Sunday, July 31, 2011

Save the Date

The NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee has announced that the 2012 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game will be played at 1 p.m. ET Jan. 7 (ESPN2). The game will be played at the 23,500-seat Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Lewis leads one of best defensive lines in JSU history

Lewis leads one of best defensive lines in JSU history: "When Monte Lewis got the news of his selection as preseason Defensive Player of the Year in the Ohio Valley Conference, he didn’t believe it at first."

Friday, July 29, 2011

With job on the line, JSU’s Ivory drops weight before camp

With job on the line, JSU’s Ivory drops weight before camp: "Marques Ivory didn’t need a talking scale or any doctor to tell him the benefits of winning the battle of the bulge. The Jacksonville State senior quarterback just listened to his conscience and h..."

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Town & Gown: From JSU to the Little League World Series

A great article about a great JSU Gamecock, Mickey Lay, that coached the 2007 Little League World Series Champions.

Town & Gown: From JSU to the Little League World Series: "The year 2007, like most years, consisted of a series of extraordinary events that made an impact on a lot of people. On August 7 the talented Barry Bonds surpassed Hanks Aaron’s home-run record to..."

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Brandon Cooper Joins the JSU Staff

JSU has hired former UTM assistant, Brandon Cooper. The following is some bio information on Cooper from a coaching website:


"Coop played running back and cornerback for four years at Aiken High School in Cincinnati. He earned all-state honors his junior and senior years as a defensive back. He also earned all-state honors in baseball. As a freshman and sophomore he ran track, competing in the 100, 200 and the 4x100 events.

He earned a scholarship to play at UT Martin for former head coach Matt Griffin in 2003. His senior year, 2006, Coop helped lead head coach Jason Simpson's Skyhawks to their first-ever Ohio Valley Conference title and the postseason.

Coop had 36 total tackles and five pass breakups his senior year, as the Skyhawks finished with a 9-3 record.

Coop earned the Julian Nunamaker Award, all four years, which goes to the player who achieves success on the field and in the classroom. It is named after Julian Nunamaker, a 1968 first-team Kodak All-American. Nunamaker played for UT Martin in the 1967 Tangerine Bowl and he played professionally in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills.

Coop earned his bachelor's degree in health and human performance (sports management) and served as a student assistant coach during the spring of 2008 where he worked with the defensive linemen.

In the fall of 2008, Coop worked as a graduate assistant coach. He worked with the outside linebackers and coached All-Ohio Valley Conference standout Josh Bey."

Inching closer: Racers picked to finish second in OVC after being picked last a year ago - Murray Ledger & Times: Murray State

Here is an article about Murray. They are picked to finish second in the OVC.


Inching closer: Racers picked to finish second in OVC after being picked last a year ago - Murray Ledger & Times: Murray State: "Chris Hatcher thinks No. 2 is a good place start."

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

TJ Heath and Curt Porter Get Their Shot

Internet reports say that Curt Porter and TJ Heath have signed free agent contracts with the Broncos and Jaguars respectively. Good luck to these guys on making those teams. We understand Perrilloux is with the Giants. Not sure if either Tim McGee or Torrey Davis are going to get an opportunity anywhere.

Pre-Season Depth Chart

As listed in the OVC Media Guide:


