South Carolina State has won 3 straight in Daytona Beach.

 Advantages:

  • South Carolina State appears to have an advantage in special teams with dangerous return men, Lennel Elmore and Darius Drummond fielding punts and kickoffs.
  • Bethune seems to have a clear advantage in the rushing attack in running backs Isidore Jackson and Rodney Scott.  And if last week’s performance is any indication, Brock Waters is as valuable in the running game as any other player on BCU’s roster.

 3 keys to victory for BCU

1. Know who to block—BCU has a very experienced offensive line.  That experience will be put to the test against SCSU’s heavy blitzing, 3-4 defensive scheme.  BCU enjoyed a great deal of success running the ball right at the Bulldog defense last year. The Wildcats should have success running the ball again this year.  In the passing game, BCU’s offensive line and quarterback(s) must account for all rushers.  If that happens, BCU’s offense could have a huge night.

2. Connect in the passing game when called upon—The Wildcats boasted one of the best rushing attacks in the country in 2011.  They carried that trend into Week 1 where they racked up 367 yards on the ground.  The Cats will need to connect on enough throws in the passing game to keep the Bulldog defense from committing too many players to stop the run.  If/when SCSU commit those extra bodies against the run, the Wildcats will need to take advantage of the single coverage and connect on plays down the field in the passing game.

3. Don’t give up too much on special teams—Coach Jenkins cited Darius Drummond’s two punt returns that ended inside the 20 yard line as the key factors in his team’s 26-18 defeat to SCSU last season.  BCU cannot afford to have history repeat itself again this season if they hope to win.

Our prediction:

BCU wins impressively 34-17.

The game can be viewed live (6:00 P.M.) on WatchESPN or on ESPNU on tape delay beginning at 10:30 P.M.

MEAC ANNOUNCES WEEKLY FOOTBALL HONORS – MEACsports.com – The Official Site of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

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Broderick Waters of Bethune-Cookman was selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, the conference announced on Monday. Joe Rankin of Morgan State was named Defensive Player of the Week.

Jamie Cunningham of Howard was selected as the Rookie of the Week.   North Carolina Central’s Darius James and Earvin Gonzalez of Morgan State were named Offensive Lineman and Special Teams Player of the Week, respectively.

Waters (QB, 5-11, 196m Sr., Sarasota, Fla.) led Bethune-Cookman to a comeback win over Alabama State in the eighth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney.  Waters, who entered the game as the backup QB with the Wildcats trailing 21-7, completed 6-of-9 passes for 110 yards and two TDs.  He also carried the ball 11 times for 100 yards with one TD.  His performance earned him MEAC/SWAC Challenge MVP honors. 

BCU linebacker Jarkevis Fields, linemen Terrance Hackney, and punter Kory Kowalski were also recognized as Top Performers in Week One.

MEAC ANNOUNCES WEEKLY FOOTBALL HONORS – MEACsports.com – The Official Site of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

BCU rushes pass ‘Bama State

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2012 MEAC/SWAC Challenge

Seventeen minutes into Sunday’s matchup against Alabama State, Bethune-Cookman fans were left gazing at the scoreboard and wondering if they would wind up on the wrong end of a one-sided MEAC/SWAC Challenge.

The Hornets opened the contest with a 12 play, 75 yard drive which ended with a 5 yard Greg Jenkins touchdown run.   ASU’s second and third scores were aided by a BCU fumble on a punt return and a missed field goal respectively.  With 13:45 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, ASU was defending a 21-0 lead and looking to run away with the contest. 

As dominant as ASU appeared over the first seventeen minutes, BCU was equally dominant over the final forty-three minutes of the contest.  Like ASU, BCU’s first scoring drive consumed 12 plays, 75 yards and ended with a rushing touchdown (Andronicus Lovette, 2 yards).  Sven Hurd added a 20 yard field goal just before halftime to bring the deficit to 21-10.

The Wildcat offense started to steamroll in the second half scoring touchdowns on their second (24 yd pass from Brock Waters to Jhomo Gordon), third (6 yd run by Waters), and fourth (47 yd pass from Waters to Eddie Poole) possessions after the half.  Both teams tacked on an additional touchdown before the final whistle.

Coach Brian Jenkins was quick to sing the praises of his squad.  “Alabama State is a championship caliber team; don’t let the score fool you”.  “We knew they had a high octane offense but there was no doubt in our mind that we would end up victorious.  You saw a team today that believes in the philosophy that we’re teaching (stay in the moment and play every play).  It’s just a tremendous thing to see the fight that our guys showed today”.

