2009 SWAC Football Previews: Alcorn State
SWAC.org
Aug. 26, 2009
Lorman, Miss. -
(This is the first in a series of previews of 2009 SWAC Football teams)
Alcorn State Braves
2008 Finish: 2-10 overall (1-6 SWAC; 5th place Eastern Division)
2009 Preseason Prediction : 5th place Eastern Division
In 2008, Alcorn State football experienced many positive experiences. From the addition of a twelfth game (New Mexico State) to three appearances on ESPN networks, the Braves showed signs of becoming a team of a different caliber. Braves fans were also excited about the arrival of Head Coach, Ernest T. Jones.
Although the 2-10 record may tell a different story, the Braves lost a few close games in the fourth quarter. Alcorn State's opening game showed promise as they lost a close one to non-conference opponent, Southeastern Louisiana 34-28. The Braves' primetime appearance on ESPN Classic against Grambling State was dismal as Alcorn experienced their first shut-out of the season with a score of 29-0. Alcorn State was handed their third lost by Troy, 65-0. In true fashion, the Braves' won their first game in front of a nationally television audience against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 13-3. Alcorn State suffered two more losses before picking up their second win of the season against in-state rival, Mississippi Valley 35-21. The Braves' went into a snowball effect as they lost the last five games of the season. Another bright spot in the 2008 season was that nineteen (19) players ended their collegiate career as part of the Alcorn State University Football Program.
After one year on the job, Coach Jones was relieved of his coaching duties and Coach Earnest Collins, Jr., was named Interim Head Coach. After receiving an overwhelming amount of support from senior players, Collins was named Head Football Coach. Collins will be assisted by Dino Dawson (Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers), Zach Shay (Defensive Coordinator), Mike Armour (Quarterbacks), Keith Majors (Defensive Line/Special Teams), Jack Phillips (Secondary), Quentin Qualls (Asst. Defensive Line/Football Ops), Terrance Robinson (Running Backs), and Willard Scissum (Offensive Line).
With a good spring practice under his belt, Coach Collins goal is to have the team to compete for four quarters of the game. He pushes the offense to do small things right. He charges that the defense needs to understand assignments.
Names such as Tony Hobson, Jr., Emmanuel Arceneaux, Lee Robinson, Corey McLaurin, will no longer be part of the Braves scheme as the revitalization on Alcorn's Glory Days is on the horizon. The Braves return thirty-five lettermen that will play a critical role in returning Alcorn to the forefront of Black College Football. The 2009 football roster will feature players as close as Fayette, Mississippi and as far away as Kahuhu, Hawaii. Alcorn State will also have international ties in Sophomore Linebacker Herve Tonye-Tonye, who is a native of Montreal, Canada.
Tim Buckley (Madison, MS) returns as the starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Buckley passed for 1, 956 yards and threw for ten (10) touchdowns. With his quick speed, the incoming senior rushed for 456 yards and scored four (4) Braves touchdowns. The senior will receive back-up from Aaron Shavers (Detroit, MI) and JUCO transfer, Terrance Barnes (Jackson, MS). Barnes split time with Buckley during spring practice.
The wide receiver corp will be filled with veterans with a few newcomers mixed in. Edward Johnson (Natchez, MS), who led the 2008 receivers with 56 catches and 578 yards with three (3) touchdowns returns for his junior season. Antonio DeJarnett (Eclectic, AL) and Mike Simmons (Jackson, MS) will also be sure fire targets for the Braves. JUCO transfers who will also add depth in the wide receiver area are Haki Reed (Fayette, MS) and Wayne Cox (Nashville, TN). Reed and Cox pose a dangerous threat to team's defense with their quick speed and playmaking abilities.
The back field will also feature veteran talent. Junior Josh Brumfield (Flowood, MS) who saw limited action last season will be the glue to holding the running back spot together. Brumfield totaled 59 carries for 201 yards.
Offensive Line seems to be headed in an upward direction. Coach Collins has noticed that they are taking on the personality of their coach (Scissum). They have a different temperament. Seniors Matthew Maiden (Woodville, MS), Ramardo Thomas (Natchez, MS) must provide veteran leadership and experience to hold off opponents' defensive schemes in order for the Braves to become a title contender for the SWAC Championship.
At the linebacker spot, Josh Cragin (Fort Walton Beach, FL) is coming back and that's a big help. Herve Tonye Tonye (Montreal, Canada) has adjusted to the position of linebacker. Rico Hill is coming off an injury but will ready for action once the season begins.
On the secondary corps, Rod Williams (Monroe, LA) and Tomasi Fuller (Kahuhu, HI) are returning; Javoris Tribune (Rosedale, MS) and Jason Owens (Phoenix, AZ) are also contributing in that area. Williams totaled (36) thirty-six tackles with three tackles for loss for six yards. Coming off an exceptional performance, Fuller is expected to emerge as a leader of the secondary corps.
The defensive line will feature the likes of Caesar Cobb, II (Killeen, TX), Malcolm Taylor (Brooksville, MS) and Brandon Morris (Arlington, TX). Cobb was second on the in tackles for loss (9.5 for 68 yards) and sacks (4.5 for 29 yards). Taylor garnered 6.0 tackles for loss for 28 yards and 4.5 sacks for 23 yards. Morris was ranked third in tackles for loss (8.5 for 36 yards).
For special teams, the Braves will rely on the leadership of Sophomore Taylor Richardson (Kokomo, IN). Richardson nailed eleven of twenty field goals in his first year with the Braves. Senior Roderick Williams will also play a leadership role on special teams. Last season, Williams had eight returns for seventy yards on punt returns and three returns for forty three yards on kick returns.
Courtesy of Alcorn State sports information