Alcorn State was one of three teams to hire new coaches in 2008. Former Braves’ player Ernest Jones is the new head man, looking to turn around a Braves team that was 2-8 last season, but is slated to return 16 starters, nine of them defensively.
After a 2-8 season that didn’t shape up the way that the Braves hoped for, Head Coach Dr. Johnny Thomas was dismissed after commanding the sidelines for a decade. The Braves never got the solid footing needed to be a force to reckon with in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Despite the dismal season, Alcon State’s Nate Hughes led the SWAC in allpurpose yardage (1356) and garnered team honors in two positions (Wide Receiver and Return Specialist). Defense also had a bright spot in Antonio Cooper who was on the recipients of the Jackson’s Touchdown Club Senior Award. Cooper also led the team in tackles with ninety-four total (44 solo and 50 assists).
