Central State, Howard Alum Omarosa Drafting Trump’s HBCU Executive Order

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Continuing to build a relationship with Donald Trump, Omarosa is drafting his executive order aimed at HBCUs following Trump’s commemoration of Black History Month earlier last week, according to a source.

The Trump administration will host an “HBCU Fly-In” with leaders from HBCUs later this month.

“For decades our nation’s HBCUs have graduated amazing and talented individuals who have gone on to achieve remarkable accomplishments,” Sen. Tim Scott, who will host the day-long event alongside Mark Walker, whose wife attended Winston-Salem State University, said in a statement. “From Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison and famed writer Langston Hughes, we have seen how HBCU grads have shaped the direction of our country.”

GOP political commentator and consultant Paris Dennard explained to Trump that under the previous administration HBCUs ended up neglected and put on the back burner.

But Trump’s support of HBCUs, according to Dennard, is vital. Trump was “shocked and upset” to learn what happened under President Obama’s watch. Omarosa, who is an alumnae of Central State University and Howard University, declined to comment on the HBCU executive order.

“I can, however, reinforce the president’s commitment to support historically black colleges and universities,” Omarosa said, “as well as school choice as he stated throughout the campaign.”

Report: Historically Black Colleges Are ‘Engines’ Of Economic Mobility

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A new report revealed that historically black colleges help in terms of vaulting lowest-income kids into the top quintile as adults but these institutions have a lower than average graduation rate than non-HBCUs, and their students have higher than average debt levels than students at predominantly white institutions. 

From News One:

A new report suggests that Historically Black Colleges and Universities contribute to the upward mobility of their students from low-income families, the Brookings Institution reports.

Researchers at the Equal Opportunity Project released new administrative data and an analysis, which show that HBCUs “actually have a better track record at fostering mobility than many thought,” Brookings said.

Many have questioned over the years whether HBCUs are effective at helping to pull their students up the economic ladder. As Brookings, a nonprofit public policy organization, pointed out, the institutions have a lower than average graduation rate, and their students tend to have higher than average student loan debt.

Head over to News One to read more.

Howard University Release Statement On Betsy Devos’ Visit To Campus

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Howard University has released a statement following education secretary Betsy DeVos’ visit to campus on Thursday. It was her first meeting in her new gig, many Howard students are skeptical.

President Wayne A.I. Frederick announced that he is “pleased” that the new education secretary visited the black university, saying Howard has had a “successful relationship with the Department of Education” over the years. He also welcomed “the opportunity to continue discussing” ways both can work together to continue to help HBCU across the country.

“Howard University is pleased that Betsy Devos, the new Secretary of Education, chose to visit our institution as her first official campus visit. We have a longstanding, successful relationship with the Department of Education and I look forward to advancing this relationship under the Secretary’s leadership. Our conversation today was a very meaningful one and I welcome the opportunity to continue discussing the many ways we can work together to forward the work of higher education, specifically that of Howard University, Howard University Middle School of Mathematics & Science, and HBCUs in general.”

The Hilltop, the student newspaper at Howard University, noted that they were not given details of the meeting either, commenting that no further details have yet been released on what was discuss during the private meeting. Student Government Association president Allyson Carpenter, who was not present at the meeting, told The Washington Post that “Howard is the mecca,” adding, “a university known for its academic excellence. I know this administration has a knack for—how can I say this—taking pictures with the right people, I guess.”

Howard University Announces $144 Million Student Housing Partnership

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Howard University announced that the school has entered a $144 million partnership with Corvias — a pioneer in sustainable, long-term partnership solutions —  that will benefit the students of today and leaders of tomorrow.

Liz Crumpacker, on the behalf of Corvias, told HBCU Buzz that Corvias will renovate, maintain, and manage four of the largest housing facilities on Howard’s campus in Washington, D.C. Crumpacker stated that while partnerships like these have grown in popularity within the higher education industry, this is a unique announcement because:

  • 100% of annual residual cash flow from the project will be distributed to the University (estimated $3 million/year – enough to cover 70 full-ride scholarships);
  • Howard will retain full decision-making authority;
  • Corvias will support residential life services in the renovated facilities;
  • Students and community members have been involved in the planning process; and more.

Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick said in a statement that “This partnership is an innovative solution to leveraging our assets while improving the facilities for students so they are competitive in the higher education marketplace.”

He added, “We have to find ways to solve complicated problems, invest in the University’s infrastructure and make our entire campus environment better and more attractive.”

