HBCU Fall Camp Roundup: Where Teams Stand Midway Through Camp

Defending CIAA champs better than last year?

Winston Salem State, the defending champions of the CIAA, are brimming with confidence at the start of fall camp, and believe they are the team to beat again in 2014

“How good can we be?” asked Kienus Boulware,.“If we don’t pay attention to those rankings and all of that and we keep grinding, then we should be OK.

Limiting mistakes key for Connell Maynor, Hampton

“We’ve got to start making more plays and making less mistakes and get it cleaned up,” Hampton head coach Connell Maynor said. “If you make mistakes, don’t come back and make the same mistake the next day. If you make another mistake, we can correct it. Now, it ain’t OK if you’re making a different mistake every day, but if you do, we can get it corrected. Just don’t make the same mistake.”

Jackson State offensive linemen heading to Mississippi Valley State

Jackson State recruit Golden Ukonu, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound offensive lineman, has decided to enroll at Mississippi Valley State. According to reports, Ukonu, a New York community college tranfer, failed to show up for JSU’s fall camp. He now will be a much needed addition to the Mississippi State offensive line

Jerry Lovelocke understands expectations are high for Prairie View

Hornets battling heat as camp wears on

The preseason SWAC East favorites are have its mettle tested before a game is even play.

Their biggest opponent so far during camp has been the intense Alabama heat.

“It is what we say, we have to find comfort in our discomfort,” head coach Reggie Barlow said.  “I wish I could say it’s not like this everywhere else but it is.  It’s hot everywhere and you signed up for this game and if you say you want to be a football player here is what it is.  You have to find a way to fight through it and the one’s (players) that are encouraging themselves and their teammates are the ones that are going to get through it.

“It’s hot and it’s tough, but you have to eat. You have to stay hydrated and you just have to continue to get better.”

Albany State hopes to have a repeat of their surprising 2013 season

ASU began the year 1-4, before rebounding to win the SIAC crown.

“With how we finished and how good of an offseason we had, I think we do feel optimistic about what we can do this year and who we can be as a football team,” ASU coach Mike White said.

Comegy evaluates team’s padded practice

First-year Mississippi Valley State head coach Rick Comegy has liked what he has seen so far, especially following the team’s initial full-contact practice.

Southern’s secondary has been ballhawking

Apparently, the Southern defensive backfield has has made life difficult for the Jaguars offense during practices.

“There’s a lot of talent on that side of the ball,” junior tight end Bradley Coleman said. “Going against them everyday is kind of hard because it’s so much talent. But you have to make the best of it.”

Broderick Fobbs relishes competition

Fall camp has been anything but a slow adjustment period for Grambling State.

Broderick Fobbs, the Tigers’ first-year head coach, wants to make things interesting during workouts by exploring all options, as roster spots are up for grabs.

“That always makes players play harder when you have competition and guys behind you pushing you each and every day,” said sophomore wide receiver Chester Rogers after Monday’s practice. “One thing I like about this offense is they are utilizing everybody in the right spot, where they need to be and it’s really coming out to be good.”