Thank God for the backup quarterback

Coach Jenkins revealed in his postgame interview that quarterback Jackie Wilson was unable to continue in Sunday’s contest because of conditioning/heat related issues.  Louisiana Tech transfer Brodrick Waters (who prefers to go by Brock) relieved Wilson midway through the 2nd quarter.  Waters inherited a 21-7 deficit, but led the Wildcats to 31 unanswered points.  Waters ended the afternoon with 100 yards rushing on 11 attempts (1 rushing td) and 6 of 9 passing for 110 yards with 2 touchdowns.  The second of Water’s TD passes was a beautiful 47 yard hookup on a post route to Eddie Poole on 3rd and 21.   The result of the play pushed BCU to a comfortable 31-21 lead.

Waters, who played with the message ‘RIP’— ‘TD 22’ written on his eye black, combined with Isidore Jackson (123 yards) and Rodney Scott (103, 1 td) to make BCU history as the first trio of rushers to eclipse the 100 yard rushing mark in the same game.  When asked about the significance of his Tebowesque eye black message, Waters explained that he was honoring his former La Tech teammate Tyrone Duplessis.  The 21-year old Duplessis died in his sleep in February of this year.  “He was someone that I looked up to” Waters stated.  “I decided to dedicate this game to him as well as my first touchdown.  They told me that I almost got one (touchdown) called back (for excessive celebration) because I showed some emotion towards him and that probably wasn’t the best thing to do”.

BCU finished the game with 383 yards rushing on 60 attempts for a 6.1 yard average.  Eddie Poole (102 yards, 1 td) eclipsed the 100 yard receiving mark on the afternoon and pushed his consecutive games with a catch streak to 24.  In total, the Wildcat offense racked 551 yards of offense.

Jarkevis Fields led the defensive charge with 10 tackles, 1 sack and 2 tackles for loss.  The Wildcat “D” held ASU running back Isaiah Crowell to 18 yards rushing on 9 attempts.  Crowell (formerly of the University of Georgia) is the 2011 SEC Offensive Freshmen of the Year recipient.

The Wildcats travel to Orangeburg next Saturday for an early season showdown with MEAC powerhouse South Carolina State.  Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 P.M..

Team Stat Comparison

  ALST COOK
1st Downs 22 25
Total Yards 351 551
Passing 253 184
Rushing 98 367
Penalties 3-30 15-111
3rd Down Conversions 8-15 8-16
4th Down Conversions 0-1 1-1
Turnovers 2 1
Possession 25:05 34:55

Passing Leaders

 
Alabama State C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT
Jenkins 19/29 196 6.8 0 1
 
Bethune-Cookman C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT
Waters 6/9 110 12.2 2 0

Rushing Leaders

 
Alabama State CAR YDS AVG TD LG
Jenkins 15 39 2.6 2 17
Crowell 9 18 2.0 1 11
 
Bethune-Cookman CAR YDS AVG TD LG
Jackson 21 123 5.9 0 25
Scott 13 103 7.9 1 38

Receiving Leaders

 
Alabama State REC YDS AVG TD LG
McWilliams 6 89 14.8 1 39
Neely 5 64 12.8 0 34
 
Bethune-Cookman REC YDS AVG TD LG
Poole 3 102 34.0 1 54
Stroud 4 39 9.8 0 15

Qtr Time Scoring Play

1st 11:06 ALST – Jenkins, Greg 5 yd run (Wenzig, Bobby kick), 12-75 3:54 7 – 0
04:28 ALST – Crowell, Isaiah 2 yd run, 2-20 0:43 14 – 0
2nd 13:45 ALST – Jenkins, Greg 3 yd run (Wenzig, Bobby kick), 8-72 2:15 21 – 0
09:18 BCU -LOVETTE,Andronicus 2 yd run , 12-75 4:21 21 -7
00:01 BCU – HURD,Sven 20 yd field goal, 12-77 3:02 21 – 10
3rd 05:53 BCU – GORDON,Jhomo 24 yd pass from WATERS,Brodrick (HURD,Sven kick), 5-70 3:04 21 – 17
04:28 BCU – WATERS,Brodrick 6 yd run (HURD,Sven kick), 4-20 1:19 21 – 24
4th 10:39 BCU – POOLE,Eddie 47 yd pass from WATERS,Brodrick, 11-91 5:36 21 – 31
06:59 BCU – SCOTT,Rodney 38 yd run, 2-39 0:53 21 – 38
03:53 ALST – McWilliams, T.C 39 yd pass from Duhart, Daniel (Wenzig, Bobby kick), 9-79 2:59 28 – 38

2012 Football Preview

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

The kickoff to the 2012 football season is less than a week away and with it comes high expectations for the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.  The Cats ended last season on a 6 game win streak and was as hot as any FCS team in the country.  Even still, BCU was overlooked and failed to receive an at-large invite to participate in the FCS playoffs.