This is an important especially during a time when students and their families are struggling to afford a college education, Crumpacker told HBCU Buzz.

“This partnership reinforces Howard’s position as a top institution and will keep a college education affordable and campus life safe for students,” CEO of Corvias John Picerne said in a statement. “Corvias greatly respects Howard University’s mission to develop students into outstanding citizens. The strong sense of community and purpose shared by its graduates align with our values as a company, providing a strong foundation for this 40-year commitment to the community.”

According to the university, the renovated West Tower will be completed by August 2017, and the East Tower will be completed in August 2018.

WH Press Sec: Trump ‘Wants To Really Show A Commitment In Funding To HBCUs … In His Budget’

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White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer stated, “…HBCU presidents will be in town later this month as part of a national celebration,” in Wednesday afternoon’s White House Briefing, elaborating on President Donald Trump’s HBCU executing order.

Spicer said, “We’ll have further updates on both the meetings that we may have with them, the activities surrounding that, in terms of the administration. And then I think we’ll have further updates on it, as I mentioned with all executive orders. We have nothing to update on that.”

He added, “But obviously, the President has a strong commitment to them and understands over the last eight years they’ve been woefully neglected.  And I think he wants to really show a commitment in funding to HBCUs.  And so you’ll see I think not just a push this month, but in his budget and going forward.”

Spicer also noted that Trump’s budget will address PLUS loans and Pell grants, among other issues.

(Spicer talks on HBCUs at 46:28 in the video above.)

Clark Atlanta University Junior Is Nation’s Only HBCU Football Player Majoring In Fashion Design

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ATLANTA    Darion “Spoon” Weatherspoon is a tough-as-nails defensive back for the Clark Atlanta University Panthers football team.  But there’s something else about this 20-year-old Las Vegas native, which puts him in a league all by himself.  Darion is the first and only CAU football player and, as far as we can tell, the nation’s only HBCU football player currently majoring in fashion design.  He’s just as good with a needle and sewing machine as he is with a football and a pair of cleats.  And he’s known among his teammates and classmates for his extraordinarily dapper wardrobe.

“As a child my mom always made me dress sharp,” said Darion, with a proud grin. “She wouldn’t let me wear shorts or sweatpants in public.” Those lessons from his childhood are definitely paying off now.

He is one of hundreds of CAU students now majoring in fashion. “We have seen significant growth in the fashion merchandising and design major, according to Professor Christopher Hickey, interim chair of the Dept. of Art at CAU. Five years ago there were 170 fashion majors at CAU. Today nearly 220 students are studying in the field. Hickey attributes the steady growth pattern to reality TV shows about the fashion industry. And it helps that Atlanta is considered a major fashion hub, a huge draw for prospective students.

Hickey wasn’t surprised to learn Darion is considered the only HBCU football player majoring in fashion design. He said not many black colleges and universities offer a fashion major. But that might soon change as more HBCUs recognize the growing popularity of the program. “It fits into President Johnson’s mantra of education to employment,” Hickey continued.

Darion is a tailor’s apprentice at Gary Franzen Custom Clothing back in his hometown. And even though he didn’t pick up a needle and thread until he was 17, Darion said he knew at an early age he wanted to design suits. “As a young boy I developed a fascination with suits and I wanted to wear them all the time,” he said.

His career goal to own and operate a custom tailor shop used to be the source of many good-spirited jokes among his Panthers football teammates. Some of his fellow athletes didn’t think fashion design was masculine enough. Then they realized how serious he is about it, and how lucrative a career it is. “They told me whatever I do, be the best at it,” Darion explained. Now his friends look to him for style tips, and even to request custom creations.

Besides being the next big name in the world of luxury suits, Darion maintains a 3.5 GPA. He is also a social media guru. In his spare time, he manages the Twitter account for the CAU Center for Undergraduate Research and Creativity, not to mention his own robust personal account.

His story perfectly exemplifies why supporting student scholarships at CAU is so critical to our mission. To give click here: https://invest.cau.edu/give-now.

“I believe every young man should dress like a respectable man,” Darion concluded. “My aim is to inspire other young men to dress like me and remain a gentleman at all times.”

Meet Howard University Stylish Buzz: Troy Mitchell II

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HBCUs are some of the most stylish campuses in the world. Howard University, specifically, is a campus where some students will “pop out” just because. Overall, the goal for many students is to simply showcase their personality through what they wear on a daily basis.

Check out this week’s Stylish Buzz Troy Mitchell II:

Troy Mitchell II is a sophomore, marketing major and graphic design minor from Bloomfield, CT. He can be seen on campus in anything from sporty street wear to a tailored trench coat.

