JSU Notes

[Blacknbengal]

Thompson bigger, better, even calmer


By Mark Alexander
[email protected]

When Greg Johnson arrived at Jackson State in February of last year to take over as defensive coordinator, he barely knew who Fred Thompson was.

THUMBS UP
This is one of JSU's deepest and most experienced positions. Six of the top nine players on the three-deep depth chart played a year ago. And Scott, a USM transfer, could be a valuable addition.


THUMBS DOWN
The loss of All-SWAC linebacker Elgin Andrews is a major one. He led the Tigers in tackles the past three seasons. Thompson, McGowan and Lewis combined for 96 tackles, 25 less than Andrews.

He wasn't alone.

"When I first got here, Fred was No. 23 on the defensive back roster," Johnson recalled.

Less than seven months later, Thompson, a walk-on from Wingfield, found himself starting at outside linebacker for the Tigers in his first season.

"Last year was kind of a blur to me," Thompson said. "It went so fast. Coach Johnson just threw me into the fire."

One of the toughest adjustments for Thompson was playing in front of large crowds. A full-time student at JSU one minute, preparing to play in front of a packed house at Southern Miss' M.M. Roberts Stadium the next.

"I remember going through warmups, and everything was cool," Thompson said. "Then when we came back out, I looked up and saw thousands of fans. I realized then, this is real. Reality set in."

The same can be said for an opposing quarterback or running back who crosses paths with Thompson, who at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds runs like a strong safety and hits like a linebacker.

"He's very versatile," Johnson said. "He can play the run. He can play the pass. And he will hit you."

Those traits and Thompson's frame caught Johnson's eye that first spring. So he invited Thompson back in the fall, only if Thompson agreed to move to linebacker.

"There was something that I liked about him," Johnson said. "He was a yes sir, no sir type of kid. And he had this long, gangly, athletic body. I felt like I could take him and make something out of him."

The move paid off. Thompson became a vital cog on a defensive unit that surpassed expectations last season, and now is viewed as a mainstay at outside linebacker after bulking up over the summer. He joins returnees James McGowan and Jason Lewis ? a group looking to fill the shoes of departed leader Elgin Andrews.

"A lot of people are talking about us losing Elgin, but I see it as an opportunity," Thompson said. "It's time for the rest of us to step up and make plays."

An opportunity is all Thompson was looking for when he first joined the team. After a standout junior season at Wingfield, he hurt his knee early in his senior year and only played two games.

He didn't play as a freshman but chose to come out for football that spring, in part due to constant encouragement from his mother, Tina Myers.

"I knew all along I could play because I played against a lot of these guys in high school," Thompson said. "I got discouraged at first, but I hung with it. All I needed was a chance."


Tigers' linebackers

Left outside linebacker

Name Ht. Wt. Cl.
Fred Thompson 6-2 220 So.
Ronald McRae 6-1 195 Jr.
Ricky Taylor 6-0 220 Fr.
Right outside linebacker

James McGowan 6-3 230 Jr.
Marion Mark 6-3 210 Jr.
Lee Triplett 5-11 205 Sr.
Middle linebacker

Jason Lewis 6-1 230 So.
Joseph Scott 6-2 235 Jr.
Keithon Mosley 6-0 235 Jr.

 

[Blacknbengal]

August 19, 2003

Injuries, illnesses hamper FB search


By Mark Alexander
[email protected]

Isaiah Martin summed up Jackson State's fullback situation best.

"We're struggling," Martin said, shaking his head. "We really don't have one. The coaches are searching hard."

Martin, a converted tailback who played solely on special teams a year ago as a freshman, began two-a-days as the starter. A concussion sidelined him for nearly a week.

Austin Amene then caught pneumonia and Toby Johnson sustained a serious ankle injury, leaving a pair of walk-ons to fill the void before Martin returned Monday.

Freshman tailback David Kennebrew and tight end Scott Morris also saw time at fullback during Monday's practice. Maurice Hardnett, originally recruited as a fullback, has been moved to tailback.

"We've had some tough luck at that position in terms of guys getting banged up," JSU offensive coordinator/running backs coach Leon Perry said. "That's one of the reasons we moved Kennebrew there, so he could learn both positions."

DRAWING NEARER: With the season opener at Northwestern (La.) State just 11 days away, JSU's coaching staff is in the early stages of implementing a game plan.

"We've been breaking them down since last spring," first-year JSU coach James Bell said. "We'll start going over some of the things they like to do with our players about mid-week."

Northwestern State is ranked No. 22 in The Sports Network Division I-AA preseason poll and No. 23 in the ESPN/USA Today poll. The Demons, who ranked No. 3 nationally going into November last season, finished 9-4 and went to the I-AA playoffs.

NEW FACE: JSU has several new coaches this year. The latest addition is graduate assistant Tehran Carpenter, who will work alongside defensive coordinator Greg Johnson.

