Will this be the year the MEAC has one champion?
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[/insert_php]At the MEAC Media Day/Coaches Luncheon on July 29 in Norfolk, VA, a lot of the coaches talked about how competitive the conference is and that there are about five or six teams that can compete for the conference title. One would have to assume that those teams would be (in alphabetical order) Bethune-Cookman, Norfolk State, Hampton, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central and South Carolina State.
The competitiveness of the conference holds true as the last time there was an outright champion was in 2012 when Bethune-Cookman went undefeated in conference play. In 2014, five teams shared the conference crown and last year Bethune-Cookman, North Carolina A&T, and North Carolina Central shared the crown.
2016 promises to be just as competitive. The previews are listed in the order BOXTOROW believes the teams will finish.
North Carolina A&T (10-2, 7-1)
With an opportunity to win the conference outright last year, the Aggies hosted rival North Carolina Central in the last game of the regular season and defeated the Aggies 21-16. It was the second-straight year the Aggies had an opportunity to win the MEAC title outright by defeating the Eagles. The Aggies rebounded about a month later and defeated SWAC champion Alcorn State 41-34 in a thriller in the inaugural Celebration Bowl in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, a game that drew a 1.89 rating on ABC and was the second most watched sporting event on that Saturday. The Aggies were crowned BOXTOROW and HBCU National Champions. It momentarily took the sting out of losing to rival NCCU. Fast forward eight months later and the questions still linger about beating NCCU. But before the Aggies can think about doing that, they have to play 10 games with two coming against FBS opponents Tulsa and Kent State. We have to give A&T the edge to win the conference outright this year. On offense, the Aggies return all-world player in running back Tarik Cohen. Cohen is one of the best football players in the country and should be considered for the Heisman. Last season, Cohen led the MEAC in rushing (1,543), carries (264) and rushing touchdowns (15) on his way to averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He rushed for 100 or more yards in nine games and showed why he was one of the best running backs on any level rushing for 295 and three touchdowns in the Celebration Bowl. All three touchdown runs were of at least 70 yards. He needs 969 yards to not only be the MEAC’s all-time leading rusher but to also be the first player in MEAC history to rush for over 5,000 yards. As important as Cohen’s return is to the Aggies, equally important is the return of eight starters on offense, including four offensive linemen led by BOXTOROW All-American left tackle Brandon Parker. The Aggies also return all of their wide receivers led by Denzel Keyes. Keyes is an NFL prospect and at 6’3”uses his height and tremendous jumping ability to ward off defenders. He caught 39 passes for 435 yards and eight touchdowns. The big question is who will get the ball to the receivers. Lamar Raynard has the most experience, but last year could not wrestle the job away from Kwashaun Quick, who is lost to graduation. Raynard completed just 45 percent of his passes for 632 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception. Kylil Carter saw some time and played in some big games as a true freshman last year, including throwing the game-winning touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter in the victory over South Carolina State in Orangeburg. Carter played in just four games, completing 48 percent of his passes for 244 yards with four touchdowns and one interception, but also presents problems for defenses with his running ability. Defensively, the Aggies return seven starters from a defense that ranked second in FCS in total defense(267.3). There are some big losses on defense including that of BOXTOROW All-American cornerback Tony McCrae and cornerback Marquise Boyan. The Aggies tended to give up big plays in the passing game but overall were solid. Look for Tard McCoy, who saw time in all 12 games, and Marquis Willis, who played in 10 games, try and fill the void. Another significant loss is that of middle linebacker Denzel Jones who was the heart and soul of the defense. Joshua Patrick played in all 12 games and could be the starter. The Aggies strength and where they have the most depth will continue to be upfront, led by BOXTOROW All-American defensive tackle Marquise Ragland (48 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks). Angelo Keyes is a tremendous pass rusher and led the Aggies in sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (15.5). Punt returner Khris Gardin had a dynamite season last year on his way to being named BOXTOROW All-American after returning 32 punts for 740 yards, an unbelievable 23.1 yards per return and three touchdowns. Just think, the A&T program was in disarray before Rod Broadway took over in 2011. Remember, as recently as 2013 the Aggies could not hold spring practice because of APR issues.