“My greatest influence when it comes to style is hip-hop culture.“

Troy Mitchell II

Here are some of Troy’s Keys to creating a look:

“My style varies but it is always consistent when it comes to the color waves. I have always been an artist for as long as I could remember and that makes me think deeper into what would look good and what I put on for that day.

My greatest influence when it comes to style is hip-hop culture, because in my mind music is a form of art and needs visual representation to take it that much further. The most important aspect of style to me is the details; the specifics are what make a look, a look. When I was young, I used to look up to Kanye West for his sense of diversity when it came to what he wore, I’m referring to old Kanye; pink polo and a backpack Kanye.”

Golden Rams’ Offense Sputters Against Lee University

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ALBANY, Ga.- For the third consecutive day, the Albany State baseball team could not find any offense. Shutout for the second time in three games, ASU lost to the Lee University Flames by the score of 15-0.

The Golden Rams now own an overall record of 0-4. Lee improves to 3-1.

Albany State found itself behind early and faced an early 2-0 deficit after the first inning. The Flames extended their lead in the top of the second with four runs and followed that with three runs in the third. LU added six runs in the fourth and fifth stanzas to increase its advantage.

The Golden Rams only tallied three hits for the game and committed two errors. Losing pitcher Chancellor Johnson (0-1) recorded three strikeouts in two innings. Relief pitcher Eden Payano added four strikeouts.

Cameron Scott led the Flames with three hits and two RBIs, and Jordan Howard added three hits. Peyton Meeker collected two hits and four RBIs. Rob Gustitus was the winning pitcher.

For its next contest, Albany State will travel to West Point, Ga. to face the Point University Skyhawks. The game is slated to begin at 3 p.m.

This post was written by ASU Athletics at asugoldenrams.com, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission.

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Graduating From College Debt-Free

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Yesterday, I did a Facebook Live interview with Kevin Y. Brown, author of 10 Ways Anyone Can Graduate From College Debt-Free and founder of Debt-Free College Academy, an online course and website.

(Brown also attended Clark Atlanta University and graduated debt-free.)

From Foster Care to a $140k College Education

Brown’s personal story is inspiring. “I grew up in foster care from the age of nine months,” he told me. Although he was placed in good homes, he lived in one of northern California’s worst neighborhoods and had little exposure to financial concepts.

Yet, it was his own experience growing up in poverty that made debt—even so-called good debt to attend college—so repulsive to him. Determined and driven, Brown found a way. The first in his biological and immediate foster family to leave California to attend college, Brown enrolled at Clark Atlanta University, enjoyed a semester abroad in London, traveled back and forth from his home state to Atlanta during school breaks—and graduated from college debt-free after five years.

Now he is sharing his strategy with others.

Strategies to Graduate Debt-Free

One of the first things I noted in speaking with Brown is the vast well of ignorance he encountered among his peers. Although he himself didn’t know much more than they did, his determination to graduate debt-free kept him out of the debt trap. Here are some strategies he recommends:

  • Excel in high school.
  • Make sacrifices.
  • Build relationships.
  • Apply for scholarships.
  • Submit the FAFSA early.
  • Avoid incurring other debt—like credit card debt.

Brown also advises not borrowing more money than you need and using summer breaks to take required classes at schools in your hometown, if they cost less—a strategy he used.

I was really impressed with Brown, a public speaker who also lectures on maximizing one’s potential and resources. After meeting him, I renewed a commitment to myself to learn more about graduating from college and even graduate school debt-free.

Avoid the debt trap that has ensnared so many and bound up a lot of the wealth in our community. Learn more at Debt-Free College Academy.

Watch our Facebook Live interview below.

This article was written by Robin White-Goode, the Editor of Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. It is published here with permission.

Former HBCU Football Star Michael Strahan In Esquire Interview Talks Football And Fashion

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Michael Strahan, who played defensive end at Texas Southern University and was so dominant he drew double teams, spoke with Esquire magazine about football, Super Bowl 51, and how he tackles fashion. Some highlights of the interview are below.

If he had a typical athlete style when he was coming up, then get turned onto better fashion at some point:

“I think when you come into the league you look at your peers. I can’t say most of them come in with a ton of style. Back then it was the early, mid 90s, so it was purple, orange, yellow, green suits. I mean, it was horrible. But you learn from your mistakes. I look back now at some of the choices I made and think, ‘What were you thinking?’ But because of that it helps me develop my style now. I know that I want to wear something where if I look back 5, 10, 20 years from now, it won’t be embarrassing. Something classic. And being in the locker room where guys will clown you, it definitely got me more into it.”