Carpenter, 24, is a native of Amityville, N.Y. He played at Wake Forest from 1997-2000 where he was a starting safety for Bell, then the Demon Deacons' defensive coordinator.

"I saw Coach Bell's daughter in Winston-Salem (N.C.), and she told me he was looking for a defensive grad assistant," Carpenter said. "I called him, and we were able to work things out."

STATUS QUO: Safety/linebacker Jeremy Ruffin, who recently quit at Ole Miss, is considering JSU. Bell said Monday he hasn't spoken with Ruffin, but he is well aware that Ruffin was a high-profile recruit at Meridian. "I haven't seen any type of release on him," Bell said. "Until that happens, we can't do anything anyway."

 

[Prodigy]

Originally posted by Blacknbengal
Jason Lewis 6-1 230 So.
Joseph Scott 6-2 235 Jr.
Keithon Mosley 6-0 235 Jr.

Bottom feeder programs and coward coaches take note.

The transfer is #2 on the depth chart.... after having actually practiced!

He is not #1 on the depth chart before having set foot on campus.

 

[Tigerpride]

Dude, for him to be ahead of Mosley is also a feat. We have a very good unit at middle linebacker. We have a good corp of linebackers period. Add Dancy to the mix and this unit is arguably the best in BCF. We should certainly be faster on defense this year.

 

[Blacknbengal]

August 20, 2003

Kicking bad habits a priority at J-State


By Mark Alexander
[email protected]

During a recent Jackson State practice, Quinton Scott's snap sailed way over the head of punter Domenick Addison.

Greg Jenson / The Clarion-Ledger

Jackson State is spending much more time in practice on special teams than in recent years. New coach James Bell is determined to avoid the breakdowns ? such as seven blocked punts in 2002 ? that have plagued the Tigers over the last three seasons.


On the next play, a defender broke through the right side of line and blocked Addison's punt.

"Come on guys, let's get it right!" yelled assistant coach Mike Talbert. "Let's get it right!"

That's precisely what first-year JSU coach James Bell and his staff having been working toward since last spring ? getting it right on special teams. It's still a work in progress, with some good and some bad, but the Tigers are working on it. Diligently.

"It seems like we spend half of our practice on special teams," JSU receiver Chris Jones said.

Said Addison: "We're working on it a lot, a lot more than last year. Coach Bell has come in and put a lot more emphasis on the kicking game. We've still got some work to do, but we should be a lot better at it."

Breakdowns on special teams have cost JSU dearly during three consecutive 7-4 seasons. Two years ago, it had seven punts blocked ? three returned for touchdowns. Two of those blocked punts came in a 61-58 loss to Alabama State, a loss that denied the Tigers, who also allowed 242 return yards in that game, a trip to the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game.

With no true placekicker and a walkon at punter, nearly every time JSU lined up for a play on special teams it was a disaster waiting to happen.

Last season, the Tigers did a better job, comparatively, on special teams ? after having two punts blocked and muffing two more (leading to 24 points) in a lopsided season-opening loss at Southern Miss.

Still, Bell was less than impressed after viewing 2002 tapes of JSU special teams play. "It was like watching the Amityville horrors," he said earlier this month.

To that end, JSU worked on special teams for 45 minutes per practice during spring drills, and has spent at least 35 minutes per workout since practice resumed this fall. On Thursday's, the Tigers kick for nearly an hour.

And it doesn't stop on the practice field. During breakdown meetings with the players, JSU's coaches sit aside three, 10-minute sessions to discuss three separate areas on special teams.

"We work at it, no doubt," Bell said. "And we're pretty in-depth. That's an area where we had to get better. We want to be balanced in all three phases ? offense, defense and special teams ? that's why we put so much emphasis on all three."

That emphasis began last spring, when Bell had the entire team ? not just the kicking units ? work on and learn his set of codes for punt protection.

"You've got to have a way to call your offensive and defensive plays, special teams are no different," Bell said.

The Tigers go through an array of special team drills each day, ranging from a "void and bully" drill (kickoffs), "lines and gazelles" (kickoff returns) and "rail drill" (punt protection). They've also worked on timing drills in regards to taking the ball off the foot of the punter.

One of the more bizarre-looking drills involves all 11 players surrounding the punt returner in a semi-circle, and tracing him side-to-side as a unit until converging when the the whistle blows.

"Things we've never done before," JSU receiver Tim Manning said.

JSU is still in the process of filling spots on special teams, many of which are going to be filled by starters.

"Coach Bell told us from start that he wants his best players on the field on special teams," Jones said.

Placekicker Ashcher Ashley and punter Domenick Addison return after inconsistent freshman seasons. Ashley connected on 4 of 9 field goals with a long of 37. Addison averaged 34.5 yards per punt with a long of 64.

