Wildcats

$40 Roundtrip on HAILWILDCATS.COM Fan Bus to Savannah State October 18th, 2014

/ D Will / Leave a comment

Greetings BCU Fans!

You are cordially invited to hop onboard the HailWildcats.com ‘Road to the Championship’ Fan Bus as we support our team in their quest to have another successful season. Our Fighting Wildcats will travel to Savannah, Georgia (Ted Wright Stadium) on Saturday October 18th, 2014  to take on the Savannah State University, kickoff at 6:oo p.m.

Forget about parking and having to walk long distances, for the low rate of $55.00  you will be guaranteed transportation to and from the game and a game ticket. If you already have a game ticket, you can secure your transportation to and from Savannah St. Ted Wright Stadium  for just $40.00.

The bus will make a pickup at the Home Depot on Lee Rd in Orlando at 10:00 am, then depart Daytona Beach at 11:00 a.m., make a pickup in Jacksonville, Fl at 12:30 pm and arrive at Savannah St. Ted Wright Stadium around 3:30 pm. We will depart for Florida 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game.

Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. No seats are guaranteed until final payment has been received. All sales are final!

We encourage the use of PayPal for a fast, safe, and convenient method of securing your seat. We have attached the PayPal links/options below for your convenience. You do NOT need a PayPal account to complete your transaction. If you prefer to pay with cash or with Credit/Debit card in person or over the phone, please coordinate with Jerry Bell or Darold Williams at the numbers below. Checks will NOT be accepted.

Seats are filling up quickly, so be sure to lock yours in today.

PICKUP LOCATIONS:

ORLANDO, FL- Home Depot- 10:00 AM 5351 Diplomat Cir, Orlando, FL 32810

DAYTONA BEACH, FL –Bethune Cookman University -11:00 AM   Between the Facilities building and the Band Hall

JACKSONVILLE, FL – LaQuinta Inn- 12:30 PM  812 Dunn Ave, Jax, FL 32218

If you have any questions, please call or text Jerry Bell at 407-494-5302  or Darold Williams at 904-351-8381.

photo 2 (4)

Hail Wildcats!
___________________________________________________________________

1-Bus Seat to BCU vs Savannah St. at Ted Wright Stadium- Savannah, GA (Transportation Only Option)
paypal_buynow $40.00
 
or
 
1-Bus Seat & Game Ticket to BCU vs Savannah St. at Ted Wright Stadium- Savannah, GA
paypal_buynow $55.00
 
 
2-Bus Seats to BCU vs  Savannah St. at Ted Wright Stadium- Savannah, GA (Transportation Only Option)
 paypal_buynow $80.00
 
or
 
2-Bus Seats & Game Tickets to BCU vs Savannah St. at Ted Wright Stadium- Savannah, GA- Savannah, GA
 paypal_buynow $110.00
 
3-Bus Seats to BCU vs Savannah St. at Ted Wright Stadium- Savannah, GA (Transportation Only Option)
paypal_buynow $120.00
 
or
 
3-Bus Seats & Game Tickets to BCU vs Savannah St. at Ted Wright Stadium- Savannah, GA
paypal_buynow $165.00
 
 
4-Bus Seats to BCU vs Savannah St. at Ted Wright Stadium- Savannah, GA (Transportation Only Option)
paypal_buynow $160.00
 
 or
4-Bus Seats & Game Tickets to BCU vs Savannah St. at Ted Wright Stadium- Savannah, GA
paypal_buynow $220.00
 
 
 
       

Wildcats predicted to repeat; J. Fields and I. Jackson earn Player of the Year Honors

/ J Bell / Leave a comment
BCU LB - Jarkevis Fields

BCU LB – Jarkevis Fields

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced on Friday at its annual Press Luncheon that defending conference champion, Bethune-Cookman, earned 16 of the 21 first place votes casted and were predicted to repeat as conference champions.  The Wildcats have won 14 consecutive games in conference including 8 straight in 2012.