OFFENSE
WR 4 James Shaw 6-0 190 Sr.
1 Trey Smith 6-5 220 So.
OT 58 Odie Rush 6-3 292 Sr.
73 Colt Kennedy 6-6 300 So.
OG 65 Matt Jones 6-3 305 Sr.
64 Preston Hatcher 6-4 290 Fr.
C 62 Max Holcombe 6-3 271 Fr.
60 Clay Squires 6-1 280 Fr.
OG 67 Michael Ellis 6-2 285 Sr.
70 Ricky Clemons 6-5 288 So.
OT 69 Tori Mobley 6-3 280 Jr.
56 Tarik Milner 6-3 240 Fr.
QB 12 Marques Ivory 6-1 235 Sr.
11 Coty Blanchard 6-0 185 So.
RB 7 Washaun Ealey 5-11 215 Jr.
3 Calvin Middleton 5-11 220 Sr.
FB 3 Calvin Middleton 5-11 220 Sr.
41 Cole Doolittle 5-10 230 Sr.
TE 81 Justin Howard 6-3 235 So.
84 Denzell Cheeks 6-6 215 Jr.
WR 16 Alan Bonner 5-11 168 Jr.
6 Kevyn Cooper 6-1 197 Jr.
DEFENSE
DE 90 Monte Lewis 6-3 251 Sr.
53 Marquis George 6-4 242 Sr.
NT 96 DiMetrio Tyson 6-2 275 Jr.
92 Barry Stafford 6-0 295 Fr.
DT 93 Jamison Wadley 6-3 282 Sr.
98 Michael Lewis 6-4 237 Fr.
LB 51 Rashad Smith 6-1 210 So.
50 Chase Williams 6-0 212 So.
LB 35 Clarence Jackson 6-2 220 So.
36 Brenton Tolson 6-0 195 Jr.
BAN 49 Rodney Garrott 6-1 255 Sr.
43 Tanner Robertson 6-3 225 Jr.
SL 47 James Powell 6-1 210 So.
24 Nick Johnson 5-11 185 Jr.
CB 2 Jawaan Booker 5-11 180 Sr.
38 Francis Duncan 5-11 167 Jr.
CB 20 A.J. Davis 6-0 183 Sr.
31 Aries Lockhart 6-1 175 Jr.
FS 9 Jason Horton 6-0 202 Sr.
18 Robert Gray 5-11 195 So.
SS 28 Keginald Harris 6-3 200 Jr.
14 Brooks Robinson 6-2 201 Jr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK 87 James Esco 6-2 175 Jr.
88 Griffi n Thomas 5-11 170 So.
P 11 Coty Blanchard 6-0 185 So.
19 Rod Byrd 6-0 230 Sr.
LS 83 Brandon Rogers 6-2 205 Sr.
80 Andrew Dean 5-10 225 Fr.
Returning Starters in Bold
Key Losses
OL Curt Porter
2010 All-American (AP, Sports Network & Phil Steele)
RB Jamal Young
72 rushes, 468 yards, 4 TD’s; 22 catches, 4 TD’s
WR Jeffrey Cameron
39 catches, 728 yards, 5 TD’s
LB Antonio Bonner
81 tackles, 8.0 TFL, 1 PBU, 1 QBH

Pre-Season Depth Chart

As listed in the OVC Media Guide:


