From the moment the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football schedule was finalized, South Carolina State and Florida A&M have circled Oct. 17 on their calendars.

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The Bulldogs and Rattlers, who meet that day at South Carolina State’s Dawson Bulldog Stadium, have top-20 potential going into 2009, with both of these proud programs aspiring to more than just reaching the FCS playoffs.

Two-time Payton Award candidate and senior South Carolina State running back Will Ford will lead the Bulldogs into the 2009 season on the heals of their first MEAC Championship since 1994.

Fellow Payton Award nominee and senior Florida A&M quarterback Curtis Pulley will give Ford and SCSU a run for the title as the Kentucky transfer begins his first full season behind center.

Norfolk State senior free safety Terrell Whitehead, a preseason Buchanan Award candidate for the second straight year, will lead a Spartan defense that ranked 15th nationally in pass defense last season.

The league also features a talented Bethune-Cookman team looking to stay atop the MEAC standings and a Hampton squad that has made the playoffs three times in the past five seasons. Both teams finished tied for second in 2008.

Delaware State is trying to return to 2007 championship form after tying Bethune-Cookman and Hampton for second last year, while Morgan State will try to build off the strides it made in the past two years. North Carolina A&T and Howard hope brighter days are ahead.

Winston-Salem State will continue to play spoiler as they are in the fifth and final season of their Division-IAA transition phase. In 2010, the Rams will be able to compete for a league title and will factor in the MEAC standings.

1. South Carolina State (10-3 overall, 8-0 conference, first in 2008)

After posting an undefeated conference mark and going to the playoffs for the first time since 1982, the South Carolina State Bulldogs have little to prove in 2009. They do, however, have more to accomplish.

“We’re definitely hoping for the best this season,” said coach Buddy Pough. “A little success like we had in 2008 helps everything.”

After a tough playoff loss against FCS powerhouse Appalachian State, the Bulldogs stopped underestimating their abilities as a football team and started looking forward.

Ford (1,499 yards rushing, 13 TDs), the Bulldogs’ most prized possession, will look to help SCSU do something it has not done since 1981, win back-to-back league championships. The All-American running back will get some help on offense from quarterback Malcolm Long (1,959 yards passing, 14 TDs). The junior field general is a student of the game and can stretch the defense.

Losing all-MEAC tight end Octavius Darby (eight TDs) leaves all-conference senior wide receiver Oliver Young (64 catches, four TDs) as the top target for Long.

The offensive line returns two all-conference selections in juniors tackle Johnny Culbreath and guard Juavhar Nathan. Both helped the 2008 `squad rank 15th nationally with 204 yards rushing per game last season.

The defense, ranked 11th nationally last season, is littered with all- conference performers including, senior outside linebacker Marshall McFadden (88 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks), sophomore cornerback Markee Hamlin, junior defensive lineman Markus James (10 tackles for loss, five sacks, one interception) and senior cornerback Phillip Adams (48 tackles, nine pass breakups, five interceptions, two return TDs).Look for junior linebacker Julius Wilkerson to step up, as well.

2. Florida A&M (9-3, 5-3, tied for second)

Coaching legend Joe Taylor returns for his second season with the Rattlers and will look to get them back to the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2001.

To say the FAMU offense is stacked with talent is an understatement. Last season, the Rattlers averaged 35 points-per-game and return 10 starters to help maintain consistency.

Pulley (2,267 yards of total offense, 24 combined TDs) is the league’s top quarterback and should battle SCSU’s Ford for offensive player of the year honors. MEAC rookie of the year, running back Philip Sylvester (717 yards rushing, eight TDs) returns in the backfield to give the Rattlers a formidable one-two punch. All-MEAC wideout Kevin Elliot (58 catches, seven TDs, 14.1 average) gives Pulley a reliable target.

An offensive line that contributed to an average of 158 rushing yards per game in 2008 returns all-conference selections senior guard Anthony Collins, senior tackle Robert Okeafor and senior center Steve Brazzle.