In addition to the team accolades, linebacker Jarkevis Fields and running back Isidore Jackson were selected as Defensive Player of the Year and Co-Offensive Player of the Year respectively.

Fields, a 6-0, 230-pound senior from Sanford, Fla., led the Wildcats in tackles in both 2011 and 2012.  Last season he registered 103 tackles, six tackles for losses and a sack; and he helped pace a defense that finished 7th nationally in Total Defense (301.42 ypg); 10th nationally in Scoring Defense (18.25 ppg), and 1st nationally in Turnovers Gained (36).

Jackson, 5-10, 205-pound from running back Mossy Head, Fla., eclipsed the 1,000 rushing mark in 2012 and spearheaded the MEAC’s top rushing attack (244 ypg); top Total Offense (387.9 ypg); and top Scoring Offense (29.4 ppg).  Jackson and FAMU quarterback Damien Flemming were named Co-Offensive Player of Year.

Joining Isidore Jackson and Jarkevis Fields on the MEAC’s first team All-Conference were offensive lineman Alex Monroe, defensive back Nick Addison, and defensive end LeBrandon Richardson.  Wide receiver Eddie Poole landed on the second team for offense, and defensive lineman Tevin Toney received honorable mention awards.

2013 Predicted Order of Finish

(First Place Votes in Parenthesis)

School                                                                  Points

1.      Bethune-Cookman (16)                                     480
2.      South Carolina State (2)                                   365
3.      North Carolina A&T                                           302
4.      North Carolina Central                                      260
5.      Florida A&M                                                     250
6.      Howard                                                           227
7.      Norfolk State (1)                                             222
8.      Delaware State                                                201
9.      Hampton (1)                                                   196
10.   Morgan State                                                   113
11.   Savannah State (1)                                           52

2013 Football All-Conference Preseason Teams

Co-Offensive Player of the Year: Damien Flemming, Florida A&M and Isidore Jackson, Bethune-Cookman