"We both should be better this year because of the experience we gained last year," Addison said.

The same can be said about Michael Johnson, one of many highly-capable return men at Bell's disposal. Johnson, who has been slowed by an ankle injury, averaged 22.5 yards per kickoff return last season.

The biggest area of concern heading into the Aug. 30 season-opener at Northwestern (La.) State is at deep snapper. Scott, who filled the position last season as a freshman, and other long-snapper hopefuls have struggled at times the last two weeks.

"We've been rolling it along the ground. . .snapping it too high," Bell said. "That's something we've got to get ironed out."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tigers' Special teams

Placekicker
Name Ht. Wt. Cl.
Ashcher Ashley 5-11 175 So.
Jamie Salazar 5-8 160 So.


Punter
Name Ht. Wt. Cl.
Domenick Addison 5-11 220 So.
Robert Kent 6-5 218 Sr.


Kick returner
Name Ht. Wt. Cl.
Michael Johnson 5-11 180 Sr.
Tim Manning 6-0 180 Sr.
Chris Jones 6-3 203 Jr.


Punt returner
Name Ht. Wt. Cl.
Tim Manning 5-11 180 Sr.
Michael Johnson 5-11 180 Sr.
Cletis Gordon 6-2 190 So.


Deep snapper
Name Ht. Wt. Cl.
Quinton Scott 6-4 275 So.



THUMBS UP
First-year coach James Bell and his staff have devoted a lot of time to special teams since taking over last spring. The Tigers have a slew of speedy return men to choose from, led by Manning.


THUMBS DOWN
No matter how much work JSU puts in on special teams, it's hard to envision it going from bad to good overnight. Marked improvement would suffice. There's still a question mark at deep snapper.

 

[Blacknbengal]

Alexander makes bid with hard-nosed play

Alexander makes bid with hard-nosed play


By Mark Alexander
[email protected]

At 5-foot-9, 195 pounds, Dayton Alexander isn't all that big for a running back.


With 4.6-second speed in the 40, he's certainly not the fastest.

All he does, it seems, is pick up yards.

"I like the way he runs," Jackson State quarterback Robert Kent said. "He takes (the ball ) and runs north-south. From the spring till now, he's really been our most consistent back."

Unless you're a diehard JSU football fan, you're probably saying to yourself "Dayton who?" right now. And there's good reason.

After arriving at JSU in 1999 as a non-eligible scholarship player recruited by former JSU head coach James "Big Daddy" Carson, three seasons came and went before Alexander resurfaced in the spring leading into last season.

As a walk-on, Alexander played on special teams then opened eyes last spring when he got reps at running back. Four months later, he's emerged as the surprise entry in the Tigers' wide-open running back derby.

Despite not having a collegiate carry on his resume, the New Orleans native is making a strong push for the starting job at tailback. He's impressed teammates and coaches alike with his work ethic, desire and ability.

"I'm going to put my bid in for him to play," Kent said.

So, too, is JSU offensive coordinator/running backs coach Leon Perry, who is still searching for a starter at fullback and tailback with JSU's season opener at Northwestern (La.) State just nine days away.

"The thing about Dayton is he gives great effort every day," Perry said. "He does everything full speed; he doesn't know what half speed is. He's got a lot of heart, and he brings a lot of energy to the team.

"I'd say Dayton's got a pretty good opportunity to play, especially if he plays like he practices. He'll certainly be in the mix."

Alexander expected that to happen much sooner than now. But grades and "other issues" sidetracked him.

"That's basically three seasons out the window," Alexander said. "I've got one year left and I plan on making the best of it. It's my time to show the coaches what I can do, show them what they've been missing out on.

"I put in a lot of hard work in the off-season. My goal is to be the No. 1 guy."

Alexander rushed for 900 yards and 10 touchdowns on 126 carries as a senior at Sarah T. Reed High. He played fullback at 175 pounds.

That may explain Alexander's not-so-flashy yet effective style.

"He sees the hole, and he's not reluctant to hit it," Perry said. "He's not afraid of contact. He may not be the biggest back we've got, but he'll stick his nose up in there."


Tigers' running backs

Tailback

Name Ht. Wt. Cl.
Charles Lee 5-10 180 Jr.
Brandon Cox 6-3 225 Jr.
Dayton Alexander 5-9 195 Sr.

Fullback

David Kennebrew 6-1 227 Fr.
Isiah Martin 5-10 210 So.
Austin Amene 6-0 220 So.


Quotable:
"These guys are still trying to prove themselves. Right now you can put all of them in a bag and shake them up. It's a matter of somebody stepping up."

? JSU offensive coordinator Leon Perry


THUMBS UP
Lee, a darter, and Cox, a power runner, are capable backs. Each gained valuable experience last season. Alexander could be a surprise here. And expect to see a lot of promising frosh Kennebrew.