OFFENSE
WR 4 James Shaw 6-0 190 Sr.
1 Trey Smith 6-5 220 So.
OT 58 Odie Rush 6-3 292 Sr.
73 Colt Kennedy 6-6 300 So.
OG 65 Matt Jones 6-3 305 Sr.
64 Preston Hatcher 6-4 290 Fr.
C 62 Max Holcombe 6-3 271 Fr.
60 Clay Squires 6-1 280 Fr.
OG 67 Michael Ellis 6-2 285 Sr.
70 Ricky Clemons 6-5 288 So.
OT 69 Tori Mobley 6-3 280 Jr.
56 Tarik Milner 6-3 240 Fr.
QB 12 Marques Ivory 6-1 235 Sr.
11 Coty Blanchard 6-0 185 So.
RB 7 Washaun Ealey 5-11 215 Jr.
3 Calvin Middleton 5-11 220 Sr.
FB 3 Calvin Middleton 5-11 220 Sr.
41 Cole Doolittle 5-10 230 Sr.
TE 81 Justin Howard 6-3 235 So.
84 Denzell Cheeks 6-6 215 Jr.
WR 16 Alan Bonner 5-11 168 Jr.
6 Kevyn Cooper 6-1 197 Jr.
DEFENSE
DE 90 Monte Lewis 6-3 251 Sr.
53 Marquis George 6-4 242 Sr.
NT 96 DiMetrio Tyson 6-2 275 Jr.
92 Barry Stafford 6-0 295 Fr.
DT 93 Jamison Wadley 6-3 282 Sr.
98 Michael Lewis 6-4 237 Fr.
LB 51 Rashad Smith 6-1 210 So.
50 Chase Williams 6-0 212 So.
LB 35 Clarence Jackson 6-2 220 So.
36 Brenton Tolson 6-0 195 Jr.
BAN 49 Rodney Garrott 6-1 255 Sr.
43 Tanner Robertson 6-3 225 Jr.
SL 47 James Powell 6-1 210 So.
24 Nick Johnson 5-11 185 Jr.
CB 2 Jawaan Booker 5-11 180 Sr.
38 Francis Duncan 5-11 167 Jr.
CB 20 A.J. Davis 6-0 183 Sr.
31 Aries Lockhart 6-1 175 Jr.
FS 9 Jason Horton 6-0 202 Sr.
18 Robert Gray 5-11 195 So.
SS 28 Keginald Harris 6-3 200 Jr.
14 Brooks Robinson 6-2 201 Jr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK 87 James Esco 6-2 175 Jr.
88 Griffi n Thomas 5-11 170 So.
P 11 Coty Blanchard 6-0 185 So.
19 Rod Byrd 6-0 230 Sr.
LS 83 Brandon Rogers 6-2 205 Sr.
80 Andrew Dean 5-10 225 Fr.
Returning Starters in Bold
Key Losses
OL Curt Porter
2010 All-American (AP, Sports Network & Phil Steele)
RB Jamal Young
72 rushes, 468 yards, 4 TD’s; 22 catches, 4 TD’s
WR Jeffrey Cameron
39 catches, 728 yards, 5 TD’s
LB Antonio Bonner
81 tackles, 8.0 TFL, 1 PBU, 1 QBH

Jacksonville State University - 2011 OVC Media Day Coverage

Interviews from Ivory, Wadley and Crowe at OVC Media Day!


Jacksonville State University - 2011 OVC Media Day Coverage

JSU picked again to win OVC

JSU picked again to win OVC: "NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Winning an FCS national championship is still very much on the minds of the Jacksonville State football team."

Monday, July 25, 2011

Women's Basketball - Working Hard Behind the Scenes

The players may not be on campus right now, but that doesn't mean our women's basketball coaches aren't working hard. See Coach Watts' blog here.

JSU Picked to Finish First

The OVC is in agreement with gamecockillustrated.com this morning, with JSU picked to finish first, followed by Murray State. See the article here.

Getting picked to win the conference is a reflection of the respect of the program. The reality is that it puts a huge target on you. We have the talent to win, but as Safety Jason Horton recently said to us, "Talent is not enough. We've got to put the work in."

New Conference Speculation

A Bleacher Report writer has come up with a new FBS conference plan that would include Jacksonville State. Here is the link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/751919-for-some-fcs-programs-considering-a-move-to-fbs-unity-maybe-the-answer

JSU Loses Waldrip

According to the link below, Jacksonville State baseball player Ben Waldrip is going to play pro baseball for the KC Royals.

http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/07/24/jacksonville-states-ben-waldrip-set-to-sign-with-kansas-city-royals/

JSU players, coach to give back in Central America

JSU players, coach to give back in Central America: "JACKSONVILLE — Two Jacksonville State players and an assistant coach will gain some international playing experience and valuable life lessons next month when they head off to Central America to pl..."

