Latest news with #DeaconJonesAward
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michael Vick's Rebirth at Norfolk State is Starting to Turn Heads
Michael Vick's Rebirth at Norfolk State is Starting to Turn Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The sun was high, the beats were loud, and Black & Green No. 7 jerseys were everywhere. Not for a Deacon Jones Award Candidate, but for a coach. The name across the back said everything: Vick. Advertisement The spring game at Norfolk State didn't feel like your typical preseason scrimmage. It was a movement similar to how Deion Sanders arrived at Jackson State. Bounce houses and food trucks surrounded William "Dick" Price Stadium, it was like a mini Essence Fest. Basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson hugged old friends like it was a family reunion. NFL QB Tyrod Taylor flashed his signature grin while talking ball with undefeated lightweight phenom Keyshawn Davis, a hometown kid turned rising star in the boxing ring. This all felt like a cultural reset. The V7 Era Begins Michael Vick was one of the most electric quarterbacks to ever touch a football field. Now, as the head coach of Norfolk State University, he'll look to make waves. If that sentence felt jarring, it's only because we haven't seen something like this before. A former NFL star dropping anchor at an HBCU, not for a quick PR splash but to build something lasting. Advertisement Vick wasted no time imprinting his signature touches on the program. His V7Sports media platform is an all-access pass to Spartan football, highlighting a behind-the-scenes look. It's part documentary and part recruiting tool with Vick's authentic, bold, and unfiltered outlook. 'Are we the most talented team in the country right now? Probably not,' Vick told the team. 'Can we be the toughest? (expletive) right.' From Prime Time to Purpose There's a gravity around Norfolk State football right now, and it's not just Vick's name that's pulling the program forward. It's the staff behind the former QB putting in work. Advertisement This is a coaching Avengers squad, built from NFL and elite collegiate DNA. Tory Woodbury (Special Teams) played eight years in the league. Darryl Bullock (Assistant Head Coach) won a national title at Penn State and interned with four NFL franchises. Izaan Cross (DL Coach) trained under Pro Bowl linemen in Buffalo. Terence Garvin (Defensive Coordinator) won an Orange Bowl and played six NFL seasons. Laroy Reynolds (LB Coach), a Norfolk native, lasted nine seasons in the league and won the Ed Block Courage Award. Dre Kendricks (RB Coach) scored twice in the 2000 National Championship game at Virginia Tech. Advertisement Tim Smith (WR Coach) and Ellton Brown (OL Coach) bring more ACC and NFL firepower. 'I'm confident I got the right staff to guide the ship,' Vick said. 'That makes it comfortable.' And that belief trickles down to the players on the NSU roster. Air It Out, Lock It Down Norfolk State's identity will be defined by tempo. Sheppard takes over as OC and brings a no-huddle, Air Raid attack with pedigree across multiple FCS programs. He's known for turning quarterbacks into playmakers. And with dynamic talents like Izzy Carter, the only thing standing between NSU and offensive fireworks is reps. 'Going into Coach Sheppard's offense takes some thinking,' Kendricks noted. 'It's up-tempo. It takes knowing what you're doing.' Advertisement But don't let the spread offense fool you. This team wants to punch you in the mouth. The defense, led by Garvin and Reynolds, is anchored in discipline and aggression. Preparation and minimizing errors are central to the culture. 'We preach that football is important,' Vick said. 'But the most valuable asset is getting that degree. Hopefully, they appreciate that.' Related: Fans in Disbelief over EA Sports' decision on HBCU's in College Football 26 HBCU Excellence Across Campus Vick's arrival made headlines, but it's part of a broader wave of success at Norfolk State. The women's basketball team has become the crown jewel of the athletic department, recently earning a No. 4 ranking in the College Insider Mid-Major Top 25, and capturing their third straight MEAC Tournament title. They're also the only HBCU to go undefeated in conference play. Advertisement It's a renaissance at NSU and Vick wants to make sure football rises with the tide. Related: FAMU Athletic Director Angela Suggs Arrested on Felony Charges Over Alleged Fraud Legacy in the Making What Vick is building isn't just about wins and losses. It's about legacy and Culture. 'I'm trying to establish a program where ten years from now, the culture remains the same,' Vick said. 'The standard remains the same. It's a winning atmosphere.' Because this isn't just about resurrecting a football program. It's about redefining what's possible, if you put roots down. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
HBCU Player of the Year signs with UFL
Despite a record-shattering collegiate career, Virginia Union star Jada Byers was not selected in the NFL Draft nor signed by any NFL teams. However, the HBCU standout is getting a professional opportunity-he is signing with the UFL's Memphis Showboats, according to a report from Steve Wyche of NFL Network. Byers, widely regarded as a generational talent at running back in HBCU football history, was named the 2024 Deacon Jones Award winner, an honor given to the top player in HBCU football. He also earned Black College Football Hall of Fame Player of the Year and CIAA Offensive Player of the Year accolades. The Virginia Union senior capped off his remarkable collegiate career as the school's all-time leading rusher. Nationally, he ranks second all-time in both CIAA and HBCU football history with 2,061 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in the 2024 season alone. His legendary status was cemented with a record-breaking performance against Bowie State on October 26, where he rushed for 324 yards and six touchdowns, including a stunning 75-yard score. Though Byers was overlooked by the NFL, his signing with the UFL offers him a platform to showcase his talent and continue his football journey. His combination of vision, speed, and durability makes him a dangerous weapon out of the backfield, and the Memphis Showboats may have landed one of the biggest steals in alternative professional football. Byers' journey reflects the resilience often required of HBCU athletes striving for recognition at the professional level. With the UFL as his new stage, he'll look to prove that his name belongs among the best-regardless of league. The post HBCU Player of the Year signs with UFL appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
22-02-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU football's top honor given to record-breaking back
Jada Byers has been named the recipient of the prestigious Deacon Jones Award, recognizing him as the top player in HBCU football for the 2024 season. The Virginia Union star put together a historic campaign, solidifying his place as one of the greatest running backs in HBCU history. Byers finished his career as Virginia Union's all-time leading rusher, while also ranking second all-time in CIAA and HBCU history, trailing only Winston-Salem State legend Richard Huntley. His 2024 season was nothing short of dominant, as he rushed for 2,061 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading Virginia Union to another strong campaign. His performance was highlighted by a record-setting game against Bowie State on October 26, where he exploded for 324 rushing yards and six touchdowns, including a 75-yard scoring run. The Deacon Jones Award is given annually to the top HBCU football player, and Byers' resume left no doubt he was deserving. In addition to his gaudy rushing totals, he contributed in the passing game with 154 receiving yards and was a factor in special teams with 180 punt return yards. His versatility and game-breaking ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses throughout the season. Byers is set to compete in the HBCU Legacy Bowl as he looks to break into the pros. Jada Byers' impact on the field and in the record books ensures his name will be mentioned among the all-time greats. With the Deacon Jones Award now in his trophy case, his legacy as one of the most dominant players in HBCU football history is firmly established. The post HBCU football's top honor given to record-breaking back appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