                 Defensive Player of the Year: Jarkevis Fields, Bethune-Cookman

Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
QB Damien Fleming Jr. Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
RB Isidore Jackson Sr. Bethune-Cookman Mossy Head, Fla.
RB* Malcolm Williams Jr. Delaware State Reading, Pa.
RB* James Owens r-Sr. Florida A&M Apopka, Fla.
WR Lenworth Lennon r-Jr. Florida A&M Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
WR Simon Hewyard Sr. Savannah State Savannah, Ga.
TE Joseph Hawkins r-Sr. Norfolk State Chicago, Ill.
C Brandon Cunningham Sr. Delaware State Lumberton, N.J.
OL Alex Monroe Sr. Bethune-Cookman Jacksonville, Fla.
OL Kevin House r-Jr. Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
OL Zerrie Patterson So. Florida A&M Fort Pierce, Fla.
OL Joshua Matthews Sr. Howard Bowman, S.C.
DEFENSE        
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
DL LeBrandon Richardson Jr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
DL Damon Gresham Chisholm So. Howard Covington, Ga.
DL Rodney Gunter Jr. Delaware State Haines, Fla.
DL Javon Hargrave So. South Carolina State Salisbury, N.C.
LB Jarkevis Fields Sr. Bethune-Cookman Sanford, Fla.
LB Ernest Adjei Sr. Delaware State Woodbridge, Va.
LB Lynden Trail r-Jr. Norfolk State Miami, Fla.
DB Nick Addison Jr. Bethune-Cookman Tampa, Fla.
DB Julien David Sr. Howard Coral Springs, Fla.
DB D’Vonte Graham Sr. North Carolina A&T Tallahassee, Fla.
DB Terrick Colston So. Delaware State Lakeland, Fla.
P Nick Belcher r-Sr. South Carolina State Sumter, S.C.
PK Chase Varnadore r-So. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
RS D’Vonte Graham Sr. North Carolina A&T Charlotte, N.C.
Second Team        
OFFENSE        
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
QB Jordan Reid r-Sr. North Carolina Central High Point, N.C.
RB Aquanius Freeman Jr. Howard New Orleans, La.
RB Brendon Riddick r-So. Norfolk State Richmond, Va.
WR Eddie Poole Grad. Bethune-Cookman Belle Glade, Fla.
WR Derrick Demps r-Sr. Norfolk State Tallahassee, Fla.
TE David Wilson Sr. Howard Sacramento, Calif.
C Ronald Canty r-Jr. North Carolina A&T Chester, S.C.
OL John Smith r-So. Howard Atlanta, Ga.
OL Jamal Wilson r-Sr. Hampton Brooklyn, N.Y.
OL Williams Robinson r-Jr. North Carolina A&T Clinton, Md.
OL Charles Goodwin r-Sr. North Carolina Central High Point, N.C.
DEFENSE        
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
DL Tyree Hearn Sr. North Carolina A&T Durham, N.C.
DL George Riddick Jr. Norfolk State Suffolk, Va.
DL Matthew Davis Sr. Hampton Chesapeake, Va.
DL Demarco Bisbee r-So. Morgan State Lansing, Mich.
LB D’Vonte Grant Sr. North Carolina A&T Charlotte, N.C.
LB Justin Hughes Jr. South Carolina State Virginia Beach, Va.
LB Travis Crosby Sr. North Carolina A&T Charlotte, N.C.
DB Davon Moore Jr. Delaware State Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
DB Joe Rankin Sr. Morgan State Germantown, Md.
DB Ryan Smith r-So. North Carolina Central Upper Marlboro, Md.
DB* John Wilson Sr. Savannah State Athens, Ga.
DB* Jonathan Pillow r-Sr. Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
P Matthew Cornellus r-Sr. North Carolina Central Charlotte, N.C.
PK Oleg Parent Jr. North Carolina Central Lake Forest, Calif.
RS James Owens r-Sr. Florida A&M Apopka, Fla.
Third Team        
OFFENSE        
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
QB Nico Flores r-Sr. Norfolk State Miami, Fla.
RB Dae-Hon Cheung So. Delaware State Coatesville, Pa.
RB Conley Smith So. Norfolk State Chesapeake, Va.
WR Tyler McDonald Sr. South Carolina State Summerville, SC
WR Dylan Cook Sr. Savannah State Hiram, Ga.
TE Kris Drummond Jr. Savannah State Washington, D.C.
C Doug Almendares Sr. Florida A&M Miami, Fla.
OL Domanic Wilson r-Jr. South Carolina State Lake City, SC
OL Karim Barton Sr. Morgan State Los Angeles, Calif.
OL E.J. Rogers r-Jr. Norfolk State Alexandria, Va.
OL Cameron Williams r-Sr. Norfolk State Burke, Va.
DEFENSE        
Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
DL Andrew Carter r-Jr. South Carolina State Hamlet, NC
DL Tevin Toney Sr. Bethune-Cookman Sebring, Fla.
DL Micah Blount Sr. Savannah State Stone Mountain, Ga.
DL* Chikezie Ukeje Sr. Delaware State Stanten Island, N.Y.
DL* Noel Clarke Jr. Jr. Norfolk State Brooklyn, N.Y.
LB Christopher Robinson r-Jr. Morgan State Germantown, Md.
LB Joe Boyd Sr. Delaware State Ft. Washington, Md.
LB Brandon Denmark Sr. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
DB Keenan Lambert r-Jr. Norfolk State Norfolk, Va.
DB Nathan Ayers Jr. Morgan State Baltimore, Md.
DB Devontae Johnson r-Jr. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
DB Carvin Johnson Sr. Hampton New Orleans, La.
PK Nick Belcher r-Sr. South Carolina State Sumter, SC
RS Chris Flowers Sr. Morgan State Haines City, Fla.