Friday, July 22, 2011

PhilSteele.com's PreSeason All OVC Picks

Courtesy of Philsteele.com:
Offense

QB Casey Brockman Murray State QB Marques Ivory Jacksonville St
RB Mike Harris Murray State RB Jason McNair UT Martin
RB Washaun Ealey Jacksonville St RB Ryan White Austin Peay
WR Tim Benford Tennessee Tech WR Erik Lora Eastern Illinois
WR Orlandus Harris Eastern Kentucky WR Arthur Brackett Murray State
WR Stephen Shiver UT Martin WR Justin Williams Eastern Kentucky
TE Kenny Jones UT Martin TE London Davis Tennessee St
OL Evan Conrad SE Missouri St OL Scott Schweitzer Tennessee Tech
OL Slade Adams Tennessee Tech OL Alex Pierce Eastern Illinois
OL OJ Enabosi Eastern Kentucky OL Dominic Pagliara Eastern Illinois
OL Raymond Hopson Murray State OL Odie Rush Jacksonville St
OL Roderick Tomlin Murray State OL Kadeem Edwards Tennessee St
-- DEFENSE --
1st Team 2nd Team
DL Monte Lewis Jacksonville St DL Joe Gamsky Murray State
DL Emory Attig Eastern Kentucky DL Artavious Dowdell Eastern Illinois
DL Jamison Wadley Jacksonville St DL Anthony Brown Eastern Kentucky
DL Justin Love SE Missouri St DL Darrin Nalls UT Martin
LB Rico Council Tennessee State LB Amius Smith Austin Peay
LB Darrick Borum SE Missouri St LB Rodney Garrott Jacksonville St
LB Cory Leman Eastern Illinois LB John Jones Tennessee State
LB Marcus Edwards Tennessee Tech LB Will Johnson Tennessee Tech
DB Jeremy Caldwell Eastern Kentucky DB Patrick McClellan Eastern Kentucky
DB Keginald Harris Jacksonville St DB Kendal Harper UT Martin
DB Tylor Brock SE Missouri St DB Marty Jones Tennessee Tech
DB Dontrell Johnson Murray State DB Nick Martinez Eastern Illinois
-- SPECIAL TEAMS --
1st Team 2nd Team
K Kienan Cullen Murray State K James Esco Jacksonville St
P Jordan Berry Eastern Kentucky P Coty Blanchard Jacksonville St
KR Jeremy Caldwell Eastern Kentucky KR Alan Bonner Jacksonville St
PR Dontrell Johnson Murray State PR CJ Estelle UT Martin
PHIL STEELE’S 2011 PRESEASON ALL-OVC TEAM
Phil Steele’s Preseason FCS Awards - Press Release 7/

Bonner Makes Watch List

Yet another JSU player has been added to the pre-season watch list. This time its wide receiver/kick returner, Alan Bonner. Bonner has been a productive player for the Gamecocks for two years. This should be a breakout year for him. He will certainly be counted on as a key cog in the offense with the departure of wide receivers Jeff Cameron and La Ray Williams.



Fourteen OVC Special Teams Football Players Named to CFPA Preseason Watch List - OVCSports.com—Official Web Site of the Ohio Valley Conference

Get On the Bus!

Great work by our athletic department sponsoring a bus trip to the UTC game.

From jsugamecocksports.com


Jacksonville State Gamecock Champions Club is taking a bus full of JSU fans to Chattanooga to cheer on the Gamecock Football team as it takes on the Mocs in the first road game of the 2011 season. It costs just $50, a fee that includes your transportation to and from the JSU campus and your ticket to the game. Call (256) 782-5368 or email jevans@jsu.edu today to book your seat on the bus!
Fans may bring coolers on the bus, but no alcoholic bevrages will be allowed.

Cost: $50 per person - must pay in advance
Includes transportation and a ticket to the game. Acceptable methods of payment are cash, check or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or Discover). Please make checks payable to JSU FOUNDATION.

When will we leave?
The bus will leave from the front of Kennamer Hall on the Jacksonville State campus at 1 p.m. CT on Sept. 10. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT. The bus will return to Jacksonville as soon as the game is over.

How Do I Sign Up?
Call (256) 782- 5368 or email her at jevans@jsu.edu TODAY! Spots are available on a first-come-first-served basis and will not be reserved without payment.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

We Need Another Snapsquad 54!

We've linked the videos many times, but if you want to see some great work go to youtube and look at hilight videos from JSU's 2008 and 2009 seasons. The videos were the work of a guy called Snapsquad 54 who was a GA at JSU at the time. Snapsquad 54 is now at South Alabama.

