CSN INDEX
Official NCAA Info
Headlines Around The FCS-Forum
By Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil and guest Demetrius Gatewood
Inside the HBCU Huddle Columnist
College Sporting News
Major award winners were Offensive Player Of The Year Rico Richardson of Jackson State; Defensive Player Of The Year Keith Pough of Howard; Freshman Of The Year Johnta Hebert of Prairie View A&M; and Newcomer Of The Year Isaiah Crowell of Alabama State. Bethune-Cookman's Brian Jenkins captured Head Coach honors and Tennessee State was the program of the year.
Eleven schools in total were represented on the 25 player squad including three student-athletes each from Bethune-Cookman, Jackson State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alabama State.
2012 INSIDE THE HBCU HUDDLE/CSN AWARDS
COACH OF THE YEAR
Brian Jenkins, Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats
HBCU PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
Tennessee State University Tigers
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
WR, Rico Richardson, (6'1", 190, Senior; Natchez, MS), Jackson State University
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
LB, Keith Pough, (6'3", 235, Senior; Orangeburg, SC), Howard University
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
KR, (RB), Johnta Hebert, (5'11", 195, Freshman; Baton Rouge, LA), Prairie View A&M University
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
RB, Isaiah Crowell, (5'11", 190, Sophomore; Columbus, GA), Alabama State University
2012 INSIDE THE HBCU HUDDLE/CSN ALL-AMERICAN TEAM
OFFENSE
QB, Nick Elko, (6'2", 210, R Senior; Odenton, MD), Delaware State University
WR, Rico Richardson (6'1", 185, Senior; Natchez, MS), Jackson State University
WR, Xavier Boyce, (6'4", 220, R Senior; Virginia Beach, VA), Norfolk State University
RB, Trabis Ward, (5'10", 200, R Junior; Fort Lauderdale, FL), Tennessee State University
RB, Isaiah Crowell, (5'11", 190, Sophomore; Columbus, GA), Alabama State University
TE, A. C. Leonard, (6'4", 245, Sophomore; Jacksonville, FL), Tennessee State University
OT, Terron Armstead, 6'5", 320, Senior; Cahokia, IL), University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
OL Roger Gaines, (6'7", 320, R Senior; Goodlettsville, TN), Tennessee State University
C, Eugene Solomon, 6'4", 270, Senior; Savannah, GA), Bethune Cookman University
OL Terrance Hackney, (6'6", 310, Junior; Chapel Hill, NC), Bethune-Cookman University
OT Terren Jones (6'8", 305, Junior; Fort Walton Beach, FL), Alabama State University
DEFENSE
DL, Harold Love III, (6'3", 325, Senior; Portland, OR), Bethune Cookman University
DE, Brandon Thurmond, (6'2", 260, Senior; Augusta, GA), University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
DE, Joseph LeBeau, (6'1", 245, Junior; New Orleans, LA), Jackson State University
DT, Robert Simpson, (6'4", 255, Junior; Gulfport, MS), Mississippi Valley State University
LB, Bill Ross, (6'2", 240, Senior; Wetumpka, AL), University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
LB, Lynden Trail, (6'7", 250, R Sophomore; Miami, FL), Norfolk State University
LB, Keith Pough, (6'2", 225, Junior; Orangeburg, SC), Howard University
DB, Qua Cox, (6'0", 185, R Junior; Tuskegee, AL), Jackson State University
CB, Steven Godbolt III, (6'1", 180, R Junior; Cross City, FL), Tennessee State University
CB, D’Vonte Graham, (5'9", 180, Junior; Tallahassee, FL), North Carolina A&T State University
FS, Kejuan Riley, (6'0", 180, Junior; Wetumpka, AL), Alabama State University
SPECIAL TEAMS
K, Jamin Godfrey, (6'0", 180, Junior; Englewood, TN), Tennessee State University
KR Arthur Goforth, (5'8", 171, Senior; Columbia, SC), North Carolina Central University
P, Bobby Wenzig, (6'2", 180, Junior; San Diego, CA), Alabama State University
PR Arthur Goforth, (5'8", 171, Senior; Columbia, SC), North Carolina Central University
CAPSULES:
COACH OF THE YEAR
Brian Jenkins, Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats
Coach Brian Jenkins led the Wildcats to an unblemished 8-0 MEAC record and 9-2 overall mark. The Wildcats edged out Florida A&M in the annual Florida Classic to seal its perfect record and the conference's automatic berth to the NCAA Division I (FCS) Championships. The Wildcats finished the season as the only ranked HBCU program in the Sports Network FCS College Football Poll (25) at No. 22
HBCU PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
Tennessee State University Tigers
Coach Rod Reed led the Tigers to an 8-3 record, No. 1 ranking in the Final Top 10 Poll Ranking, finish with three top five wins (3-0), wins over Arkansas Pine Bluff (No. 2; Major Division), Bethune-Cookman (No. 3; Major Division), and Jackson State (No. 4; Major Division) as well as (4-0) record against HBCU competition includes defeating unranked Florida A&M, finished first in the conference in total defense, 361.64; pass efficiency defense, 115.01 (8th HBCU Major Division Competition).
