Ryan Davis

Ryan Davis passed up on NFL Draft weekend

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

Every young man who has ever put on a pair of shoulder pads and buckled up a chin strap has dreamed of having his name called on NFL Draft weekend. Unfortunately for Ryan Davis, that did not happen.

The 2011 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year was looking to become the first Wildcat player drafted since the Green Bay Packers selected Nick Collins in the second round in 2005. Davis recorded 65 tackles, 12 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 8 forced fumbles last season.  Davis has the size (6’3”, 260 pounds), speed (4.79 40-yard dash), and fluidity to play either defensive end or linebacker in the NFL.  His versatility and production at the collegiate level will surely make him a sought after undrafted free agent.

Recent NFL undrafted free agents include players such as Arian Foster, Tony Romo, and Victor Cruz.  Anthony Bass, Eric Weems, and Damien Cook are three of the more recent undrafted football players from BCU to make NFL rosters.

South Carolina State’s Christian Thompson was the only MEAC player taken in this year’s draft.  Thompson was selected in the 4th round (pick number 130) by the Baltimore Ravens.

Football News-December/January updates

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Ryan Davis has been recognized as the 2011 FCS National Defensive Performer of the Year by the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) association.  This is the most notable award on a national scale for a Bethune-Cookman football player since Rashean Mathis received the 2002 Buck Buchanan Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award.

In addition to the CFPA National Defensive Player of the Year, Davis has earned spots on six separate All-American teams and was named as the 2011 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Click the following link to read more:

http://collegefootballperformance.com/overall-awards/fcs-performers/.

 

2011 CFPA FCS Defensive Performer of the Year - Ryan Davis

BCU kick returner and running back, Angelo Cabrera took first place in the indoor 60 meters at the Orange and Purple Winter Classic hosted by Clemson University in December.  Cabrera won the event with a time of 6.77 seconds.

http://www.b-cuathletics.com/sports/c-track/recaps/120311aaa.html

 

Former BCU Quarterbacks Coach, Joe Dailey, has rejoined his mentor Turner Gill at Liberty University. 

This will be the third time Dailey has worked under Turner Gill, after serving as on-campus recruiting coordinator at Kansas in 2010. Dailey also served two years under Gill at Buffalo, one as tight ends coach and the second as offensive graduate assistant.

http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm?PID=10867&CoachID=567&TeamID=9

 

 

BCU’s Ryan Davis earns MEAC Defensive Player of the Year Honors

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2011 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year-Ryan Davis

Associated Press– Bethune-Cookman’s Ryan Davis earned the Defensive Player of the Year honor as voted on by the MEAC head football coaches and sports information directors. 

Ryan Davis led the MEAC in sacks (12.0) and tackles for loss (21.5) and ranked in the top 10 nationally in both categories.  He ranked third on the team in tackles with 65 this season including 40 solo and 25 assisted.  He also recorded 17 quarterback hurries, eight forced fumbles, three pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.  He was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week once this season and was named the FCS Defensive Player of the Week once by the Sports Network. 

Sophomore running back Isidore Jackson joins Davis as a first team All-MEAC selectee.  Jackson finished the year as the conference’s second leading rusher gaining 866 yards on 146 carries with 7 rushing touchdowns.

The MEAC’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, linebacker  Ryan Lewis, was an second team selectee as were fellow linebacker Reggie Sandilands, safety Jean Fanor, offensive lineman Natiel Curry, and offensive lineman Terrance Hackney.

Norfolk State quarterback Chris Walley and North Carolina A&T State running back Mike Mayhew were selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s (MEAC) Co-Offensive Players of the Year.

Greg McGhee of Howard earned the Rookie of the Year award and Norfolk State’s Blake Matthews was selected as the Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Seven-year head coach Pete Adrian of Norfolk State was named the Coach of the Year.  Adrian led the Spartans to its first-ever MEAC football title following a 9-2 overall finish and 7-1 mark in conference play.  The Spartans earned the conference title following a 47-14 victory over Morgan State on Saturday, Nov. 12.  The No. 19th ranked Spartans rose to its highest-ever ranking in the Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 poll and earned the MEAC’s automatic berth with the title. 