THUMBS DOWN
JSU lost its top two leading rushers from last season in Tarnaka Counslor and Laurence Nolen. No clear-cut No. 1 has emerged at either position, which is not good considering the Tigers plan to run the ball more.

 

[mighty hornet]

couple of observations......

During a recent Jackson State practice, Quinton Scott's snap sailed way over the head of punter Domenick Addison.

On the next play, a defender broke through the right side of line and blocked Addison's punt.

sounds like the same ole same ole from JSU special teams.
:smh:

Two of those blocked punts came in a 61-58 loss to Alabama State, a loss that denied the Tigers, who also allowed 242 return yards in that game, a trip to the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game.

 

[Prodigy]

Right on cue Mr. 2 Cents man.

 

[HBCUs]

Good article on Alexander. The kid runs very hard and seems a lot faster than 4.6. I think he at least gives us quality depth if he doesn't end up as a starter. We're going to surprise some folks with the quality of our running backs.

 

[Tigerpride]

Originally posted by HBCUs
Good article on Alexander. The kid runs very hard and seems a lot faster than 4.6. I think he at least gives us quality depth if he doesn't end up as a starter. We're going to surprise some folks with the quality of our running backs.

Exactly. I saw him in the Spring. Had he played last year, he would be starting. JSU has been known to give our players who have put in more time an opportunity first. Lee and Cox don't have to worry about him right now but if they don't produce, Alexander will be taking over.

 

[Robber]

Alexander ran with the first team at yesterday's practice.

 

[Get Ready]

I really like Alexander Lee and Cox.
Its kinda hard to choose.
But Alexander is dark like me....
And you know us dark brothers is hard....
Alexander....Destry Wright...Me

 

[Tigerpride]

Cox probably needs to be at fullback. Alexander and Lee at fullback/Kennebrew and Cox at fullback might be unstoppable.

 

[Blacknbengal]

Prolific Kent warming up to balanced attack

Prolific Kent warming up to balanced attack


By Mark Alexander
[email protected]

Robert Kent has made a name for himself passing the football.

In his first three seasons at Jackson State, the strong-armed quarterback has thrown for an astronomical 9,524 yards and 89 touchdowns and in the process has broken nearly every JSU single-season and career passing records.

So one can only imagine the disbelief on Kent's part when incoming coach James Bell informed him the Tigers would be ditching the pass-happy offense in favor of a more run-oriented one.

In Kent's senior year, no less.

"I'm coping with it a lot better now than I was then," Kent said, smiling. "When he first came in, I didn't want to change. I'm so used to going 4 and 5 wides and throwing it all over. I realized pretty quick that ain't going to happen. You just have to go with it."

Instead of focusing on the negatives, Kent has opted to focus on the positives. He realizes his numbers may not be as high, but he also realizes he won't get beat up as much in the pocket.

"It protects me a whole lot better," Kent said.

His arm isn't nearly as sore, either, because the Tigers have concentrated so much on the run over the last three weeks.

"Yeah, that's true," Kent said, chuckling. "I used to have to ice my arm down every day. I think I've iced it down just one day so far since we've been back."

Kent threw for 3,374 yards and 31 touchdowns last season. The former Indianola Gentry standout ranked fourth nationally in Division I-AA in individual offense (324.1 ypg.) and guided a unit that ranked first nationally in total offense (485.4 ypg.) and second in passing offense (319.9 ypg.).

Those are the types of numbers JSU fans have become accustomed to from Kent, who took over at quarterback the third game of his redshirt freshman season. After working with John Shannon and Darrell Asberry, offensive coordinators who shared similar philosophes, Kent is still in the process of adapting and learning an all-together different offense.

"It's going pretty good," Kent said. "It's started to pick up the last few days. With us running the ball more, I think that's going to open up the passing game. We're going to be more balanced."

For all of his accomplishments, Kent has yet to lead the Tigers to a SWAC title, something he hopes to do this year.

"I know the fans are used to us throwing the ball around a lot, but SWAC championships are more important than numbers," Kent said.

That attitude is welcomed by Bell, who is aiming to cut down on the high number of turnovers that have haunted Kent and Co. the past few seasons.

"He's getting better and better every day," Bell said. "I'm gradually seeing a change in him in terms of leadership. He's taking pride in being a team player."


Tigers' quarterbacks



Quarterback
Name Ht. Wt. Cl.
Robert Kent 6-5 215 Sr
Brian Green 6-3 215 Jr.
Kethone McLaurin 6-3 185 Fr.



Quotable:
"I've been very impressed with him. He's got all the tools. He's got speed, size, quickness, ability. He's a good athlete. What we're trying to do is make him more of a complete quarterback. We know he's got a strong arm, the question is can you control it?"