This season Brian Jenkins’ squad looks to control its own destiny by winning the conference’s automatic playoff berth outright.   The journey begins on Sunday, September 2nd at noon when the Wildcats faceoff against Alabama State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando.  To help get you ready for the season, we previewed the BCU defense, offense, special teams and schedule.

DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK—The Wildcats lose six regular starters and a ton of experience on the defensive side of the ball.  Preseason All-MEAC selectees Harold Love III (defensive line), Jarkevis Fields (linebacker), and DJ Howard (secondary) will need to provide leadership and stability to the defensive unit while some of the newer starters round into form.  Last season the Cats ranked 3rd in the conference in Scoring Defense (20.2 points per game) and 2nd in Red Zone Defensive Efficiency (yielding 22 scores on 32 chances). 

Linebackers–Middle linebacker Jarkevis Fields led the team in tackles (76 total tackles) and returns for his junior campaign.  Fields will likely be flanked by true sophomore Tavarus Dantzler and redshirt senior Dawud Lane in the linebacker corp.  What the two new projected starters lack in experience, they make up for in speed and athleticism.  Nesly Marcellon and Markeil Floyd are also likely to see time in the regular LB rotation. 

Secondary–The defensive secondary is stocked with experienced players.  DJ Howard, Tim Burke, Dion Hanks and CJ Wilson have all played a ton of snaps in their college careers.  We expect Burke and Hanks to get the starting nods at cornerback and ultra-talented sophomore Nick Addison to join DJ Howard in the safety roles.  Call it a hunch, but we would not be surprised if true Freshmen Terry Harden found his way on the field as a backup to either Addison or Howard at safety.

Defensive Line–Tevin Toney and Anthony Woodard join Harold Love as highly productive returners along the defensive front from a year ago.  Rakeem Knight and Jerome Culp also saw their share of action last season and look to factor into the defensive line rotation again this year.  UCF transfers Brandon Bryant and LeBrandon Richardson are two of the newcomers that we expect to contribute to this unit right away.  Defensive line coach Earl Lane joined Brian Jenkins’ staff last season.  Under his watch, Ryan Davis progressed from a good football player to the best defensive player in the conference.  Wildcat fans are hoping that this trend continues and that another diamond along the defensive front is unearth in 2012.

Spotlight Performers 
Jarkevis Fields (Jr.,Middle Linebacker)
76 Total Tackles
6 Tackle for Loss
2012 Preseason All-MEAC 1st Team Selectee

DJ Howard (Jr.,Safety)
45 Total Tackles
3 Interceptions, 4 Pass Break-Ups
2012 Preseason All-MEAC 1st Team Selectee

Harold Love III (Sr.,Defensive Tackle)
37 Total Tackles
6 Tackles for Loss
2012 Preseason All-MEAC 2nd Team Selectee

Keep your eye on Newcomers:
Tavarus Dantzler (So., Linebacker)
Nick Addison (So., Defensive Back)
Brandon Bryant (Jr., Defensive End)

OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK-Seven regular starters return to an offensive unit that led the conference in Scoring Offense (33.6 points per game), Total Offense (435.3 yards per game) and Rushing Offense (259.3 yards per game) a year ago.  Jim Pry debuts as the third offensive coordinator for the Wildcats in as many years, but don’t expect big changes to the offense.  The Wildcats are expected to run the same brand of high-octane offense we have witnessed over the past two seasons. 

Offensive Line–If the old football adage “it all starts up front” holds true, the BCU offense should be in great shape in 2012.  The offensive line features 3 players that have won All-MEAC honors in their careers (Terrence Hackney, Marquell Rozier, and Alex Monroe).  Blake Pritchard and R.C. Mullins are also experienced players along the offensive front and will look to compete for starting roles and/or provide solid depth in the trenches.  Lavon McCoy is down to 380 pounds according to BCU’s online roster and will convert from defensive tackle to offensive guard this year.  Based on our projections, BCU’s starting offensive line averages 6’5”, 325 pounds this season.