Senior Mike Mayhew capped off a tremendous four-year collegiate career with yet another conference top honor after receiving Rookie of the Year honors just three years ago. In 11 games Mayhew led the MEAC in rushing with 231 carries for 1,120 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 93 yards. Mayhew was named to the All-MEAC Preseason First Team and was MEAC Offensive Player of the Week once this season. He ranks 23rd in the nation in rushing and averaged 101.8 yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry.

Chris Walley led the MEAC in most of the passing categories this season including total yards (2,309), average per game (209.9), efficiency (148.5) and completions (211).   He also led the conference in total offense averaging 235 yards in 11 games.  The 6-2, senior from Tallahassee, Florida ranks 18th in the nation in pass efficiency and 33rd in total offense.  Walley completed 69.2-percent of his passes (211-305) with 17 passing touchdowns and ranked third on the team in rushing with 89 attempts and 276 total yards with five TDs on the ground. He was selected as the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week three times this season.

Greg McGhee led the Bison and was third in the MEAC in total offense averaging 197.5 yards per game.  The rookie connected on 56-percent of his passes (182-321-5) with 1,784 total yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 starts.  He was second on the team in rushing with 388 yards on 116 carries with four rushing touchdowns.  The Pittsburgh, Pa. native was selected as the MEAC Rookie of the Week five times this season.

Blake Matthews aided a powerful Spartan offense that accounted for 4,319 total yards including 1,843 yards on the ground. Behind Matthew’s blocking Norfolk State finished second in the MEAC in total offense and passing offense. He provided protection for four different players to rush for over 200+ yards. He also allowed senior quarterback Chris Walley to throw for 2,309 yards and 17 touchdowns. Matthews was named MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week once this season and anchored a line that only gave up 13 sacks on the year.

2011 All-MEAC FOOTBALL HONORS

Player of the Year: Chris Walley, Norfolk State and Mike Mayhew, North Carolina A&T

Defensive Player of the Year: Ryan Davis, Bethune-Cookman                                            

Offensive Lineman of the Year: Blake Matthews, Norfolk State

Rookie of the Year: Greg McGhee, Howard                                                                                                   

Coach of the Year: Pete Adrian, Norfolk State

2011 All-MEAC FIRST TEAM

Offense

POS Name CL School Hometown
QB Chris Walley r-Sr. Norfolk State Tallahassee, Fla.
RB Isidore Jackson r-So. Bethune-Cookman Mossy Head, Fla.
RB Mike Mayhew Sr. North Carolina A&T Charlotte, N.C.
TE Lamont Bryant Sr. Morgan State Newport News, Va.
WR Willie Carter Sr. Howard Denmark, S.C.
WR Xavier Boyce r-Jr. Norfolk State Virginia Beach, Va.
OL Kendall Noble r-Sr. Norfolk State Rocky Mount, N.C.
OL Steven Robinson r-Sr. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
OL Corey Gwinner r-Sr. Howard Ypsilanti, Mich.
OL Blake Matthews r-Sr. Norfolk State Manassas, Va.
C Shelly Anthony r-So. Florida A&M Atlanta, Ga.
Defense        
DL Ryan Davis Sr. Bethune-Cookman Tampa, Fla.
DL Sackie Kerkulah r-Sr. Howard Willingboro, NJ
DL Josh Turner r-Sr. Norfolk State Chesterfield, Va.
DL Pat Washington r-Sr. South Carolina State Hollywood, S.C.
LB Keith Pough r-Jr. Howard Orangeburg, S.C.
LB Corwin Hammond r-Sr. Norfolk State Louisville, Ky.
LB Donovan Richard r-Sr. South Carolina State Georgetown, S.C.
DB John Ojo Jr. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
DB Micah Pellerin Sr. Hampton New Orleans, La.
DB Justin Ferrell Sr. North Carolina A&T Danville, Va.
DB Dominique Ellis r-Sr. South Carolina State Union City, Ga.
P Branden Holdren Jr. Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
P/K Ryan Estep r-Sr. Norfolk State Chesapeake, Va.
Ret Edmond Baker r-Jr. Florida A&M Miami, Fla