 

*indicates tie

After Further Review

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

BCU Fans looking for a short-term investment opportunity this week may want to consider the following: 7-3-6. According to the Florida Lottery’s website, Cash 3 players short-term investors using these numbers have a 1:1000 chance of winning the daily grand prize. For those that receive no return on their investment, consider yours 1 of the more than $22 billion donated to education; or perhaps you should consider your investment an honorarium on behalf of NCAA Approving Rule (A.R.) 7-3-6, that is to say 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. BCU survived with a 35-31 victory over Hampton. Wildcat fans can take consolation in the fact that the game officials got the call right. The rule (specifically subsections IX, XII, and XIII) states that an airborne receiver must maintain control of the ball while going to the ground, when he hits the ground, and after hitting the ground. http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/FR12.pdf (page 164). Here’s an excerpt:

IX. “Airborne receiver A85 grasps a forward pass and in the process of going to the ground, first contacts the ground with his left foot as he falls to the ground inbounds. Immediately upon A85 hitting the ground, the ball comes loose and touches the ground. RULING: Incomplete pass. An airborne receiver must maintain control of the ball while going to the ground in the process of completing a catch”.

XII. “Receiver A85 stretches out at the Team B two-yard line and grasps a forward pass and is going to the ground on his own as he is attempting to complete the catch. As A85 falls to the ground in the end zone, the ball immediately comes loose and falls to the ground. RULING: Incomplete pass. Any receiver going to the ground on his own in the process of making a catch must maintain control of the ball when he hits the ground”.

XIII. “Receiver A85 is airborne in the end zone and grasps a forward pass, but while airborne he is hit by a defender, which causes A85 to fall to the ground. Immediately upon A85 hitting the ground, the ball comes loose and strikes the ground. RULING: Incomplete pass. An airborne receiver contacted before completing all the requirements of a catch must still maintain control of the ball after hitting the ground”.

The video evidence clearly shows that the Hampton receiver was airborne and that he did not maintain possession after hitting the ground. The ruling of incomplete pass was absolutely correct. It is a tough way to lose if you are a Pirate fan, but kudos to the officials for getting the call right.

Sweet Relief

Jackie Wilson replaced Jamarr Robinson at quarterback with just over 3:00 remaining in the 3rd quarter. He ended the night completing 5 of his 6 pass attempts with 2 touchdowns. Eddie Poole –who muscled the ball away from Hampton corner back Kambrell McGee in the corner of the endzone- was the recipient of Wilson’s 2nd td toss. The play capped an 80-yard touchdown drive that proved to be the game winner. The Wildcat offense outscored Hampton’s offense 21-0 in the second half.

Rodney Scott had his best statistical game as a BCU football player. Scott racked up 176 yards of total offense (126 rushing and 30 receiving) including a spectacular 33 yard td catch and run in which he broke three tackles in route to the endzone.

Other Memorable finishes at Municipal Stadium

  • 1998- BCU set an NCAA record defeating Virginia State (VSU) 63-57 in the 8th overtime session. The most memorable moment in that game occurred in the 7th overtime when Wildcat defensive tackle Damion Cook returned a blocked field goal attempt 60 plus yards for a certain game winning touchdown. However, Cook’s attempted celebratory dive in to the endzone fell just short. Cook landed at the VSU 1 yard line and earned the nickname “Big-Dive” as a result of the play. Cook went on to enjoy 5 seasons as an NFL player.
  • 2001- A controversial clipping call on a Rashean Mathis 4th quarter punt return  touchdown negated a Wildcat go ahead score against eventual MEAC champion NC A&T. The homecoming jubilation of 16,725 Wildcat fans was spoiled as the Aggies went on to win the contest 16-14.

Team Stat Comparison

  Hampton Bethune-Cook.
1st Downs

19

21
3rd down efficiency

7-18

6-12
4th down efficiency

2-3

1-2
Total Yards

417

414
Passing

225

154
Comp-Att

14-29

13-21
Yards per pass

7.8

7.3
Rushing

192

260
Rushing Attempts

46

48
Yards per rush

4.2

5.4
Penalties

12-107

10-69
Turnovers

0

3
Fumbles lost

0

2
Interceptions thrown

0

1
Possession

28:36

31:24

 

Scoring Summary

FIRST QUARTER

HAMP

COOK
  TD 09:27 David Allen 8 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)