? JSU coach James Bell on senior QB Robert Kent


THUMBS UP
Kent, who possesses a strong arm and deceiving speed, is one of the top quarterbacks in Division I-AA. And he's got plenty of experience, having started 30 games over the past three seasons.


THUMBS DOWN
While Kent has been busy setting records, backup Green hasn't received an abundance of playing time. Kethone McLaurin and Jeremy Handy, co No.3's on the depth chart, are freshman.

 

[Blacknbengal]

Bell plans to play backup QB Green

Bell plans to play backup QB Green


By Mark Alexander
Clarion-Ledger Staff Writer


Backup quarterback Brian Green has been getting more reps in practice than the last two seasons.

There's a good reason for that.

"He's going to play," first-year JSU coach James Bell said. "We have to play him enough to where he's prepared to play next year."

That's music to the ears of Green, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior from Magnolia who has played sparingly behind starter Robert Kent, now a senior, in each of his first two seasons at JSU.

"It really is," Green said. "All the reps in practice helps me stay up, stay motivated. And it helps me get a better grasp of the offense."

Green, a former South Pike standout, played in six games last season. The left-hander completed 12 of 31 passes for 133 yards. He saw the most action in wins over Southern University and Prairie View.

MAKING PROGRESS: With the season opener at Northwestern (La.) State just over a week away, Bell says he is pleased with his team's progress in practice.

When asked to put a number to it between 1 and 10, Bell replied: "A seven."

"We're gradually getting better every day," Bell said. "There's always things you need to iron out. We've got to continue to work on the kicking game, and we've got to get in shape."

COMING ON: Defensive tackle Arthur Sample has been slowed by a dislocated finger, paving the way for Louis Gardner to get more work with the first team.

Gardner, a 6-4 sophomore from Laplace, La., sat out last season. He is also being used at left defensive end. Gardner could play a vital role on a defensive line that has been depleted by graduation, defections and academics.

"He's a swing guy; he's probably going to play both positions for us," defensive line coach Dale Perine. "He's coming along pretty good. He's working hard. We're trying to get him ready to play by that first game."

EXPOSURE: Five of JSU's games this season will be televised: Tennessee State, Sept. 13 (BET); Florida A&M, Oct. 4 (BET); Alabama State, Oct. 12 (MBC); Southern University, Oct. 25 (MBC); Alcorn State, Nov. 22 (MBC).

GET YOUR TICKETS: Nearly 2,000 season tickets have been sold. JSU will begin selling single-game tickets on Monday. Those tickets can be purchased at the JSU ticket office or at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Tickets for JSU's season opener at Northwestern (La.) State are $10

 

[JSU/99]

"I know the fans are used to us throwing the ball around a lot, but SWAC championships are more important than numbers," Kent said.


That's what I like to hear from our QB. In addition to helping the team, the new offense should help his draft stock.

 

[Blacknbengal]

Tigers' Green finds home at left guard

Tigers' Green finds home at left guard


By Mark Alexander
[email protected]

Reginald Green gave defense a try the spring following his redshirt freshman year at Jackson State.

He wasn't there very long, though.

"I was right back on offense the start of next season," Green said. "It was a learning experience. I just wanted to see how it it was on that side of the ball, that's all. But the O-line, that's my home."

After a year of playing mostly special teams last season, Green, the brother of JSU backup quarterback Brian Green, has worked his way into the starting lineup at left guard.

He's one of three sophomores slated to start along the offensive line when the Tigers open the season Saturday at Northwestern (La.) State.

There have been practices where it appeared the 6-foot-3, 295-pound Green may give up his spot. Each time he has bounced back strong.

"He's one of those guys who gets the most out of his ability, and he's got a great attitude," JSU offensive line coach Bob Bodine said. "He plays with great intensity."

Green is so intense, in fact, that he often forgets the snap count.

"The other guys up front have to tell him what it is sometimes," Bodine said, chuckling. "They were kidding with him about that the other day. But he doesn't jump offsides. I just think he's trying so hard to do well and be right. It's almost like he shuts everything else out."

Green was well aware that JSU was losing three starters off the offensive line ? Michael Matthews, Johnny Maddox and Chris Hammond ? losses that paved the way for he and Dave Scott to become starters.

He stayed in Jackson this summer to attend summer school and work out with new JSU strength and conditioning coach Ken Coggins. He dropped 12 pounds and also got stronger.

"I knew there would be some spots opening up," Green said. "I had the mindset I wanted to be a part of the starting offense."

Now that he is, he has something to share with his former South Pike teammate Tre' Stallings, the starting left tackle at Ole Miss. "We talk almost every night," Green said.

Much of the talk this preseason about JSU's offensive line, from media and fans alike, hasn't been positive. And Bodine readily admits his group "is a question mark" heading into the season.

Yet he remains upbeat.

