2014 Football Preview: Mississippi Valley State University
MVSU Sports Information
ITTA BENA, Miss. - Nearly 50 letter winners will be returning to the Mississippi Valley State football team for the 2014 season, but one of the most awaited Delta Devils will be a newcomer. Ironically, it’s a newcomer that won’t be donning a uniform and pads, but rather a headset and playbook. Rick Comegy will kick off his first season at the helm of the MVSU program this season after a successful career at nearby rival Jackson State where he coached the Tigers to a SWAC title in 2007 and back-to-back SWAC Championship game appearances in 2012 and 2013.
Comegy, who replaces Karl Morgan after his four-year stint in Itta Bena, takes over a Delta Devil program that finished 2-9 (2-7 SWAC) in 2013 including six losses of loss than 10 points. Last season, MVSU also played in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney against Florida A&M – a game that was played live on ESPNU.
Comegy inherits a Delta Devil team that won five games in 2012 and had the No.2-ranked defense in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Now, the first-year head coach hopes to rebuild a Delta Devil program that is on the search for its first SWAC championship in school history.
OFFENSE
A crop of MVSU’s offensive playmakers will be returning this season. One of those playmakers is Patrick Ivy (6-4, 215, Sr., Centreville, Ill.), who started nine games at quarterback last season while throwing for a team-high 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns to accompany nine interceptions. In his last four games, he threw for at least 200 yards including a 233-yard, three touchdown performance against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The junior college transfer will be battling for the starting gig this season with senior Carl Davis (6-1, 180, Sr., Mobile, Ala.), junior college transfer Quantavius Peterson (6-1, 205, Jr., Shelby, Miss.) and University of Memphis transfer Dontrinell Scott (6-2, 200, R-So., Mound Bayou, Miss.). Davis, who held the starting job during his freshman season, appeared in three games in 2013.
MVSU will hope to get better production from its crop of running backs this season. Cortez Frizell was the team’s second leading rusher in 2013 with 268 yards on 105 carries, but he will not be returning to the team. DaShawn Davis (6-2, 235, R-Sr.), who was a linebacker last season, has converted to running back and looks to share the load with a stable of backs. He’ll be joined in the backfield by John Johnson (5-8, 190, Jr., Olive Branch, Miss.), Dwayne Springs (5-8, 218, So., Waukegan, Ill.) and Jeremy Dobson (5-10, 185, R-Jr.). At fullback, freshman Gabriel Jackson (6-1, 270, Moss Point, Miss.) is battling for the starting job with Jo’Nathan Davis (5-6, 249, Sr., Ruleville, Miss.)
The Delta Devils might be most talented at the wide receiver position where All-SWAC selection Julian Stafford and upcoming standout a host of newcomers hope to play an integral role in the Valley offense this season. Stafford (5-10, 180, R-Sr., Memphis, Tenn.) recorded at least 50 receptions for the second straight year last season with 52 catches for 694 yards and three touchdowns. He was named Second Team All-SWAC by College Sports Madness. Stafford will be joined by senior Trey Ford (5-10, 170, Sr., Memphis, Tenn.), Tavis James (5-11, 185, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla.) and Coahoma Community College transfer Keenan Daniels (6-3, 190, Jr., Jackson, Miss.). Grant Simms, who played quarterback at nearby Leflore County High School, also has converted to wide receiver and looks to make an immediate impact after redshirting in 2013.
Also, Natron Brooks (6-3, 210, So., Tampa, Fla.) returns at tight end for Valley after starting all 11 games last season for the Delta Devils.
On the offensive line, MVSU will be without five letter winners including All-SWAC selection Antonio Griggs, who exhausted his eligibility. Along with a crop of newcomers, suiting up for the Delta Devils will be: Granderson Givens (6-1, 345, Sr., Greenwood, Miss.), Trevin Wallace (6-6, 315, Jr., Memphis, Tenn.) and Jarrod Lewis (6-7, 315, Sr., Houston, Texas).
DEFENSE
The Valley defense took a slight step back in 2013 after a dominating performance in 2012, but with a load of returners and an influx of newcomers the Delta Devils defense is predicted to once again give opponents headaches this season. Of the SWAC’s most feared defensive backs, Avery Boykin, returns for his senior season after racking up 57 tackles, seven pass breakups and a league-high six interceptions in 2013. Boykin (6-0, 190, Sr., Wilmington, Del.) also led the SWAC in passes defended (1.18 per game). Joining him on the defensive side of the ball will be his former junior college teammate Sean Fugate, a defensive end who splashed on the scene last season with a team-high 15 tackles for loss, four sacks and three forced fumbles. Antonio Benson (6-1, 215, Gr., Crystal Springs, Miss.) will anchor the Delta Devil linebackers after leading MVSU in tackles last season with 78 (seven for loss) and two forced fumbles. Others expected to contribute include: Brandon Powe (LB, 6-1, 230, Gr., Shelby, Miss.), Jeremy Johnson (DB, 5-9, 170, Sr., Bassfield, Miss.), Davon Jones (DB, 6-3, 207, Sr., Phoenix, Ariz.) and Terrance Hudson (DB, 5-9, 180, Jr., Greenwood, Miss.).
SPECIAL TEAMS
The special teams unit for Valley boasts a couple of valuable returning contributors. Cherchen Galon (5-10, 168, Sr., Miami, Fla.), who made 6-of-7 field goal attempts in 2013, returns for his senior season. The Miami native also served as punter while averaging 41 yards per punt. Meanwhile, one of the SWAC’s most dynamic return specialists is set to return as Julian Stafford is coming off his second consecutive season with a kickoff return touchdown. Last season, he averaged 23 yards per return and had a 97-yard TD against Texas Southern.
SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN
MVSU will be hosting five games this season and will play two non-conference opponents. The Delta Devils open the season Aug. 30 against the University of Faith of the American Small College Athletic Association. It’ll mark the first ever meeting between the two teams. Other home games for the Delta Devils include: Alcorn State (9/20), Alabama A&M (9/27), Prairie View A&M for homecoming (10/18) and Grambling State (11/6) on ESPNU. MVSU will be on the road for six games starting on Sept. 6 when they travel to Normal, Ill. for their first-ever meeting against Illinois State, a team that finished 5-6 last season. Other road opponents include: Alabama State (9/13), Texas Southern (10/4), Jackson State (10/11), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (11/1) and Southern University (11/15).
THE SEASON WILL BE A SUCCESS IF…..
The Delta Devils will need to find creative ways to get the ball in the hands of its most explosive player, Julian Stafford. Over the last two seasons, the Memphis native has played a huge role for both the Valley offense and special teams unit. MVSU will also need better production from its rushing attack after gaining just 957 yards on the ground as a team last season.