The defense, better against the pass than the run in 2008, returns three all- MEAC selections in senior linebacker Brian Parker (68 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks), junior cornerback Curtis Holcomb (13 pass breakups, five interceptions) and senior defensive tackle Cameron Houston (12 tackles for loss, four sacks). Sophomore linebacker Alvis Graham (10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks) will gain experience and knowledge playing next to Parker.

All-American returnman Leroy Vann (29.8 kick return average, three TDs, 16.0 punt return average, three TDs) ranked in the top-5 in both kick and punt returns last season. He returns along with junior all-conference kicker Trevor Scott (12-of-20 FG, 54-of-55 XP) to give the Rattlers a special teams advantage. Scott will also handle punts this season.

3. Bethune-Cookman (8-3, 5-3, tied for second)

The Wildcats finished the 2008 campaign with their first winning season since 2005. Coach Alvin Wyatt begins his 13th season at B-CU after setting the school record for wins (81).

“I’m very optimistic going into the season,” said Wyatt. “Our kids are refreshed and ready to go. That’s our motto this season.”

The offense starts with all-MEAC running back Brian Sumlar (759 yards rushing, 10 TDs, 5.1 yards-per-carry). The junior brings leadership to an run offense that ranked 11th nationally in 2008. Sophomore quarterback Maurice Francois (568 yards of total offense, two TDs) adds another element to the running game and led the Wildcats to three straight wins before suffering a shoulder injury in 2008.

Senior wideout Phillip Kirkland (25 catches, two TDs) emerges as the number one target for Francois. Fred McCaskill moves from the secondary to wide receiver and will start opposite Kirkland. All-MEAC senior offensive tackle Ryan Griffin will help open running lanes for Sumlar.

The defense returns three all-MEAC selections senior defensive tackle Dexter Jackson, (nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks) who will compete with Whitehead for defensive player of the year honors, and senior cornerbacks and brothers Antwane (eight pass breakups, three interceptions) and Antonio (seven pass breakups, three blocked kicks, one interception, one TD) Cox.

All-MEAC junior punter Justin Keable (12 punts inside 20-yard line) returns for this third season and ranked 13th nationally last season with a 42.2 average.

4. Hampton (6-5, 5-3, tied for second)

Hampton has been a program in turmoil in the past couple of years, with Donovan Rose becoming the third coach in three seasons. Losing All-American punt returner and all-MEAC wide receiver Jeremy Gilchrist (a career six return TDs, 16.4 punt return average, 1,796 yards receiving, nine TDs) and All-American kick returner Kevin Teel (a career 26.8 kick return average, four return TDs) is a big blow to Hampton’s offense and special teams but the Pirates do bring back players that should play a big role this season.

All-MEAC junior quarterback Herbert Bynes (2,713 yards passing, 19 TDs) returns and gives a Pirates a more than reliable arm. Former Florida State transfer, senior wideout Damon McDaniel (12 catches, two TDs in six games) could emerge as the top returning threat at the position.

Senior running back LaMarcus Coker (622 yards rushing, 20 catches) is also a dependable receiver giving McDaniel some much needed help. All-MEAC offensive line selections Ryan Cave and Nicholas Royal will pave the way for the offense.

The defense lost All-American defensive tackle Chris Baker (a career 69 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 13 QB hurries, 8.5 sacks) but returns two all- conference selections junior nose tackle Kendrick Ellis (7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks) and sophomore free safety Jonathan Wade (63 tackles, three pass breakups). The secondary, however, must replace two All-American cornerbacks Jackie Bates and Sam Pope.

The special teams will not be as good as it was last season but all-MEAC senior punter Jahmel Blanchard (43.0 average) and all-conference kicker junior Carlo Turavani (12-of-21 field goals, 30-of-32 PATs) both return to an efficient unit.

5. Morgan State (6-6, 4-4, sixth)

Coach Donald Hill-Eley and his staff will try and maintain the success sparked by the top-ranked defense in FCS after losing defensive coordinator Alonzo Lee in to North Carolina A&T in the off-season. Morgan State had a chance for its first winning season since 1979 but dropped its final three games.

“We have a lot of viable guys,” said Hill-Eley. “It’s still a work in progress but everyone wants to win.”