"We're not where we need to be right now," Bodine said. "We're asking them to do some things technique-wise they didn't do last year, and they've had some trouble getting the concept down. But from a mental aspect it's night and day between now and last spring. They're getting better each day. The thing we've got to do is continue to strive to get better."


Tigers' offensive line

Left tackle

Name Ht. Wt. Cl.
Albert Stinson 6-6 340 So.
Allen Bender 6-4 270 So.

Left guard

Reginald Green 6-3 295 So.
Michael Dansby 6-5 340 So.

Center

Chris Bates 6-2 285 Jr.
Trey Matthews 6-4 325 Jr.

Right guard

Dave Scott 6-3 285 So.
Travis Readus 6-5 355 So.

Right tackle

James Randall 6-3 308 Jr.
Calvin Ousby 6-5 310 Jr.


THUMBS UP
Bates, a first-team All-SWAC selection, is solid at center. Stinson has the potential to play on Sundays. Randall has a lot of experience, and Scott is very strong. Unit has made progress since last spring.


THUMBS DOWN
This is one of the team's biggest question marks heading into the season.Three starters off last year's line are gone, and depth is a concern. Although this unit has shown improvement, it still has ways to go.

 

[Blacknbengal]

Tigers switch Hardnett to 'D'

Tigers switch Hardnett to 'D'


By Mark Alexander
[email protected]

Maurice Hardnett has traded sides of the ball, moving from offense to defense.

The heralded freshman from Pass Christian had worked exclusively at fullback before switching to outside linebacker on Wednesday.

"We needed some depth at the linebacker position so we approached him earlier this week about joining us," JSU defensive coordinator Greg Johnson said. "We originally recruited him as a linebacker, but with our situation at running back we decided to use him there at first.

"But, as things worked out, we decided it was better to play him on defense."

Hardnett, who played in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic, played running back and linebacker at Pass Christian. He rushed for 1,316 yards and six touchdowns and made 118 tackles as a middle linebacker his senior season.

Ole Miss was recruiting the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Hardnett as a linebacker up until two weeks before National Signing Day. He wears No. 44, Elgin Andrews' old jersey number.

"I wasn't upset about it or anything like that," Hardnett said following Saturday's early morning practice. "It doesn't really matter to me. I played both sides in high school. I'm going to play hard regardless of what position I play.

"I'm just behind now as far as learning the defense. I've had to do a lot of studying to try to catch up. But it's going to be OK."

Buy a ticket

Much ado has been made about first-year coach James Bell changing to a more run-oriented, conservative offense.

Frankly, Bell's tired of hearing all the rhetoric.

"People are wasting their time trying to figure out what we're doing," Bell said. "Tell them to buy a ticket and come see for themselves.

"We've probably passed it more than we've run it (in practice). We're going to be balanced offensively. I keep hearing people say all we're going to do is run it. Why not pass more? We're not going to throw the ball just for the sake of throwing the ball."

Working at it

Joseph Scott, a former Hattiesburg High standout who originally signed with Southern Miss, is expected to contribute this season at the linebacker position.

How much depends on how fast he picks up the defense, a process that was slowed when Scott missed nearly a week of practice with an injured shoulder.

"The system is new to him, so he's still trying to pick it up right now," Johnson said. "Being out the time that he was didn't help. But he's coming along OK. Once he picks everything up, he's going to help us."

Tight end shuffle

Starting tight end Courtney Rogers has been slowed by a knee injury this week, paving the way for more reps for backups Kenneth Davis and Johnny Neal.

Rogers said Saturday the injury won't keep him from playing in JSU's season opener against Northwestern (La.) State.

"I'm fine," Rogers said. "I should be full speed by next week."

Davis, a redshirt freshman from Eupora, has had a standout camp. He's displayed soft hands and good speed down the seam and in the flat.

On the move

Vincent Dancy and Ronald McRae recently moved from defensive back to linebacker.

The 6-foot-2, 205 pound Dancy sat out last season after a stellar high school career at Noxubee County. McRae, 6-1, 195, played in 10 games last season in a reserve role

 

[Blacknbengal]

Kent hopes JSU has answer for NW State's blitz

Kent hopes JSU has answer for NW State's blitz


By Mark Alexander
[email protected]

Jackson State quarterback Robert Kent has watched a couple of Northwestern (La.) State game tapes from last season in preparation for Saturday night's season-opener.


The one thing he took away from those tapes?

"They like to blitz a lot," Kent said, shaking his head. "They'll bring a cornerback, linebackers, safeties. . .you name it. They do it all. There's no limit to what they may try."

Northwestern State's aggressive, blitzing D rang up 43 sacks a year ago with 17 different players getting in on the fun. Hence the nickname Purple Swarm.