Running Back–BCU’s potent rushing attack will be led by 5’10”, 195 pound junior running back Isidore Jackson.  Jackson had a breakout season a year ago averaging 103.7 All-Purpose yards per game (86.6 rushing and 17.1 receiving) earning All-MEAC 1st team honors in the process.  He racked up 206 yards rushing in an ESPN nationally televised contest against eventual conference champion Norfolk State last season.  Jackson has an opportunity to amass over 1,000 yards rushing this season but states that it is more important to him that the running backs gain over 2,000 yards rushing as a unit.  Old Miss transfer Rodney Scott is expected to play a significant role in the rushing attack this year as well.  Andronicus Lovette will have a chance to play significant minutes at fullback, while speedsters David Allen, Angelo Cabrera, and Tyree Smallwood will vie to find playing time in the talent crowded backfield.

Wide Receiver–Eddie Poole returns as the Cats top threat on the outside.  The senior from Glades Central High caught 41 balls last season and added 4 receiving touchdowns.  David Blackwell converts from quarterback to wide receiver this season and offers the Cats another dynamic playmaker at the receiver position.  KJ Stroud, Patrick Harris, and Preston Cleckley all have big play potential and will look to contribute in the passing game.  True Freshmen Ray Martin is an electric player who has a chance to contribute in the receiving and return game right away.

Quarter Back–Jackie Wilson emerged from spring drills atop the depth chart at quarterback. Wilson completed over 66% of his pass attempts last year and was undefeated as a starter against FCS competition. The 6’0”, 215 pound junior from Ft Lauderdale is expected to be pushed for the starting nod by Louisiana Tech transfer, Brock Waters and 2010 Florida Mr. Football, Quentin Williams.  Waters seems to be the best of the three with his legs, Williams with his arm, and Wilson the best dual threat. 

Spotlight Performers 
Isidore Jackson (Jr., Running Back)
103.7 All Purpose yards per game (86.6 rushing; 17.1 receiving)
2011 and 2012 1st Team All-MEAC Selectee

Terrence Hackney (Jr., Offensive Line)
6’6”, 310
All-MEAC Selectee in 2011 and 2012

Eddie Poole (Sr., Wide Receiver)
41 Receptions, 4 TDs
2nd Team All-MEAC Selectee

Keep your eye on Newcomers:
Brock Waters (Sr., Offensive Weapon)
Ray Martin (Fr., Wide Receiver/Return Specialist)
David Blackwell (Jr., Wide Receiver)

SPEACIAL TEAMS OUTLOOK—Sven Hurd and Kory Kowalski return as the placekicker and punter respectively.  Last year, Hurd set a BCU single-game scoring record for kickers when he recorded 7 PATS and 3 field goals (16 total points) against Fort Valley State.  For the season, Hurd went 46 for 47 on point after attempts but struggled with his field goal accuracy (7 for 13).  Newcomer Austin Stewart adds depth to the Wildcat kicking unit and provides Coach Jenkins with an alternative at placekicker.  The Wildcats will be looking to improve upon their pedestrian 7.3 yard punt return average and 20.9 yard kick return average from last season.  Angelo Cabrera, Preston Cleckley, Courtney Keith, and Patrick Harris shared the bulk of the return duties last season.  All four players return this year; however, they can expect to be pushed by newcomers Brock Waters and Ray Martin who could factor into the return game. 

The Schedule

Alabama State (MEAC/SWAC)—The Hornets are loaded with talent and have a ton of momentum in their program.  ASU debuts a brand new stadium this year and have been rumored to be considering a move to the FBS level.  Coach Reggie Barlow’s team features good balance on both sides of the ball and finished 2nd in the SWAC in both Scoring Offense (26.7 points per game) and Scoring Defense (17.5 points per game).  University of Georgia Transfer Isaiah Crowell (RB) and Greg Jenkins (quarterback transfer from Troy) will present challenges for the Wildcat defense.

South Carolina State (Away)— This early season matchup with the Bulldogs will likely have significant conference championship implications.  The Bulldogs are led on defense by safety Darious Drummond.  Offensively the Bulldogs return most of their starters from a year ago.  Standout receiver Lennel Elmore returns after sitting out last season (academics).  BCU defeated SCSU 14-0 in their last visit to Orangeburg but fell to the Bulldogs 18-26 at home in 2011.