A pair of juniors, running back Devan James (1,320 yards rushing, eight TDs, 4.5 average) and tight end Jephte Cherefont give the Bears some potential on offense. Junior wideout Edwin Baptiste (22 catches, two TDs) returns and provides experience to an offense that hasn’t tallied more than 24 points-per-game since 2004 and ranked 108th nationally last season.

The quarterback position is still a question mark with seniors Carlton Jackson (742 yards, five TDs), an Akron transfer, and Mario Melton (254 yards passing, one TD) both splitting time last season. All-MEAC offensive guard Robert Norris will give each quarterback some protection in the pocket and will provide running room for James.

The defense returns three all-conference selections in sophomore defensive end Justin Lawrence (16 tackles for loss), junior linebacker Troy Leftwich (10 tackles for loss, three interceptions) and cornerback Darren McKahn (four interceptions, one fumble recovery, two TDs). Former Illinois transfer Joseph Ellis (five tackles for loss, two interceptions) and junior free safety Gary Albury will also add to a stingy MSU defense.

6. Norfolk State (5-7, 3-5, seventh)

Coach Pete Adrian returns for his fifth season with the Spartans and brings back 14 starters, who will look to get to the FCS playoffs for the first time in school history.

“This off-season was the best since I’ve been here,” said Adrian. “We have a veteran team with a lot of game experience.”

Whitehead, the MEAC’s preseason defensive player of the year, racked up 83 tackles to lead the team, while picking off four passes and breaking up 11 more. The NSU defense also returns all-MEAC selections senior linebacker Mike Alphonse (81 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks), senior nose guard Ray Jennings (8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception) and senior cornerback Don Carey (six breakups, five interceptions, two fumble recoveries, two TDs) making the Norfolk State defense one of the conference’s best heading into the season.

Although the offense ranked just 102nd nationally last season, there are a few bright spots. Junior running back DeAngelo Branche (1,055 yards, 10 TDs) brings toughness to the position while sophomore tight end Sherron Childress gives NSU an added receiving threat. Both are all-conference selections. Junior wideout and Penn State transfer Chris Bell gives the Spartans a true go-to receiver for senior quarterback and Connecticut transfer Dennis Brown (2,008 yards of total offense, 16 TDs).

All-conference sophomore kick returner Dwight Fluker-Berry (26.5 average, one TD) and junior punt returner Jeremy Wicker (21.8 average) should consistently give the Spartans solid field position. Senior all-MEAC kicker Justin Castellat (11-of-21 field goals, 35-35 PATs) will continue to help NSU score the football.

7. Delaware State (5-6, 5-3, tied for second)

The Hornets, who finished first in 2007, come into the 2009 season having lost many of the players who helped them reach those heights.

Without four-year starter Vashon Winton (6,570 yards of total offense, 63 TDs) behind center, the quarterback battle between junior Anthony Glaud (64% completion percentage) and freshman Nick Elko will heat up entering the fall.

DSU is also faced with replacing two capable running backs Kareem Jones (a career 1,112 yards, four TDs) and Chris Strother (a career 912 yards, two TDs). Sophomore Jaashawn Jones (two rushing TDs) and Cincinnati transfer Tahree McQueen will compete for the starting job.

Junior Larrone Moore (32 catches), senior Erick Jones (13 catches, four TDs) and freshman tight end Kristian Johnson will give either Glaud or Elko a dependable tandem. Senior all-conference offensive linemen Nick Richmond (center) and Mike Maloney (tackle) will give the team much needed protection.

The Hornets return an experienced group to the defensive line in seniors Joe Mendes (3.5 sacks), Fabian Dunn and junior Andre Carroll. Strong safety Avery Grant (68 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss), free safety Jerome Strums (three interceptions) and cornerback Francis Adjei (eight pass breakups, three interceptions) anchor a strong secondary that ranked fifth nationally in pass defense last season.

But the defense must find a replacement for all-conference linebacker Josh Pope (3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, forced fumble), who has left the team due to violation of school policy.