*Minimum of three HBCU Major Division games
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
WR, Rico Richardson (6’1", 190, Senior) Jackson State University
A 2011second team selection was the only receiver in the SWAC to gain over 1,000 yards receiving this season. The senior from Natchez, MS finished the regular season with 56 receptions for 1,1081 yards which led the SWAC and is ranked 13th in the NCAA. He also led the conference in TD grabs with 10. He average 19.3 yards per catch and 98.3 per game also
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
LB, Keith Pough (6’3", 235, Senior) Howard University
Pough became the FCS all-time record holder in tackles for a loss with 83 to cap his four-year collegiate career with the Bison. Recorded 72 total tackles, 44 solo, with 10.0 for a loss of 50 yards during the 2012 campaign. Pough became the FCS all-time record holder in tackles for a loss with 83 to cap his four-year collegiate career with the Bison
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
KR, (RB), Johnta Hebert, (5'11", 195, Freshman), Prairie View A&M University
Hebert returned 49 kicks for 926 yards. He averaged 18.8 per kick which ranked him second in the SWAC. Johnta Hebert caught a 41 yd pass from Jerry Lovelocke in the State Fair Classic against Grambling State. Hebert also returned one kickoff for a touchdown and led the SWAC with 121.7 all-purpose yards per game
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
RB, Isaiah Crowell, (5’11", 190, Sophomore), Alabama State University
Selected All-SWAC 1st team Offense, Crowell produced 159 rushes for 842 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns
OFFENSE
QB Nick Elko, (6’2", 210, Senior), Delaware State University
The 2012 MEAC Offensive Player-of-the-Year led the league in passing average (257.1ypg) and total offense (250.3ypg); and was third in passing efficiency (130.1 rating). He completed a DSU single-season record 259 passes on 412 attempts (62.5%) for 2,828 yards (also a school record) and 15 touchdowns this past season. Elko completed his Hornet career ranked second in team history in passing yards (5,754) and completions (539), and third in touchdown passes (37). He is Delaware State's first MEAC Offensive Player-of-the-Year since Rahsaan Matthews (QB) in 2000. He is a member of the North squad in the 2012 FCS Senior Scout Bowl Game
WR, Rico Richardson, (6’1" 190, Senior), Jackson State University
A 2011second team selection was the only receiver in the SWAC to gain over 1,000 yards receiving this season. The senior from Natchez, MS finished the regular season with 56 receptions for 1,1081 yards which led the SWAC and is ranked 13th in the NCAA. He also led the conference in TD grabs with 10. He average 19.3 yards per catch and 98.3 per game also
WR, Xavier Boyce, (6’4", 220, r Senior), Norfolk State University
Boyce earned his second straight All-MEAC honor after garnering first-team accolades last year. He led the Spartans with 58 catches for 623 yards and four touchdowns catches. Boyce ranked fifth in the conference in receptions and sixth in yards. He caught at least three passes in every game and had at least six catches in six games. He had a season-high 101 receiving yards against Savannah State. Boyce finished his NSU career with 126 catches -- fourth all-time in program history -- after transferring from Virginia Tech prior to his junior season
RB, Trabis Ward, (5’10", 200, r Junior) Tennessee State University
After a stellar 2011 season, Trabis Ward continue to define his skills as he finished the 2012 season with 309 attempts, 1460yards 4.6 yards per catch and 15 touchdowns. He earned BSN FCS All-American Honorable Mention
RB, Isaiah Crowell, (5’11", 190, Sophomore), Alabama State University
Selected All-SWAC 1st team Offense, Crowell produced 159 rushes for 842 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns
TE, A. C. Leonard, (6’4", 245, Sophomore), Tennessee State University
Leonard, in his first season with Tennessee State after transferring from Florida, caught 51 passes for 733 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. The 733 yards were the most by a tight end at the FCS level this year and was the fourth most throughout all four divisions of college football (FBS, FCS, D-II and D-III). He is also the first sophomore tight end to make the first team in the 26 years of The Sports Network All-America Team
OT, Terron Armstead, (6’5", 320, Senior), University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Terron presence help lead his team to its 1st Championship since its induction to the SWAC in 1999. As a result of his contributions, the Golden Lions were able to produced 793 offensive plays for 3,714 in Total Offense. Armstead earned All-SWAC 2nd team Offense
OL, Roger Gaines, (6’7", 320, r Senior), Tennessee State University
Left tackle Gaines is a second team selection for the Sports Network FCS All-American and was a part of a TSU offensive line that led the Ohio Valley Conference in rushing at 175.7 yards per game. The senior did not give up a sack all season and graded out at a 93.6. He earned OVC 1st team Offense
OL, C, Eugene Solomon, (6’4", 270, Senior) Bethune Cookman University
Solomon brought terror to his opponents to help the Wildcats of Bethune Cookman to a glorious season as the capped a perfect record in conference play as well as MEAC Champions. 29.4 points a game as well as produced 4,665 in Total Offense.