0

7
 p FG 05:38 Taurean Durham 20 Yd

3

7
  TD 04:59 David Allen 1 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)

3

14
 p TD 01:50 Isaiah Thomas 50 Yd Pass From David Legree (Taurean Durham Kick)

10

14
SECOND QUARTER

HAMP

COOK
 p TD 03:47 David Legree 3 Yd Run (Taurean Durham Kick)

17

14
 p TD 01:26 David Legree 37 Yd Run (Taurean Durham Kick)

24

14
THIRD QUARTER

HAMP

COOK
  TD 11:28 Eddie Poole 6 Yd Pass From David Allen (Sven Hurd Kick)

24

21
  TD 00:37 Rodney Scott 33 Yd Pass From Jackie Wilson (Sven Hurd Kick)

24

28
FOURTH QUARTER

HAMP

COOK
 p TD 09:15 Jeremy Jermin 20 Yd Interception Return (Taurean Durham Kick)

31

28
  TD 02:50 Eddie Poole 13 Yd Pass From Jackie Wilson (Sven Hurd Kick)

31

35

 

 

 

 

Cats and Dogs

/ J Bell / 2 Comments

Frazier versus Ali; that’s the way Coach Brian Jenkins described this weekend’s conference showdown with powerhouse South Carolina State. The two squads enter the contest as the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network’s Black College Football Poll. The winner of this heavyweight matchup will emerge as the clear frontrunner to this year’s MEAC crown. The loser will find themselves “scoreboard watching” and wishing for help over the weeks to come.

Brian Jenkins’ club ended SCSU’s 21-game conference win streak last year and was the first MEAC squad to blank the Bulldogs at home in over 30 years.

Previewing the Dogs

Buddy Pough’s Bulldogs have grown unaccustomed with losing over recent years. Take last week’s defeat against Central Michigan (CMU) as an example. SCSU lost by 15 points, on the road against an FBS opponent. Most FCS schools would consider that a good showing; but not Bulldog fans. Many members of the “Dog pound” believe South Carolina State was good enough to win that game and Brian Jenkins tends to agree. In his weekly teleconference, Coach Jenkins stated that SCSU was three makeable plays away from pulling off the upset against CMU.

SCSU boasts one of the best defenses in FCS football (2nd in total defense in 2010). The Bulldog defense held CMU to 256 yards of total offense and 21 points last week. By comparison, BCU’s offense produced nearly double the yardage output (500 yards) and triple the points scored (63) against Prairie View in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. South Carolina State has at least one all-conference performer at all three levels of their defense (Patrick Washington-DL, Donovan Richard-LB, Dominique Ellis-DB). Washington is an extremely athletic, havoc causing defensive lineman. His style of play is very similar to that of BCU defensive end, Ryan Davis. The Wildcat offense must account for Washington in both the running and passing game. Donovan Richard is an above average linebacker who possess great range and speed. He recorded 10 tackles (1 tackle for a loss) in last week’s defeat at CMU.

SCSU QB Derrick Wiley

On the offensive side of the ball, Derrick Wiley is a mobile quarterback who struggled with his accuracy a week ago. Wiley and the Bulldogs are without the services of wide receiver Lennel Elmore who is ineligible due to grades. Elmore led the Bulldogs in receiving and was an All-MEAC performer a year ago. The Dogs will depend upon Asheton Jordan (RB) and the running game to carry the load until the passing game gets on track. Jordan is a physical runner with decent speed. He’ll lineup behind an offensive line that featured four new starters and struggled to establish the line of scrimmage last week against CMU.

Blake Erickson is the place kicker and he gives the Bulldogs a decided advantage in the kicking game.

A Closer Look at the Wildcats

In spite BCU’s 49 point victory to open the season, there is still much room for improvement. QB, Jamarr Robinson racked up 281 yards of offense (251 passing and 30 rushing) and earned MVP honors at last week’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge. However, Robinson appeared to miss on a few reads in the passing game and was errant on several throws. The Wildcats also committed far too many penalties last week (12 penalties for 132 yards).