The Demons lost eight starters off last year's unit and isn't nearly as big up front. Yet, they're still very fast and perhaps more athletic than a year ago on that side of the ball, according to Northwestern coach Scott Stoker.

"We've got a lot of new faces on that side of the ball," Stoker said. "We're very young and inexperienced, but we're still going to do what we do. The scheme hasn't changed. We just may be a little more cautious this first game because we have so many new faces, and Jackson State's got a seasoned quarterback."

Kent says the Demons' defense reminds him of Alabama A&M's defense ? the same defense that hit him 32 times two years ago.

That game served as a blueprint for other teams, including Alabama State and Grambling State, who used a similar defensive philosophy to slow down the Tigers' high-octane offense.

Kent was sacked 32 times last season. He attempted 394 passes, meaning he was sacked once every 12.3 pass attempts. Some of the blame fell on the shoulders of Kent, who according to his former coaches, didn't get rid of the ball soon enough. Others pointed to the fact that JSU often sent out four and five receivers and didn't leave in enough blockers to provide adequate protection.

Neither should be an issue in the more run-oriented offense installed by first-year JSU coach James Bell. By mixing in more runs, swing passes to running backs out of the backfield and intermediate passes to the wide receivers and tight ends, the Tigers hope to make the Demons pay for their gambling ways by hitting them with a few big plays.

"We know they're going to come after us," Bell said. "But we're not going to throw it every down, and just allow them to pin their ears back. That's one of the things we've been working on, picking up the different blitzes, and we'll continue to do that the rest of the week."

JSU has put in an array of protection packages as one of Bell's emphases is keeping his quarterback out of harm's way. Still, the Purple Swarm figures to be a stern test for an offensive line that's one of JSU's biggest question marks.

"A lot of focus have been put on that the last couple of weeks," JSU center Chris Bates said. "We've really been going over our blitz sheet. One thing about it, we've seen so many different blitzes in the SWAC. We should benefit from that experience, and be able to pick them up."


Jackson State at Northwestern State
When: 6 p.m., Saturday

Where: Turpin Stadium, Natchitoches, La.

TV/Radio: None/JSU network, WYJS-105.9 FM



TUESDAY'S UPDATE: Northwestern State coach Scott Stoker has heard reports saying Jackson State plans to run the ball more this season. But. . . "When you've got a QB (Robert Kent) who has thrown for nearly 10,000 yards and three WRs back who had over 50 catches, you gotta think they're are going to throw it."

 

[Blacknbengal]

JSU fans must choose: Hit road or watch Valley

JSU fans must choose: Hit road or watch Valley


Non-SWAC games have been low-interest entries on Tigers' schedule
By Mark Alexander
[email protected]

Jackson State football fans face a difficult decision this weekend.


Do they travel four hours to Natchitoches, La., to watch their Tigers open the season against Northwestern State? Or do they stay close to home and go to Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium to watch Mississippi Valley State vs. Southern University in a game featuring two Southwestern Athletic Conference teams?

Based on pre-Saturday buzz, many are choosing the latter.

"A lot of our fans would rather see teams from the SWAC or MEAC instead of going outside the conference," said Calvin Younger, president of the Blue Bengals, a JSU booster club. "And then you throw in the travel factor ... you'll have a lot of our fans stay here, no doubt. But I still think we're going to have a good (JSU) crowd at our game."

JSU athletic director Roy Culberson and first-year coach James Bell would like to schedule more games against upper-level Division I-AA programs like Northwestern State in the future. The Demons are set to play a return game in Jackson next season as part of a six-year contract.

"Anytime you play a high-caliber program outside of your conference it gives you an opportunity to measure yourself," Culberson said.

Said Bell: "It makes you better. And it helps you in recruiting. You do it for a lot of reasons."

At the same time, the fans' lukewarm interest in such non-conference games ? even when played at home ? as opposed to games against other historically black schools, makes the juggling act that is scheduling tougher on Culberson and other ADs around the league.

"It's almost a no-win situation," Culberson said. "You have to put everything on a scale and weigh the benefits for your program. From a financial end, you look at the great rivalries established among some of the HBCU's. Like our game with Florida A&M this year in Indianapolis. There'll probably be 60,000 at that game.

"Then when you look at the competitive end, it's good to play against teams who go to the Division I-AA playoffs year in and year out. Those teams compete for a national championship, and we want to do the same thing."

JSU's other non-conference opponents this season are North Carolina A&T, Tennessee State and Florida A&M. JSU is scheduled to play Tennessee State again next year in Memphis as part of the annual Southern Heritage Classic. One year remains on that contract.

Culberson had hoped to add Nicholls State to the schedule next season. However, a mandate from the SWAC office requiring each conference team to play all nine of the other conference schools beginning next year, may make that impossible.