North Carolina Central (8-3, 7-1)
It was very close and a little bit more difficult to pick A&T over NCCU to win the MEAC this year. After all, the Eagles have defeated the Aggies two-straight years to create a tie for the conference title when all the Aggies had to do was to win the matchup to win the title outright. And both years, the Eagles were less talented than the Aggies. That’s why they play the game. But what has hurt the Eagles the last two years is their inability to close out winnable games, a la Bethune-Cookman last year and Morgan State in 2014. Still, third-year head coach Jerry Mack has some talent returning. Defensively, the Eagles lost cornerback Ryan Smith who was drafted in the fourth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They do welcome back last year’s consensus preseason All-American Mike Jones who went down in the third game of the season with a broken ankle. He is back and will hold down one cornerback position. He will also play a significant role in the kick return game. BOXTOROW All-American C.J. Moore who led the Eagles with 100 tackles was also lost to graduation. Davanta Reynolds will be expected to be more of a leader and can play either safety position. He started 11 games as a true freshman amassing 33 tackles (20 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles. The only starter returning at linebacker is Jeremy Miles, a three-year starter who had 47 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Defensive line will be the most experienced unit as three starters return led by tackle Darius Spruill who had 27 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Offensively, quarterback Malcolm Bell begins the season as the first team All-MEAC quarterback. Bell really struggled last year, completing just 52 percent of his passes for 1,581 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. He did rush for 509 yards and five touchdowns. But he really came on the last four games of the season averaged 202 yards passing, completing 54 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and three interceptions. The Eagles hope to see the Bell who showed flashes in the last four games and the Bell from 2014. BOXTOROW Rookie of the Year running back Dorrel McClain had a magnificent season for the Eagles rushing for 858 yards and eight touchdowns on 171 carries (5.6 yards per carry), including 167 yards against A&T. While McClain will be the featured back, McClain will not be a workhorse type of back and some of the carries will be given to Ramone Simpson who in his redshirt freshman year rushed for 258 yards and three touchdowns. He is also adept to catching the ball out of the backfield. Look for redshirt freshman Torri Cotton to see plenty of carries as well. Three of the five starting offensive linemen return led by All-MEAC preseason selections center Carl Jones and left tackle Desmond Cooper.
Bethune-Cookman (9-2, 7-1)
Last year was a bit of a surprise season for the Wildcats under first-year head coach Terry Sims. The Wildcats only two losses were to Miami (FL) and fellow co-champion North Carolina A&T. Sims was named MEAC Coach of the Year. Offense will once again be the strength of the Wildcats who led the MEAC in points per game (31.4) and total offense (445.0). Gone is first team All-MEAC quarterback Quentin Williams who had his best season as a Wildcat completing 68 percent of his passes, throwing for close to 2,200 with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Redshirt junior Larry Brihm, Jr. is more than capable of stepping in and taking over the reigns. When Brian Jenkins was the coach at B-CU, Brihm and Williams split time in 2014. While Williams received most of the reps last year, Brihm played in 10 games, completing 55 percent of his passes for 614 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. Brihm is also a threat to run the ball rushing for 299 yards, 4.8 yards per carry and four touchdowns. The Wildcats also have a very good running back returning in preseason All-MEAC selection Michael Jones. While Jones received significantly less carries than his backfield mate and All-MEAC second team selection Anthony Jordan, he averaged a league-best 5.9 yards per carry racking up 562 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield as he caught 18 passes for 318 yards, 17.7 yards per reception and a touchdown. Brihm will have an array of receivers to throw the ball to, led by preseason All-MEAC selection Jawill Davis, the biggest deep threat in the league (averaged 20.2 yards per reception), who caught 39 passes for 788 yards and six touchdowns. Frank Brown and Jamie Wilson also return having combined for 51 catches for 645 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Wildcats will continue to be solid upfront as three starters on the offensive line return led by preseason All-MEAC left tackle Trevin Huff. Five starters return on a defense that struggled last year. Preseason All-MEAC selections defensive lineman Kevin Thompson and defensive back Diquan Richardson will be two of the leaders.