If he ever got to the point where he felt like he figured out TV?

“I’m still figuring it out. Everything I’ve done has been so different. The news side is so different than everything I’ve done before. After football, it took me a few months until I realized I wasn’t a player anymore and this is my new career. But before that I was scared to death to say a word. I didn’t know if what I was saying made sense, because I had all these thoughts, and the hardest thing is to be able to express them and get them out. I wasn’t sure if I was doing that well.

Each season I’ve gotten better. I still get nervous, but it’s a lot less, and I’m much more comfortable in the skin that I’m in. When it came to doing Live!, from day one I felt comfortable doing that. But it still took a lot of practice and paying attention. But, like everything, the more reps you do, the better you get at it.”

Read more at Esquire.

Ohio Legislators Recognize Central State University And President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond

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Members of the Ohio House of Representatives are praising Central State University in Ohio and President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, issuing a statement on her positive impact on the state of Ohio earlier last week.

“If you look at her resume, you will find a very detailed and impressive list of accomplishments,” Rep. Perales of the 73rd District said, noting the success of President Jackson-Hammond and the University.

“Dr. Jackson-Hammond is the right person for the right time to lead Central State University,” he said.

President Jackson-Hammond stated that she was honored to receive the recognition, especially for State.

“This is indeed an honor for Central State University; 130 years of academic excellence,” she said. “We really work very hard and diligently not to just be a success for our students, but to be a success for the state of Ohio.”

Rep. Dean of the 74th District declared that “…the University stands as a beacon of opportunity!”

Meet The SWAC’s All-Time Leading Rusher

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OnTheYard is back! The video above is the latest episode of OnTheYard. In this episode, Perry White sits down with Southern University and the SWAC’s all-time leading rusher Lenard Tillery, who is on track to be a possible draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. OnTheYard is co-directed/co-produced by Perry White and Garrett Edgerson. Their mission is to give the world a inside look at the culture of historically black colleges across the country.

Texas Southern University Presents Vikings COO Warren With Inaugural Pioneer Award

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The TSU Newsroom reports: Texas Southern University honored Kevin Warren, the National Football League’s (NFL) highest-ranking African American executive, with its inaugural Pioneer Award, February 4th in downtown Houston. Warren serves as chief operating officer for the Minnesota Vikings.

The Pioneer Award was conceived by Texas Southern University alumnus and Washington Redskins Sr. VP of Communication Tony Wyllie. Its purpose is to highlight the diversity within the NFL’s front offices and encourage continued inclusive hiring practices by NFL franchises.

Warren pledged to continue to work hard and do all that he can do to open up doors not only for people of color but also women.

“I am keenly aware of the sacrifices others made before me to give me the opportunity to work and excel in the National Football League and I am going to do all that I can to possibly open up doors for others,” warren said.

“Kevin is deserving of this award,” Wylie said. “His promotion as the highest ranking African American National Football League team executive is a testament to his talents and work ethic that he has displayed throughout his 19-year NFL career. The fact that my alma mater, Texas Southern University, is benefitting from Kevin’s success makes this award extra special.”

“We are grateful that Tony Wyllie, a proud Texas Southern University alumnus, was instrumental in bringing this award to Texas Southern,” said TSU President Austin Lane.  On behalf of the TSU family I would like to congratulate Kevin for the excellent example he has set for our students to model themselves after. We know that our students will benefit greatly from this annual award.”

Texas Southern University presented the Pioneer Award as part of Super Bowl LI festivities. Reception proceeds benefit the University’s Graduation Success Scholarship. The plan is to hand out the award each year at the Super Bowl site, with next year’s game being in Minnesota.

This story was written by The TSU Newsroom at tsu.edu, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission.

Golden Rams Fall Hard To Georgia Gwinnett

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ALBANY, Ga.- The Albany State baseball team is still looking for its first win of the season after aWednesday afternoon defeat. ASU could not tame the Georgia Gwinnett Grizzlies dropped a 17-1 decision.

With the loss, the Golden Rams are not 0-3 on the young season. GGC improves to 3-3.

After a scoreless first inning, Albany State took the early lead in the bottom of the second inning. Levi Koebel scored on an error to give ASU a 1-0 edge.

Georgia Gwinnett would respond over the next four innings. The Grizzlies used a five runs in the top of the third inning to seize the lead. GGC added two runs in the fourth, eight in the fifth and two in the sixth. The game was called in the seventh inning.

