Courtesy SWAC.org
ALCORN STATE
2012 RECORD: 4-7 (4-5 SWAC) / 5th East Division
Head Coach: Jay Hopson
SWAC Digital Network Interview | Football Media Day
KEY LOSSES:
Terrance Lewis - WR/KR
Cornelius Brown - OL
Jacques Caldwell - DB
Brandon Thompson - DB
Robert Gainwell - LB
Jermaine Turner - DL
Stephen Howard - DL
STARTERS RETURNING:
Offense: 6
Defense: 5
Special Teams: 4
Alcorn State shocked teams in the SWAC last season while posting a 4-7 record under Coach Jay Hopson, who was hired in late May.
The Braves won’t sneak up on opponents this season after showing signs of improvement a year ago. ALCN pulled off upsets against Grambling State to open 2012 and clipped Alabama A&M's undefeated season hopes during the Bulldogs' homecoming.
Pass defense was Alcorn’s calling card in 2012. The Braves led the SWAC and were fourth in the FCS, allowing just 156 yards a game through the air. Junior Devon Francois leads the secondary finishing last year's campaign with 41 tackles.
Other returnees in the secondary include: Jamison Knox, Anthony Williams and Hendricks Taylor.
Newcomers to a defensive line may lack chemistry. The front four, only returns junior Carrington Aloese and sophomore Rickey Joseph, and it needs to develop an effective pass rush to complement the secondary.
The Braves will need to focus on offensive production. Running back Arnold Walker is a big back who can get tough yards. He was the Braves’ leading rusher with 392. Sophomore John Gibbs and Jordan Payne, two of the three quarterbacks who shared playing time last season, are back. Gibbs started eight games but never established himself as the top guy. Brandon Vessel could also see action.
Senior wide receiver Tavoris Doss gives the Braves a big-play threat in the passing game and on kickoff and punt returns.
Preview Courtesy of Roscoe Nance
2013 PLAYERS TO WATCH:
John Gibbs - QB
Jordan Payne - QB
Tavoris Doss - WR
Rickey Joseph - DL
Carrington Aloese - DL
Jamison Knox - DB
Devon Francois - DB
Anthony Williams - DB
Hendricks Taylor - DB
Connect with Alcorn State:
http://hbcuconnect.com/colleges/4/alcorn-s...
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Wednesday, August 7th 2013 at 11:32AM
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