2011 All-MEAC SECOND TEAM

Offense

POS Name CL School Hometown
QB Greg McGhee Fr. Howard Pittsburgh, Pa.
RB Asheton Jordan Jr. South Carolina State Summerville, S.C.
RB Travis Davidson Jr. Morgan State Redford, Mich.
TE Joe Hawkins Jr. Norfolk State Chicago, Ill.
WR Wallace Miles r-Sr. North Carolina A&T Atlanta, Ga.
WR Kevin Elliott r-Sr. Florida A&M Orlando, Fla.
OL Alex Harper r-Sr. North Carolina A&T Baltimore, Md.
OL Terrance Hackney So. Bethune-Cookman Chapel Hill, N.C.
OL Lawrence Brewer Sr. Morgan State Fort Washington, Md.
OL Branden Curry r-Sr. Florida A&M Hollywood, Fla.
C Natiel Curry r-Sr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
         
Defense        
DL Joey Christine Sr. Norfolk State Stephens City, Va.
DL Corey Berry r-Sr. Howard Orangeburg, S.C.
DL Ian Davidson Sr. Hampton Washington, DC
DL Zackary Stewart Sr. Morgan State Upper Marlboro, Md.
LB Reginald Sandilands Sr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
LB Delbert Tyler So. Hampton Monroeville, Pa.
LB Ryan Lewis Sr. Bethune-Cookman Pompano Beach, Fla.
DB Jean Fanor r-Sr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
DB DeVonte Reynolds r-Sr. Norfolk State Warsaw, Va.
DB Christian Thompson Sr. South Carolina State N. Lauderdale, Fla.
DB Lanny Kelly Sr. Howard Richmond, Calif.
P Jordan Stovall Jr. Hampton Elgin, S.C.
P/K Trevor Scott r-Sr. Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
Ret Geovonie Irvine r-Jr. North Carolina Central Durham, N.C.

Jekyll-and-Hyde Eagles are a mystery, even to their coach, Henry Frazier

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

Associated Press

NCCU QB Michael Johnson

DURHAM — Sounding ominous just days before Halloween, N.C. Central coach

Henry Frazier III said he’s never sure whether the Eagles he sees all week at practice will be the same ones who will show up on game day.

“We’ve been Jekyll-and-Hyde all season. I really don’t know which team is going to show up,” Frazier said.

It’s as if the Eagles looked at the schedule and circled the contests they believed required their “A” games, Frazier said.

If that’s the case, it would seem Saturday’s game against Bethune-Cookman (2 p.m., nccueaglepride.com) is highlighted, because it’s homecoming, and there’s something about putting on a good show for the alums.

The Eagles better come ready to play, because Bethune-Cookman is no joke, Frazier said. The Wildcats can run it, pass it and sure enough will hit, he said.

“That 49 on defense is something else. He’s a grown man out there,” Frazier said about Bethune-Cookman defensive end Ryan Davis. “Their defense is a bunch of grown men running around.”

Last week against Norfolk State, Davis had 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles, forced a fumble and recovered another and was credited with a quarterback hurry, all of which made him not only the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week but also brought in Bethune-Cookman’s first National Football Championship Subdivsion Defensive Player of the Week award from The Sports Network/Fathead.com, given weekly to the top defender in the nation.

It’s not just Bethune-Cookman’s defense that furrows Frazier’s brow.

“Everything is of concern,” Frazier said.

NCCU’s defensive backs will have to make sure Wildcat wide receiver Eddie Poole is accounted for, and Bethune-Cookman doesn’t have just one or two running backs but a stable of them who all see time in the backfield and know what to do when they get their hands on the ball, Frazier said.

“They break tackles,” Frazier said. “We’re talking gang tackling.”

Bethune-Cookman running back Isidore Jackson last week was the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week after averaging 6.5 yards per carry and finishing with 206 yards.