No videos from last year including the epic win over Ole Miss. Maybe it wasn't in the budget, but it kills me to see a competitor (South Alabama) doing something better than my alma mater. OUR PHILOSOPHY SHOULD BE THAT WE WILL OVERCOME FINANCIAL LIMITATIONS WITH PASSION FOR OUR SCHOOL.

There has to be somebody out there that could help on this and could put some hilight packages together this year and maybe even do a package for the Ole Miss game last year. Ole Miss won't release the tapes, but JSU has its own tapes! If you have the skills, contact the athletic department and volunteer. Our new AD is all about getting things done by any way possible.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Ga. State Loses Another QB

Jacksonville State's third game opponent, Georgia State, is having serious issues at quarterback. Their projected starter from last year is suspended for the first four games. Now, it appears that his backup is probably off the team.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Stay Focused

Contributing Staff Writer Faulkner gives us a look at Safety Jeremy Harrison...

Wearing a black T-shirt and gray sweat pants, Jeremy Harrison looks like any other student at Jacksonville State. The only difference is the black rubber bracelet on his wrist with two words in bold, white letters: STAY FOCUSED. The bracelet, not noticed by random passersby, is worn by all members of the football team as a reminder of last season’s early exit from the playoffs.

“When I saw my first football game, I knew I wanted to play,” Jeremy said. This revelation came after he had watched a game which pitted the Tennessee Volunteers against the Duke Blue Devils. He now plays defensive back for the Gamecocks and at 6 foot 1 inch and 191 pounds, he looks the part.

Fast forward to the beginning of his high school career. During his freshman season, his coaches experimented with where to play him because of his versatility. They played him at linebacker, wide receiver and finally settled on cornerback. A cornerback is like a stick in bicycle spokes. If he performs his duties correctly, swatting passes out of the air and knocking the ball out of opposing players’ hands, he will stop the offense in its tracks. He not only became great at his position, he became the greatest fear of any quarterback, a lock-down corner. During his sophomore and junior seasons, every time Harrison stepped on the field opposing coaches told quarterbacks to throw away from him.

During his senior season, Jeremy’s coaches thought his talents could be better utilized at safety so they started the transition from corner to safety. The safety is the last line of defense between the opposing team and the end zone. Unfortunately, disaster struck when a pulled groin cut short his senior season in the third game. He was able to return to play the final two games of that season, however. He recorded two interceptions in the first of those games and several tackles in the latter.

He had garnered some interest from Division I-A schools by this time, especially from Texas Christian University. Scouts from TCU had been to see him play on several occasions. All that had to be done was for him to express his intent to join the team and Jeremy would be a Horned Toad. Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication about his intent to join the team, and the coaching staff quickly lost interest.

Jeremy, with the help of his trainer, created a highlight tape to send out to other schools. Somehow, his tape ended up on the desk of Toby Norwood, defensive backs coach for JSU. Norwood must have seen something he liked on the tape because he contacted Harrison’s trainer to set up a meeting. Coincidentally, Jeremy’s mother attended JSU, and that played a significant role in his decision-making process.
Upon his arrival at JSU, Jeremy took a redshirt to get a better grasp on the defensive scheme and make the transition from high school to college. Redshirt is a term used to describe a student who sits out for a year, whether due to injury or because a team has too many players at a certain position and does not lose a year of eligibility. “It got me prepared for college life,” he said. “It got me thinking about what I want to do with my life.”

He is now looking to earn a spot on the Gamecocks’ roster this summer. “I plan on working my butt off so I can,” he said. He realizes he may not break the starting rotation this year but is willing to play on special teams and earn his minutes.
His work ethic and the timely arrival of a new defensive coordinator will give Jeremy a fighting chance to earn a spot in the rotation. Everyone will be learning new plays and schemes, but only those who have playing experience will have an advantage.

What about the National Football League? Though he is optimistic, he is also level-headed. He realizes that only a fraction of the players who fight for a spot on an NFL roster make it and is working to receive an undergraduate degree in communications. “If it happens, I would love to play at the next level,” Harrison said.