South Carolina State (7-4, 6-2)
The Bulldogs will definitely be contenders even though life must go on without two-time BOXTOROW Willie Davis Defensive Player of the Year defensive tackle Javon Hargrave who was selected in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Draft in April. As a matter of fact, SCSU loses five starters on defense including defensive end Reggie Owens (19 tackles for loss), second team All-MEAC defensive back Chris Pauling and cornerback Antonio Hamilton. The Bulldogs do return a couple of stud linebackers in MEAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Darius Leonard, who recorded 70 tackles (50 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and two interceptions last year. Leading tackler Dayshawn Taylor also returns after registering 73 tackles (54 solo), nine tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks a season ago. The linebackers will have to play big as lineman James Nettles is also lost, meaning the Bulldogs lost three of four starting defensive linemen. Greg Newell will have more of a role this year and made the most of his playing time last year (23 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks.). Even with the loss of Pauling and Hamilton, the Bulldogs return two starters in the secondary in cornerback Phillip Henry (two interceptions, six pass breakups) a preseason All-MEAC selection and safety Marquise Jones (19 tackles, five pass breakups). It has been a while since head coach Buddy Pough has lost this much talent and the losses continue on offense. Gone are All-MEAC running back Jalen “Scoot” Simmons, running back Dondre Lewis-Freeman, wide receiver Taquan West and tight end Temarrick Hemmingway, a sixth round draft pick by the Los Angeles Rams. The Bulldogs do return both quarterbacks in Adrian Kollock, Jr. and Caleb York. Kollock came into last season as the starter, but was injured in the first game. York came in as a true freshman and put up some solid numbers, completing 56 percent of his passes for 1,723 yards 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. He struggled at times and Kollock was pressed back into action, leading the Bulldogs to a couple of wins down the stretch. It is possible that both could play this season. Three starters return on the offensive line led by first team All-MEAC selection left tackle Javarius Leamon. The schedule is not kind to the Bulldogs either as their first four games are on the road against FBS opponents Central Florida, Louisiana Tech and Clemson and the MEAC opener against Florida A&M.
Norfolk State (4-7, 4-4)
The Spartans have all of the ingredients to surprise the MEAC in 2016. Second-year head coach Latrell Scott is one of the best coaching minds in the game and while taking a few lumps in 2015, his team showed some signs of being very good in the future. A lot of their success will depend on their offense which only returns five starters. It begins with quarterback Greg Hankerson who can throw and run the ball. The Florida Atlantic transfer completed 51 percent of his passes for 2,052 yards with 13 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also rushed for 423 yards and three touchdowns. NSU’s running game struggled last year. Gerard Johnson returns as the top running back after gaining 418 yards last year. Part of NSU’s struggles in the running game stemmed from injuries and lack of depth on the offensive line. Scott addressed the need in recruiting and has a good mix of veterans and young players. Redshirt seniors, center Louis Humphrey and Daniel Oladimeji will anchor the line. Scott has a lot of confidence in one of his recruits, true freshman Kenneth Kirby who is penciled in as the starter at right tackle. Nine starters return on a defense that ranked seventh in the MEAC last year. Junior defensive tackle Chris Lee will anchor the defensive line after registering 53 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. The Spartans will not be able to replace BOXTOROW All-American linebacker Deon King, but Kyle Archie does return and was the team’s second leading tackler with 66. In the secondary, the Spartans will be very experienced as cornerbacks Donte’ Haynesworth and Sandy Chapman and safeties Brandon Walker and Leroy Parker are all seniors.
Hampton (6-5, 5-3)
Hampton was a much improved team in Connell Maynor’s second season at the helm. The Pirates 6-5 record was the first winning season the program had since 2011. But the 2016 edition of the Pirates will be without 23 seniors from last year, which means the Pirates will be young and inexperienced in quite a few areas. Quarterback will be an open competition this year as former UVA transfer David Watford is gone after having a good season and being named to the All-MEAC second team. Maynor and the offense may turn to Jaylian Williamson who did not play last year due to injury but in 2014 played in six games completing 63 percent of his passes for 1,259 yards six touchdowns and five interceptions. While Williamson is the odds on favorite, there are others battling for the position. Redshirt freshman Wesley Wolfolk and San Jose State graduate transfer Malik Watson will also vie for the starting spot. The quarterback will have the league’s premier wide receiver to throw the ball to in Twarn Mixson. Mixson caught 59 passes for 1,027, averaged 17.4 yards per reception and caught nine touchdowns. Mixson is sure to receive double teams which should open things up for Rashawn Proctor who averaged 15.5 yards per reception last year, catching 21 passes for 326 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, the Pirates took a major hit losing five starters and seven of their eight leading tacklers. The Pirates’ top returning tackler is defensive back Chaka Diarrassouba who had 42 tackles last season. He’ll he joined in the backfield by former Michigan State transfer Justin Williams, who will be in his second season with the program and had an interception and broke up four passes last year. All-MEAC performer defensive lineman Miles Groom was a big key for the Pirates last year and is lost to graduation. Maynor is expecting a big season from defensive lineman Owen Obasuyi who had 22 tackles (12 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Enough can’t be said about the job Christian Faber-Kinney has done as the Pirates punter and he will help the Pirates defense out tremendously. Last year, he led the MEAC in yards per punt (40.9) and had nine punts downed inside the 20.