“All of our running backs are capable of doing what Ike did,” Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins said.

The Wildcats (4-3) have at least five solid running backs, but if one of them particularly is doing his thing out there on the field, then that guy might get most of the carries, Jenkins said.

NCCU (1-6) has yet to win a game in the conference since returning this season as a full MEAC member.

“North Carolina Central is probably the best one-win team that I’ve seen, and I don’t mean that with any disrespect,” Jenkins said. “They’re no slouch, now.”

Jenkins said NCCU probably should have beaten South Carolina. State, a team that for years has set the standard in the MEAC.

“They had South Carolina State on the ropes,” Jenkins said.

He was referring to S.C. State’s 49-38 over the Eagles earlier this season. NCCU has lost five straight, including last week’s 30-27 overtime defeat at Hampton.

“We’re not looking at them lightly or overlooking them,” Jenkins said of the Eagles. “They’re very disciplined and sound.”

Frazier wouldn’t agree about that discipline part. The Eagles committed 133 yards of penalties in each of their last two games. Those flags have been real thorns, Frazier said.

Still, eliminate NCCU’s record and what the Eagles are is a good football team, Jenkins insisted.

“Offensively, their quarterback gets rid of the football pretty fast, and they throw the ball up and down the field on people,” Jenkins said.

NCCU’s offense is efficient and can score, the Eagles play swarming defense and overall that team just plain plays hard, Jenkins said.

Thing is, there’s no telling which NCCU ball club will show up for the game, according to Frazier.

http://heraldsun.com/pages/sports_nccu

Wildcats keep MEAC hopes alive in 14-6 defeat of #24 Norfolk State

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

Eddie Poole extends his consecutive games reception streak to 19 against Norfolk State--Photo Courtesy of The Virginian Pilot

The 24th ranked and conference unbeaten Norfolk State Spartans entered Thursday night’s nationally televised contest  boasting the conference’s top offense, number 1 scoring defense, and the conference’s best offensive player through the midpoint of the season in QB Chris Walley. But it was the Wildcats who dominated both sides of the ball and exited Dick Price Stadium with a convincing 14-6 victory.

For the second consecutive week, Junior running back Isidore Jackson set a single game career high with 206 yards rushing on 34 carries.  Jackson’s determined running along with a dominant performance by the Bethune Cookman offensive line helped the Wildcats outgained  Norfolk State on the ground 245 yards to 97.

Jackie Wilson got the start at quarterback for the Wildcats.  Wilson passed for a modest 88 yards on 8 of 16 attempts including a 7 yard touchdown completion to KJ Stroud with 11:56 remaining in the 3rd quarter.  It was the Rutger’s transfer first td reception in a BCU uniform.  Wilson played the entire game with his throwing hand heavily wrapped.  The nature and severity of Wilson’s injury is unknown but is a reason for concern.  Last week’s starter, David Blackwell, dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand in the contest against Fort Valley State and it is believed that Jamarr Robinson has an undisclosed leg injury which has limited his play and/or availability.

Brian Jenkins and the coaching staff deserve a ton of praise for developing a winning gameplan that protected the Wildcat quarterback given the current injury situation at the position.

The Wildcat’s two touchdowns on the evening came on their opening possession of the game and the opening possession of the second half.  It was all of the scoring the Cats needed on the evening as the Wildcat defense prevented the Spartans from getting into the endzone only yielding two long field goals in the contest.

The Wildcat defensive front-7 dominated the Spartans offense all night.  Defensive End Ryan Davis was quite simply the best player on the field and registered as good of a defensive performance as you will ever witness.  Davis accounted for 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery on the evening.  Davis and the Wildcats limited NSU to less than 250 yards of total offense and produced 3 turnovers.  The last of which was a game sealing Dion Hanks interception in the endzone with :50 seconds remaining in the contest.

With the victory on Thursday night, the Wildcats keep their slim hopes alive of winning a share of the 2011 MEAC crown.  BCU will take the field again next Saturday in Durham, NC against upstart North Carolina Central. 

