2006 BCSP Preseason Top Ten
1. HAMPTON - Two-time defending MEAC champs are loaded with talent and may open things up offensively. Don't be surprised to see changes at QB. Defense, however, may be key to advancing in the I-AA playoffs.
KEY WEAPONS: Three-time 1,000-yard rusher, Alonzo Coleman; Dynamite receivers
(McDaniel, Jones & Faulkner) and special teamers (PK
Paterini, PR McDaniel); Experience on defense.
KEY CHALLENGES: Maintaining MEAC dominance and getting over I-AA playoff hump.
LAST YEAR: 11-1 overall, undefeated regular season (11-0, 8-0 in MEAC); No. 2 national ranking _ highest ever; Disappointing 38-10 first round I-AA playoff loss to Richmond.
2. GRAMBLING STATE - No Bruce Eugene
(4,408 passing yards, 56 TDs) at QB but the
defending SWAC and BCSP champion Tigers have just
about everybody else back.
KEY WEAPONS: Outstanding receiving corps of
Henry Tolbert, Clyde Edwards and Tim Abney;
Complimentary rush game with Ab Kuaan; Veteran defense.
KEY CHALLENGES: Getting tested sophomore QB Brandon Landers to perform at a championship level.
LAST YEAR: 11-1 overall, 10-0 in SWAC, with only loss to Div. IA
Washington State (48-7). Won SWAC title 45-6 over Alabama A&M.
3. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE - Until they prove
they can beat Hampton they'll be ranked behind the
Pirates. If they beat everybody but Hampton, a
I-AA playoff spot is possible.
KEY WEAPONS: Mobile QB Cleveland McCoy, Two-time 1,000-yard rusher, Deshawn Baker.
KEY CHALLENGES: Get past Hampton in MEAC and defeat Wofford and Coastal Carolina outside of
conference.
LAST YEAR: 9-2 overall, 7-1 in MEAC; Losses to Hampton (14-10) and Coastal Carolina (24-23).
4. ALABAMA A&M - Defending SWAC East
Division champs good enough to repeat in SWAC East.
Needs more offense to get by SWAC West.
KEY WEAPONS: Solid, stingy defense; Improving offense led by QB Kelcy and RB Nic Luke.
KEY CHALLENGES: Ratchet up an offense that scored six points in two dates vs. Grambling.
LAST SEASON: 9-3 overall, with SWAC losses to Grambling (2) and Texas Southern.
5. NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL - Defending
CIAA champions took some hits over the summer but
have the horses to repeat.
KEY WEAPONS: Two-time 1,000-yard rusher Greg Pruitt; Versatile QB/WR Julius McClellan;
Outstanding special teamers, Gilbert (PK) and Alston (KR).
KEY CHALLENGES: QB production now that Adrian Warren is out.
LAST YEAR; 10-2 overall, 7-1 (St. Aug's) vs.
CIAA; Last-second 24-21 loss to North Alabama in second round of Div. II playoffs.
6. DELAWARE STATE - In just two years under
Al Lavan, Hornets have become a force in the MEAC.
It would be quite a feat to get by Hampton or SC
State. Both play at DSU.
KEY WEAPONS: QB Vashon Winton, WR Shaheer McBride: Team discipline.
KEY CHALLENGES: Continuing to go forward after making remarkable progress over the last two years.
LAST YEAR: 7-4 overall, 6-2 in MEAC with losses
to Hampton (26-8) and SCSU (24-3). .
7. ALBANY STATE - Two-time defending
SIAC champs still favorites but have some holes to fill.
KEY WEAPONS: Young QB Terrance Ransom; DE Alton Pettway; DB Marcus Jefferson.
KEY CHALLENGES: Surviving key losses on offense and defense, especially deceased RB Antonio Atkins.
LAST YEAR: 8-2 overall, 8-0 in SIAC; Losses to Valdosta State (24-9) in regular season, Central
Arkansas (28-20) in playoffs.
8. TUSKEGEE - Golden Tigers not satisfied
with finishing behind Albany State. Will again
challenge Golden Rams for SIAC supremacy.
KEY WEAPONS: All-SIAC QB Kevin Huff, RB Richard Fitzhugh, DL Atron Jackson and PK
Roosevelt Echeverry;
KEY CHALLENGES: New head coach Willie Slater matching or surpassing former coach Rick
Comegy's success.
LAST YEAR: 11-1 overall, 8-1 in SIAC; Only loss to Albany State,
31-21; Won Pioneer Bowl (28-26 over Bowie State).
9. BETHUNE-COOKMAN - Dangerous Wildcats
can play with anyone in the MEAC but needs a little
extra to pass the likes of Hampton and SC State.
KEY WEAPONS: QB Jimmie Russell, RB/WR Kelsey Weems, LB Taurean Charles, DB Bobbie Williams
KEY CHALLENGES: Hurdling Hampton, SC State, DelState and FAMU in MEAC.
LAST YEAR: 7-4 overall, 4-4 in MEAC w/losses to HU, SCSU, DSU and FAMU
10. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE - Pieces
are finally in place for Delta Devils to make a SWAC championship
run.
KEY WEAPONS:
SWAC preseason players of the year, Nelson and LB Tyler Knight. Solid receivers.
KEY CHALLENGES: Not enough now to lose close games, they must
win them. LAST YEAR: 6-5 overall, first winning season in nine years.
5-4 in SWAC games.
(TIE) BOWIE STATE - Three losses by total of
seven points last season. Head coach Mile Lynn has
filled some holes for title run.
KEY WEAPONS: QB
Lamar Manigo, RB Isaac Redman; Strong defense.
KEY CHALLENGES: Taking the next step towards CIAA title.
LAST YEAR: 8-4 overall, 6-3 vs. CIAA; Lost to
NCCU in CIAA title game, 26-23. Lost Pioneer Bowl
to Tuskegee, 28-26.
© 2006 Azeez Communications, Inc.