Morgan State (4-6, 4-4)
Morgan State underachieved in 2015 after winning the MEAC championship – along with four other teams – in 2014 and going to the NCAA Playoffs for the first time in close to 40 years. Lee Hull, who led the program for the past two seasons, left to take a job as the receivers coach with the Indianapolis Colts. Offensive coordinator Fred Farrier was promoted to interim head coach for the 2016 season. Farrier is no stranger to being a head coach, having been the head coach at Kentucky State for four seasons (2005-08). Part of the Bears’ struggles particularly offensively last year had to do with the unit not having running back Herb Walker, Jr., who was deemed academically ineligible prior to the start of the season. Walker is ready to go and kept himself in shape by taking reps on the Bears practice squad last year. In 2014, Walker led the MEAC in rushing yards (1,408) and rushing attempts (233), averaged six yards per carry and rushed for 13 touchdowns. Orlando Johnson also returns at running back which gives the Bears a good one-two combination. Johnson rushed for 583 yards and six touchdowns last year. The success of Johnson and other running backs was because of the play of the offensive line as all five starters return led by left guard Dominique Woods. Starting quarterback Moses Skillon who was a threat with his arm and legs is gone as is Seth Higgins who saw time for four years with the Bears. The battle for quarterback will be between redshirt freshman Khalil Trotman, incoming freshman Deandre Harris and graduate transfer Chris Andrews. Defensively, the Bears finished fourth in the MEAC in total defense (344.5), but second in pass defense. The success in pass defense was due in part to the play of preseason All-MEAC selection Delonta Hall who returns for his senior season. Hall made 32 tackles (24 solo) and broke up five passes. Cravon Rogers (35 tackles, five pass breakups) returns to his starting strong safety position. The linebacker unit returns the most experience led by inside linebackers Damare’ Whitaker and Greg Gibson who combined for 116 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
Howard (1-10, 1-9)
After a first-year 5-6 record for Bison fifth-year head coach Gary Harrell and a 7-4 record and second place finish in his second year in 2012, the going has been tough. But not as tough as last year and life without the MEAC’s all-time leader in total offense, quarterback Greg McGhee. The Bison 1-10 record was their worst since 2010, the year before Harrell took over. A rash of injuries last season forced Harrell and his staff to be very creative during spring drills, when the Bison didn’t have the proper numbers of players at various positions, including only having four available offensive linemen. Still, Harrell feels confident going into 2016. There was a major drop off at quarterback last year and going into fall, Harrell feels like he has two good quarterbacks in junior Kalen Johnson and sophomore Jason Collins and feels like both may play this season. Johnson had an up and down season in 2015, but showed some flashes of how good he could be. He completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,174 yards, eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. Collins didn’t take any snaps at quarterback last year. If Collins is pushing Johnson for playing time, then the quarterback play should be much improved for the Bison in 2016. William Parker makes his return at running back after sitting out last season rehabbing from an ACL injury. In 2014 Parker rushed for 673 yards, averaged 5.3 yards per carry and rushed for seven touchdowns. He is also adept at catching the ball out of the backfield and was the Bison fourth leading receiver with 27 receptions. Defensively, strong safety Craig Johnson will be the leader and returns for his senior season after a good 2015 campaign which saw him make 59 tackles (40 solo), 12.5 tackles for loss, force three fumbles and break up three passes. Like Parker, middle linebacker Devin Rollins returns for the Bison after missing last season due to injury. Rollins recorded 122 tackles in 2014 which led the MEAC. Howard’s schedule is brutal as the first five games are away from Greene Stadium. The Bison open the first two weeks with Big Ten opponents Maryland and Rutgers, then play Hampton in the Nation’s Football Classic at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC followed by road games at Morgan and Norfolk State, all in successive weeks.