Miami (Away)—Al Golden is in rebuilding mode in Coral Gables.  But let’s not kid ourselves; it is still “The U”.  BCU gave the Hurricanes all that they could handle for 3 quarters last year.  With a lucky bounce here or there and if one or two other things go our way this year who knows how this year’s contest will turn out.  I would not bet Aunt Bessie’s social security check on it but it’s the preseason and we’re allowed to dream a little aren’t we?

Tennessee State (Home)—Head Coach Rod Reed is quietly stock piling talent in Nashville.  Reed, a one-time BCU assistant, seems to be capitalizing on his Florida connections as the Blue Tigers have seemed to established a recruiting pipeline in the Sunshine State.  Tennessee State is one of the most storied HBCU football programs.  This rare meeting between TSU and BCU should bring a lot of excitement to Municipal Stadium on September 22nd.

Hampton (Away)—7-3-6, as in NCAA football Rule 7, Section 3, Article 6, subsections IX, XII, XIII.  A.R. 7-3-6 is the Rule that was cited and allowed replay officials to overturn Hampton receiver Isiah Thomas’ apparent game-winning touchdown catch as time expired against the Wildcats in Daytona last season. BCU survived with a 35-31 victory over Hampton.  Junior running back Antwon Chisholm leads a talent laden offensive unit while linebackers Lyndell Gibson and Delbert Tyler anchor the defensive units.  The Pirates will be looking for revenge while BCU will be looking to extend their four game winning over HU.

North Carolina A&T (Home)—Last year Brian Jenkins stated that North Carolina A&T lined up and whipped his team’s tail.  The statistics agree.  The Aggie defense held BCU to 5 yards rushing and 108 yards of total offense.  OUCH!  Offensively the Aggies boast the league’s leading rusher from last year in Mike Mayhew.  Two years ago Mayhew ran for over 200 yards against The Wildcats in a one-sided contest that went in BCU’s favor (remember the blackout game).

Norfolk State (Home)—The Spartans won their first ever MEAC title last season. NSU’s lone conference defeat was suffered at the hands of BCU.  Head Coach Pete Adrian and his Spartans will be looking for their first ever conference win over BCU in Daytona Beach when they visit on October 20th.  Jamal Giddens (LB) and Xavier Boyce (WR) lead the Spartans on the defensive and offensive sides of the ball.

North Carolina Central (Home)—The Wildcats defeated NCCU in a tightly contested contest two seasons ago.  Last year the game was more one-sided.  The Eagles visit Daytona this year for the first time since rejoining the MEAC.  NCCU may not have the same level of across the board talent as BCU, but you can be certain that a Henry Frazier led team will be well-prepared and well-coached.

Morgan State (Away)—The Bears have a great nucleus of offensive skill players.  Travis Davidson is one of the best 2 or 3 running backs in the conference; Seth Higgins is a play making quarterback; and Tyrone Hendrix is a productive wide receiver and return specialist.  MSU’s struggles last year occurred in the trenches.  If coach Donald Hill-Eley’s team can improve along the offensive and defensive lines, the Bears may be this year’s sleeper.

Savannah State (Away)—Steve Davenport’s team is still a few years away from competing consistently with the MEAC’s elite but there is seemingly a renewed interest in Savannah State football.  SSU is definitely a program on the rise.  We look for great things to come from SSU; but not this year.  The Tigers open the season against Oklahoma State and Florida State.  I’m not sure how much they will have left in them after those two contests in back to back weeks.  Good luck!  

FAMU (Florida Classic)—See you in November!

Football Opening Kickoff and Giveaways

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — B-CUAthletics.com will host its 2012 football opening kickoff event Sunday night with a presentation that should last as long as an actual opening kickoff.

Users accessing the official B-CU athletics site Sunday night at 8 p.m. will have an opportunity to win tickets and hotel accommodations for the Wildcats’ Sept .22 Hall Of Fame game against Tennessee State in Daytona Beach.

The first user to access the contest page and correctly answer a trivia question will win four tickets and an overnight stay at Homewood Suites. Three other users will win a set of two tickets.

Visit B-CUAthletics for complete coverage of the Wildcats’ 2012 Season Opener against Alabama State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Sunday, September 2.

BCU volleyball closing the gap

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So here’s the skinny; Bethune-Cookman has a record setting athlete who can jump out the gym.  At 5’6”, which is roughly 3 inches shorter than the diminutive three time NBA Dunk Champion Nate Robinson, this athlete can touch a basketball rim. 

That’s pretty impressive right?   Would you be more impressed if you knew that this athlete was a she?