8. North Carolina A&T (3-9, 1-7, eighth)

Lee takes over an Aggie team that beat conference dweller Howard for their only MEAC win in 2008. Lee takes the reigns after building a reputation for constructing some of the stingiest defenses in the conference, including the 2003 NCAT MEAC championship team.

“Our strength will be the defensive line this season,” said Lee. “We really worked on our discipline during the off-season.”

Senior quarterback Carlton Fears (345 yards of total offense in seven games) will start behind center after backing up Herb Miller last season.

Quinton Crosby takes over at running back after Michael Ferguson (a career 2,524 yards rushing, 16 TDs, 4.7 average) carried the load for the last three seasons. Sophomore wide receiver Wallace Miles is a good young talent and will look to have a big season. Senior Georgio Lowrance will add veteran leadership to a depleted offensive core that ranked 116th nationally in passing offense last season.

The line features senior defensive ends Jarrell Herring (57 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception), all-MEAC selection Tyre Glasper (12 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks), tackle Adam Beal (7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks) and sophomore tackle Micah Stanfield.

The linebacking unit returns seniors Andre Thornton (76 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups) and James Hedgepeth (seven tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception). The Aggies need significant improvement for a run defense that ranked 87th nationally last season.

The secondary is also concern going into the season. Sophomore cornerback Kevin Green, a transfer from Purdue, should make an immediate impact.

9. Howard (1-10, 0-8, ninth)

Howard endured a tough 2008 campaign, beating only FCS independent Savannah State. The Bison averaged just 18 points-per-game but the defense showed signs of life, ranking seventh nationally in pass defense.

“This is the first team in the last few seasons that I believe will be very good,” said coach Carey Bailey. “We’ll have a full squad ready to go this season.”

Most of the problems last season begin with the fact that the Bison dressed just 46 players, one of the smallest squads in FCS.

Senior Floyd Haigler (2,403 yards passing, 17 TDs) will start behind center to try and improve an offense that ranked 99th nationally in 2008. Sophomore Terrence Leffall came out of nowhere in the spring to emerge as the top running back edging out senior Ray Ray McElrathbey (571 all-purpose yards, 5.4 rushing average).

Haigler will have a talented group of wideouts to throw to including Willie Carter (44 catches, 10.8 average, six TDs), Brandon Sherman (46 catches, 11.4 average, five TDs), and sophomore Iona transfer Jeff Miller (24 catches, 13.8 average, three TDs).

All-MEAC defensive end James Carter (6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks) will anchor a defensive line that had trouble stopping the run last season. Senior Will Croner (three fumble recoveries) adds to a pass rushing unit that ranked near the top nationally.

Safety Arando Jamison (79 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss) and linebacker Patrick Jean-Mary (61 tackles, three tackles for loss) will try and make up for the loss of All-American linebacker Endor Cooper, (16 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, three sacks, two interceptions) who ranked seventh nationally with 115 tackles in 2008.

10. Winston-Salem State (3-8, 3-6, n/a)

The Rams will once again play spoiler in their final season before officially entering the MEAC standings in 2010. WSSU upset both Hampton and Delaware State in 2008.

Senior Jarrett Dunston (1,066 yards of total offense, 12 TDs) gives the Rams some stability at the quarterback position. Sophomore Dominique Fitzgerald (13.9 average) is the only returning starting wideout.

Top rusher junior Nicholas Cooper (488 yards rushing, four TDs, 5.3 average) will likely carry the load despite not starting a game last season.

The defense had less turnover than the offense, with nine starters returning. Sophomore defensive ends Joshua Newkirk (6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks), Akeem Ward and senior nose guard Kevin Dorsey (7.5 tackles for loss) give the Rams consistency on the line while Marcus Coates (60 tackles, five pass breakups, 3.5 tackles for loss), Joan Corders (58 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks) and Cedrick Marshall (four sacks) add leadership at linebacker.

In the secondary, senior free safety Jared Mitchell and senior cornerback Alex Chandler (two interceptions, one fumble recovery, one TD) add to a WSSU defense that has allowed less than 20 points-per-game in two of the past three seasons.