What else is there to know about Jeremy Harrison? In the eighth and ninth grade he played trumpet for his school’s band. During his high school career he also competed in track and field and almost set a state record in the 4 by 1 finishing just a second over. In his spare time on campus he likes going down to Stevenson, the student’s recreational facility and playing basketball with his friends.

STAY FOCUSED. He has to in order to maintain the minimum grade point average of student athletes, learn the playbook, study, work out and spend time with friends. In fact, it will be hard to find someone more focused than Jeremy Harrison.

Faulkner

JSU assistant boasts unique national title bling

JSU assistant boasts unique national title bling: "JACKSONVILLE — The Jacksonville State football program is more committed than ever, especially since work began on its stadium refurbishment, to winning a national championship ring."

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

6 Questions With Gamecock Soccer Star, Chelsea Pelletier

Football is not the only season that is getting ready to get underway. Jacksonville State's soccer team is also getting ready to make a run for the OVC title. Gamecockillustrated.com recently had a chance to sit down with Senior forward, Chelsea Pelletier from Fort Worth Texas to preview the Fall season. In addition to being an outstanding player, Chelsea has contributed to JSU in other respects including being the OVC representative to the Division I National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She's not limited to sports however, this summer she interned at Georgia Aquarium in their PR Department.

Q: You all have had some struggles recently, do you think that the Gamecocks can turn it around and compete for the OVC Title this year?

A: I believe in the abilities of my teammates. We are putting in a lot of work to prepare for this season. I think if we have some early success we can create some momentum and compete with anybody in the conference. There is no other option for me because I'm a senior. We are going to win this year.

Q: Who are some of the key returning players for the team?

A: Emily Bielaga, from Naperville, Illinois who plays center defense, Ali Koenig in goal from Colleyville, Texas and Katie Manns, in Centermid, from California.

Q: Are there any incoming freshman that could possibly contribute?

A: Yes, Courtney Hurt, an Alabama native, could be really good for our offense and there are a few other girls that have come in fit. There is definitely going to be competition for playing time this year. Everyone will have a chance to earn a spot despite their class status.

Q: Who is some of the key competition in the OVC?

A: Morehead State, Murray State and UT Martin are always tough.

Q: You've been at JSU for four years, what is one of your best memories?

A: Probably beating SEMO my freshman year in dramatic fashion after they had won the conference the year before.

Q: Final question, what's more exciting, scoring the winning goal with time running out or swimming with the whales at the Georgia Acquarium?

A: That's a close answer! But, before I loved marine animals I loved soccer so I will go with soccer.

Good luck this season Chelsea! We appreciate everything you have done for the Gamecocks.

Jaxmen expecting big things in 2011 season - sandmountainreporter.com: Colleges

Jaxmen expecting big things in 2011 season - sandmountainreporter.com: Colleges: "The excitement is building around the Jacksonville State
football program in anticipation of the 2011 season, which the
Gamecocks kick off by …"

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Jacksonville State University - JSU's Burgess To Be Inducted Into Div. II Football Hall of Fame

Jacksonville State University - JSU's Burgess To Be Inducted Into Div. II Football Hall of Fame

Grant White to Jacksonville State?

Nothing official, but internet rumors are that guard, Grant White, may have signed to play basketball with Jacksonville State. White is a Monroe County High School product, a former member of the Birmingham Ice AAU team and a participant in the Alabama North - South High school all-star game.

Learning from the Gamecocks - sandmountainreporter.com: Colleges

Great quote from the linked article by JSU representative, Kortne Gosha:

“It’s a chance for us to give back to our community,” Gosha said. “We’re the regional university for this area, and we just feel like we should be able to give back to our fans and this is just a part of it.”

Learning from the Gamecocks - sandmountainreporter.com: Colleges: "The first JSU/Sarrell Football Camp at Boaz’s L.F. Corley Jr.
Stadium scored a touchdown, as 102 boys and girls ages 8-13 went
home with a Gam…"

Updated Website

Check out www.jsugameday.com. Somebody in the athletic department did a really nice job with this.