That leaves Culberson with just two slots for non-conference games because the NCAA is going back to an 11-game schedule next year. That 11-game limit is in effect until 2008, when college teams will again be able to play a 12th game like this season and last.

"Now that we'll only have 11 games for the next few seasons, it creates a problem," Culberson said. "I got a call from the people with the Gold Coast Classic in San Diego inviting us to come out there and play next year, but I had to tell them no.

"When we made these long-range schedules, that (SWAC) rule wasn't in effect. When you go back in and try to change things, it makes it tough."


The JSU game


Jackson State at Northwestern State
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.

Where: Turpin Stadium, Natchitoches, La.

TV: None

Radio: JSU Network, WYJS-105.9 FM

The Valley game

Mississippi Valley State vs. Southern U.

When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

Where: Miss. Veterans Memorial Stadium

TV: None

Radio: WVSD-91.7 FM (Itta Bena)

 

[Blacknbengal]

Northwestern State clueless about JSU

Northwestern State clueless about JSU


By Mark Alexander
[email protected]


Jackson State heads into Saturday's season opener at Northwestern (La.) State with a lot of unknowns.

New season. New coach. New schemes on offense and defense.

As uncertain as the Tigers are as to what Saturday night holds, imagine how Northwestern State coach Scott Stoker and his staff feel.

"We really don't have a clue what they're going to do to be honest with you," Stoker said earlier this week. "I've read where they're going to run the ball more, but other than that we really don't have anything to go by. But I suspect they're going to throw the ball. Anytime you've got a quarterback who has thrown for nearly 10,000 yards in his career and three receivers with over 50 catches apiece returning, you gotta expect them to throw it some."

Bell hopes that works in the Tigers' favor. "We might run a little bit of whatever," Bell said, smiling. "Who knows?"

DANGEROUS WEAPON: All the work JSU has done on special teams will be tested early. Northwestern State features one of the top return men in the country in Toby Zeigler, who ranked second in Division I-AA in punt return average (15.6 ypr) a year ago. He returned one punt for a touchdown covering 67 yards and had another covering 89 yards called back.

"No doubt, he's pretty good," Bell said.

BAD WEATHER: JSU had to halt Thursday's practice for about 20 minutes because of inclement weather. With thunder and lightning nearby, Bell sent the team in at 4:40 p.m. about an hour and 10 minutes after practice started. The Tigers were able to resume and complete practice with no further delays.

MANNING OUT AGAIN: JSU receiver Tim Manning missed practice for the second time this week. Manning, a second-team All-SWAC pick, sat out Thursday because of root canal surgery after missing Monday with a migraine headache.

He is not expected to miss Saturday's game.


Send this article as a postcard

 

[A&T Brandmasta]

Re: JSU fans must choose: Hit road or watch Valley

Originally posted by Blacknbengal
"It's almost a no-win situation," Culberson said. "You have to put everything on a scale and weigh the benefits for your program. From a financial end, you look at the great rivalries established among some of the HBCU's. Like our game with Florida A&M this year in Indianapolis. There'll probably be 60,000 at that game.

"Then when you look at the competitive end, it's good to play against teams who go to the Division I-AA playoffs year in and year out. Those teams compete for a national championship, and we want to do the same thing."

Interesting comment...

Also, I was just thinking....do you think this "run-first" offense of JSU is nothing more than one big media "rope-a-dope" strategy?

Will they really be pass-happy again, hoping to catch people by surprise?

 

[Get Ready]

 

[MikeBigg]

Speaking of running games: NSU has two really good backs in Derrick Johnese and Shelton Sampson (both of Baton Rouge). If JSU can handle this duo, the Tigers will come away as winners.

I think JSU has more overall talent than Northwestern. The Ziegler kid is good...NSU got him because Auburn thought he would be a prop and didn't sign him. He was one of the best receivers in Louisiana coming out of Neville High school. He and Grambling's Tim Abney were teammates at Neville and we recruited both.

I don't think he's any better than any of the other receivers JSU will face this year...If JSU's secondary has improved over last season (plus NSU has a new qb), I think Jackson will be able to keep him in check.

Good Luck ( I know that sounds strange coming from me) but I'm pulling for the Tigers.

 

[Bengal E]

Re: Re: JSU fans must choose: Hit road or watch Valley

Originally posted by A&T Brandmasta
Interesting comment...

Also, I was just thinking....do you think this "run-first" offense of JSU is nothing more than one big media "rope-a-dope" strategy?

Will they really be pass-happy again, hoping to catch people by surprise?

Frat,
because it's you and I know ya, I'll just say this. Balance wins championships. Even St. Louis had some what of a running game with all that passing. Houston and Atlanta never won jack with their "Run N Gun". All the man ever said was that he was going to create a more balanced attack, meaning putting in more running plays. Kent won't be there forever.

The man is not a fool. He is well aware of all the weapons he has at his disposal.