BC-AGN;MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE-OUTLOOK

Around FCS: Ford vs. Pulley for 2009 MEAC title
by Brett Kahn, FCS Intern

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - From the moment the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football schedule was finalized, South Carolina State and Florida A&M have circled Oct. 17 on their calendars.

The Bulldogs and Rattlers, who meet that day at South Carolina State’s Dawson Bulldog Stadium, have top-20 potential going into 2009, with both of these proud programs aspiring to more than just reaching the FCS playoffs.

Two-time Payton Award candidate and senior South Carolina State running back Will Ford will lead the Bulldogs into the 2009 season on the heals of their first MEAC Championship since 1994.

Fellow Payton Award nominee and senior Florida A&M quarterback Curtis Pulley will give Ford and SCSU a run for the title as the Kentucky transfer begins his first full season behind center.

Norfolk State senior free safety Terrell Whitehead, a preseason Buchanan Award candidate for the second straight year, will lead a Spartan defense that ranked 15th nationally in pass defense last season.

The league also features a talented Bethune-Cookman team looking to stay atop the MEAC standings and a Hampton squad that has made the playoffs three times in the past five seasons. Both teams finished tied for second in 2008.

Delaware State is trying to return to 2007 championship form after tying Bethune-Cookman and Hampton for second last year, while Morgan State will try to build off the strides it made in the past two years. North Carolina A&T and Howard hope brighter days are ahead.

Winston-Salem State will continue to play spoiler as they are in the fifth and final season of their Division-IAA transition phase. In 2010, the Rams will be able to compete for a league title and will factor in the MEAC standings.

1. South Carolina State (10-3 overall, 8-0 conference, first in 2008)

After posting an undefeated conference mark and going to the playoffs for the first time since 1982, the South Carolina State Bulldogs have little to prove in 2009. They do, however, have more to accomplish.

“We’re definitely hoping for the best this season,” said coach Buddy Pough. “A little success like we had in 2008 helps everything.”

After a tough playoff loss against FCS powerhouse Appalachian State, the Bulldogs stopped underestimating their abilities as a football team and started looking forward.

Ford (1,499 yards rushing, 13 TDs), the Bulldogs’ most prized possession, will look to help SCSU do something it has not done since 1981, win back-to-back league championships. The All-American running back will get some help on offense from quarterback Malcolm Long (1,959 yards passing, 14 TDs). The junior field general is a student of the game and can stretch the defense.

Losing all-MEAC tight end Octavius Darby (eight TDs) leaves all-conference senior wide receiver Oliver Young (64 catches, four TDs) as the top target for Long.

The offensive line returns two all-conference selections in juniors tackle Johnny Culbreath and guard Juavhar Nathan. Both helped the 2008 `squad rank 15th nationally with 204 yards rushing per game last season.

The defense, ranked 11th nationally last season, is littered with all-conference breakups, five interceptions, two return TDs).Look for junior linebacker Julius Wilkerson to step up, as well.

2. Florida A&M (9-3, 5-3, tied for second)

Coaching legend Joe Taylor returns for his second season with the Rattlers and will look to get them back to the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2001.

To say the FAMU offense is stacked with talent is an understatement. Last season, the Rattlers averaged 35 points-per-game and return 10 starters to help maintain consistency.

Pulley (2,267 yards of total offense, 24 combined TDs) is the league’s top quarterback and should battle SCSU’s Ford for offensive player of the year honors. MEAC rookie of the year, running back Philip Sylvester (717 yards rushing, eight TDs) returns in the backfield to give the Rattlers a formidable one-two punch. All-MEAC wideout Kevin Elliot (58 catches, seven TDs, 14.1 average) gives Pulley a reliable target.

An offensive line that contributed to an average of 158 rushing yards per game in 2008 returns all-conference selections senior guard Anthony Collins, senior tackle Robert Okeafor and senior center Steve Brazzle.