OL, Terrance Hackney, (6’6", 310, Sophomore), Bethune-Cookman
Terrance Hackney has been selected to The Sports Network FCS All-America Third team. The 6-6, 310-pound offensive tackle from Chapel Hill, North Carolina is picking up his second All-America award of the year after being named to the BSN All-America squad last week. In 2012, Hackney anchored a Bethune-Cookman offensive line unit paving the way for MEAC-leading 4,665 yards of total offense.
OL, Terren Jones, (6’7", 334, Senior), Alabama State University
Started every game at left tackle...earned All-SWAC honors for third straight season while garnering second straight first-team selection…helped Hornets gain more than 400 yards total offense four times and score at least 30 points in six consecutive games, longest streak since 1991-92…Alabama State rushed for more than 2,000 yards this season with a conference-best 31 rushing touchdowns
DEFENSE
DL, Harold Love III, (6’3", 325, Senior), Bethune Cookman University
The Wildcats were wild and tenacious against their opponent as they were no. 1 in Scoring Defense in the Mideastern Athletic Conference 1ith 12 touchdowns, averaging 13.5 points per game, with a total of 108. The result of these numbers was a contribution from Harold Love III. He is accounted for 20 solos, 35 asst, 3.5 sacks, 1 fumble, and ended season with 55 tackles for the season
DE, Brandon Thurmond, (6’2", 260, Senior), University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Thurmond was electrifying this season for the Golden Lions as they clinched the west division of the SWAC as well as Champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Brandon recorded 41 solos, assist 29, 17.5 leads the nation in sacks with a total of 70 tackles for the season. Thurmond earn first team ALL-SWAC, and first team BSN FCS All-American
DE, Joseph LeBeau, (6’1", 245, Senior), Jackson State University
Joseph LeBeau (DE) was All-SWAC 1st team Defense. He had 45 solos, 21 asst, and 10.0 sacks for a loss of total 72 yards. LeBeau is ranked third in the nation in tackles for loss with 16-57
DT, Robert Simpson, (6’4", 255, Junior), Mississippi Valley State University
Simpson had 29 solo, 30 asst, and 7 sacks with the total 59 tackles. He earned All- SWAC 1st-eam Defense and BSN FCS All American 1st team Defense. Delta Devils 2nd in Scoring Defense with 27 touchdowns, 206 points, 18.7 avg/g. 1st in Total Defense 3,071 yards allowed, 1st in Rushing Defense 1,278 yards and 16 touchdowns allowed and 2nd in Pass Defense with 1793 18 touchdown allowed in the SWAC
LB, Bill Ross, (6’2", 240, Senior), University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Ross produced 70 solos, 57 asst., 2 sacks, and 3 int. for a loss of 110 yards. He was selected All-SWAC 1st team Defense. Ross was named Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the SWAC Championship Game after logging 8.5 tackles, including one for loss. He helped lead the Golden Lions to their first SWAC Championship Game Crown and the first team in school history to have a 10 win season
LB, Lynden Trail, (6’7", 250, Sophomore), Norfolk State University
Lynden was given honorable mention honors on the recently released Beyond Sports Network (BSN) FCS All-America team. Despite starting just three games in his debut season at NSU after transferring from the University of Florida, Trail emerged as a force for the Spartan defense. Trail led NSU with 70 total tackles, including 17 for lost yardage, to earn first-team All-MEAC accolades. He also tied for the team-lead with six sacks and added four pass breakups; eight quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble
LB, Keith Pough, (6’3", 235, Senior), Howard University
Pough ranks 13th in total tackles as well as in tackles for a loss in the conference. He also recorded 3.5 sacks for a loss of 35 yards, two quarterback hurries, one block, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries and earned his first-career touchdown in a come-from-behind victory over Delaware State. Pough has earned MEAC Defensive Player of the Week accolades twice this season and is selected to play in the 88th Annual East West Shrine Bowl, scheduled for January 19, 2013 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL
FS, Kejuan Riley, (6’2", 208, Senior), Alabama State University
Riley becomes a three-time Sports Network FCS All-America at free safety (2nd Team 2010; 1st team 2011). Riley is Alabama State's career leader in interceptions (21) and interception return yards (348), and ranks first and second, respectively, on the active FCS lists in both categories. This season, Riley tied for the conference leads with four interceptions, while ranking fourth on the team with 55 tackles (39 solo), 3.0 tackles for loss, four passes defense, and one forced fumble. Riley made interceptions in back-to-back games twice this season (vs. Mississippi Valley State / at Grambling; at Prairie View/at Southern). Riley also earned first-team All-SWAC honors for the third time.
CB, Steven Godbolt III, (6’1", 180, r Sophomore), Tennessee State University
Godbolt is one of three sophomores on the first and second team defensive units. He picked off six passes in 10 games to finish first nationally in interceptions per game (0.60). He had two separate streaks during the 2012 season of three consecutive games with an interception. Godbolt III recorded 37 solo 8 asst., 45 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 6 interceptions 67 total yards for Tigers in the 2012 season. He earned ALL-OVC 1st team Defense and BSN FCS All-American 2nd team Defense
CB, D’Vonte Graham, (5’9", 180, Junior), North Carolina A&T State University
The Aggies play an aggressive style of defense, which is predicated on blitzing the passer. It forces A&T defensive backs to play a lot of one-on-one coverage. Graham relishes the opportunity to cover receivers one-on-one. He was third in the MEAC in interceptions (four) and passes defended (12). He was tied for 23rd in the nation in interceptions. Graham returned an INT 58 yards for a touchdown in a 38-10 win over Howard on Oct. 13. He also returned a fumble 10 yards for a touchdown against South Carolina State
SPECIAL TEAMS
K, Jamin Godfrey, (6’0", 180, Junior), Tennessee State University
Jamin was 16/20 field goals and was 80.0 this 2012 season. He earned All-OVC 1st team Offense
KR, Arthur Goforth, (5’8", 171, Senior), North Carolina Central University
Goforth ranked second in the MEAC and 26th in NCAA Division I-FCS in all-purpose yards with an average of 134.9 yards per game. He scored three touchdowns on special teams (two punt returns, one kickoff return), broke the NCCU single-season record with a punt return average of 35.8 yards per attempt, and also established a new school record with a 92-yard punt return for a touchdown.
P, Bobby Wenzig, (6’2", 185, Junior), Alabama State University
Led the SWAC and ranked third in the nation in punting in earned Sports Network FCS All-America accolades for the first time. He averaged a career high in punting average (45.6 yards), punts of at least 50 yards (20), and punts downed inside the 20 (24). Wenzig was a six-time SWAC Special Teams Player of the Week winner and a one-time National Special Teams Player of the Week honoree, had a game average of at least 46.0 yards per punt six times, and also had one rush for 14 yards leading to game-winning touchdown at Grambling State. Wenzig is a two-time All-SWAC recipient, and earned first-team honors this season
PR, Arthur Goforth, (5’8", 171, Senior), North Carolina Central University
Goforth topped the MEAC and ranked 21st in the nation with an average of 26.2 yards per kickoff return, including a 90-yard touchdown. Goforth ended his collegiate career as only the third Eagle to amass more than 4,000 all-purpose yards, finishing with 4,021 (968 rushing, 368 receiving, 567 punt returns, 2,118 kickoff returns)
Alabama St: Football Flashback
06-20-2013 01:53 AM
FCS RSS Today, 06:59 AMBIRMINGHAM – The Alabama State football team won the 71st State Farm Magic City Classic with a 31-13 victory over