Krysta Gardner-Outside Hitter

Meet Krysta Gardner.  Gardner is a 1st team All-MEAC volleyball performer who set a BCU single season record last season with 479 kills.   The senior outside hitter from Ashburn, Virginia needs just 170 kills this season to top the 1,000 kill mark in her career; she needs 230 kills to become BCU’s all-time kills leader. 

But Gardner is not the only standout performer on BCU’s volleyball squad.  Janeen Davis, who is also a senior and outside hitter, registered 450 kills last season and would currently hold the single season record if not for her teammate.  Davis needs 325 kills this year to reach the 1,000 kills mark for her career.

Janeen Davis-Outside Hitter

Gardner and Davis are the cornerstones of Coach Isaac Raphael’s rapidly improving volleyball program.  They were the only teammates named to the MEAC’s All-Tournament squad last season.  Despite their relative lack of height by volleyball standards, Gardner (5’6 ½) and Davis (5’8”) are unquestionably two of the better outside hitters in the conference. 

“We definitely have a disadvantage because of our height but we make up for it with our verticals (leap)” Janeen Davis said. 

Krysta Gardner went on to state: “I don’t really think about my height much because I jump relatively high.   But like they always say, it’s not how tall you are, it’s how big you play”.

…and play big they do.

Coach Raphael was quick to heap praise on the tandem.  “Our strongest area (as a team) is that we have 2 of the best outside hitters in the conference in Jeanne and Krysta.  One was first team All-MEAC last season (Gardner), one was second team All-MEAC (Davis)”.   “Krysta is one of the best outside hitters in the country at her size.  She was 9th in the nation in aces and had nearly 500 kills last season.”

Coach Raphael went on to state: “not only are they great players, they are great individuals.  They are very humble young ladies.   I think they accept their roles as leaders (on this team) humbly and they are ready for the challenge of another great season”.

Ready to Compete

Gardner, Davis and junior defensive specialist, Jennifer Jimenez make up the core group around which Coach Raphael could recruit and address the issues that separated his squad from the top teams in the conference last season.  “We made a concerted effort to add more height.  We have several players over 6 feet tall this year and we’re much further along fundamentally than we were at this point last season”.

“Jennifer Jimenez (who set a school record with 395 digs last season) helps us.  Without her passing, we wouldn’t be where we are”.

“We needed better defense and better ability to block at the net which I think we have this year.  The other thing we need to compete (with the top teams in this conference) is confidence.  We’re starting to believe that we are a good program”.

“We have athletes.  They may need some more training, but they’re workhorses.  With some tweaking here and there, we’ll be right there with the top teams in this conference”.

Coach Raphael expects freshmen Delicia Pierre, Phylecia Armstrong, and Monica Lowe to step in and contribute right away.  Gardner and Davis also welcome the new additions.  “Last year, Jeanne and I hit most of the balls.  With this new team we have a lot more options (offensively) so I’m looking forward to that” Krysta Gardner stated.

Janeen Davis replied: “we have the players, we have the heart; I think we’re going to surprise some people this year.  I expect to win the MEAC”. 

Wildcat fans can catch their first glimpse at the 2012 edition of the BCU volleyball team when they host their annual Maroon and Gold game this Sunday, August 19th at 1:00 in Moore Gymnasium.

Brian Jenkins developing winners on and off the field

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Brian Jenkins

In the two short years that Brian Jenkins has been at the helm of the Bethune-Cookman football team, he has proven two things beyond question:

1. He is an excellent football coach.
2. He is an extremely passionate individual.

The third year head coach’s passion was on clear display at Sunday’s Media Day Event when discussing two specific topics: (a) his commitment to develop his players into responsible, productive men; and (b) how much he hates losing. 

The Wildcats are 18-5 under coach Jenkins’ leadership and they enter the season ranked as high as 14th nationally in one pre-season publication.  However, Coach Jenkins repeatedly and emphatically stated that “our program is about more than winning football games”.

“I love my guys and I will shout it from the mountain top”.  “We have a program that’s dedicated to building men.  It makes you feel good to know that your program is looked upon nationally for not just your football accomplishments, but for building young people also”.

The Wildcat football program received the FCS ADA Academic Progress Rate (APR) Award for being the Most Improved Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) school after improving to an APR score of 935 during the 2010-11 school year.

Several members of the squad have even already graduated and are enrolled in graduate school.   

Coach Jenkins’ fatherly influence extends far beyond the playing field and classrooms of his players; it also reaches into their family lives.

