SIAC 2024 Football Preseason Honors and Predicted Order of Finish

Courtesy of the SIAC The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its 2024 Preseason All-SIAC Football team and Predicted Order of Finish on Tuesday, featuring 30 returning players from the 2023 SIAC Football All-Conference team. Preseason All-SIAC Football selections, individual honorees, and the Predicted Order of Finish are as voted on by the conference’s head coaches and sports information directors. FIRST TEAM POSITION NAME SCHOOL CLASS HOMETOWN Offensive Line Dylan Lampkin* Edward Waters Senior Jacksonville, FL Offensive Line Tyler Lowery* Miles Senior Evergreen, AL Offensive Line Jamari Pierre* Edward Waters Sophomore…

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Son of Shaquille O’ Neal heading to Florida A&M 

Shaqir O’Neal, son of basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal is heading to the Highest of Seven Hills.  “Shaqir has played in one of the premier programs in our conference and for a great head coach,” said head coach Patrick Crarey. “He brings versatility, athleticism, and experience to our team. I’m excited he chose me to help him achieve his goals.” Shaqir had spent the previous three seasons at Texas Southern, posting career averages of 1.6 points, and 1.3 rebounds in only 8.5 minutes per contest. His career-best effort came in a 12-point, 7-rebound…

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Grambling State women’s hoops adds TJ Royals to coaching staff

Courtesy of Grambling State Athletic Communications Grambling State University women’s basketball head coach Courtney Simmons has announced the addition of TJ Royals to her staff as an assistant coach. “Geno Auriemma once said ‘I don’t hire good coaches, I hire good people.’ And I’m fortunate to have Coach TJ Royals and his family join us,” said Simmons. “He brings a wealth of knowledge, love, and passion for the game. He has won championships in the SWAC and I am excited about the opportunity to grow with him.” Royals comes to…

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UAPB women’s hoops names Roderick Woods as assistant coach

New Arkansas Pine Bluff women’s head basketball coach Erica Leak rounds out her coaching staff, as the program announced the hiring of Roderick “Rodd” Woods as an assistant coach.  “We are so excited to announce coach Woods as the final piece to our staff,” said Coach Leak. “Woods is a competitor, a strong recruiter, and a passionate coach whose experiences will serve him well here at UAPB. A connector by nature, who is experienced in leadership development and team development, embodies our ‘six C’s, (Character, Commitment, Confidence, Class, Courage Culture)’…

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Arkansas Pine Bluff names Xavier Johnson as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women’s basketball coach, Erica Leak, has announced the hiring of Xavier Johnson as the program’s assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Coach Johnson to Golden Lions Nation,” Leak said. “He will bring an incredible amount of experience both on and off the court to our program. Xavier is an elite-level recruiter and teacher. Our student-athletes are going to thrive under his leadership. He brings great experience and knowledge of the women’s basketball circuit landscape to help continue our vision…

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Florida A&M gets commitment from former ACC Player and three-star prospect

Former three-star defensive back Bralyn Oliver has committed to Florida A&M. Oliver, announcing the latest chapter in his collegiate career in a post to his X account.  He didn’t take part in any games last season for the Orange; Emily Leiker of syracuse.com reports that he was not halfway through the season and entered the transfer portal in December. Leiker adds that then-coach Dino Babers was asked why Oliver, who appeared in 9 games in 2022, was noticeably absent on the field, with the coach saying it was not related…

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Alabama A&M women’s hoops recipient of sizablele donation

 The Alabama A&M women’s basketball program received a large donation as the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice (CREEJ) donated a golf cart on Tuesday morning at the AAMU Event Center. “We have a walking campus,” Thornton said about the much-needed gift. “This golf cart will allow us to transport recruits, alumni and potential donors who come to visit our amazing campus. It has endless possibilities and we are so thankful to Dr. Catherine Coleman Flowers and the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice for is donation.” Thornton enters…

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SWAC Spring Meeting Recap: SWAC to make changes to Conference Basketball Tournaments

Courtesy of the Southwestern Athletic Conference The Southwestern Athletic Conference recently held its annual SWAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors Spring meeting. A wide range of agenda items were discussed at the meeting, listed below are some of the highlights of new legislation that was passed for the 2024-25 academic year.     The league voted to expand the number of teams that will participate in the SWAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments from eight to ten teams on both sides for the 2025 tournaments. The 2026 SWAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball…

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Hakim McClellan out at Mississippi Valley State

According to the Mississippi Valley State athletic director Hakim McClellan is stepping down from his current role to become the Deputy Athletic Director at Jackson State, saying it “was time.” The move to JSU is a return to familiar grounds for McClellan, where he previously worked as the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance.  McClellan assumed the role of Athletic Director on June 6, 2022.  In his time as Athletic Director, the field at Rice-Tottem was replaced with FieldTurf and the venue also received a new Jumbotron. Additional upgrades included updates…

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SWAC Announces Attendees for 2024 Football Media Day

Courtesy of the SWAC BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference has announced the student-athletes set to participate in the league’s annual SWAC Football Media Day on Tuesday, July 16 at 10:00 am CST at the Sheraton-Birmingham. All twelve SWAC head football coaches will also be in attendance to address media about the upcoming 2024 football season. A complete listing of the student-athletes slated to be in attendance is listed below. Alabama A&MDonovan Eaglin, Running BackEmari Pait, Defensive Back Alabama State Andrew Body, Quarterback  James Burgess, Defensive Back  Alcorn State Tavarious Griffin, Tight End Malachi Bailey,…

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