The Golden Rams collected four hits and committed one error for the game. Calvin Tatum (0-1) was the losing pitcher.

Georgia Gwinnett was led by Jean Figueroa, who recorded three hits and four RBIs. Josh Black and Kyler Timmerman each added two hits and three RBIs.

Albany State will return to action on Thursday, Feb. 9 when it hosts Lee University. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

This post was written by ASU Athletics at asugoldenrams.com, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission.

BoxToRow.com Ranks Top 10 HBCU Recruiting Classes

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Ahead, you will find the 10 best recruiting class among Division I historically black colleges, ranked after extensive research of the 22 schools, writes Donal Ware at BoxToRow.com, who concluded that the Tigers class is No. 1.

1. Tennessee State

BoxToRow.com notes:

“Tennessee State continues to recruit well and has premier facilities amongst FCS programs. They SHARE a professional stadium with the Tennessee Titans. And when they play on campus they play in what’s called “The Hole,” at historic Hale Stadium.  It may not mean much to the recruits, but when you can tell the recruits’ parents that legendary coach John Merritt coached there and players like Too Tall Jones, Richard Dent, Claude Humphrey, Joe Gilliam, even head coach Rod Reed himself, played there, it carries weight.  Not to mention, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is still playing at a pretty high level with the New York Giants and a few other players have been drafted more recently.  Plus the Tigers have a full indoor facility.”

Image result for nccu football 20162. North Carolina Central

BoxToRow.com notes:

“The Eagles won the MEAC championship for the third-year in a row, but won it outright last year for the first time since 1973. After having the number one recruiting class in 2015, they did not make the rankings last year, but came back strong this year. This is probably head coach Jerry Mack and staff’s best class.  The Eagles added depth in the trenches on both sides of the ball where they were already strong by signing 10 of their 22 players to the offensive and defensive lines.  The prize of the class could be Miami Norland defensive back Aaron Duncan a three-star recruit by Scout and 247 who had offers from Southern Miss, NC State and Tulane.  He played safety, but could convert to corner and help replace former BOXTOROW All-America Mike Jones who graduated, enrolled at Temple and is eligible to play right away.  The Eagles also bolstered their linebacking corps by signing three including Branden Bailey (Deerfield Beach), who was rated as a three-star recruit by Scout.com and ranked as the 10th inside linebacker in Florida and Patrick Conner from Greensboro Dudley who helped lead the Panthers to another state title and along the way recorded 166 tackles, seven tackles for loss, eight sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.”

Image result for jackson state football 20163. Jackson State

BoxToRow.com notes:

“Head coach Tony Hughes was known as one of the best recruiters in the country while at Mississippi State and brings that reputation to Jackson State with his second class, signing 34 players. One of the highlights of the class is quarterback Jeffrey Toney from Niceville, FL. Toney has a big time arm and is a pro-style quarterback that can throw it deep.  He’s 6-6, 223 pounds and completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 2,657 yards with 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 11 games as a senior.  Quarterback is definitely a need for the Tigers with the graduation of LaMontiez Ivy and the transfer of Juwan Adams.”

Image result for norfolk state football 20164. Norfolk State

BoxToRow.com notes:

“Spartan head football coach Latrell Scott and staff put together another solid recruiting class and placed an emphasis on recruiting Virginia and more specifically the Tidewater area. The Spartans placed a major emphasis on the offensive line in recruiting last year, but did not have success running the ball in 2016. The Spartans signed Rivals three-star running back Marvin Beander, Jr. from Maryland’s Quince Orchard.  He has homerun ability and rushed 168 times for 1,339 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior.  The Spartans also signed a big running back in Shedrick McCall, III who is listed at 6‐2, 235 from Richmond’s L.C. Bird.  He was first‐team All‐Metro and All‐5A South Region after rushing 195 times for 2,280 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior.”

 

Image result for howard football 20165. Howard

BoxToRow.com notes:

“This is the first time in the 11 years of rankings that the Bison are ranked. Former Richmond and UVA head coach Mike London was introduced as the head football coach about a month ago and hit the ground running. He was able to sign some new players while getting some players who had already committed to the program to stay.  Twenty-three committed in all with eight of those players being from the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia).  The Bison will have the best running back in the MEAC in Anthony Philyaw returning, but signed Rivals two-star running back Jammone Williams from Desoto (TX) who stayed with Howard despite the coaching change.  Thomas Jefferson (PA) running back Quinton Hill also signed and as a senior had 250 carries for 1,940 yards and 28 touchdowns.  Howard struggled at quarterback last year and perhaps the biggest name amongst Howard’s prospects is Grady’s (GA) Caylin Newton.”