“I’ve got a lot of young father’s on this team.  We often counsel with them and tell them that there is no reason that you should not be there for your child.  You don’t let a team meeting or anything else affect that.  You got a lot of fathers that bring their kids to study hall and team meetings.  We have some ladies that work in our front office who offer babysitting to our guys so they can study and stay on topic”.

True freshmen Ray Martin of Sanford Seminole High School chose BCU over several BCS schools including Ole Miss and West Virginia.  Martin cited the pro-family environment established by Coach Jenkins as one of the primary appeals in his decision to sign with BCU.

“We try to provide a strong family for our team” Coach Jenkins stated.  “Our wives are heavily involved and they try to teach some of our players parenting skills”. 

At least two of BCU’s football players are single fathers who have sole custody of their children.

Coach Jenkins said “I am very proud of my guys for taking on their responsibility of being a (single) father in spite of playing a college sport and for maintaining a high level of both. So in my book I’m a grandfather and I couldn’t be more proud of them”.

“I love this team and my players so much.  They are not all angels.  They make mistakes but they don’t make excuses.  They give me all that I ask of them in every aspect”.

Coach Jenkins’ affinity for his players extends to his former players as well.  When asked about the team’s newest graduate assistant, (former BCU QB) Matt Johnson, Coach Jenkins liken him to “a friend that you bring home and feed once but then you can’t get rid of them”.  He went on to praise Matt Johnson’s accomplishments on and off the field namely being named as BCU’s first Jake Gaither award winner in 2010 for his on the field production as well as being recognized by the University as “Business Student of the Year” for his work in the classroom that same year.  He went on to state that Matt Johnson has “walked in the direction that they are trying to get the (current) players to walk in.  He is living what he has learned (as a BCU football player) and he’s done a tremendous job in life and with our quarterbacks”.

—“I hate to lose and hate is a strong word”— Brian Jenkins

The fatherly passion and care that was evident when speaking about his players quickly gave way to the intense and poignant side of BCU’s head ball coach when asked what would define a successful season for his squad.  “Win a national championship!!! Anything less is unacceptable”.

“Everybody is jumping around saying 8-3–you did good last year.  To hell with that.  Those 3 (losses) bother me a lot more than those 8 (wins).  The numbers look good but a national championship would feel a whole lot better.  I didn’t just take this job as a stepping stone or to build stats. We want to win a national championship and that’s what we work towards every day in every way! I let them (the players) know from day one.  We want to win a national championship.  It’s a dirty, grueling, ugly, hard process and you have to be willing to go through it.  I tell my guys that if you’re not willing (to go through the process of becoming a national champion) then leave, go somewhere else.  This might not be the place for you.  There are no bones, no mistakes, no false statements about it; our goal is to win the national championship”.

When asked if the Wildcats needed to upgrade their schedule to assist in reaching the goal of winning a national championship since the MEAC has gone so long without winning a playoff game the coach responded: “we do need to do a better job of winning in the playoffs but when you upgrade your schedule and then you have the record that you’re supposed to have, then they find a way to overlook you, is that the MEAC’s fault?  Let’s call it what it is.  People want to talk around it.  There are some teams that have been placed in the playoffs whose schedule is not ‘King Kong’. Of course you want to schedule (FCS) playoff teams (during the regular season), but do they want to do that.  (Sometimes we) make a phone call and they say that they will get back to you, but they never call you back.  What do you do in those situations?  I tell my guys to win them all and you won’t have to worry about it”.

The Wildcats will get their chance to win the first one of the 2012 season when they face off against Alabama State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando on Sunday, September 2nd at 12:00.

Rumor Mill–Tyrann Mathieu to Bethune-Cookman???

/ J Bell / 2 Comments

What if Bethune-Cookman landed the biggest HBCU/FCS recruit since Steve “Air” McNair walked off of the campus of Alcorn State?  That would be quite a story and a bit surreal wouldn’t you agree?

Now before you close your web browsers and dismiss this as just more internet hype (and it could very well be just that), consider that at least two Louisiana Television outlets believe that Bethune-Cookman could be the landing spot for 2011 Heisman Finalist and National Defensive Player of the Year, Tyrann Mathieu, affectionately known as ‘The Honey Badger’.  Mathieu was dismissed from the LSU football team earlier this week by Coach Les Miles for violating team policies.

Television affiliates WLOX and WAFB (both of Louisiana) are reporting that Mathieu is likely to transfer to an FCS school so he can play this season.  Among the schools listed as likely landing spots is Bethune-Cookman where former LSU assistant coaches Earl Lane and DJ McCarthy are currently on staff.