Florida A&M (1-10, 1-7)
The 2015 season was one of the worst in Florida A&M history. The Rattlers lone win came against Delaware State – 41-13 – in the seventh game of the season. To add insult to injury coming into the 2016 season, the Rattlers did not have spring practice due to APR issues. But that does not deter second-year head coach Alex Wood who is optimistic about the season. The Rattlers return six starters on offense. Wide receiver will be a strength as last year’s two leading receivers Brandon Norwood and Montavious Williams return. The duo combined for 92 receptions for 1,069 yards and three touchdowns. The big question mark is who will get them the football. Carson Royal, who at times showed flashes of being a pretty good quarterback has moved to tight end. Kenny Coleman is the only quarterback on the roster that took snaps for the Rattlers last season, completing just below 50 percent of his passes for 607 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. Redshirt freshman Ryan Stanley’s name is being floated around as the possible starter. Also in the mix will be JUCO transfer Vincent Jeffries and true freshman Tahj Tolbert. Devin Bowers gained 430 yards on 82 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and returns for his sophomore year. The offensive line may hold the key to success for the Rattlers and returns healthy after being banged up last year. Keonte Cash moves to center from left guard and will anchor the line. Defensively, the Rattlers were dead last in total defense giving up over 472 yards per game. Only five starters return including free safety Jacques Bryant who was the team’s top tackler with 75 (52 solo) and also broke up five passes.
Delaware State (1-10, 1-7)
It’s win now for Hornets second-year head coach Kenny Carter. Needless to say, 2015 was a rough one for DSU, with its only win coming in the last game of the season against Howard. Quarterback Gilbert Rivera showed some flashes of being a solid quarterback and put up the best numbers of the three quarterbacks that the Hornets used last year until an injury forced him to miss the last few games. Rivera completed 53 percent of his passes for 875 yards against three touchdowns and five interceptions. He will battle Kobie Lane for the starting job. Lane completed 25-of-50 passes for 329 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and helped lead the Hornets to their only win of the season last year. Whoever the quarterback is, they will have a solid receiver to throw the football to in Aris Scott who caught 46 passes for 683 yards, averaging 14.8 yards per reception. Defensively, the Hornets strength will be at linebacker where junior Malik Harris returns having led the team with 104 tackles (55 solo) while also racking up 14.5 tackles for loss and Rashawn Barrett who had 84 tackles (42 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Savannah State (1-9, 1-7)
Even though 2015 was another tough season for Savannah State, it felt a little bit different than past seasons. The Tigers didn’t play any teams from the power conferences this year and the offense put up some points against opponents. Still, the Tigers managed only one win and now former head coach Earnest Wilson headed for Elizabeth City State. Enter Erik Raeburn who had success as the head coach at Division III Wabash. He will try and turn around the fortunes of SSU. It won’t be easy as not only have the Tigers not had a winning season since joining FCS, but due to APR issues, the Tigers did not have spring practice, compounded by Raeburn being new. He will have to do his evaluations via film and the short summer practice. Converted wide receiver Arshon Spaulding returns at quarterback after leading the team in rushing with 555 yards 5.7 yards per carry and four touchdowns. He completed 47 percent of his passes for 526 yards one touchdown and six interceptions. While the numbers don’t seem good, he started the season as a wide receiver and should improve throwing the ball with film study and summer drills. Jeremiah Harris is the leading returning receiver catching 19 passes for 212 yards last year. Nicholas Bentley is the top returning rusher from last season (105 yards, two touchdowns). Look for freshman DeShawn Smith to have an immediate impact. Smith led the state of Florida in rushing last year with 3,676 yards and scored a total of 67 touchdowns for Nature Coast High School in Brooksville, FL. Linebacker Marquis Smith is an underrated player in the conference and is the team’s leading returning tackler (57 tackles, seven tackles for loss). The secondary returns in tact with John Wilson and Gerald Robinson manning the corners while Isaiah Bennett will play free safety and Juwuan Tolbert will play strong safety.