Image result for alcorn state football6. Alcorn State

BoxToRow.com notes:

“Even though Alcorn State won the SWAC East, the season wasn’t where Braves coach Fred McNair wanted it to be. So he and his staff went out and added to what should be a solid football team in 2017. The prize signing in the Braves class which consisted of 14 players, eight from Mississippi, is safety Cleveland Ford from Gulfport.  He’s a three-star recruit who received offers from FBS schools including Texas Tech.  Ford also played quarterback, passing for 1,799 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is an early enrollee and will participate in spring drills.  With Marquis Warford returning but coming off injury, the Braves added another Marquis(e), running back Marquise Forman, a two-star Scout product from Cedar Hill in Texas who rushed for 873 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior.  To aid in the running game, Alcorn signed two-star offensive tackle Franklin Smith from Liberty-Eylau in Texarkana, TX.”

Image result for famu football 20167. Florida A&M

BoxToRow.com notes:

“The Rattlers under now third-year head coach Alex Wood signed a total of 24 players, 18 of those players from the high school ranks. FAMU didn’t even have to leave the football-rich state of Florida as all of the high school signees were in-state and 20 players are from Florida. Offensive line was an emphasis and the Rattlers addressed that unit by signing three including Scout three-star prospect Donovan Hovey-Franklin, ranked the 12th best offensive tackle in Florida, Scout two-star prospect Antawn Lewis, who had offers from UNC, Charlotte and South Florida and 247 Sports three-star Steven Jean-Baptiste (Chaminade-Madonna Prep).”

Image result for b-cu football 20168. Bethune-Cookman

BoxToRow.com notes:

“The Wildcats are coming off a disappointing season, a lot of which was due to injury. Head coach Terry Sims and staff addressed several needs and added depth. The Wildcats signed a total of 16, including 12 from Florida.  Highlights from the class include a couple of Miami offensive linemen in Cecric Jackson (Norland) and Teaki Fuller (Norland).  Cornerback Keon Jackson from Jacksonville’s Mandarin is a Scout two-star recruit and can help bolster a Bethune-Cookman’s secondary which ranked third in the MEAC in passing in 2016.  Wide receiver Marquis Wimberly should also be a nice addition after playing at Chaffey College, previously prepping at Miami’s Norland.”

Related image9. South Carolina State

BoxToRow.com notes:

“The Bulldogs have perennially had a top five class. They have always recruited South Carolina well and placed an emphasis in recent years on North Carolina (Hargrave is from Salisbury) as well as Georgia. Because of fiscal affairs, head coach Buddy Pough and staff got all 22 of their players from South Carolina.  The Bulldogs really needed to address some issues on offense and did that by signing five running backs including Lake City’s Tyshawn Baines who in his senior year accounted for 1,463 yards and 24 touchdowns and Beaufort’s Omar Cummings who as a senior accounted for 1,270 yards and 17 touchdowns.  The Bulldogs also needed a quarterback with the graduation of Adrian Collick, Jr. and Caleb York transferring.  They signed Strom Thurmond’s Tyerece Nick, who accounted for over 2,400 of total offense, to compete to back up starting quarterback Mykal Moody.  Defensively, the Bulldogs will be solid behind the play of reining BOXTOROW Willie Davis Defensive Player of the Year linebacker Darius Leonard.”

Image result for grambling football 2016T-10 Grambling

BoxToRow.com notes:

“The defending BOXTOROW national champion Tigers signed 19 players and placed a major emphasis in the trenches, signing five offensive linemen and five defensive linemen.  What was most impressive is how big the offensive linemen are as their average weight is 300 pounds.  Ole Miss transfer Christian Norris was a big signing.  He is a former teammate of Kincade and was getting ready to retire from football due to a neck injury, but the doctors cleared him to play. Also watch for Preston Davis from nearby Neville.”

Image result for savannah state football 2016

T-10 Savannah State

BoxToRow.com notes:

“Savannah State surprised a lot of people by winning three games last year.  With Erik Raeburn entering his second season as the head coach, recruits can see that the Tiger program has some potential.  What was impressive about the class is that of the 26 signees, 21 are from Georgia, one is from nearby Hilton Head, S.C. and three are from nearby Jacksonville, FL.  Another impressive item with respect to the class is the signing of seven offensive linemen.”

Head over to BoxToRow.com to read more.