The defense, better against the pass than the run in 2008, returns three all- MEAC selections in senior linebacker Brian Parker (68 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks), junior cornerback Curtis Holcomb (13 pass breakups, five interceptions) and senior defensive tackle Cameron Houston (12 tackles for loss, four sacks). Sophomore linebacker Alvis Graham (10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks) will gain experience and knowledge playing next to Parker.

All-American returnman Leroy Vann (29.8 kick return average, three TDs, 16.0 punt return average, three TDs) ranked in the top-5 in both kick and punt returns last season. He returns along with junior all-conference kicker Trevor Scott (12-of-20 FG, 54-of-55 XP) to give the Rattlers a special teams advantage. Scott will also handle punts this season.

3. Bethune-Cookman (8-3, 5-3, tied for second)

The Wildcats finished the 2008 campaign with their first winning season since 2005. Coach Alvin Wyatt begins his 13th season at B-CU after setting the school record for wins (81).

“I’m very optimistic going into the season,” said Wyatt. “Our kids are refreshed and ready to go. That’s our motto this season.”

The offense starts with all-MEAC running back Brian Sumlar (759 yards rushing, 10 TDs, 5.1 yards-per-carry). The junior brings leadership to an run offense that ranked 11th nationally in 2008. Sophomore quarterback Maurice Francois (568 yards of total offense, two TDs) adds another element to the running game and led the Wildcats to three straight wins before suffering a shoulder injury in 2008.

Senior wideout Phillip Kirkland (25 catches, two TDs) emerges as the number one target for Francois. Fred McCaskill moves from the secondary to wide receiver and will start opposite Kirkland. All-MEAC senior offensive tackle Ryan Griffin will help open running lanes for Sumlar.

The defense returns three all-MEAC selections senior defensive tackle Dexter Jackson, (nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks) who will compete with Whitehead for defensive player of the year honors, and senior cornerbacks and brothers Antwane (eight pass breakups, three interceptions) and Antonio (seven pass breakups, three blocked kicks, one interception, one TD) Cox.

All-MEAC junior punter Justin Keable (12 punts inside 20-yard line) returns for this third season and ranked 13th nationally last season with a 42.2 average.

4. Hampton (6-5, 5-3, tied for second)

Hampton has been a program in turmoil in the past couple of years, with Donovan Rose becoming the third coach in three seasons. Losing All-American punt returner and all-MEAC wide receiver Jeremy Gilchrist (a career six return TDs, 16.4 punt return average, 1,796 yards receiving, nine TDs) and All-American kick returner Kevin Teel (a career 26.8 kick return average, four return TDs) is a big blow to Hampton’s offense and special teams but the Pirates do bring back players that should play a big role this season.

All-MEAC junior quarterback Herbert Bynes (2,713 yards passing, 19 TDs) returns and gives a Pirates a more than reliable arm. Former Florida State transfer, senior wideout Damon McDaniel (12 catches, two TDs in six games) could emerge as the top returning threat at the position.

Senior running back LaMarcus Coker (622 yards rushing, 20 catches) is also a dependable receiver giving McDaniel some much needed help. All-MEAC offensive line selections Ryan Cave and Nicholas Royal will pave the way for the offense.

The defense lost All-American defensive tackle Chris Baker (a career 69 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 13 QB hurries, 8.5 sacks) but returns two all- conference selections junior nose tackle Kendrick Ellis (7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks) and sophomore free safety Jonathan Wade (63 tackles, three pass breakups). The secondary, however, must replace two All-American cornerbacks Jackie Bates and Sam Pope.

The special teams will not be as good as it was last season but all-MEAC senior punter Jahmel Blanchard (43.0 average) and all-conference kicker junior Carlo Turavani (12-of-21 field goals, 30-of-32 PATs) both return to an efficient unit.

5. Morgan State (6-6, 4-4, sixth)

Coach Donald Hill-Eley and his staff will try and maintain the success sparked by the top-ranked defense in FCS after losing defensive coordinator Alonzo Lee in to North Carolina A&T in the off-season. Morgan State had a chance for its first winning season since 1979 but dropped its final three games.

“We have a lot of viable guys,” said Hill-Eley. “It’s still a work in progress but everyone wants to win.”