 

Scoring Summary

FIRST QUARTER

COOK

NORF
  TD 04:08 Anthony Jordan 2 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)

7

0
SECOND QUARTER

COOK

NORF
  FG 02:18 Everett Goldberg 50 Yd

7

3
THIRD QUARTER

COOK

NORF
  TD 11:56 Keith Stroud 7 Yd Pass From Jackie Wilson (Sven Hurd Kick)

14

3
  FG 07:27 Everett Goldberg 47 Yd

14

6

Team Stat Comparison

  Bethune-Cook. Norfolk St
1st Downs

19

16
3rd down efficiency

6-15

5-15
4th down efficiency

0-0

0-0
Total Yards

333

249
Passing

88

152
Comp-Att

8-16

17-28
Yards per pass

5.5

5.4
Rushing

245

97
Rushing Attempts

54

36
Yards per rush

4.5

2.7
Penalties

8-59

6-31
Turnovers

2

3
Fumbles lost

0

2
Interceptions thrown

2

1
Possession

31:40

28:20
Bethune-Cookman Passing
 

C/ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

INT
J. Wilson

8/16

88

5.5

1

2
Team

8/16

88

5.5

1

2
                 

 

Norfolk State Passing
 

C/ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

INT
C. Walley

14/24

88

3.7

0

1
N. Flores

3/4

64

16.0

0

0
Team

17/28

152

5.4

0

1
Bethune-Cookman Rushing
 

CAR

YDS

AVG

TD

LG
I. Jackson

34

206

6.1

0

49
R. Scott

8

34

4.3

0

15
J. Wilson

7

14

2.0

0

15
A. Jordan

2

1

0.5

1

2
-. Team

3

-10

-3.3

0

0
Team

54

245

4.5

1

49
                     

 

Norfolk State Rushing
 

CAR

YDS

AVG

TD

LG
T. Hedgeman

16

54

3.4

0

13
K. Lewis

4

44

11.0

0

17
N. Flores

7

16

2.3

0

4
R. Maynes

1

-1

-1.0

0

0
C. Walley

8

-16

-2.0

0

3
Team

36

97

2.7

0

17
Bethune-Cookman Receiving
 

REC

YDS

AVG

TD

LG
M. Francois

3

56

18.7

0

29
E. Poole

2

20

10.0

0

14
K. Stroud

1

7

7.0

1

7
P. Harris

1

7

7.0

0

7
R. Scott

1

-2

-2.0

0

0
Team

8

88

11.0

1

29
                     

 

Norfolk State Receiving
 

REC

YDS

AVG

TD

LG
X. Boyce

6

76

12.7

0

45
R. Garrett

4

36

9.0

0

14
V. Hairston

4

35

8.8

0

14
K. Johnson

1

3

3.0

0

3
K. Lewis

2

2

1.0

0

2
Team

17

152

8.9

0

45
Bethune-Cookman Interceptions
 

INT

YDS

TD
D. Hanks

1

12

0
Team

1

12

0
                 

 

Norfolk State Interceptions
 

INT

YDS

TD
R. Volcin

1

0

0
D. Reynolds

1

0

0
Team

2

0

0
Bethune-Cookman Kick Returns
 

NO

YDS

AVG

LG
C. Keith

2

39

19.5

26
J. Moss

1

4

4.0

4
Team

3

43

14.3

26
               

 

Norfolk State Kick Returns
 

NO

YDS

AVG

LG
V. Hairston

2

41

20.5

23
M. Cooperwood

1

19

19.0

19
Team

3

60

20.0

23
Bethune-Cookman Punt Returns
 

NO

YDS

AVG

LG
P. Cleckley

1

14

14.0

14
C. Wilson

1

0

0.0

0
Team

2

14

7.0

14

 

Norfolk State Punt Returns
 

NO

YDS

AVG

LG
M. Cooperwood

2

14

7.0

7
V. Hairston

1

6

6.0

6
Team

3

20

6.7

7
Bethune-Cookman Kicking
 

FG

PCT

LONG

XP

PTS
S. Hurd

0/1

0.0

—

2/2

2
Team

0/1

0.0

—

2/2

2
                   

 