On a positive note, BCU’s offensive and defensive fronts dominated the line of scrimmage. Particularly impressive was the play of defensive tackles Harold Love, Jameil Farrington, and Lavon McCoy. Another impressive sight from last week’s contest was the quality of depth displayed by the Wildcats. Coach Jenkins seemingly rotated 3 or 4 players on every play, yet there was no noticeable drop off in talent.

Fighting like Cats and Dogs

Bethune’s offense versus South Carolina State’s defense is strength against strength. The outcome of this game will likely depend upon the play of the other units. Can the Bulldog offense effectively run the ball and limit the possessions of BCU’s high-powered offense? Will the Wildcat’s opportunistic defense force turnovers (6 takeaways last week) and short field situations? Which squad will ascend as the top team in black college football? We’ll have our answers to these questions when this highly anticipated matchup kickoff at 4:00, Saturday, September 10th at Municipal Stadium.

Can’t Wait!!!!

___________________________________________________________

 Interesting Notes

  • BCU ranked 1st in Total Offense and Scoring Offense in the MEAC last year.
  • SCSU ranked 1st in Total Defense and Scoring Defense in the conference.

Last 10 contests in the series—

  • BCU and SCSU are 5-5 in their last 10 meetings.

Recent Memorable Matchups —

  • 2005—SCSU QB Cleveland McCoy led the Bulldogs on a game winning 17 play, 80 yard 4th quarter touchdown drive to defeat the Wildcats 27-24 in Jacksonville.
  • 2006—After trailing by 14 points, Coach Alvin Wyatt scrapped the Wyatt-Bone offense in favor of a 4 wide receiver set. BCU scored 45 unanswered points and defeated the Bulldogs 45-21. BCU QB, Jarrod Rucker threw 5 touchdowns in that contest.
  • 2010—BCU defeated 14-0 in Orangeburg ending the Bulldog’s 21-game conference winning streak.

Coach ’em up

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

Football Factoid #480—a good assistant coach can be as valuable to a team as an All-American quarterback.  After all, the assistant coaches provide the bulk of the daily instruction, technique corrections, real-time feedback, game planning, and in-game adjustments.  Coach Brian Jenkins deserves a ton of credit for quietly assembling a staff of outstanding assistants at Bethune. 

New Offensive Coordinator Rob Spence

Rob Spence replaces Marc Orlando as the Cats’ new offensive coordinator.  Spence has coordinator experience at both the FCS and FBS level.  Toledo, Hofstra, and Clemson enjoyed some of their most productive offensive seasons in school history under Spence’s guidance.  He inherits the second ranked FCS offense from a year ago, but the Cats still have much room for improvement.   The Wildcats averaged just 21 points against the MEAC’s top teams a year ago (14 vs. SCSU, 21 vs. NSU, 23 vs. Hampton, and 27 vs. FAMU).  That was 17 points lower than their season average of 38 points per game.  The Wildcats hope to increase their scoring output this year, specifically against upper echelon competition, under Spence’s leadership.

Autry Denson and Joe Dailey join Spence as new additions to the offensive coaching staff.  Denson, a former standout running back at Notre Dame and in the NFL, will coach the same position for the Wildcats.  Dailey, who started at quarterback for Nebraska before transferring to North Carolina, is listed as the new quarterbacks coach.  Allen Suber, Lawal McCray, and John Powers return as second year offensive assistants and will coach the wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive line respectively.

Earl Lane - BCU defensive line coach

New coaches on the defensive side of the ball include graduate assistant Buddy Collins and defensive line coach Earl Lane.  While Collins is a coaching neophyte, Lane brings with him a wealth of coaching experience and a proven record of accomplishment.  Lane served as defensive line coach for LSU during their 2007 BCS Championship season. He helped Glenn Dorsey win the Lombardi, Outland, and Nagurski awards in that same season.  The remaining defensive coaches are the same as last year: Yogi Jones—defensive coordinator and linebackers, Terry Sims—special teams’ coordinator and secondary, Terry Williams—defensive backs.