In addition to the natural connections with Lane and McCarthy, BCU also offers Mathieu an opportunity to play for an FCS school with a recent history of producing Pro Bowl caliber defensive backs (i.e. Nick Collins formerly of the Green Bay Packers and Rashen Mathis of the Jacksonville Jaguars). 

McNeese State, Nicholls State, Southeastern Louisiana, and Grambling State have also been mentioned as potential landing spots for the junior defensive back.

I am not certain if The Honey Badger himself knows for sure where he’ll be playing football this season at this moment, but I do know that Wildcat fans will be glued to this story until he makes his intentions known.

Stay tuned!!!

5 Questions heading into Bethune-Cookman football camp

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

BCU’s 2012 football season officially kicked off on Thursday morning with the opening of Fall camp at the New Smyrna Sports Complex.  The new season brings with it a ton of excitement, high expectations, and the challenges of the unknown.

Here are 5 of our most pressing questions heading into camp.

1. Who will be the Wildcat’s primary signal caller this year?

Coming out of Spring practice, Jackie Wilson was tops on the Wildcats’ depth chart at quarterback.  Wilson completed over 66% of his pass attempts last year and was undefeated as a starter against FCS competition. The 6’0”, 215 pound Junior from Ft Lauderdale is expected to be pushed for the starting nod by Louisiana Tech transfer, Brock Waters (Sr.) and redshirt Freshman and 2010 Florida Mr. Football, Quentin Williams. 

Waters seems to be the best of the three with his legs, Williams with his arm, and Wilson the best dual threat.

2. Which newcomer will have the greatest impact on the squad?

Many HBCU pundits rated Bethune-Cookman’s 2012 signing class as the best in all of black college football.  Several of the 2012 signees will have a chance to step in and contribute right away.  Here are a few of the new faces that we’ll be watching closely. 

–Brandon Bryant, UCF transfer, has tremendous ability and could step in and fill one of the vacated defensive end slots right away.

–Brock Waters, La Tech transfer, is a versatile athlete who can play any of the three offensive skill positions (QB, RB, and WR).  

–Ray Martin is an explosive WR/return specialist from Sanford Seminole high school.  Martin was a bona fide playmaker at the high school level and a threat to “break one” at any time.

3. Will the Wildcats be able to compensate for the loss of six defensive starters from a year ago?

This year’s defensive unit may be more athletic, faster, and deeper than last year’s defensive group. The problem is this year’s defensive unit is far less experienced.

Gone are six starters from a year ago, three of whom are currently on NFL rosters (Ryan Davis-Jaguars, Jean Fanor-Chiefs, and Ryan Lewis-Dolphins). 

Defensive lineman Harold Love III, linebacker Jarkevis Fields, and safety DJ Howard are all 2012 Preseason All-MEAC selectees.  Love, Fields and Howard are proven playmakers at all three levels of the defense (line, linebackers, and secondary).  The trio will need to provide leadership and stability to those around them and help facilitate the growth of players like Brandon Bryant, Tavarus Dantzler, and Nick Addison. 

4. Will the Cats win their first ever FCS playoff game?

Bethune-Cookman is 0’fer in FCS playoff games and the MEAC is 0 for its last 12 in the FCS playoffs.  This year seems as good as any to finally break those dubious streaks.  But before the Wildcats can hope to win a playoff game, they must first navigate an arduous schedule and win the conference’s automatic qualifier.

The Cats first four conference matchups are against powerhouse South Carolina State (09/08), Hampton (09/29), North Carolina A&T (10/06), and Norfolk State (10/20).  BCU fell to SCSU and NCA&T last season, they narrowly escaped Hampton thanks to a replay decision after regulation time expired, and NSU is the defending conference champion.  YIKES!

5. Will the institution and the City of Daytona Beach resolve the issue surrounding the $3 surcharge added to game tickets before the season begins?

The City of Daytona, in hopes to offset the cost of installing the synthetic playing surface at Municipal Stadium, has once again proposed that a $3 surcharge be added to each BCU game ticket.   The school has offered a counter-proposal which the City is said to be reviewing. 

Neither side can afford to have this issue linger very long.  An unused stadium (and consequently unsold hotel rooms and fewer dollars spent at local restaurants, retail outfits, and gas stations) serves no benefit to the City of Daytona Beach. And changing venues this close to the start of the season would be a logistical nightmare for BCU. 

Let’s hope that an amicable solution can be reached in the coming days.