Norfolk State Kicking
 

FG

PCT

LONG

XP

PTS
E. Goldberg

2/2

100.0

50

0/0

6
Team

2/2

100.0

50

0/0

6
Bethune-Cookman Punting
 

TOT

YDS

AVG

TB

-20

LG
K. Kowalski

7

256

36.6

0

3

58
Team

7

256

36.6

0

3

58
                       

 

Norfolk State Punting
 

TOT

YDS

AVG

TB

-20

LG
T. Muenzer

7

260

37.1

0

2

51
Team

7

260

37.1

0

2

51

 

Defensive backs and linebackers preview

/ J Bell / 1 Comment

The strength of this year’s Wildcat squad is the defensive “back seven”.  The Cats return 4 linebackers and 3 defensive backs who started at least 2 games last season.  The top 6 tacklers are all back, 5 of whom are either defensive backs or linebackers.  

Secondary

Terry Williams, who was a great Wildcat DB in his playing days (2ndround draft pick of the NY Jets 1988), has built quite a resume for himself as BCU’s defensive backs coach.  During his tenure at Bethune, Williams has coached Buchanan Award winner and NFL Pro Bowler Rashean Mathis, All-Pro Safety Nick Collins, AP first team All-American and Buchanan Award finalist Bobby Williams, and All-MEAC first team performer Travis Roland.   Thankfully for the Cats the accolades for the secondary extend beyond individual awards.  The Wildcat secondary has held opponents to an under 50% completion rate in 5 of the past 7 seasons and they produce their fair share of turnovers year in and year out.  Last year, ball hawks Arkee Smith and Michael Williams recorded 11 interceptions from the safety position alone.  Smith

BCU's Michael Williams intercepts a pass

has since graduated but the Cats will look to M. Williams for leadership and production in the defensive backfield.   Although he did not start a single game in 2010, M. Williams finished the year with 6 INTs, was fourth on the team in total tackles, and was voted as a first team All-HBCU performer by BoxToRow/BASN. 

Returning starters Aaron Bagsby (FS) and Daniel Rhodes (CB) join M. Williams in the defensive backfield.  Bagsby and Rhodes ended 2010 5th and 6th respectively in total tackles.  DJ Howard started two games in 2010 before suffering a season ending injury.  Howard is a versatile athlete who can play both safety and corner.  3 Star recruit Dion Hanks participated in eight contests as a true freshman and will likely see increased playing time this year.  Jean Fanor, Cincinnati transfer Quincy Quetant, North Carolina Prep signee Marquis Drayton, and incoming true freshman Nick Addison are all likely contributors in this year’s secondary.

The one area of criticism for this group last year is that they did not make enough plays near the line of scrimmage.  The secondary and particularly the safeties will need to do a better job of recognizing and providing support against the outside zone and zone read plays that plagued the Wildcat defense a season ago.     Grade- B

Linebackers

Ryan Lewis (81 tackles, 4 ints, and 5 sacks) and Reggie Sandilands (81 tackles, 1 int, and 3.5 sacks) team up to lead what is arguably the best linebacking corp in all of HBCU football.  Lewis has been named as the preseason MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and a 2nd team All-American by the Sports Network.  Sandilands has received his share of preseason recognition as well being named on the first team All-MEAC defensive squad as well as on several watch list.  Lewis and Sandilands share a rather symbiotic relationship.  Both players are entering their third year as starters for the Wildcats and their height (6-1), weight (220), and playing styles are nearly identical.  Both players even have flowing dreadlocks hanging from their helmets as they chase down opposing running backs.  The superlative duo will be joined by returning starter Rock Angrand and capable backup Jarkevis Fields.  The linebackers possess great closing speed, they do a very nice job of shedding blockers, and they’re very instinctive.  Rutgers transfer Al-Ghaffar Lane will add more speed, athleticism, and depth to this already talented bunch.  There really are no glaring weaknesses amongst this group.   Our grade- A.