Old and young, sustained success and hot newcomers; the Wildcats’ coaching staff has it all.  Brian Jenkins will look to this diverse group of assistants to “coach up” his talented squad and hopefully deliver postseason success.

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.

Quarterback, Running Back and Wide Receiver preview

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

There is an old adage in sports that states “defense wins championships”.  Perhaps that’s true, but the last I checked the team that scores the most points wins the game.  In this article we take a look at the units responsible for scoring touchdowns; the quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.

Eddie Poole (pictured) scored 9 TDs in 2010.

Wide Receiver

Eddie Poole (Glades Central High School/Rutgers) is the most polished of BCU’s talented wide receivers.  He has good size at 6-3, 190 pounds, he runs good routes, but most importantly, he consistently wins in one-on-one situations.  Poole caught 33 passes for 550 yards and scored 9 touchdowns a year ago.  Poole’s former Rutgers teammate, Keith Stroud, is a welcomed addition to the receiving unit.  Stroud, a 4 star recruit (Fork Union Virginia Military Academy/Rutgers)  provides the Cats with another big, athletic target (6-4, 206 pounds) on the outside. http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Keith-Stroud-72410

Maurice Francois and Courtney Keith are former Option quarterbacks who transitioned to wide receiver last season.  Keith and Francois’ athleticism and football instincts allow them to make up for their inexperience at the position.  They are dynamic playmakers who are electric with the ball in their hands.  Both players should progress in their 2nd year as wide receivers.  Randy James and speedster Preston Cleckly are also expected to see playing time at the position. Sophomore Jordan Murphy provides the Cats with a sure-handed target at the tight end position.

The depth and versatility of the receiving corp makes it the highest rated unit on the offensive side of the ball.  Grade: B

Running Backs

Isidore Jackson scores in the 2nd Quarter of the FL Classic

Despite being a backup last year, Isidore Jackson led the squad with 11 touchdowns and only Matt Johnson rushed for more yards.  The offseason signing of Ole Miss transfer, Rodney Scott, means Jackson will likely have to share carries again this season. 

Rodney Scott is an agile runner who possesses the type of speed and vision that makes him a scoring threat from anywhere on the field.  Andronicus Lovette and Jonathan Moment provide good depth at the position combining for 524 yards and 9 tds last year (Lovette 264 yards and 6 touchdowns, Moment 260 yards and 3 touchdowns).  Last year’s unit was a servicable bunch but the Cats will need to get better production and more explosion from the running back position if they wish to duplicate last year’s success.  Grade: C- 

Quarterbacks

Jr. QB Jackie Wilson (#5)

The success of Brian Jenkins’ second season as a head coach will depend heavily on his team’s quarterback play.  Gone is the reigning MEAC Offensive Player of the Year Matt Johnson.  Jackie Wilson, David Blackwell, and Quentin Williams will look to replace Johnson as the primary signal caller.

Jackie Wilson is the only one of the three that has taken a snap from center against FCS competition.  Last year Wilson completed just 47 percent of his passes throwing 3 TDs and 2 INTs in the process.  Blackwell played quarterback for Iowa Western Junior College in 2009 before redshirting at BCU in 2010.  Although Blackwell and Wilson both took snaps with the first team during spring drills, Coach Jenkins has yet to reveal which player enters fall camp atop the depth chart. 

True Freshman Quentin Williams, the 2010 Florida “Mr. Football” award recipient is already the most popular quarterback on campus.  Williams is the state of Florida’s all-time leader in TD passes (109) and passing yards (10,384).  Yet “major” FBS schools were slow to offer him a scholarship because of his height (6-0).  Williams is extremely poised, he has a very strong and accurate arm and he is a threat in the running game.  A source close to the Wildcat program has stated “Williams will have a chance to play quarterback on Sundays when his college career ends”.  Quentin Williams is certainly the future of Wildcat football but the immediate question is ‘is he ready to contribute right away’?  The Wildcat Quarterbacks are a talented but unproven bunch.   Our preseason grade is a D+.