Ealey a welcome addition in midst of Barksdale suspension

Ealey a welcome addition in midst of Barksdale suspension: "JACKSONVILLE — Maybe it was more than lucky Jacksonville State was able to get Washaun Ealey last month."

Saturday, July 9, 2011

JSU's event cash flow paying for stadium renovation

This is an interesting article from the Star. Basically, the stadium is paying for itself. What a twist, we had heard that the new stadium was to blame for everything from the Gulf Oil Spill to the NFL lockout.




JSU's event cash flow paying for stadium renovation: "The payments were helped along by football ticket sales, which skyrocketed after JSU’s football team beat Ole Miss in the season opener."

Thursday, July 7, 2011

JSU Volleyball Picks Up New Player

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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Curt Porter Update

Many have wondered what is going on with Curt Porter, the Gamecocks' 2010 starting left tackle (and sometimes guard). Porter earned All-American honors and many thought he would be taken in the mid to late rounds of the 2011 NFL draft. Unfortunately, a foot injury following the season probably led to him not being selected in the draft.

The good news is that Porter is back in Fayette running, working out and still has definite plans of making an NFL team. Indeed, the silver lining of the lockout is that it has allowed Porter's injury to heal. In addition to training, he has been working construction, cutting grass, etc. to make ends meet while he waits on an NFL opportunity. (If anyone needs a 6-7, 300 pound employee that knows what its like working in a hostile environment- call Curt).

If Porter doesn't go to the Falcons, it would be great to see him and Ryan Perrilloux reunited with the New York Giants.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Is Jacksonville State Too Good For the Sun Belt?

There has been a lot of speculation about a potential move up by Jacksonville State to the Sun Belt Conference. As with any potential move forward by the University, there is trepidation regarding change. We are glad that someone was willing to make a change in the early 90s when we left the GSC or we would be competing against a bunch of schools in Arkansas that no one has ever heard about. Looking further back, somebody was probably thinking Jacksonville State was getting too big for its britches when it transitioned from being a teachers college to the great academic institution it is today. Even last year, somebody probably thought little old Jacksonville State shouldn't even schedule Ole Miss from the mighty SEC. Indeed, an A-Star writer worried a couple of years ago that our players might get hurt playing against the big boys. But, we digress.

Instead of asking if JSU has what it takes to compete in the Sun Belt, maybe the better question is whether Jacksonville State is too good for the Sun Belt? Recent objective evidence indicates that might be the case. Specifically, the Directors' Cup Standings, which are a quantitative measure of the overall success of an athletic program, placed Jacksonville State at #92 among all Division 1 schools. Not only did JSU blow away its OVC brethren in the DC Standings, it kicked the Sun Belt teams right where the sun doesn't shine.

Here are the details. The closest Sun Belt competition was Middle Tennessee at 103. The next closest was Florida International at #141. Here is the best part, mighty Troy was way down at #180. Troy beat out Wetumpka Tech.

Of course, JSU has to get an invitation to compete in the Sun Belt. So far that invitation hasn't come despite the fact that JSU would boost the Sun Belt's overall profile and create regional rivalries with many Sun Belt teams. Hey Sun Belt- if you're scared, say you're scared.



Jacksonville State University - Gamecocks Post Best Finish Ever by an OVC School in Athletics Director's Cup

Friday, July 1, 2011

Defensive Lineman Sean Watson Now a Gamecock?

Internet rumors are circulating that Defensive Lineman Sean Watson has joined the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Watson signed with Baylor out of high school, but has apparently transferred. If true, this is a major pick up for Coach Davern Williams. Watson was a 3 Star Rivals prospect and rated the #38 best defensive lineman in the country. During his junior year, Watson was getting a lot of interest from FSU, etc., but a knee injury may have scared off some of the bigger programs.

There are going to be some great battles for playing time on both sides of the line of scrimmage as the Gamecocks head in to the 2011 season.