A pair of juniors, running back Devan James (1,320 yards rushing, eight TDs, 4.5 average) and tight end Jephte Cherefont give the Bears some potential on offense. Junior wideout Edwin Baptiste (22 catches, two TDs) returns and provides experience to an offense that hasn’t tallied more than 24 points-per-game since 2004 and ranked 108th nationally last season.

The quarterback position is still a question mark with seniors Carlton Jackson (742 yards, five TDs), an Akron transfer, and Mario Melton (254 yards passing, one TD) both splitting time last season. All-MEAC offensive guard Robert Norris will give each quarterback some protection in the pocket and will provide running room for James.

The defense returns three all-conference selections in sophomore defensive end Justin Lawrence (16 tackles for loss), junior linebacker Troy Leftwich (10 tackles for loss, three interceptions) and cornerback Darren McKahn (four interceptions, one fumble recovery, two TDs). Former Illinois transfer Joseph Ellis (five tackles for loss, two interceptions) and junior free safety Gary Albury will also add to a stingy MSU defense.

6. Norfolk State (5-7, 3-5, seventh)

Coach Pete Adrian returns for his fifth season with the Spartans and brings back 14 starters, who will look to get to the FCS playoffs for the first time in school history.

“This off-season was the best since I’ve been here,” said Adrian. “We have a veteran team with a lot of game experience.”

Whitehead, the MEAC’s preseason defensive player of the year, racked up 83 tackles to lead the team, while picking off four passes and breaking up 11 more. The NSU defense also returns all-MEAC selections senior linebacker Mike Alphonse (81 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks), senior nose guard Ray Jennings (8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception) and senior cornerback Don Carey (six breakups, five interceptions, two fumble recoveries, two TDs) making the Norfolk State defense one of the conference’s best heading into the season.

Although the offense ranked just 102nd nationally last season, there are a few bright spots. Junior running back DeAngelo Branche (1,055 yards, 10 TDs) brings toughness to the position while sophomore tight end Sherron Childress gives NSU an added receiving threat. Both are all-conference selections. Junior wideout and Penn State transfer Chris Bell gives the Spartans a true go-to receiver for senior quarterback and Connecticut transfer Dennis Brown (2,008 yards of total offense, 16 TDs).

All-conference sophomore kick returner Dwight Fluker-Berry (26.5 average, one TD) and junior punt returner Jeremy Wicker (21.8 average) should consistently give the Spartans solid field position. Senior all-MEAC kicker Justin Castellat (11-of-21 field goals, 35-35 PATs) will continue to help NSU score the football.

7. Delaware State (5-6, 5-3, tied for second)

The Hornets, who finished first in 2007, come into the 2009 season having lost many of the players who helped them reach those heights.

Without four-year starter Vashon Winton (6,570 yards of total offense, 63 TDs) behind center, the quarterback battle between junior Anthony Glaud (64% completion percentage) and freshman Nick Elko will heat up entering the fall.

DSU is also faced with replacing two capable running backs Kareem Jones (a career 1,112 yards, four TDs) and Chris Strother (a career 912 yards, two TDs). Sophomore Jaashawn Jones (two rushing TDs) and Cincinnati transfer Tahree McQueen will compete for the starting job.

Junior Larrone Moore (32 catches), senior Erick Jones (13 catches, four TDs) and freshman tight end Kristian Johnson will give either Glaud or Elko a dependable tandem. Senior all-conference offensive linemen Nick Richmond (center) and Mike Maloney (tackle) will give the team much needed protection.

The Hornets return an experienced group to the defensive line in seniors Joe Mendes (3.5 sacks), Fabian Dunn and junior Andre Carroll. Strong safety Avery Grant (68 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss), free safety Jerome Strums (three interceptions) and cornerback Francis Adjei (eight pass breakups, three interceptions) anchor a strong secondary that ranked fifth nationally in pass defense last season.

But the defense must find a replacement for all-conference linebacker Josh Pope (3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, forced fumble), who has left the team due to violation of school policy.

8. North Carolina A&T (3-9, 1-7, eighth)

Lee takes over an Aggie team that beat conference dweller Howard for their only MEAC win in 2008. Lee takes the reigns after building a reputation for constructing some of the stingiest defenses in the conference, including the 2003 NCAT MEAC championship team.

“Our strength will be the defensive line this season,” said Lee. “We really worked on our discipline during the off-season.”

Senior quarterback Carlton Fears (345 yards of total offense in seven games) will start behind center after backing up Herb Miller last season.

Quinton Crosby takes over at running back after Michael Ferguson (a career 2,524 yards rushing, 16 TDs, 4.7 average) carried the load for the last three seasons. Sophomore wide receiver Wallace Miles is a good young talent and will look to have a big season. Senior Georgio Lowrance will add veteran leadership to a depleted offensive core that ranked 116th nationally in passing offense last season.

The line features senior defensive ends Jarrell Herring (57 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception), all-MEAC selection Tyre Glasper (12 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks), tackle Adam Beal (7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks) and sophomore tackle Micah Stanfield.

The linebacking unit returns seniors Andre Thornton (76 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups) and James Hedgepeth (seven tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception). The Aggies need significant improvement for a run defense that ranked 87th nationally last season.

The secondary is also concern going into the season. Sophomore cornerback Kevin Green, a transfer from Purdue, should make an immediate impact.

9. Howard (1-10, 0-8, ninth)

Howard endured a tough 2008 campaign, beating only FCS independent Savannah State. The Bison averaged just 18 points-per-game but the defense showed signs of life, ranking seventh nationally in pass defense.

“This is the first team in the last few seasons that I believe will be very good,” said coach Carey Bailey. “We’ll have a full squad ready to go this season.”

Most of the problems last season begin with the fact that the Bison dressed just 46 players, one of the smallest squads in FCS.

Senior Floyd Haigler (2,403 yards passing, 17 TDs) will start behind center to try and improve an offense that ranked 99th nationally in 2008. Sophomore Terrence Leffall came out of nowhere in the spring to emerge as the top running back edging out senior Ray Ray McElrathbey (571 all-purpose yards, 5.4 rushing average).

Haigler will have a talented group of wideouts to throw to including Willie Carter (44 catches, 10.8 average, six TDs), Brandon Sherman (46 catches, 11.4 average, five TDs), and sophomore Iona transfer Jeff Miller (24 catches, 13.8 average, three TDs).

All-MEAC defensive end James Carter (6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks) will anchor a defensive line that had trouble stopping the run last season. Senior Will Croner (three fumble recoveries) adds to a pass rushing unit that ranked near the top nationally.

Safety Arando Jamison (79 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss) and linebacker Patrick Jean-Mary (61 tackles, three tackles for loss) will try and make up for the loss of All-American linebacker Endor Cooper, (16 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, three sacks, two interceptions) who ranked seventh nationally with 115 tackles in 2008.

10. Winston-Salem State (3-8, 3-6, n/a)

The Rams will once again play spoiler in their final season before officially entering the MEAC standings in 2010. WSSU upset both Hampton and Delaware State in 2008.

Senior Jarrett Dunston (1,066 yards of total offense, 12 TDs) gives the Rams some stability at the quarterback position. Sophomore Dominique Fitzgerald (13.9 average) is the only returning starting wideout.

Top rusher junior Nicholas Cooper (488 yards rushing, four TDs, 5.3 average) will likely carry the load despite not starting a game last season.

The defense had less turnover than the offense, with nine starters returning. Sophomore defensive ends Joshua Newkirk (6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks), Akeem Ward and senior nose guard Kevin Dorsey (7.5 tackles for loss) give the Rams consistency on the line while Marcus Coates (60 tackles, five pass breakups, 3.5 tackles for loss), Joan Corders (58 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks) and Cedrick Marshall (four sacks) add leadership at linebacker.

In the secondary, senior free safety Jared Mitchell and senior cornerback Alex Chandler (two interceptions, one fumble recovery, one TD) add to a WSSU defense that has allowed less than 20 points-per-game in two of the past three seasons.

By Brett Kahn, Sports Network
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